Let's Hear From Olive

Everyone thought the hearing would end quickly. After all, the couple had prepared the required paperwork and completed the interviews. All that was left was to hear the judge's decision and go home with their new daughter.

But suddenly, the judge froze while swiping through the papers before her. She looked up and directed her gaze towards the little girl who sat motionless next to her adoptive parents, a gloomy expression on her face. The hearing was a mere formality to finalize the adoption process. But one thing was for sure; the judge couldn't decide until she had heard from the little girl. And her words rocked the entire courtroom.

Fighting Nerves

Olive had been silent through it all. She was silent as she dressed up for the court hearing that morning. She was quiet in the car as they drove to the intimidating-looking building at the center of town.

And she remained silent as her adoptive parents answered the judge's questions, trying to prove that they would be the ideal parents for her. Olive was fighting nerves the whole time, so she never expected the judge to focus on her and ask for her opinion. She wished the ground would open up and swallow her.

NEXT: Olive decides to speak up.

A Hesitant Whisper

Olive was too stunned to say anything at first. "Olive?" the judge called out once again. "Can you answer my question, please?" Even as she heard the question for the second time, Olive was stumped. How could she respond knowing how her words would affect everyone present?

She knew whatever she said would determine the course of her life. It wasn't a simple question by any means. Still, not answering wouldn't solve the problem. Olive made up her mind to be honest for once. No one could have guessed how her answer would change everything.

NEXT: The start of everything.

Baby Olive

Not every child born into the world gets a good start. Unfortunately, Olive was one of the unlucky ones. She had been left alone at the hospital shortly after her birth by a mother who couldn't handle the responsibility of raising a child.

With such a challenging start, it's hardly surprising that she had no memories of her birth parents. She entered the foster system and began the long wait for a permanent family. At least being a ward of the state meant she wasn't out scrounging for food and shelter on the streets.

NEXT: Olive's experience with the system.

Dealing With Foster Care

Weeks, months, and soon years passed, but Olive remained alone. She was an optimistic child who always saw the good in everything. So each night, she would fall asleep to fantasies of someday finding a good family that would love and cherish her for the rest of her life.

Every child who enters the foster care system experiences grief over being separated from their biological parents. So even without a memory of her mother and father, Olive would sometimes struggle with the pain of never meeting them. And those feelings often lead to isolation.

NEXT: Olive finally finds a family.

Meeting the Quinns

Olive didn't know that her biggest wish would come true soon enough. The Quinns were a happy couple who had recently adopted two children. But they were looking for one more to complete their family, and they figured Olive would make the perfect addition.

Olive was happy to meet Ana and Owen Quinn. They seemed like the kind of couple she had seen on television, and they smiled a lot. Meeting them was like an answer to her prayers. She had finally found people who would care for her like her birth parents couldn't.

NEXT: But the happiness doesn't last.

Loneliness That Won't Fade

In another world, the story might end with Olive finally getting happy ever after. Living with the Quinns meant enjoying all the fun experiences she had missed out on before. She spent an entire day at the amusement park, going on different rides and playing all the games she wanted.

No one yelled at her for laughing too loudly or asking for treats. It was the best day of her life, and there was more to come. But sometimes, in the middle of the night, she would lie awake wishing for more.

NEXT: The Quinns ask Olive a critical question.

Saying Yes

Such complicated feelings were too much for young Olive to deal with. At first, she thought it was because she was just a foster child and not a genuine family member. But then she felt bad about feeling that way because Ana and Owen were kind to her.

The days went by fast until Olive realized she had been with the Quinns for over a year already. Imagine her surprise when they asked if Olive would love to become a permanent family member. She was so excited she began crying after saying yes.

NEXT: The Quinns kickstart the process of adoption.

Starting the Adoption Process

Ana Quinn was the sweetest mother anyone could ever ask for. She told Olive that she was the main piece of their family and that they were so lucky to have found her. Olive had never felt so loved. And all the affection she was showered with helped erase the dark thoughts in her mind.

The Quinns were eager to get through the adoption process. First, they contacted the foster care service to communicate their interest in making Olive an official Quinn. Not all foster parents can adopt, but in their case, the option was open to them.

NEXT: Olive faces old fears.

The Doubt Crops up Again

The Quinns wanted to be sure that Olive was happy with her decision, so they would often check in with her to be sure she was certain. They told her it was okay for her to change her mind. They would always care for her, adoption or not, so she shouldn't feel burdened.

But Olive didn't want to budge. She had finally found an accepting family, and she was afraid that this was her only chance to live the kind of life she had always dreamed about. She was so scared of being abandoned again.

NEXT: The caseworker gives the go-ahead.

A Happy Caseworker

In foster care, social workers play a significant role in the adoption process. Not only are they responsible for recruiting and assessing prospective foster carers, but they also get to investigate potential adoptive parents to evaluate their suitability.

