In this episode, a man named Mr. Clark is suing the defendant, Miss Bailey, for a DNA test and $1,560 for damages he claims she caused to his property. He denies the paternity of her two-month-old daughter, V’Nique.
Mr. Clark asserts that Miss Bailey burned all of his clothes out of anger over their relationship and the uncertainty surrounding the paternity of V’Nique. He claims that she came to his house, tried to argue with his new girlfriend, and then set his clothes on fire in his yard. He presents evidence of the burned clothes and a list of the items destroyed, totaling $1,560. In his own words, “Yes, she burned all of my clothes. She came over there one day mad about me and her, my baby, and I told her the baby ain’t mine.”
Miss Bailey admits to setting the fire, explaining that she was seven months pregnant at the time and emotionally distraught because Mr. Clark had left her for another woman. She also admits to having sex with another man after Mr. Clark left her, but she insists that V’Nique is Mr. Clark’s child. She confesses, “Yes, I did, Your Honor. I really did. Because I was mad… I was seven months pregnant at the time. He left me and shacked up with a another girl, and I was emotional… I was mad at the time.”
The episode reveals that Mr. Clark had been diagnosed with cancer and had undergone chemotherapy, which had an 80% chance of rendering him infertile. Despite this, Miss Bailey became pregnant and was convinced that the 20% chance of Mr. Clark still being able to father a child had come to pass. She refers to V’Nique as a “miracle baby.”
However, Mr. Clark is doubtful of his paternity, citing Miss Bailey’s infidelity and his medical condition. He claims that Miss Bailey did not tell him she was taking prenatal pills to enhance her chances of getting pregnant until after V’Nique was born. He also mentions that Miss Bailey had sex with another man who wore protection, but the condom slipped off. He expresses his doubts, “I’m very doubtful. Very doubtful. I’m sickly, hands turning black…”
In the end, a DNA test is conducted to determine the paternity of V’Nique. The results reveal that Mr. Clark is not the biological father. Despite the heartbreaking news, Miss Bailey expresses her hope that V’Nique’s biological father, who is currently incarcerated, will be a part of her life. She says, “She needs a father. I didn’t have a father.”
The episode serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and emotional turmoil that can arise from uncertain paternity situations. It also highlights the importance of honesty and responsibility in these circumstances. The emotional exchange between Mr. Clark and Miss Bailey is captured in their words, “She almost had me believing. Honestly. But I felt… I felt she wasn’t mine.” and “I wanted him to be the father. I wanted him to be there for her. She looks just like you.” Despite the pain and disappointment, Mr. Clark admits, “I stayed ’cause I loved you.” Miss Bailey, on the other hand, remains hopeful for her daughter’s future, “Yes, I only had sex with only one person during this process. He’s incarcerated.”
