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maranofamilylawyers · 3 months ago

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Certified Family Law Specialists

April has 20 years of experience representing families through the difficult legal challenges of divorce, custody issues, and adoption. She has passed the arduous State Bar certification process, served as principal counsel in contested hearings and trials, and received favorable recommendations from judges and other attorneys.

Family law specialists are trained to understand the complexities of legal matters related to family matters and can handle sensitive situations with compassion. Their expertise allows them to streamline legal proceedings and offer efficient solutions.

They Specialize in Family Law

Attorneys can practice Family law specialists, but only those who have been certified as specialists have gone through a rigorous process to do so. To become a specialist, attorneys must pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of all aspects of family law; demonstrate extensive experience in this field; complete a certain number of continuing legal education courses; submit references and more.

Once an attorney has been certified as a family law specialist, they’re ready to handle any family law case that comes their way. That includes everything from divorce to adoption to domestic violence restraining orders and anything else that could affect the relationships between family members.

Because the outcome of a family law case can have long-lasting effects, it’s important to find a specialist who is qualified to represent you. With the right certifications and knowledge, a specialist can guide you through your case with ease.

They Have the Experience You Need

Typically, family lawyers work in small to medium-sized firms or with nonprofit organizations that focus on advocating for victims of domestic violence. They represent clients in cases involving divorce, custody and other legal disputes related to marriage and family relations.

To become a certified family law specialist, attorneys fulfill substantial additional educational requirements, pass a specialized bar exam that’s often thought of as a “mini” bar exam, and undergo a peer review by judges and other lawyers familiar with their work. In addition, they must participate in a minimum number of trials, hearings, stipulations and settlements.

In many cases, the most important factor in a successful case is strong negotiation skills. A certified family law specialist will have the experience and knowledge to get the best possible outcome for your case. This means that they will be able to handle the most complicated and emotionally charged situations with ease and skill. They will also have the experience to recognize the nuances of your situation and provide you with the best advice.

They Are Certified by the State Bar

Certified Family Law Specialists are the only attorneys who have passed rigorous requirements set forth by the State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization. This means that when you hire a CFLS, you can trust that they have the expertise and experience needed to help you with any family law matter.

They’re prepared to compassionately guide you through the discussions, decisions, negotiations and potential trial that may lie ahead. From dividing assets to child custody to restraining orders, they’re familiar with all the challenges you may face.

Family lawyers also handle adoptions, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, emancipation and estate planning. They can even assist with immigration matters when necessary. They can help clients work with reputable adoption agencies and guide them through the process of obtaining citizenship for their children. They can also help with restraining orders for domestic violence situations or other cases of abuse. These are all issues that could affect the lives of your loved ones and your future.

They Are Dedicated to Your Case

Certified family law specialists are not afraid to take on the toughest Legal advisor Sydney. They don’t look at a divorce as just another paper work exercise; they see it as an opportunity to help families through difficult, emotional situations.

They have a strong commitment to their practice and are recognized for the skill they bring to cases like yours. They’ve fulfilled extensive education and experience requirements, passed a specialized bar exam and received positive reviews from judges and other lawyers in their field.

The outcome of a family law case can affect you for the rest of your life, so it’s important to have an attorney that you can trust. Reach out to our team of Certified Family Law Specialists today for a consultation and let us help you get through your family law matter. We can assist with all issues related to family law, including divorces involving complex property division, child custody disputes and even restraining orders and protective proceedings.

#Divorce Lawyers Sydney cbd #Sydney Family law specialists #Family law specialists

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rich-info · 11 months ago

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Empowering Transformation: The Positive Role of Sydney Divorce Lawyers

Embarking on the journey of divorce is undoubtedly a challenging chapter in life, and seeking the right legal support can make all the difference. In Sydney, divorce lawyers stand out not just for their legal acumen but for their commitment to guiding individuals through this transformative process with empathy, expertise, and a positive approach.

Comprehensive Legal Expertise:

Sydney boasts a cadre of highly skilled divorce lawyers, equipped with comprehensive legal expertise in family law. From navigating complex property settlements to crafting child custody arrangements, these professionals bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Clients can take solace in the fact that their cases are being handled by seasoned practitioners who understand the intricacies of the legal landscape.

Empathetic Guidance:

One of the distinguishing features of Sydney divorce lawyers is their empathetic approach. Recognizing the emotional strain associated with divorce, these lawyers go above and beyond their legal duties to offer genuine support. They understand that each case is unique, and the individuals involved require not just legal advice but a compassionate guide through the emotional challenges that often accompany the dissolution of a marriage.

Mediation and Collaboration:

In Sydney, divorce lawyers are increasingly embracing mediation as a means of fostering amicable resolutions. Instead of perpetuating an adversarial environment, these professionals prioritize collaboration and open communication. Mediation not only expedites the legal process but also encourages healthier post-divorce relationships, particularly when children are involved. Sydney divorce lawyers are adept at facilitating constructive dialogue, paving the way for solutions that benefit all parties.

