"Court is adjourned until two o clock," Judge Geraci said before banging his gavel.
"All rise," the court usher instructed as the judge left the court room.
Heather sighed and turned to Sam, who was her lawyer for the custody case. "How much longer is this going to continue?". It was almost Christmas and the case had been going on for a few weeks already. She looked across the room and saw Ben sitting with his lawyer, looking smart in a dark blue suit.
"It's hard to tell," Sam told her, smoothing down her navy silk suit. "I wouldn't think it'll go on for much longer,".
Everyone went out of the courtroom to have lunch. Heather spotted Ben in the court cafeteria and looked away quickly. "I bet we'll win the case," she whispered to Linda sadly.
"No, I think you have the stronger argument. I think you'll win,".
"I hope so, I couldn't bare to lose Nicole," Heather said with a weak smile.
Ben sat at a table drinking coffee with his lawyer. "How do you think it's going?" he asked.
"I'm confident you'll win," his lawyer said. "Heather has a weak argument- she may be Nicole's mother, but she committed adultery and cannot afford to bring up a daughter alone. I don't know why the case is taking as long as it is,".
Ben nodded. "I hope you're right,". Although he really wanted the custody of Nicole, he didn't want to hurt Heather. He still loved her and wished they could get back together again. But it was too late now, the damage was done.
"The divorce papers will be through first thing in the new year," his lawyer continued.
"Right," Ben sighed, he was dreading the day he had to sign them.
Two o clock soon arrived and everyone went back into court. Ben sat restlessly in his seat, waiting to leave. He was so bored.
"Court is adjourned until January 2nd," Judge Geraci finally said as he banged his gavel for the last time that day.
Heather smiled in relief, no more court for over a week. She picked up her handbag and left with Sam.
They drove back to her house, where Helen and Paul were babysitting Nicole. Ben had let Heather have her for the day. "How did it go?" Helen asked.
"It was OK I suppose," Heather sighed, taking off her black tailored jacket. "We're not due to go back again until after the new year,".
"That's good, you can relax over Christmas," Paul said. He helped Helen put the twins in their buggy and went to the door.
"Thanks for babysitting," Heather said as they left. She then turned back to Sam. "I hate this court case, I know I'm going to lose,".
"Don't be so negative, I think you have a good chance of winning," Sam comforted. "Cheer up, it's Christmas in a couple of days,".
"But Ben's going to have Nicole so I'll be all alone,".
"Helen and Paul have invited me over to their house for the day, they said you can come too if you want,".
"OK," Heather agreed, it would be better than staying at home by herself.
Christmas day arrived and Heather ate Christmas dinner at Helen and Paul's house.
The twins were having a great time, playing with their new toys. Sam gave everyone expensive presents, but even the huge stereo system she had given Heather couldn't cheer Heather up. She sat on an armchair quietly, feeling lonely.
"Look who's here, it's Lucy and Nick!" Helen said as she peered out of the window. She went and opened the door.
Lucy was heavily pregnant and expecting her child the following week. "I wanted to give you all your presents," she smiled, walking inside and handing out gifts to them all.
As she gave Ben an elaborately-wrapped bottle of wine, she looked down with an uneasy expression.
Ben felt awkward too, knowing that Lucy's child might be his. "Thanks," he said quietly.
"We're having a new years eve party here, both of you are invited," Paul told Lucy and Nick.
"Thanks!" Nick grinned. "We'll be sure to come. That is, if she's not in hospital having our child!".
Lucy and Ben glanced at each other with wide-open eyes.
"Who else is invited?" Heather asked, wondering if Ben would be there.
"Linda, Shane, Tasha, Enrique, Solma, Ricky..." Helen listed, trying to remember everyone she'd asked.
"And the rest of the band," Paul added.
"Oh, so Ben will be there... maybe I won't come then," Heather said quietly.
"Oh Heather, you've got to come!" Helen protested.
"Yeah, you don't have to talk to him," Paul said. "Don't let Ben spoil your fun, you're just as welcome as he is,".
"OK, I'll come," Heather said, wondering if she'd regret that decision.
.