Bell was equally happy. Finally coming downstairs, our dog was now back to normal.
Ellie had missed a full week of school. Her classmates had sent her some notes in the hospital and her teacher sent a sweet note with her homework that had each student signing something for Ellie. We went through it the weekend after she got home. She had a lot of homework to do to get caught up.
Ellie was clingy, but seemed okay. She talked often about what her stay was like in the hospital, but never brought up the visits - or I should say possibility of visits - with DP. I didn't want to bring it up either.
That first couple of days she was home was a birthday party at our neighbors. We had, of course, planned to go before she ended up in the hospital. I didn't know if she would want to go with the circumstances that had happened. When Sunday came and I threw the idea out, she asked if I would stay, and I was planning on it, and she said that she wanted to go. I was thrilled.
I was antsy to get life back to normal, but didn't want to push things. She was again, a bit clingy, but did really well with all the kids. I watched with tears in my eyes so happy that my girl was back. Whenever she smiled, I got teary... she was going to be okay.
When Monday rolled around, I wondered how she would do at school. We rehearsed what she would say if kids asked where she has been all week. She didn't want to tell them why she was in the hospital just yet. The anxiety that I felt was unwarranted. She did great.
The next few weeks Ellie snapped back into being her old self. She found her joy again and I was ecstatic. The things she learned in the hospital followed us and she continued to amaze me every day.
She continued to go to therapy weekly.
The second week of April brought the news that DP had hired an attorney, JPB. He was a new attorney, just out of school.
He was not the only new attorney in our lives. April also brought SH to our lives. She was Ellie's new lawyer. We got to meet her face to face for the first time at our house. She came over to meet Ellie on Ellie's turf. It was pretty amazing. It was as if she had been a part of our lives forever. Ellie had no fear in meeting her and let her story unfold right in front of SH. I was touched by how great they got along. I let the two of them be alone. Sure enough, Ellie touched her as well.
The amazing part of this whole process is that Ellie had often been forgotten in the courtroom. I feel like the Judge often ruled for what he thought might be best for DP. Occasionally lately, maybe what might be best for me. And, he often guessed what would be best for Ellie,. Even saying things like, "I am sure if Ellie were here she would say,... " Never was he right. I felt like I was the one who knew her the most, and knew what she would say if she were there. JR was always very far off.
The odd thing is that no one asked her. When asked, she would gladly tell you. Perhaps even to the point of it making it somewhat awkward. I didn't mind. I thought she was better of talking than me telling her to keep quiet. She wanted nothing to do with DP. She wished he would go to jail. She wanted him to know how badly he hurt her and she never wanted to see him again. Shouldn't we constantly be doing what was best for Ellie?
That was SH's role.
As for DP's new lawyer, he was a tool. He spoke about Ellie, referring to her as "the girl.". I was ashamed FOR him.
We would end up going back to court in May. Just a month and a half after Ellie had been released from the hospital.
My side would be ready. We had the lady from DHS, the detective who was on our case, Ellie's therapist, Ellie's attorney, and myself ready to testify.
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