Tailored Strategies:

Sydney divorce lawyers take a client-centered approach, recognizing the importance of tailoring legal strategies to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. This personalized touch ensures that clients are active participants in their legal journey, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in the process. By understanding the specifics of each case, these lawyers empower their clients to make informed decisions that align with their vision for the future.

Community Engagement:

Beyond their legal practice, Sydney divorce lawyers actively engage with the community, contributing to a supportive network for those undergoing divorce. Whether through informational workshops, support groups, or community outreach, these professionals strive to create an environment where individuals feel empowered and equipped to face the challenges of divorce.

Positive Transformations:

Sydney divorce lawyers play a pivotal role in facilitating positive transformations during a challenging life transition. Their commitment to not only resolving legal matters but also uplifting individuals emotionally sets the tone for a brighter post-divorce future. By providing support, guidance, and a positive outlook, these professionals empower their clients to embrace change and embark on new beginnings with resilience and optimism.

Conclusion:

In Sydney, divorce lawyers are more than legal practitioners – they are champions of positive transformations. Their comprehensive legal expertise, empathetic guidance, commitment to collaboration, tailored strategies, and community engagement collectively contribute to creating a supportive environment for individuals navigating the complexities of divorce. In the face of change, Sydney divorce lawyers stand as beacons of positivity, ensuring that individuals emerge from the process stronger, wiser, and ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives.

#Sydney Divorce Lawyers

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aestheticaltcow · 8 months ago

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Two Months

Carmy really fucked up, but maybe he can prove his worthiness and get his girls back.

MDNI 18+

The Bear Masterlist

Previous part Next part

Carmy sighed when his call went to voicemail after a few rings. He pushed a hand through his hair and listened to your voicemail message, “Hey baby- I just wanted to know if I could see Mia. I know you don’t want to see me, but I need to see her… if you could just bring her by the restaurant, that would be fine. I just want to hold my daughter. Uh- yeah. I’m sorry, I’m a fuckin’ dumbass. Please just give me five minutes to explain everything. Let me know. I love you.” he hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair. He stared up at the ceiling as he thought about you and Mia. It had been a couple of weeks since he’d seen either of you, and he just needed his girls again.

“Asshole. Sign here.” Natalie barked at Carmy as she entered the office with an ordering forum. She shoved the papers at him before crossing her arms over her chest. “Natalie, I get it okay. I fucked up. My wife kicked me out of our house, I’m living in a shitty hotel, and I haven’t seen my daughter in weeks. I’m not in the fucking mood to deal with your bitching.” Carmy replied, glaring at his sister. She rolled her eyes, “You turned out so much like Dad.” she laughed, yanking the documents back. Carmy huffed, “Fuck you.”

“Right back at you, Carmen,” Natalie said, slamming the door behind her as she exited the office. “You okay, Sugar?” Richie questioned softly, noticing the anger in her eyes. She rolled her eyes and pushed past him without saying anything; being in the same vicinity as Carmy was irritating. Whenever she saw his face, she thought of Mia and how Carmy had repeated their father's actions. Natalie sighed when she got into her car, “I’m sorry you had to hear that, baby… let’s go get your brother.”

“Hey, Carm- everything okay with Y/N?” Richie awkwardly asked as Carmy was doing prep for that night's dinner service. “What do you think fuckhead?” Carmy snarkily responded; Richie rolled his eyes and decided to match his energy. “Well, she texted Tiff asking for her DIVORCE LAWYER’S info.” he leaned against the counter with a shit-eating grin. Carmy slammed his knife down and pushed past Richie to go into the alley. “That was fucked up, kid.” Tina scolded as she exited the walk-in. Richie shrugged, “I was going to be subtle, but he’s being a little bitch.”

Carmy closed his eyes, fighting back tears when Syd showed up for prep. “Hey Carmen, are you okay?” she asked, stepping closer. He shook his head and let out a puff of air, “Y/N’s gonna leave me- I fuckin’ deserve it, but I want my wife Sydney. She won’t even fuckin’ talk to me, but she’ll fuckin’ divorce me? It’s bullshit.” Carmy cried to her. Syd stood there for a moment to collect her thoughts. She swallowed before sitting down next to him and pat Carmy’s shoulder as she began to explain her point of view on the situation, “You fucked up, Carmen. But you love Y/N and Mia- just go. Go home. I’ll cover tonight. Go talk to your wife.”

Carmy took Syd’s suggestion. He wasn’t sure if you’d let him in or even talk to him, but he knew he should at least try.

