Nelle De Rossi, Toying with the name card in her hand, Bette wondered what the lawyer Helena had introduced was like.

Bette. Its nice to meet you, just call me Nelle. A tall voluptuous blonde with haunting hazel eyes greeted Bette as she walked into the law office.

So, what do you think are my chances? Bette wanted to know.

Nelle was direct with her reply, Well, it seems that your approach fell short.

God, do you know who is responsible for the mess Im in right now? Since its clear to me now that my ex-lawyer is a fucking dragon slash scourge from hell, I have come to seek your help. Bette spoke evenly, in spite of the strong feelings of displeasure she obviously had for her former legal representative.

“Lets just get something straight. Your previous attorneys action is more a reflection of your own lack of resolve on this issue than it is her legal approach, which to this day remains much to be desired though. I need to know this. What do you want to do? Nelle alleged.

There was a pause, and then Bette said slowly, It has to end. We need to come to some sort of a permanent contractual agreement regarding Angelica, nothing too messy or over-dramatic. I don’t want to put myself out there to be skewered and risk losing my baby in the process.

“Are you prepared to stay home, give up your job? Scrap pieces of vomit off her little blanket? Aspirate mucus out of her little plugged nose? Wipe her bottom clean from poop? Nelle asked.

Obviously. I stayed at home and took care of her for the first year of her life while my ex, Tina, worked. Bette was a little taken aback by Nelles straightforward description, but she was impressed by the lawyers pertinent questions and practical approach to the case.  

Nelle asserted, Well, you’re not who you are, you’re only what other people think you are. You would need to convince the jury with your statement, and also ask people who took care of Angelica to vouch for you. I don’t think people are going to have faith in you because I ask them to, you have to show them. Take firm, resolute steps. Accept a job offer. Come out with an education plan. Start a trust fund. Act, not react. Do you get it?