Fan Fiction / Zoids Fan Fiction ❯ Unforgettable ❯ their pain ( Chapter 26 )

It was wild for the next few days as a few more witnesses were questioned. They had their good days and their bad days but Fiona could tell that Karl was very optimistic about what the outcome of the trial would be like. Fiona couldn't help but admit to herself that she wasn't as optimistic.

 

Fiona also had to admit that the last few days had been pretty good as well. When Van and her told everyone about the decision, they got a very pleased reaction from everyone else. `I was right too, his mom is trying to take over,' she thought with a hint of amusement.

 

Fiona laid back on the couch while looking over a wedding magazine that Karin had given her to look at. Fiona was really grateful for all the help the older woman was putting in. Having helped with several weddings, including her own, Karin knew what she was doing most of the time.

 

The only problem Fiona could see was that her future mother-in-law was becoming quite a bit more insistent with her grandchildren scheme. `”Why are you so insistent on us having children?” she asked all of a sudden before she could stop herself. Her curiosity was just becoming too much.

 

Karin looked up from the stove where she was cooking what had to be a delicious meal with a smile on her face. “Is there a problem with asking?” Karin asked while she stirred whatever it was that was in the pot.

 

“Well… no, but I was just wondering. You already have one grandchild, yet it seems that you're more insistent about it than before,” Fiona spoke her mind since she knew that it was the way that Karin preferred it. Karin liked to be told the truth straight forward.

 

“Wouldn't you be if you've seen how cute children are?” she asked with a bright smile as she walked towards the woman that was like another daughter to her. “Do you really want to know the truth?” she asked as her face actually became a little less cheerful than anyone was used to.

 

Fiona sat up straight and actually grew a bit worried when she didn't see the normally happy smile on the older woman's face. She just nodded her head slowly and hesitantly. She just felt like she had to know though. She didn't want to pry but she couldn't help but wonder.

 

Karin took a seat and a calm smile passed over her face. “To put it simply, Van and Maria are miracles,” she said but decided to elaborate when she saw the confused look on Fiona's face. “When I was fifteen, I was in an accident. The result was that I wasn't supposed to be able to have children,” she said sadly as she looked towards the floor.

 

Fiona couldn't believe what she was hearing. She never would've thought that something like that could happen to such a wonderful woman. “I'm sorry to hear that,” she said with sympathetic smile. She was really glad that things didn't turn out that way but she just couldn't help but feel sympathy for the woman.

 

“It's ok. It was thought to be impossible but then I suddenly had Maria. No one could figure out how it was possible. Then a few years later I got lucky again and had Van. I shouldn't have had the two of them but I did. It may sound really strange but the accident was one of the best things that ever happened to me,” she said with an embarrassed laugh.

 

“Wow. To have two children when you weren't supposed to really is a miracle,” Fiona said in shock. Fiona couldn't help but wondered how it would even be possible for an accident like that to be the best thing to ever happen to her. She just waited hoping that Karin could explain.

 

Karin actually laughed more. “I bet you're wondering how it could possibly be happy about it,” Karin stated and received a nod in return. “You see, I only had two true friends at the time, your father and another old friend. I had others but those two were the only ones that really stayed with me and helped me through the accident,” she said with a fond smile at the memory.

 

Fiona thought she understood a little better. “So the accident just showed you who your true friends were. I know the feeling. When I was in the hospital, all my closest friends remained with me when I needed them the most. My own mother didn't even come to see me,” Fiona said finding little amusement in her last words. It was something she knew she should've expected. “Yet you had people like Dan and my father to help you,” she said finding it to be a really nice story.

 

Karin just laughed a little more much to Fiona's confusion. “Actually, I didn't even know Dan before then. I met Dan shortly after the accident and we started to go out. He was so kind to me during all that time. I just didn't have the heart to lie about my predicament when we really started to become close. So I told him the truth. I expected the worst out of it since he was the type of man who wanted a family of his own. He was upset but he didn't leave me for it. It actually brought us even closer than before. He actually asked me to marry him shortly after that. It's embarrassing to say this but when he first asked, I accused him of just doing it out of sympathy for me,” she said with a blush of embarrassment.

 

“Then I told her the truth,” Dan said as he walked into the room with a sleeping Michael in his arms. “That I was doing it because I loved her. That I was disappointed about the idea of not having children but that it didn't matter to me. I asked her to marry me because I wanted to. I loved her and that was the only reason I needed,” Dan said walking over and giving his wife a quick kiss.

 

“His explanation was a lot more complicated than that but wasn't any less important. Needless to say, I didn't wait another second before I agreed. Then, I somehow had Maria shortly after we were married. Things were great afterwards. I didn't even expect Van. I admit that we tried but we never actually thought that it would happen again,” she said becoming her normal happy self in an instant. “To answer your question, it is because I never thought I would have them before I had Maria and Van,” she said with a bright smile.

 

Fiona was in tears by the end of the story. She thought that what Dan did was one of the most loving acts by anyone. He married her even when he knew she couldn't have children when he wanted some of his own. `I now see where Van gets it all from,' Fiona thought as she wiped her tears away. “I'm glad that things worked out that way. I got to meet Van because of it,” she said with a smile.

 

“I just know that you and Van are going to be just as happy as Dan and I are. Probably with a lot more children though,” she said with a grin that caused Fiona to blush a deep red which Karin laughed at. “You two have been through a lot more. So I would say that it's possible for you to be even happier though,” she said as an after thought.