“I don’t know Natalie. I just… I mean- I’m gonna sound like a dumb bitch, but maybe I could?” you groaned into your phone as Natalie was about to answer the doorbell rung. “Hey Nat, can I call you back in a bit? Someone’s here.” you waited for her passive agreement and hung up. You put your phone in your back pocket and went to the front door. You felt your stomach flip when you opened the door to reveal Carmy standing in your doorway. He was an unshaven mess, with messy curls and dark circles under his eyes. “Carmen? What are you doing here?” you questioned, bracing the door, hoping it would prevent him from entering your once-shared house. “You’re divorcing me?” he asked on the brink of tears. You sighed, “I asked Tiffany for her lawyer's information- that’s all.”

“Y/N, you can’t leave me without giving me a chance to make things right.” Carmy pleaded. You sucked your teeth, “Carmen, I really don’t want to talk about this right now… Mia’s asleep, but you can come in and say goodnight if you want.” you offered as you pulled your sleeves over your hands. Carmy nodded furiously, “I-I, ye-yes, please.”

Carmy stared down at Mia’s sleeping body. She was splayed across her crib in a green onesie with a pacifier to match. Carmy swallowed as he watched her legs twitch. “She doesn’t like sleep sacks anymore?” he asked softly. You nodded before answering, “She decided it was her own personal hell a couple weeks ago, so now she’s a big girl.”

Carmy laughed softly and put his hand on Mia’s cheek. She squirmed and leaned into his hand, “I love you, princess.”

You walked Carmy out of the nursery and into the hallway by the front door, “Can we talk?” Carmy asked, trying not to burst into tears and lock himself in the nursery. You nodded, “Okay. What do you want to talk about?”

Carmy swallowed. “I know you hate me, but I need to see Mia.” He took a quick breath before continuing, “Y/N, please don’t keep my daughter from me. I’ll give you whatever you want. I just need to see my daughter.” Carmy sniffled as he wiped his eyes.

Guilt. When you saw the hurt on his face, you knew what you had to do. “Next time I need someone to watch her, I’ll call you.” you offered, Carmy grinned and thanked you before starring at you with the same love and admiration he always had. He turned to walk back to his car but stopped in the middle of the yard, “I love you. I’m gonna win you back.” he pushed a hand through his hair before shoving them in his jacket pockets. You rolled your eyes, “Bye Carmen. Drive safe.”

The flu hit your office like a semi-truck. Everyone got sick, including you, and taking care of a sick baby proved more complicated than you’d thought. No one could help you, so reluctantly, you called Carmy to come be with Mia that night. He was over the moon but tried to play it cool, you saw it through immediately. It was sweet in a cheesy, trying too hard kind of way.

“Hey baby, I brought you pastina soup and Tylenol.” he grinned, handing you a paper bag, “Thank you, Carmen.” you were short with him. Carmy noticed but chopped it up to you being sick, “I can make you some tea.” he offered as you walked back to your bedroom. “I’m fine, Carmen. Please just watch Mia,” you said over your shoulder before closing the bedroom door behind you. You wanted to be mad at him, but it was hard when he was so thoughtful… and handsome. He cleaned himself up since the last time you saw him.

Carmy sat back on the couch, making funny faces at Mia. She squealed and grabbed the air in Carmy’s direction. “I missed you so much, princess.” he laughed as he brought her up to his chest; he rubbed her back as she tried to hug him. “Okay, let's check on Mommy and then make some dinner. Daddy missed his favorite sous.” Carmy explained as he got up. The two walked down the hallway, Mia babbling away as Carmy adjusted her in his arms. He bumped the bedroom door open with his hip and saw you peacefully sleeping. He stepped into the bedroom and grabbed the trash from your side table. Mia grumbled as the two of you exited the room; Carmy chuckled and kissed her temple. “I know, princess. I wanna snuggle with Mommy too, but she doesn’t feel well… and hates me, but we’ll figure it out.”

You abruptly woke up around midnight when you heard talking through the baby monitor. You stumbled out of your bedroom and across the hall to the nursery; the door was askew, and as you approached it, you more clearly heard Carmy’s voice. He was laying on the floor next to Mia’s crib, “My little Mia… I wish you could stay this little forever.” he whispered as he put his hand up to the crib gate. The sight alone made your heart yearn for your family to be back together. You knew what you had to do.

“And that princess is how you make scrambled eggs, the right way.” you laughed when you overheard Carmy’s cooking lesson. You walked into the kitchen and saw Carmy plating up scrambled eggs, “Hey.” you greeted as you got a mug from the cabinet. Carmy grinned in your direction, “Mornin’ baby. Feelin’ better?”

“Feelin’ waaaaaaay better,” you started, “Thanks for coming over to take care of her. I really appreciate it.”. Carmy leaned against the counter, “I’m her Dad- it’s my job.”

“You’re a good one… I don’t know where you’ve been staying, but if you want, I uh- I made up the guest room if you want to come home…” you explained, “I feel like I’ve been keeping Mia from you, and that’s fucked up.” you rocked on your heels hoping Carmy wouldn’t assume this offer meant you wanted to get back together. He nodded immediately, “I would love that.” Carmy was giddy at the idea of getting to be with Mia every day again- it also gave him an opportunity to win you back.

