MalloryKeaton

I do not own Judging Amy, nor do I own any Judging Amy characters that appear on the show.

This fan fiction would take place in Season 1. For this fan fiction I'm pretending that Sean was Maxine's boss during season 1.

JA Fanfic

Amy comes down the stairs in her bathrobe. She sees Lauren sitting at the counter eating Lucky Charms.

Amy: Lauren, I told you to wake me up at 7:30, it's almost 9.

Lauren: I did. You told me to go away remember?

Amy: I did?

Lauren (turns to Vincent): Is it true that if you feed a turtle dog food it will die?

Vincent: I don't know. Why?

Lauren: Well, my turtle doesn't seem to be moving. I put some dog food in his tank.

Amy: Lauren, you're supposed to feed him turtle food, not dog food.

Lauren: It's good enough for Socrates.

Maxine comes down the stairs.

Maxine: (holds up Lauren's turtle which has a pair of plastic bunny ears attached to it): Anyone care to explain this?

Everyone looks at Lauren.

Lauren: Well, just because he's a turtle doesn't mean I can't pretend he's a bunny.

Theme Song

Peter and Gillian enter the kitchen. Maxine is sitting at the table drinking coffee.

Maxine: Oh good. Peter remember you have to fix the dryer.

Peter: I haven't forgotten Mom.

Gillian: Where's Amy?

Vincent: She's upstairs getting dressed.

Gillian: She's not ready?

Maxine: No, why?

Gillian: She and I were planning on going to the store. She's going to help me pick up a few things.

Peter: I'm just glad I'm not going.

Vincent: Really. How can women enjoy looking at a bunch of clothes?

Amy comes downstairs.

Amy: Oh, hi Gillian, hi Peter.

Gillian: Ready to go?

Amy: (confused) Where are we going?

Gillian: Shopping remember?

Amy: Oh yeah.

Gillian: Lets go.

Amy: Ok, well I guess we can go.

Amy looks at Maxine.

Amy: Mom, can you watch Lauren?

Maxine: Why not take her with you dear?

Amy: Mom, she's six. She's going to be bored.

Maxine; When you three were little I took you to the store with me and you all survived.

Vincent; That's a matter of opinion.

Maxine glares at Vincent.

Lauren comes running into the kitchen.

Lauren: Mom!

Amy: What?

Lauren: (talking fast) Taylor is going to the zoo and I really want to go and we want to feed the birds.

Amy: Lauren, we're not going to the zoo today.

Lauren: But, Mom! That's so unfair. Taylor's Mom is taking her and I promised you would take me!

Amy: Yeah, but--wait a minute. You promised I'd take you? You didn't even ask.

Lauren: I couldn't. It was during lunch yesterday.

Amy: Lauren, I'm going to the store with Gillian. Would you like to go?

Lauren: No. I don't want to look at boring clothes.

Amy: Ok, well see if Grandma will watch you then.

Lauren: But--

The phone rings.

Amy answers it.

Vincent: So, Peter want to watch some tv?

Peter: No, I have to go into the office.

Gillian: But, it's Saturday.

Peter: I'm sorry. There are a few things I have to work on.

Amy hangs up the phone.

Amy: I have to get down to the courthouse.

Gillian: What about the store?

Amy: It will have to wait.

Lauren: The zoo?

Amy: No, you can't go to the zoo.

Amy turns to Maxine.

Amy: Mom, please watch Lauren. I have to go.

Amy grabs her car keys and her purse and walks quickly out the door.

Maxine: So much for a relaxing day at home.

Lauren: Grandma, will you take me to the zoo?

Maxine: Not today.

Lauren: That's what Mommy said.

Maxine: Vincent, why don't you take Lauren to the zoo?

Vincent: Because if I have to spend the day with a couple of six year olds I might quite possibly lose my mind.

Lauren: Aunt Gillian will you take me to the zoo?

Gillian: Sorry, but I have to go to the store. See you all later.

Maxine: But, I thought you needed Amy's opinions on what you were going to get.

Gillian: Well, I'm just going to have to figure it out on my own.

Gillian leaves.

Peter: Ok, I'm going to go fix the dryer.

Maxine: Great.

The doorbell rings. Maxine goes and answers it.

Maxine: (surprised): Sean? What are you doing here?

Sean: (hesitates) Maxine....

Maxine: Oh dear, I have a feeling I'm not going to like what I'm about to hear.

Sean: Maxine, we need to get over to DCF right away.

Maxine: Why?

Sean: Because we need to get an emergency OTC order.

Maxine: Amy just left for the courthouse. I wonder if she's the one who will have to sign off on the OTC. Why do we need an OTC?

Sean: I'll explain on the way lets go.

