Arby Claimed his Son in Court from Shayla😱
Arby Claimed his Son in Court from Shayla😱
Judge Reynolds: Mr. Arby, you've filed a petition to claim primary custody of your son, Malik. Would you please state your reasons for doing so?
Arby (calm but firm): Yes, Your Honor. For the past two years, Malik has been living primarily with Shayla. But during that time, I’ve witnessed—and documented—neglect. Missed school days, unstable housing, and inappropriate people around my son. I’m not doing this out of spite. I’m doing this because I love my son, and he deserves better.
Shayla (defensive, eyes wide): That is not true, Your Honor! He’s twisting everything. We’ve had tough times, yes—but I’ve done everything to raise Malik right. Arby was absent for most of Malik’s life. Now he suddenly wants to act like Father of the Year?
Judge Reynolds: Please, Ms. Shayla, let Mr. Arby speak. You’ll have your turn.
Arby (voice cracking slightly): I wasn’t perfect. I admit that. But I’ve grown up. I got a steady job, a safe home. I want to be there for Malik every day—not just when it’s convenient. And I’m not asking to take him away forever. I just believe he’ll thrive better under my care, with visits to his mom, of course.
Shayla (glaring): Thrive? You barely knew what grade he was in until a few months ago! I nursed him through pneumonia, I taught him how to read, I’ve been to every parent-teacher conference. You want credit without the sacrifice!
Arby (pleading): I know I’ve missed things. But I’m here now. You can’t hold my past against me forever. Malik needs structure. You admitted yourself last month you were evicted. I’m not trying to erase you—I just want what's best for our son.
Judge Reynolds (interjecting): Ms. Shayla, would you like to respond officially?
Shayla (tears welling up): Your Honor, yes—I struggled. But that doesn’t mean I’m unfit. I didn’t have family to lean on. Arby’s family turned their backs on me. I took three jobs to keep food on the table.
And Malik is happy. He loves his school, his friends, me. How is yanking him out of his life stability?
Judge Reynolds: Thank you. Now—before I render a temporary order, I’d like to ask both of you: can you come to any agreement outside of court? Mediation, perhaps?
Arby (after a pause): I’d be willing. But only if Malik’s well-being is the priority. Not emotions. Not history. Just him.
Shayla (quietly): That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Later, in the hallway outside the courtroom...
Shayla (sighs): Why now, Arby? Why this way?
Arby (softly): Because I was scared. Scared I’d lose him. Scared I was too late.
Shayla: You should’ve come to me first. Not court. Not like this.
Arby: I didn’t think you’d listen. We’ve always fought more than we talked.
Shayla: Maybe. But that’s our fault, not Malik’s. He doesn’t need a court battle—he needs peace.
Arby: So… mediation?
Shayla (nods slowly): Mediation. But if you back out again—if you ghost him or make promises you can’t keep—I’ll fight with everything I have.
Arby: Deal. No more backing out. Malik deserves both of us.
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