It had only been a few days since Carmy had been back home, and he jumped right back into the daily hustle and went above and beyond what he usually did. Carmy changed his schedule and managed to do a lot of his restaurant owner duties at home so that he could be with Mia more. The house was clean, the pantry was stocked with all your favorite snacks, home-cooked meals, and a very happy baby, and it drove you crazy.

“I just- this man is driving me insane.” you ranted as you sipped your margarita. It was girls’ night out with Syd and Natalie. You were two margaritas in and deep in your feelings. “I should just forgive-” you were cut off by Natalie exclaiming, “NO! You can’t just forgive him, Y/N. He’s a fuckin’ idiot for even thinking about being with another woman. It makes all his ‘you make me a better man’ vows bullshit. Our Dad used to do the same shit to Donna all the time- and she just accepted it! Then he left her. I don’t want Carmy to do the same to you- he already fuckin’ started doing it.”

You were taken aback by Natalie’s ranting and raving; you’d known that Carmy had a difficult relationship with his Dad, but you hadn’t known the full extent. You looked at Syd, wanting her to weigh in on the situation, “Carmy’s an asshole, but he’s your asshole. He loves you. He loves Mia. I don’t know if he’ll do it again - if my partner pulled something like this on me, I think I’d hear them out.”

It was almost 10 when Carmy had finally managed to get Mia to fall asleep. He was exhausted after a long day, but when he’d gone into your bedroom to get the baby monitor, he couldn’t help but notice a satin black thong sitting on the top of the laundry hamper. He stared at the underwear for a moment before shaking his head. He wasn’t going to take his wife’s dirty underwear. Carmy walked toward the door before pausing and going back to the hamper. “I guess I am that guy,” he scoffed, grabbing the panties and putting them in the pocket of his sweatpants.

Carmy lay in bed leaning against a pile of pillows, scrolling through the private folder on his photo app. “There it is…” he mumbled as he tapped the video before putting his headphones in. “You promise no one else will see this, right?” your voice flooded Carmy’s ears as he pushed his sweats off. “Of course not, baby.” he reassured you as your hands reached for his zipper. He watched as you bit your lip and unzipped his pants. Carmy groaned as he watched you give him a blow job. Carmy took the underwear he’d stolen from your bedroom and started stroking himself. The sensation reminded him of when he’d tease you before relentlessly fucking you into a crying mess.

“Oh fuck-” Carmy exhaled as he felt his orgasm approaching. He swiped to the next video of riding him. Carmy salivated at the sight of your bouncing tits. You were moaning his name as your movements got more frantic, “Cream all over my fuckin’ cock, baby.”

“That was a fun night,” you said startling Carmy, he dropped his phone before quickly covering himself with a blanket as you stood in the doorway. You giggled at his reaction, you were just going to ask how Mia was before going to bed but catching Carmy masturbating with your underwear… blame it on the alcohol but you wanted a taste.

“I uh- I didn’t hear you- hear you come inside.” Carmy stumbled over his words as you fully entered the guest room. “No need for you to be embarrassed, Carmy…” he watched with wide eyes as you moved around the bed to sit next to him on the bed. You sighed and pushed the blanket off his lap to expose him.

You pushed your hand up Carmy’s thigh, making him swallow hard. “What made you so hard, baby? Were you being a little perv… jacking off with my dirty panties… watching a video of me sucking your cock?” you mewled as you ran your fingers along his thigh. Carmy nodded as he stared into your eyes. You giggled and grasped the base of his length. He croaked as you started to stroke him, “You like that baby?” you asked cocking your head to the side, staring up at him. He nodded as he let his head fall back against the headboard.

Carmy whimpered as you ran your tongue along the bottom of his cock. You swirled your tongue around his leaking tip, making him swear under his breath. As you took more of him in your mouth, his whimpers turned to whiny moans. You pulled away with a pop. Carmy stared down at you, watching a string of saliva connect your lips to the head of his cock. “Does that feel nice, baby?” you asked as you returned to pumping your hand around him. “So-so nice,” he replied, touching your cheek. You smiled as you pushed it away.

“But, why should I suck your cock if you’re gonna let just any woman off the street suck it?” you asked. Carmy shook his head, “Only-only you, baby-y.” he shuddered.

“Only me? Tell me, Carmen, who does this cock belong to?” he was putty in your hands as you slowed your pace. “You, baby, only you.” he groaned, “Prove it.” you challenged.

Carmy buried his face in the crook of your neck as he slowly pressed into your entrance as you lamented at the familiar sensation. You held onto Carmy’s shoulders as he started thrusting his hips in a steady rhythm, “Hmm, Carmy…” you hummed as he hungrily kissed your neck.

“I don’t deserve you baby…”

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mischievouslittlecreature · 11 months ago

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Part 1: Playdate

Fandom: Inception

Pairing: Robert Fischer x OC

Summary: They’d moved from Australia to Los Angeles nearly two years ago, and yet he still hadn’t made a single friend.