Maxine: Ok, let me tell Peter and Vincent I'm leaving. Someone has to look after Lauren.

Sean: Ok.

Maxine goes and finds Vincent and Peter talking while Peter is working on the dryer.

Maxine: I have to leave. Vincent you have to look after Lauren.

Vincent; Why me?

Peter: Because after I'm done fixing this I have to go into the office.

Vincent: All right.

Maxine: I'm off.

Peter: Wait, where are you going?

Maxine: I don't have time to explain. See you later.

Maxine and Sean leave.

At the courthouse:

Everyone is gathered in Amy's courtroom.

Amy: Ok, we're here for an emergency OTC order so let's get to it. Appearances?

State: Leslie Smith for the state Your Honor.

Defense: Roger Eastmen for the defense Your Honor.

Amy: Mrs. Smith go ahead.

State: Your Honor, we are requesting an emergency OTC order to remove two minor children from the Anderson residence and place the older minor child at Langley.

Amy: On what grounds?

State: Mr. & Mrs. Anderson left their two minor children, Steven 11, and Rachael 2, home alone for a period of 24 hours without any type of supervision. In addition the Anderson's expected their older child Steven to look after the younger child Rachael. After approximately 18 hours Steven became so frustrated with his younger sister who would not stop crying that he reached out and choked her. Rachael appears to be fine, however, we do not feel that it's safe for either child to remain in their parent's home.

Amy: Is this (pointing) Steven?

State: Yes, Your Honor.

Amy: Where is Rachael?

State: One of the clerks here is looking after her.

Amy: All right, I want to hear from both parents and then I want to talk to Steven.

Defense: Your Honor, my clients regret what has happened, and are asking that you not remove their children.

Amy: They left their two minor children home alone for an entire day and night. I cannot overlook that. The children could have suffered far worse than what they did.

Mrs. Anderson: We needed a break!

Amy: Mrs. Anderson, I suggest that you choose your words carefully.

Mr. Anderson: My wife is right. We needed a break. Taking care of Steven and Rachael is tiring. We never get any time to ourselves. It was only for 24 hours.

Amy: Parenting isn't like a normal job. You don't get to take off whenever you feel like it. You can't call in sick, and you don't get paid. Parenting is a thankless job, but that doesn't entitle you to leave your children unsupervised because you're overwhelmed.

State: We feel that it would be in the best interest of the children to remove them immediately.

Amy: Before I go any further, I'd like to speak with Steven. Steven please come and sit in this chair next to me.

Steven rises and goes and sits in the witness chair.

Amy: Steven, tell me what happened.

Steven: Well, my Mom and Dad told me that they were going to go out for a while and that they would be back. They told me to watch Rachael.

Amy: Did they say how long they would be gone?

Steven: No.

Amy: Can you tell me why you choked your sister?

Steven: I didn't mean to. I was just so frustrated. She kept crying. I tried playing with her, talking to her, giving her a snack. I tried watching tv with her. I tried everything, but she wouldn't stop crying. Next thing I knew I had put my hands on her neck. I just wanted her to stop crying. After a few seconds I took my hands off her neck. I started crying because I felt so bad. I love her, judge, I really do.

Steven starts to cry.

Amy: Steven, I'm very sorry that your parents were gone for so long. That must have been hard to take care of your sister all by yourself, but it's not ok to choke someone.

Steven: I'm sorry.

Amy: Ok, you can go sit back down.

Steven goes and sits down.

Amy: Cases like this are never easy. In this case, you have one child trying to take care of another child when in reality the child shouldn't have been expected to do what his parents should have been doing. Therefore, I'm granting the emergency OTC order. Both children are to be removed immediately and placed in foster care. I'm ordering mandatory counseling for both Steven and his parents. Rachael is too young to benefit from counseling at this point. Mr. & Mrs. Anderson, you cannot put parenting on hold and then not expect there to be consequences. Mrs. Smith will follow up with DCF and see that the two children are taken care of. We're adjourned.

At DCF:
Maxine: What were the parents thinking? You don't leave two small children home alone, much less for 24 hours.

Sean: I know. We need to place them in immediate foster care.

Maxine: I'll take care of it.

Sean: I know you will.

Gray Home:

Lauren: Uncle Vincent!

Vincent: What?

Lauren: I want to go to the zoo.

Vincent: I told you, I'm not taking you to the zoo.

Lauren: But that's not fair!

Vincent: How about we stay here and play a board game?

Peter: Well, the dryer's fixed. See you later.

Lauren: Bye!

Amy gets home. She walks over to Lauren and hugs her.

Lauren: Hi.

Amy: Hi Noodle.

Vincent: She's all yours.

Amy: I don't mind one bit. Ok, grab your shoes. I'll race you to the car.

