Chapter 10 - The DNA test
I wanted the test the next morning.
Court procedures did not care.
Megan had temporary guardianship.
Eliza had lost her mother four months earlier.
A guardian ad litem was appointed once paternity proceedings began.
I submitted voluntarily.
No stolen hair.
No family doctor doing a midnight test.
Cheek swabs.
Identification.
Chain of custody.
Ethan asked:
“Can I spit too?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Not needed.”
“Boring.”
Yes.
Waiting was worse.
I had spent my adult life making decisions people executed quickly.
The laboratory required days.
The court required filings.
Megan remained Eliza’s guardian.
I received supervised introduction visits because even if biology seemed likely, I was emotionally a stranger.
That insulted my ego.
It protected Eliza.
Our first planned meeting occurred at a child-development center.
Eliza walked in carrying the same pink backpack.
She saw me.
Stopped.
“Daddy.”
The therapist, Dr. Helen Brooks, said gently:
“You can call him Ryan if that feels easier.”
Eliza shook her head.
“No.”
I wanted to hug her.
Waited.
She walked to me.
Then hugged my waist.
I almost broke.
“Hi.”
“You’re real.”
I closed my eyes.
“Yes.”
“Mom said.”
“What did Mom say?”
“That you couldn’t come.”
My throat tightened.
“Did she say why?”
“Danger.”
Vincent.
Even dead, managing the room.
I crouched.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”
Eliza touched my watch.
“Are you rich?”
I laughed despite myself.
“Where did that come from?”
“Aunt Megan.”
From the observation room Megan shouted:
“I DID NOT SAY THAT.”
Eliza smiled.
May you like
First time.
Human beings can survive complicated mornings.