Word Count: 3,423

Notes: Jocelyn Fischer is the name that I’ve given to Robert’s mother. Warnings for references to verbal child abuse.

Previous Part • Series • Next Part

Jocelyn leaned against the kitchen counter, fiddling nervously with the phone still clutched in her hand, thumb rubbing over the worn buttons as she watched her four-year-old playing quietly with his toys in the middle of the spacious living room.

She was trying not to worry too much about him. The last thing she wanted to do was overreact and do something rash, but at the same time, they had moved from Sydney to Los Angeles almost two years ago, and he had yet to make a single new friend.

Not that Robert had many friends back when they still lived in Australia, but he had been younger, then. Practically still a baby. Or at least that’s what it had felt like to her.

She was born in Australia. She met Maurice one year after graduating from culinary school. He’d come to the restaurant she was working at and insisted on speaking to the chef who had made his steak. And that was it. They dated for…not nearly as long as they probably should have before getting married. The Fischer Morrow branch in Australia was booming, but the one in California was in need of more direct oversight. Robert had been barely two when he announced–announced, not asked, or discussed–that they would need to move to Los Angeles indefinitely. And so she packed up her baby and her things and said good-bye to the only home, family, and friends she’d ever known.

Los Angeles was…fine. Even though she didn’t know anyone, and her husband spent all his time at work, and his mother was awful and even though she insisted that she could help with Robert, Jocelyn frankly didn’t want the woman anywhere near him.

At first Robert’s lack of friends hadn’t concerned her. She didn’t have very many friends growing up either, and she turned out relatively okay. But ever since they’d moved, Robert had been even quieter than usual, tending to just sit with his toys or in front of the television. Part of her suspected that maybe he was homesick. The other worried that the latest incident of Maurice yelling at him had more of an adverse effect than she’d initially thought.

She didn’t know how it even started. She had just left them alone for a minute, just a minute. Robert was playing on the living room floor like he was now, Maurice sitting at the table doing paperwork. When she came back, Maurice was yelling, pacing back and forth and shoving a wagging finger in Robert’s tear stained face. She’d shooed her husband away furiously, picking up Robert and whisking him back to his room. He cried and cried his little heart out, her sweet boy clinging to her as his entire body trembled with sobs. Jocelyn had put him to bed early with his favorite stuffed koala bear clutched tightly to his chest, blankets tucked in tightly around him. Even after he fell asleep she remained hovering at his bedside, watching his chest rise and fall, staring at the blotchy red marks his tears had left on his cheeks.

When she went back downstairs to confront Maurice about what happened, he’d just scoffed and shrugged her away, growling something about how oversensitive Robert was.

There were times where she thought that maybe she should leave. Take Robert with her and get out. But Maurice’s army of lawyers would destroy her if she tried to divorce him. They could even take Robert away from her. And then he would be alone. In this big, empty house. With just Maurice and his hatefulness. That wasn’t a risk she was willing to take.

It was amazing how Maurice could have changed so much. He had never been as excited about the pregnancy as she was, but he hadn’t been apathetic either. And when he found out that they were having a boy he’d been thrilled. His blatant jealousy of the attention that she bestowed onto their child made no sense to her, nor did his fury over Robert not being a simple carbon copy of himself. It was only just beginning to become clear to her that perhaps Maurice had never wanted a child but an heir. And not just any heir, but one who he considered to be worthy of the Fischer Morrow empire. A son, just like him both in personality and temperament, to run and preserve the kingdom once Maurice was gone.

But with every passing day, it was becoming clearer and clearer which of his parents Robert took after. And it certainly wasn’t his father.

Robert may be quiet, bordering on docile, but he was also incredibly, incredibly kind. He was always the first to ask her if she was okay when she was upset, and he was so affectionate it warmed her heart. Always wanting to hug and cuddle with her.

And he was so sensitive, maybe a little overly so, but that was okay. She’d rather have an over sensitive child than a cruel one. Tears pricked at her eyes as she watched her sweet little boy squeeze his stuffed koala to his chest in a huge hug. So much love. Her little boy had so much love to give.

And he seemed so lonely. And sad. Melancholic in a way that a four year old boy should never be. She’d tried to arrange playdates with some of the children that lived in the area. but nothing had stuck. Sure, he played well with the other kids, but often it was just him following them around the playground, listening quietly as they chattered. And on the way home, when she asked him if he would like to see them again, he just shrugged noncommittally and stared down at his shoes.

He just needed a friend. Surely that would help him. At least a little.

“Robert, sweetie?” she called. Immediately his head jerked up. He was so fucking cute, with his chubby, freckled cheeks and big light blue eyes. She didn’t think that it was just her bias as a mother that made her think that he was going to be beautiful when he grew up.

“Yes, Mama?”

“Are you hungry? I could make you a sandwich, if you wanted?”

