It doesn’t work.

“The last thing we want is to take you away from your friends,” Craig starts as Paula breaks down in tears. He rubs her back.

“No!” Paula says through sobs. She regains her composure and takes a few measured breaths. “I’ve missed fifteen years of your life. It’s a miracle you’ve been found, and I came here with every intention of bringing you back with me. We have a room ready. We have wonderful schools near us. It’s time for you to be with your real family.”

Both Grandma Gleason and Sheriff Gleason wince at this.

“I know, and I’m so sorry, it’s just …” Is she really going to make me say it? “I don’t really know you, and you can’t really expect me to just leave everything I know behind.”

“Do I need to remind you it’s your father’s fault that we’re strangers?” Paula snips.

Fair point.

“I know, I’m so sorry.” I keep apologizing to her.

“My own daughter doesn’t know me,” Paula cries out. “And she doesn’t want to.” She holds on to Craig tightly.

God, I’m a selfish asshole.

Okay, plan B.

“I do want to get to know you. Truly.” There’s a part of me that even thinks I’m telling the truth.

Paula’s sobs slow so she’s simply sniffling. Craig hands her a handkerchief from his pocket.

“Would it be okay if I at least finish out the semester?” I beg. “It’s only two more weeks.” This is the worst-case scenario for me, but, I feel, a totally reasonable request. It gives me some more time here.

“Isn’t your school currently surrounded by reporters?” Paula asks.

“They’ll go away eventually,” I reply. There has to be a bigger story to chase. So Amanda Linsley has been found. Let’s all move on.

Paula sits for a few moments, while it feels like the entire room is holding its breath. Will she see that I need time to get adjusted to all of this … whatever the hell you want to call it?

Paula wipes her nose and then stands up. “You should know, the law is on our side.”

Sheriff Gleason follows suit and rises. “We know, and please let’s not start making threats about what’s legal.”

“Nobody’s doing that,” Craig butts in, even though Paula was making a threat.

“I’m simply stating the facts,” Paula says with her jaw set. “She has to come back with us. I’m her rightful guardian.”

Sheriff Gleason grimaces. “Believe me, I’m fully aware of the law. But we need to do what’s best for Ally. She’s been through a lot, and taking her away from everybody she knows might not be the wisest move right now.”

“The reason she doesn’t know her real family is because Dan stole her from me.”