Free Keep Me in Your Heart by Lurlene McDaniel Page A

the back. “It’s not your fault, Jeremy. Don’t put yourself under so much pressure.”
    Jeremy knew he was talking about his parents’ refusal to sign the consent form for the transplant. “I know,” he said. “Maybe after tonight, though, I’ll be in a position to turn things around.”
    Don led him into a lecture hall with built-in chairs on risers that angled down to a flat floor with a table, a podium, and a blackboard along the back wall. Tonight three people were seated around the table. Don introduced Jeremy to Professor Parker, who in turn introduced them both to the younger man and woman besidehim. “This is Fran Beckner and Jacob Steiner, two fourth-year students and two of my brightest and best.”
    Jeremy’s nervousness was calmed by the friendly smiles of the dark-haired Fran and the frizzy-haired Jacob. “Jake,” the man said. “I prefer that people call me Jake.”
    Professor Parker offered Jeremy a chair at the table opposite them. “Don says you work at your father’s law firm, but you have some legal questions.”
    “Yes,” Jeremy said, taking a seat. Jessica’s father settled next to him.
    “Isn’t there anyone at his firm who could help you?”
    “No one.”
    “Travino …” Fran turned the name over thoughtfully. “Is your father
the—
”
    “Yes,” Jeremy said, cutting her off. “He is.”
    The two students exchanged glances.
    “How can we help you?” Professor Parker asked.
    Jeremy took a deep breath. “I want to be free of my parents’ legal hold on my life. I want you to help me declare my emancipation.”

Chapter

12
    “E mancipation?” Professor Parker asked, sounding surprised. “Declaring independence from your parents is both serious and complicated.”
    “I know, but there’s plenty of legal precedent for it.” Jeremy reached into the portfolio he was carrying and removed a manila folder. He opened it, saying, “An eleven-year-old Florida boy filed to ‘divorce’ his biological parents and be adopted by his foster family. He won the case. Other kids have also been granted legal freedom from their biological families. I have some examples here.” He handed Professor Parker several sheets of paper documenting his findings in legal books.
    The professor skimmed Jeremy’s notes. “These cases all involved abuse. Have your parents abused you?”
    “No.”
    “Then on what grounds do you plan to petition the court?”
    “Constitutional grounds.”
    Jake and Fran leaned forward. “Tell us.”
    “I believe that I should have the free will to decide what I want to do with my own body. And I believe that the Constitution of the United States grants me that privilege.”
    “Why do you want to take such a drastic action?” Jake asked.
    Jeremy told them about Jessica, glancing at Don McMillan while he spoke. He kept his speech factual, trying not to color it with his emotions. “I passed every test the hospital gave me,” he concluded. “Including mental competency. I was judged to be fully capable of making the decision to give away my kidney. I know exactly what I’m doing. And I know why I’m doing it. Without me, Jessica may die. I don’t believe my parents should dictate to me what I do with my own body. But the only way I can donate my kidney and help save Jessica’slife is to remove myself from my parents’ jurisdiction. I can’t do that without your help.”
    Jessica’s father touched Jeremy’s arm. “Jeremy, are you certain?” His face looked pale. “It’s such a drastic step.”
    Fran drummed her fingers on the scarred tabletop. “So you’re asking the courts to decide what constitutional right a minor has over his own body? And when this right overrides parental authority?”
    He was amazed at her quick evaluation of a situation it had taken him weeks to define. “Exactly,” he answered.
    She exchanged glances with Jake, and Jeremy could see that they were intrigued.
    “Legal maneuvers cost money,” Professor Parker said.