He hesitated for a moment. “Peanut butter with the strawberry jam?” he finally asked timidly.

“Sure thing,” Jocelyn moved towards the cupboard.

“With the crusts cut off?” he wandered into the kitchen, stuffed animal still clutched in his arms.

“Of course.”

He suddenly wrapped his little arms around her waist. “I love you, Mama.”

“Oh, honey,” she had to blink hard to keep from crying, hugging him back tightly. God knows that he needed all of the positive affection he could get. Poor thing. “I love you too,” she kissed the top of his head. My baby. My poor, sweet, baby. Your heart is too big for this world. “Why don’t you go clean up your toys while I make you your sandwich?”

“Okay,” he let her go, heading back into the living room to methodically place his toys back into their box. By the time he came trotting back and climbed into one of the barstools in front of the counter, she was just finishing up his sandwich, chopping off the crusts as requested with quick, expert movements of her knife.

She really did miss cooking. When Robert was old enough to be left on his own, perhaps she would go back. Find a kitchen somewhere that would be willing to hire her, even if just part time. They didn’t need the money, but she missed the scent of fresh ingredients and the organized chaos of other chefs bustling around her.

“Here you are,” she said, setting the plate down in front of him.

“Thank you, Mama.”

She glowed with secret pride at his manners, leaning her elbows on the counter as she watched him eat. “Robert? I was wondering if you would be up for going on a playdate tomorrow afternoon?”

He looked up at her, eyes suspicious. “A playdate?”

“Mhm. I have an old friend from college who I’d like to catch up with, and she has a little girl about your age. They invited us to come join them at the playground. Do you think you would be up for that?”

He considered. “Is it the playground with the swing set?”

She nodded. “And the big blue slide.”

He chewed thoughtfully before answering. “I guess that would be okay.”

“Okay. Okay, good. I promise that this one will be more fun than last time,” she didn’t think that she would ever forget the horrified look in her son’s eyes when the boy he’d been playing with promptly decided that it would be fun to not only dig around in the dirt, but then try to eat the worms that he found wriggling around in the soil. Poor Robert had run back to her screaming when the boy had tried to throw one at him.

God, she hoped that Dana’s daughter didn’t also have a proclivity for digging around in the dirt and mud.

Dana had been in her culinary program back in Australia. Originally from California, she moved to Sydney for college to get away from her overbearing parents. They’d been close. But then college had ended and Dana had moved back to Los Angeles. Jocelyn had been reluctant to look her up initially after moving. They hadn’t stayed in touch and it felt…just a little too desperate at the time. But now she was desperate; willing to try just about anything if it meant that her son wouldn’t be lonely.

When he was done with his sandwich he took the plate to the kitchen, stepping up on the little stepstool she got for him so he could wash his plate off and put it into the dishwasher. Jocelyn ruffled his mop of thick dark hair proudly as he did. From the moment he was born she’d promised herself she would do everything in her power to ensure that he didn’t become some spoiled rich brat incapable of doing anything for himself. No. Her son would learn how to do his own laundry. Mop flours and clean bathrooms and sew fallen buttons back onto his shirts and unclog drains. It didn’t matter that they had maids and staff to all do that for them. He would learn. He would be self-sufficient. She would make sure of it.

When he was a little older, she intended to teach him how to cook. To pass on all the things she’d learned while in culinary school to him.

“Hey, Robert?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you like to help me make some cookies?”

The way that his eyes lit up made her heart soar. “Sure!”

He couldn’t do much more than lick the spoon and get his hands and face all sticky, but that was okay. She still explained everything that she did to him carefully, letting him at least try. And his grin when he sank his teeth into a gooey cookie, getting smears of half melted chocolate all over his cheeks, was the best thing that Jocelyn had seen in the whole world.

∗ ∗ ∗

“Mama?”

She jumped to alertness, half asleep on the couch as the television played. Maurice had greeted her with little more than a grunt when he’d gotten home, disappearing into his office where she had to assume he was still holed up with his beloved paperwork. He hadn’t even acknowledged Robert when he came in, and he didn’t eat dinner with the two of them. She had only tucked Robert into bed an hour ago before coming back downstairs to watch a nature show.

“What is it, sweetie?”

He was hugging his koala to his chest, face half buried in its worn fur. “I had a nightmare.”

“Oh, Robert, sweetie, come here,” she opened her arms so that he could climb onto the couch and snuggle against her, sniffling quietly. She rocked him gently back and forth, like she had when he was a baby and wouldn’t settle, until he finally relaxed against her, tears drying. “You wanna stay down here with me and watch the animals?” she asked, nodding to the screen that displayed a sea otter floating in the water.

“Yeah.”

“Okay,” she patted his head, letting him lay on her as they watched the show. By the time it was over, he had fallen fast asleep against her.