The caseworker had been so happy when the Quinns decided to take Olive in. But she was even more excited to learn they wanted to adopt. Of course, they would have to submit a lot of paperwork and sign-up for many interviews. Still, she was hopeful they would eventually get a stamp of approval.

NEXT: Olive tries to make sense of her doubts.

Why Am I Like This?

Olive couldn't stop thinking about her decision. The adoption process was underway, and things were going well. But deep down, she felt like something was missing, and she no longer fit in with the family.

Of course,e no one knew what was happening in her head. Olive got good at pretending to be happy and content. But as the day of the court hearing drew closer, she wondered if she was making a mistake by saying yes to becoming Olive Quinn officially. These are thoughts no little girl should have to deal with.

NEXT: Olive and the Quinns go to court.

Going to Court

While Olive was trying to make sense of her discontent, the day of the court hearing came around. Ana Quinn had been so excited for that day as it meant little Olive would finally become her daughter on paper. She bought her a pretty dress in honor of the occasion.

If anyone noticed that Olive wasn't her usual talkative self that day, they didn't say anything about it. The Quinns assumed she was nervous about the hearing, and they kept telling her everything would work out. But Olive knew it wasn't as easy as that.

NEXT: Things begin to move fast.

A Strange Feeling

They arrived at the court several minutes earlier, and the process went smoothly. Soon enough, Olive and the Quinns were seated at the table toward the front of the courtroom. The caseworker, attorneys, and witnesses were also sitting on the benches.

And through it all, Olive's mind was a mess. She wondered why this feeling wouldn't go away. She had found a loving family who made her feel special every single day. They also wanted to adopt her. Why couldn't she let go of the strange feeling in her chest?

NEXT: Something is wrong, but Olive can't explain it.

Olive Stays Silent

Everyone stood once the judge entered the room to begin the hearing. Olive felt anxious when the judge took her seat, but she calmed herself down by thinking about how much fun she would have with her new family.

Her foster parents testified and answered the judge's questions. They talked about how attached they had grown to Olive during fostering and how they wanted to make her an official family member. They extolled their parenting abilities, citing the two other kids they'd adopted as an example. And through it all, Olive was frozen still.

NEXT: The judge notices that something is wrong.

A Shift in Body Language

As the Quinns presented photos and videos of the family having fun together, Olive became increasingly restless. This family was everything a kid would ask for. But she felt there was something to it. She decided she could no longer discount her feelings of dissatisfaction.

Olive assumed that the judge was persuaded and the trial would end soon. But the judge had been paying attention to Olive throughout the hearing, and she noticed how she kept shifting in her seat and glancing down at her shoes. The judge had a contemplative expression on her face.

NEXT: A question no one saw coming.

Asking the Tough Questions

Following the shift in boy language, the judge asked the Quinns an important question. She had many years of experience and knew what to look for during an adoption hearing. And though she didn't doubt Quinn's intentions, she knew they needed to clarify something before she could sign off on the adoption.

"Will you be comfortable with Olive searching for her parents somewhere along the line?" The room went silent briefly before Owen Quinn responded, "Her parents?" He was confused and glanced at his wife a couple of times. He felt blindsided by the question.

NEXT: Masking a lie as the truth.

Lying on the Spot

Ana put her hand on her husband's arm in a relaxed manner as she said, "Of course, we'll allow her to look for her birth parents. We love Olive and give her all the support she needs if she ever decides to do that."

It was the best answer anyone could have given at that moment, but it was far from the truth. Ana Quinn had researched earlier and knew the best way to respond once the judge posed that question. But deep down, she was uncomfortable with the idea of Olive seeking out her birth parents.

NEXT: The reasons behind the lie.

More Trouble Than It's Worth

Initially, Ana and Owen had considered that possibility. With foster children, there is always the likelihood that their birth parents will someday come back into their lives. But they decided the chances were very low in Olive's case.

Ana was very against any of her children choosing to find their birth parents someday. She felt strongly about people who decided to abandon their kids for whatever reason, and her prejudice and anger motivated her decision. She thought it would be more trouble than it was worth to help Olive find people who clearly didn't care about her.

NEXT: Ana's thought process.

Following Her Gut

Ana's research has shown her two possible outcomes. In some situations, a child may find their birth parents, learn about the motivations behind their decisions and decide to forgive and reconcile with them. This would sometimes weaken the bond with their adoptive parents.

It could also go the other way. The birth parents may respond negatively, which would only deepen the sense of abandonment and uncertainty many children from the foster care system struggle with. Either option was unsuitable in Ana's eyes. Still, she followed her gut anyway and offered the judge an acceptable response.

NEXT: The judge changes protocol.

Let's Take a Break

Something in Ana's gaze must have given the judge pause. She leaned forward in her seat, gave Ana an assessing look, and asked, "Are you sure?" She had learned how to read people easily and didn't believe that Mrs. Quinn was being sincere.