Lauren: Where are we going?

Amy: To the zoo.

Lauren: Really?! Thanks!

Vincent: I thought you said you weren't going to take her to the zoo.

Amy: I've been reminded of what it means to be a parent.

Vincent: What are you talking about?

Amy: It's a long story.

Lauren: Let's go!

The End

MalloryKeaton

Continuation of episode My Name Is Amy Gray Fan Fiction

I do not own Judging Amy or any of the characters.

Amy finished her speech. Sitting in her chair she looked around. Amy frowned. She wanted her family to be here with her. The worst was that her Mom Maxine disagreed with her going to DC. Bruce stood up and before he could turn away she motioned for him to walk over to her.

Bruce: Judge Gray--I mean Amy.

Amy: What did you think of my speech?

Bruce: it was nice.

Amy: Does that mean you're not still angry?

Bruce: I'm here aren't I?

Amy: What kind of answer is that?

Bruce: Amy--

Amy: Sorry.

Bruce: Now that you've given your speech what do you plan on doing?

Amy: Well, I'm not sure.

Marty walks over to Amy and Bruce interrupting them.

Marty: Amy. We need to talk about your speech. You didn't follow the one I gave you.

Amy: I told you I wouldn't.

Marty: The speech I had prepared for you was much better.

Amy: People don't want me to read a speech that I didn't write. That want to know that I'm serious and I care about what I believe in.

Marty: That's not how it is in politics.

Amy: Mar--

Bruce: I'll be going now.

Amy: Wait-

Marty: I'd like to speak with Amy.

Bruce nods. Before Amy can stop him he walks off.

Amy: If I'm going to run for senate, and that's 'if', it will be on my terms.

Marty: But, you don't know anything about politics.

Amy: You know, I don't want to have this discussion.

Amy stands up and Marty is about to say something when Amy silences him with a look.

Marty: Ok, we'll talk later.

Marty leaves.

Meanwhile back in Hartford:

Lauren: Mom was great.

Vincent: I agree. Amy was impressive.

Peter: I still think it was a bad idea.

Maxine: Amy's a grown woman. We can't stop her. I have to say her speech was good.

Peter: Mom, you were against her going to Washington.

Maxine: I'm aware of that Peter.

Igancio: Maxine, might I ask that I have a word with you in the kitchen?

Maxine: Ok.

In the kitchen:
Igancio: So?

Maxine: So what?

Ignacio: So will you grant me the honor of marrying me?

Maxine: I don't know.

Ignacio: Maxine.

Maxine: I need some time.

Igancio: Ok.

At the courthouse:
Donna comes down the stairs and sees Bruce.

Donna: (in a loud voice) Bruce! Hey Bruce!

Bruce: Hi Donna.

Donna: What are you doing here? Are you back? Is Judge Gray back? Well, well?

Bruce: Donna, calm down. As far as I know Judge Gray is still in Washington. Until I make a final decision on going ahead with being a child psychologist I thought I might fill in as CSO.

Donna: Oh. In Judge Gray's courtroom?

Bruce: Well, it's not her's anymore.

Donna: (sad) Oh yeah.

Bruce: If you'll excuse me I'm on my way upstairs.

Bruce goes upstairs. He enters the courtroom where Amy used to be.

Judge: Ok, we're here regarding (looks at paper) Ashley Porter, 5. The state is alleging neglect. Is that correct?

State: Yes, you're honor.

Judge: And you are?

State: Michelle Gibson.

Judge: All right.

Defense: Caleb Underwood for the defense your honor. My clients contend that they did nothing wrong.

The defendant stands up.

Mrs. Porter: I thought we were supposed to be seen by Judge Gray?

Judge: She no longer works here.

Bruce shakes his head and looks at the judge.

State: It has been established that young Ashley was left in a car while the parents were inside of a grocery store. The parents did not want Ashley to come in with them so she was told to stay in the car.

Judge: I see.

The case continues and the judge makes a ruling. Not liking the way the judge handles it Bruce speaks up.

Bruce: That's not how Judge Gray would have handled it.

Judge: Well, I'm not Judge Gray.

Bruce: No kidding.

Judge: I want to see Mr. Van Exel in my chambers. Ten minute recess.

In chambers:
Judge: I don't know what type of behavior and disrespect Judge Gray put up with and tolerated from you, but I for one will not stand for it. Is that understood? I will not be questioned on how I rule or the way I handle cases.

Bruce: But--

Judge: Is there a problem?

Bruce: (upset) No.

At DCF:
Sean: I still can't believe you're leaving Maxine. What will we do without you here? DCF will fall apart without you. There's still time Maxine. We can find that little girl another foster home.

Maxine: No Sean. I promised I'd do right by that her and I will.