∗ ∗ ∗

Robert was clinging to her leg, blue eyes wide as he stared out at the other children screaming and racing around the playground. Jocelyn patted a hand on his head, smoothing down his dark hair. He had insisted on bringing his koala bear with him. That was okay, though she worried about it getting dirty or lost. She supposed that it was becoming something like a security blanket for him. She’d read about those, in one of the parenting books she’d read when she was pregnant.

God, she had no idea what she was doing.

A sudden burst of helplessness settled without warning in her chest. If this didn’t work out…what if he never made any friends? What if he was lonely forever? What if something happened to her? Who would help him, and take care of him, and hold him when he was upset? Who would give him love and affection? Certainly not Maurice. She doubted at this point that he was even capable of loving the child that he’d all but rejected.

The pregnancy had been unplanned, and she didn’t have anyone around to help her. To give advice on how to handle any of this. Had she been fucking up this whole time? Had she done irreparable damage already? Traumatized him with the move from Australia to California? Maybe she hadn’t been doing enough to help him make friends, or to shield him from his father’s heartlessness.

Before she could spiral too much, a flash of golden blonde hair caught the sun from the other side of the park. Dana. Maybe Dana could help her. Give her advice. She had mentioned on the phone that Alice was her second child, so she’d clearly done this all before.

Her old friend from college looked more or less the same, maybe her hair was a little longer. The bags under her eyes were certainly new. Clinging to her hand was a little girl with long dark brown hair and huge, downcast brown eyes. Her coloring must take more after Dana’s husband, Andrew. But as she and Dana drew closer, she could see a bit of Dana’s bone structure reflected in the little girl’s face. Beside her, Jocelyn heard Robert gasp. He grabbed a fistful of her shirt, tugging until she bent down.

“What, Robert?”

He cupped his hands around her ear, whispering. “Is she an angel?” his eyes were wide as saucers, holding something in them that Jocelyn could have called awestruck.

She didn’t have an opportunity to answer, as Dana and her daughter finally came to a stop in front of them.

“Joci, it’s so good to see you,” Dana stepped forward, arms open as she approached Jocelyn for a hug. Jocelyn stepped into the embrace in relief. Robert was still clutching her leg, peering curiously from behind her at the little girl standing quietly next to Dana.

“You too,” she let go and took a step back, squatting down so she was at the young girl’s eye level. “Hello there, you must be Alice. I’m Jocelyn Fischer.”

The girl blinked at her, once. With eyes that looked like maybe they had seen too much. There was something haunted about them. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Fischer,” she said finally.

“And this,” she very, very gently reached behind her and nudged Robert forward. “Is Robert.”

Alice turned her gaze to him, blinking. “Hi.”

Normally, this was the moment when Robert would glance up at Jocelyn cautiously. When she would have to reassure him that it was okay, sometimes even give gentle encouragement for him to go play.

This time, however, he took an immediate step forward, eyes still round with wonder as he stared at the little brunette girl in front of him, koala hugged to his chest. “Are you an angel?” he blurted out. Jocelyn’s jaw just about hit the ground. Next to her, Dana gave a tiny chuckle, hand raising to cover her mouth. Alice blinked, confused.

“No, I’m Alice.”

Robert looked down. “Oh.”

Alice tilted her head a little. “I like your koala.”

Robert’s head raised, suddenly perking up. “Thanks!”

“Do you like the swings?”

“Yeah!”

“Okay. There’s some over there,” Alice pointed before beginning to walk towards them. Robert darted forward, one hand still holding his koala tight, but the other shot out to grab Alice’s hand, clinging to her tightly. The girl looked down at their joined hands, almost in confusion, but she didn’t seem perturbed, and she didn’t let go of his hand or try to pull away as they walked towards the swings.

“Jocelyn? There’s a nice bench in the shade, over this way. We can still see them,” Dana said. Jocelyn blinked at her owlishly for a moment.

“Yes! Yes, right. Sorry. I just,” she glanced back to Robert and Alice. “I’ve never seen him take to someone so quickly before,” she followed Dana to a wooden bench underneath a huge oak. It was nicely shaded, and let her see the entire playground. She tried her best to give Dana her attention, listening as she went on and on about the difficulties between Alice and Celia, Dana’s oldest. How Andrew was no help with the children. Things got a little uncomfortable when Dana started talking about their money troubles, as they always did whenever someone brought up financials. Though Jocelyn almost found it even more awkward the way that Dana was constantly comparing Alice to Celia. And how no matter what, Alice didn’t seem to be able to measure up. At least not in Dana’s eyes.

Jocelyn, however, was fighting back the urge to run onto the playground and pick the little girl up into a massive, grateful hug. Her sweet boy was smiling. He was smiling and it was all because of Alice, still letting him cling to her hand as they ran around together.

There was a sweetness to the little girl, a gentleness in the way that she handled Robert. But at the same time, she seemed to be able to coax him from his shell, checking in regularly to make sure that he was having fun. And she didn’t seem to mind how he held tightly to her hand, or when he suddenly gave her a hug. She just smiled widely, returning the hug with a little squeeze.