Seeing that Ana was only determined to maintain her position, the judge decided to take matters into her own hands. Adoption hearings typically take a little time and get wrapped up within minutes, but the judge announced they would take a little break. Of course, what she said next shocked everyone.

NEXT: The Quinns voice their discontent.

The Quinns Say No

Ana and Owen were surprised when the judge called for a break but felt it wasn't too unusual. But her additional request caught them off guard. The judge wanted Olive to join her in her office during the break. And, of course, the Quinss weren't too happy about this.

Olive was also surprised. She had thought she would spend time with her foster parents before they reconvened at the court. She didn't understand why the judge would want to see her privately. Ana was also upset that the judge wanted to speak to Olive without them present.

NEXT: The Quinns do not get their way.

It's Already Decided

The Quinns could have spent all that time complaining, but nothing would change. The judge had the discretion to seek a private audience with a ward before approving an adoption, and the fact that the Quinns were determined to stand in her way told her everything she needed to know.

She insisted that it wasn't a request but an order. She would speak to Olive alone before making her decision. In the end, Ana and Owen had to give up. They gave Olive assuring smiles before walking out of the room.

NEXT: The Judge tries to make Olive feel at ease.

Guarded Responses

Olive was feeling nervous as she stepped into the judge's chambers. The judge had a pleasant smile on her face as she ushered her in. "Make yourself comfortable. You don't have to be nervous." But no number of softly-uttered words could make Olive feel comfortable in that room.

The judge got a juice box out of the fridge in the corner and handed it to Olive. She then began asking broad questions about the Quinns and how she felt living with them. Olive kept all her responses brief and to the point.

NEXT: The judge decides to try something different.

A Different Approach

The only reason why the judge wanted to speak with Olive in the Quinns' absence was to get honest answers. So it would all be in vain if she couldn't get Olive to feel comfortable and answer all her questions freely.

She decided to change things up. "You're not in trouble, Olive. I only want to hear your true opinions. It's okay if you don't want to talk, but I'm willing to listen if you do. Just tell me what you want out of this adoption." Olive hadn't expected the judge to be so upfront with her.

NEXT: Olive reveals the truth.

Olive Breaks Down

No one ever considered that Olive could be dealing with issues and feelings too heavy for her young mind. All this while, she failed to put her emotions into words. So hearing the judge be so honest and open made her burst into tears.

The judge kept some tissues handy and tried to console Olive as she wiped her tears. The poor girl had been going through so much mentally, and no one had noticed. Once Olive calmed down, she decided to tell the judge the truth. She finally had one person on her side. It was enough.

NEXT: The hearing resumes.

Reconvening at Court

By the time Olive was done speaking, the judge had gotten a good grasp of the situation. She complimented her on her braver and urged her to be honest once they returned to the court. If Olive could accomplish that, then everything else would fall into place.

For the first time in a long time, Olive finally felt at peace. The judge had assured her that they weren't the right family for her if the Quinns refused to consider her true feelings. And she believed that. So when the hearing resumed, Olive knew what she had to do.

NEXT: The ball is in Olive's court.

Answer Honestly

Olive may have finally calmed down, but the same couldn't be said for Ana and Owen. They were noticeably anxious as they had no idea what Olive had told the judge. They didn't realize how much would change within the next few minutes.

The judge didn't go through any other formalities once the hearing resumed. She decided to focus on Olive from the get-go. "I've heard from your foster parents; honestly, they seem like picture-perfect parents. But this is your life, Olive. So, tell me, do you want to be adopted by this couple?"

NEXT: The truth no one was expecting.

An Unexpected Response

Even though Olive had anticipated the judge's question, it still hit her with a jolt. Who could blame her? It felt like everyone in the court fixed their eyes on her, but she was too nervous to turn around and look at them.

Olive kept her eyes glued to the floor as she said, "No." There was an uproar from the benches. Ana and Owen turned to look at themselves in disbelief. It wasn't the expected response, and they needed help understanding why Olive would reject them. They weren't alone; everyone was waiting to hear Olive's reasoning.

NEXT: Olive tries to explain.

Your Feelings Matter

Olive could finally tell the truth because the judge had assured her that no one would blame her for not wanting to be adopted. But it turned out her reasons were more complex. Though Olive had always wanted a family, she had always nursed this dream that one day her birth parents would come to take her home.

She was too young to know better, but she wanted assurances that she would have the option to open communication with them sometime in the future. And only then would she be happy to join the family.

NEXT: The only option left.

Accepting Olive's Decision

The initial shock from Olive's "No" had sent the Quinns into such a tailspin that they were willing to agree to anything. It took almost losing a child she had grown to love for Ana to realize that deciding about Olive's future plans wasn't the right way to go.

They say that sometimes you are born into a family, and sometimes you must find it. If they genuinely cared about her, they would prioritize her feelings and not try to hold her back. So the Quinns were only too happy to give in to her demands. A little compromise was worth it for the sake of Olive's happiness.