Sean: It won't be the same. Who else is going to get in the face of parents who treat children wrong?

Maxine: It's going to be ok Sean.

Sean: (looking defeated) I guess there's no hope that I could change your mind in some way?

Maxine: I'm afraid not.

Sean: You've always been like a mother to me Maxine. I feel like I'm part of the Gray family. I don't want to lose you Maxine.

Maxine: Sean, none of my children ever seem to go very far. Even when they move out they come back. If I know you, I haven't seen the last of you. (smiles) I know you're going to be over at my house constantly. Just promise me you won't move in like Peter, Vincent, Kyle and Amy have done over the years. I haven't the room for a fourth grown child.

Sean perks up.

Sean: Well, I guess it won't be that different since I can come and visit. Besides, since you're going to be a foster parent someone from DCF will have to check in on you from time to time. I plan on being the DCF person who will see to that.

Maxine is about to pick up her belongings to leave when Sean gives her a hug.

Sean: Bye.

Maxine: For heaven's sake Sean. I'm not moving away.

Sean wipes away a few tears.

Sean: You're right.

Maxine picks up her things. She waves at Sean. As she walks out of DCF Sean sinks into a chair.

Sean: I can't believe my bestfriend quit DCF.

Washington:
Amy looks around once again and decides that she will head home, at least temporarily. As she gets ready to leave David appears. Startled Amy is at a loss for words.

Amy: David.

David: I heard you were giving a speech and running for Senate.

Amy: I haven't decided if I'll run for senate yet. Wait a minute, why are you here?

David: Because I wanted to see you.

Amy: David it's over. It's been over.

David: I know. I just needed to see you one last time.

Amy: Ok then. Bye.

David: I guess there isn't any hope.

Amy: You'll find someone David. I'm just not the one for you.

David: I can accept that.

Amy heads for Hartford.
Amy walks into the Gray home.

Amy: Hello? Anyone here?

Everyone comes running in.

Lauren: Mom!

Amy gives Lauren a hug.

Maxine: Hi Amy. You were great on tv.

Gillian: I agree. Wasn't she great Peter?

Peter looks at everyone.

Peter: All right. I give in. Amy you did really well.

Amy: Thanks.

Maxine: I've decided to be a foster mother.

Amy: Really?

Maxine: Yes.

Amy: On my way home I had time to think. If I run for senate I will have to give up so much. Everyone I love is here in Hartford. Being away in Washington would mean spending even less time with Lauren. Lauren, I want to be able to spend more time with you. Vincent I want to see your book published and I can't do that from Washington. Peter I want to see you bring the family business out of debt. I want to be here to watch you raise your foster child Mom. I want so much. I realize that there isn't much for me in Washington. I might not be able to be a judge since I can't be impartial, but I'm sure there's something I can do here in Hartford that I'd enjoy and who knows maybe one day I will be back in court. Maybe I can find a way to be impartial again.

The doorbell rings.
Maxine answers it.

Maxine: Sean? I haven't been gone, but a few hours and you're already here? I guess you're more like one of my children then I thought.

Sean: In honor of your first foster child everyone at DCF would like to throw you a going away party. Maxine, I won't take no for an answer. (smiles) Everyone would like for the little girl to be there too.

Maxine: Ok.

Maxine walks over to Sean and pats him on the shoulder.

Maxine: Get in here already!

Sean walks in and Maxine closes the door. She gives Sean a hug.

Amy: Now if I could only find a guy that sweet.

Maxine: Turn around.

Amy turns around to find Bruce standing in the middle of the livingroom.

Bruce: Welcome back.

Amy: How did you know I'd be here?

Bruce: I know you. There's one thing Hartford will always have that Washington won't.

Amy: What's that?

Bruce: You.

Amy: That's true.

Bruce: I've decided to continue being a CSO and I'm going to become a child psychologist also.

The doorbell rings again.
Maxine answers it.

Maxine: Ignacio.

Ignacio: Maxine

Maxine: Ignacio, I'm not ready to get married.

Ignacio: I suppose I can live with that. It's better then you saying no.

The doorbell rings once again.

Maxine: What is this a hotel?

Maxine answers it.

Maxine: Donna.

Donna: Ms. Gray.

Maxine: Come in.

Donna comes in carrying a cake that says Welcome Home Judge Gray and walks over to Amy.

Donna: Judge Gray! Welcome back!

Amy: Bruce told you I was back?

Donna: He thought you might be back.

Amy: You know, I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful family and nice friends. Politics aren't for me. I've come home and home is where I'll stay.

The End.

PS:
Interpret the interaction between Amy and Bruce in the way you wish.

I see them as remaining friends and for you Bramy's you can picture it as them being together.