Chapter 20 - THE MOTHERS AT WAR
Mediation collapsed after Ava’s fever.
Rebecca wanted guaranteed access to June’s medical decisions because of genetic history.
I wanted the same for Ava.
The guardians warned that giving both mothers equal authority over both children could create paralysis.
We argued over vaccinations, emergency contacts, travel, photographs, and names.
Rebecca wanted June to retain Hale as a middle name.
I refused.
I wanted Ava’s birth certificate to acknowledge me.
Rebecca refused.
The conflict grew because each document felt like proof that one of us mattered less.
During one session, Rebecca said, “You already have Eli and June.”
I answered, “You think children cancel each other out?”
She left.
For two weeks, visits stopped.
June began turning toward the door when Rebecca’s usual time passed.
Ava fussed during the hours I normally came.
The babies had already formed small expectations around both women.
The mediator forced us back into the room.
“You are trying to reduce grief by winning paperwork,” she said. “The children experience relationships, not legal theories.”
We listed what could not change.
Claire gave birth to June.
Rebecca gave birth to Ava.
Rebecca was June’s genetic mother.
Claire was Ava’s genetic mother.
Luke was Ava’s genetic father.
The donor had no parental claim to June.
Both infants were healthy.
Both knew the women who carried them.
Neither child caused the error.
Then we listed what could be chosen.
Custody.
Adoption.
Names.
Contact.
Medical access.
Future disclosure.
The lists did not solve anything.
They stopped us from arguing with biology.
Luke’s criminal trial began while mediation remained unresolved.
His defense framed him as a father trapped between law and nature.
He said Northbridge created two families that were genetically false and he acted during a narrow window to restore them.
The prosecutor showed June alone in the consultation room.
A newborn did not become safe because Luke planned to return.
Eli testified by recorded interview rather than appearing live.
The jury watched him block the bassinet.
Luke’s lawyer argued the boy misunderstood.
Then Camille authenticated the forged affidavit prepared to blame me.
The defense’s moral argument collapsed against evidence of planned deception.
During a break, Rebecca sat beside me.
“I hated you last week.”
“I hated you too.”
“I don’t now.”
“I don’t either.”
It was not friendship.
It was the recognition that Luke needed us to become rivals so his choice could appear necessary.
Then Rachel received a message from Dr. Holloway’s former assistant.
A storage locker contained one final Northbridge conference recording.
It showed Luke rejecting a plan that would have disclosed the truth before delivery.
May you like
His reason was not fear for our health.
He said disclosure would give Rebecca time to claim both babies.
