by Seven

Disclaimer:  Earth: Final Conflict and its characters are copyrighted by Tribune Entertainment Company.
 All rights reserved.
 
 

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Siobhan Beckett wiped her sweaty palms on her pants, hoping that she didn't look too desperate to
the squarish woman in front of her, peering at the young Irish woman over a pair of wiry glasses.
"Siobhan Beckett?" Miss Clay asked in her surprisingly deep, nasal voice. "Age 28 years, never been
married, living currently in Belfast."

"Yes," Siobhan said.

Clay put the paper down on her desk and folded her hands. "What is the name of the child you wish to
adopt?"

"Tommy. Tommy Flaherty," Siobhan said quietly. "I knew his parents."

Tommy Flaherty himself, a dark-haired lad with inquisitive green eyes, was sitting on the low vinyl couch,
watching Siobhan and Miss Clay with apprehension etched on his small face. His parents had died only
weeks before, Siobhan thought, and he was said to cry every night. But during the day he showed a
courageous restraint that only reinforced her desire to adopt him.

She had loved Anna and Patrick Flaherty like a sister and brother she had never had. The least she
could do for them was take care of their son.

Clay actually cracked a smile through her grizzled features, and Siobhan felt a thrill of horror go down
her spine. She had a terrible feeling...

"I'm sorry, Miss Beckett. I'm afraid that your application has been rejected."

***

A few hours later, Tommy was packing his belongings into a duffel bag. A soft footstep was heard in
the hallway. He turned, and let out a stifled sob. "Aunt Siobhan?"

Siobhan dropped to one knee and held out her arms. Tommy dropped the bag and ran to her, pressing
his wet little eyes into her blazer shoulder. "Now then, now then," she soothed. "I checked out the
family you're going to, Tommy. They're good people, who'll take good care of you."

It was true, she thought. They were good people, who would take care of him. But it didn't make the
parting much easier...

"Can I see you sometimes?" Tommy asked quietly.

"I'll see what I can arrange with your new family," Siobhan replied sadly. She slowly pulled Tommy back
to look her in the eye. "But our paths are dividing here, Tommy. Be brave as you face the future."

Tommy took a deep breath and swallowed, nodding. "Yes, m'm."

Siobhan stood up and walked out quickly, so that Tommy could not see her tears. He watched her
through tears of his own, wondering if he would ever see her again...