“She doesn’t have many friends,” Dana shook her head. “I don’t understand why. Celia never had trouble making friends, you know? Everyone always liked her.”

Jocelyn tried to hide her discomfort over the way Dana said it. Like it was some sort of failing on Alice’s part that she didn’t have as many friends as her older sister. The haunted look in the little girl’s eyes was beginning to make more and more sense.

Jocelyn wondered, as she watched Alice hold Robert tightly in a hug, seemingly just a reluctant to let go as he was, if maybe the girl needed a friend just as badly as Robert did.

Maybe they would be good for each other.

When it was time for them to leave, Robert pouted magnificently, those big baby blue eyes widening as he pleaded for just a few more minutes. It only worked the first two times. By the third, they really did have to go. He flung his arms around Alice before they left, and the little girl squeezed him back tightly, and as they were walking away towards the car he kept glancing over his shoulder after her.

“Did you have fun, sweetie?” Jocelyn asked on the drive home.

“Yeah!”

“Would you like to see her again, sometime?”

He nodded so vigorously that she was worried he would rattle his brain inside his skull. Jocelyn laughed, trying to hide her relief. Her sweet boy finally had a friend.

“I’ll talk to her mom and see if we can set something up soon, okay?”

“Okay, Mama.”

She smiled, ruffling his hair affectionately. Maybe everything would be okay. Maybe Robert wouldn’t seem so lonely and sad anymore.

Maybe being friends with Alice Emerson would finally bring him some happiness.

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#robert fischer #inception #robert fischer x oc #not an update #alice emerson #alice emerson x robert fischer #my ocs #my fanfiction #playdate

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scotianostra · 1 year ago

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On September 19th 1778, Henry, Lord Brougham, the Scottish Whig statesman and jurist was born in Edinburgh.

Henry Brougham, the eldest son of Henry Brougham and Eleanora Syme Brougham, was born at the top of the West Bow, aged 14 he was enrolled at the University of Edinburgh, Henry Brougham displayed a remarkable talent for learning in a city steeped in the cosmopolitanism of the Scottish Enlightenment

He made his way to London, where he began a long career as a Whig politician and reformer. Trained as a lawyer and called to both the Scottish and English bars, Brougham made a name, as well as a substantial income, in this profession. The legal victory for which he acquired the most recognition was his 1820 defense of Queen Caroline in the House of Lords. Brougham had served as her legal advisor since 1812 and became her attorney general when George IV insisted on a divorce soon after inheriting the throne. After Brougham delivered a speech that lasted for two days, the bill to dissolve the royal marriage passed the Lords with only a handful of votes, which convinced the government to drop the matter and avoid what promised to be a crushing defeat in the Commons. As the public demonstrations celebrating the queen's victory demonstrated, popular opinion was firmly with the queen, and thus also with Brougham.

Commentators at the time recognized that Brougham's rhetorical skills far surpassed his understanding of complex legal issues. His particular talents were perfectly suited for politics. He began his political career in journalism, when in 1802 he helped Sydney Smith, Francis Horner, and Francis Jeffrey establish The Edinburgh Review, a quarterly periodical with a strong Whig bias that soon became a leading platform for political debate. I have posted about The Review and it's founders inprevious posts. Brougham frequently contributed articles, which in the first eight years of the Review's run numbered over one hundred. Brougham entered Parliament for the first time in 1810 as MP for Camelford. Though he lost and regained seats in Parliament over the years, he nevertheless managed to attain high political office by serving as lord chancellor from 1830 to 1834 in the administrations of the prime ministers Charles Grey and Lord Melbourne.

Brougham was routinely associated with the radical wing of the Whig Party, since his positions reflected those of many nineteenth-century reform movements. He was an early supporter of the abolitionists and promoted their efforts to end the slave trade.

Brougham encouraged one of the most significant political shifts of the century by making parliamentary reform a main tenet of his election campaign in Yorkshire in 1830 and then by helping to secure passage of the 1832 Reform Act.

is interest in educational policy took him in several directions. First, in 1820 he proposed a bill promoting publicly funded education; the bill failed, but Brougham remained committed to the cause. Second, in 1826 he founded the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, which published cheaply priced works aimed at the working classes. And third, he was among the active supporters of England's first nonsectarian university, the Unversity of London.

Brougham became Parliament's most consistent champion of law reform, in part because in 1828 he delivered a brilliant six-hour speech that turned law reform into a popular cause. He established the judicial committee of the Privy Council, a central criminal court, and bankruptcy courts, and he also laid the foundation for a county court system.

Brougham had an interest in science as well as politics. He was a fellow of the Royal Society and was credited with designing the brougham, a four-wheeled carriage. He died and was buried at Cannes, where his frequent residence during the last three decades of his life helped make the French Mediterreanean town a destination for British tourists.

#scotland #scottish #history #edinburgh #reformer #lawyer #Politician

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