 

Fiona couldn't help but smile at the thought. “I somehow know that we will. I promise that we'll have plenty of children for you to love,” she said since she too wanted many beautiful children from Van.

 

“Yay!” Karin said like a little kid. She was definitely proof that you grow old but don't have to completely grow up. Just about everyone in the room couldn't help but laugh in amusement at her antics.

 

Fiona smiled and went back to looking at the magazine. She didn't notice that Karin calmed down and was staring at Fiona as if lost in some sort of memory. `They're so much alike. So I just know that they'll be just as happy,' she thought before returning to her food which was nearly finished.

 

*****

 

Fiona couldn't help but dread this day ever since the trial started. That day was the day that she'd have to be questioned. She'd have to relive those attacks for everyone to hear. She'd rather that she didn't have to go up though but she knew her testimony was crucial to the trial.

 

She just sat there quietly while Karl organized his things off to the side. She was much paler that day than she normally was because the thought of talking about the whole experience scared her pretty badly.

 

“Just calm down. You'll only have to do this once anyways. The trial should be finished pretty soon. Then you'll never have to worry about any of this again,” Karl whispered and she just numbly nodded her head. He turned back to look at his papers but couldn't help but feel sympathy for the girl.

 

Fiona didn't even watched as her Ethan came into the courtroom dressed in one of the finest suit he had like all the other times that they'd been there. Fiona didn't even need to look to know this. She knew he was just trying to look good for everyone and to show that he had lots of money.

 

The judge came walking into the courtroom a few minutes later. Fiona's fear started to build since she knew that it would only be a few more minutes before she'd be up there. `Take deep breaths,' she told herself as her hands clenched into fists upon her lap.

 

She could barely even hear herself being called to the stand by Karl. It was only after he nudged her slightly that she got the idea and shakily stood up and walked towards the stand where she quickly took the oath before taking her seat. She felt like her legs were about to collapse from under her by that point.

 

Karl stood and approached Fiona. His face was masked of all emotions but Fiona knew that he was going to try and make this as easy on her as possible. “Miss. Lynnette, please tell the court your relationship to Mr. James,” Karl asked decided to go for simple questions at first.

 

Fiona took a deep breath and tried to straighten her thoughts. “W-we were engaged for about a month before this whole mess started,” she somehow managed to get out before taking another deep breath.

 

Karl nodded his head before spitting out his next question. “If you would, please give us an honest explanation of what that relationship was like before the night of the first attack,” he asked in a soft voice to try and calm her.

 

“Strained,” was her simple reply. “He was pushing for sex despite the fact that I kept telling him no. To tell the truth, I guess I didn't love him like a fiancée should. That was why I never even considered having sex with him before we were married,” she said honestly because she didn't want anyone to take her for a liar. That would only hurt her later.

 

Karl knew what Fiona was doing. He thought it might be the right thing but he was hoping that she would watch what she says. “Then why agree to marry him?” he asked with sympathy. `To tell the truth now, people would know that and would be more inclined to believe her,' he thought but was still wary about what would be said.

 

“I was in so much pain. The one I really loved I couldn't have because he was married. Ethan was kind to me at first. I guess I hoped that I could love him. It just kept getting harder and harder to do that though. He just kept disrespecting my wishes not to have sex with him,” she replied hesitantly. She just hoped that she wouldn't say the wrong things that would be used against her.

 

Karl nodded and decided to just get the hard parts over with so that she wouldn't have to stay up there much longer. “If you can, will you please tell us what really happened the night you left him,” he asked before taking a few steps back to give her more room.

 

Fiona cringed as memories of all three attacks kept coming back to her. “I- I came home late because I was having dinner with one of my closest friends, Moonbay Saix. He was angry and immediately threw around accusations of me cheating on him. I explained to him the truth but he wasn't satisfied. He wanted proof. He grabbed me and started to drag me towards his room. I admit that I slapped him for such a thing but then he hit me pretty hard because of it,” she said and rubbed her cheek where it had once been hit that night.

 

Fiona did what she could to get herself as composed as possible before she continued. “Afterwards, he grabbed my arm again and continued to drag me towards his room. I started to panic and told him to let me go. He wouldn't, he just held on tighter. I then bit his arm and he finally let go only to backhand me across the face again,” she explained and suddenly felt the sting of the pain in her face.

 

Karl listened carefully, as did the rest of the courtroom, as she made this statement. Anyone could tell that she seemed to not just be telling it but seemed to be feeling and reliving such a painful experience.

 

“I- I was thrown back and then he came up to me and punched me in the face. I fell to the ground and then had the air knocked out of me when he kicked me in the stomach. I was stunned and scared for a while before I did the first thing I could and kicked him in the nuts,” she said and just about every male in the courtroom flinched at the mention of it, none more than Ethan who grabbed his own nuts.

 

Secretly, Karl really hoped that Ethan was in excruciating pain afterwards. “So afterwards, you ran away from there?” Karl questioned and she just nodded her head. “Where did you go afterwards?” he asked kindly.

 

“To my current Fiancé, Van Flyheight's, place. We used to date in high school and would probably have married afterwards but my mother had a really big tendency to interfere with the best thing that ever happened in my life,” she said casting Van a small smile.

 

Karl could definitely understand that. The woman he saw a few days ago definitely was a big bitch and wanted to have things her way. “He had a wife at the time, is that correct?” he asked and she said yes. “Why did you go to him then?”

 

“Because I loved and trusted him more than anyone else I knew. I realize that nothing could come out of it but he was still a good friend to me. I just wanted to be around someone like that in those moments,” she said and nearly everyone could sympathize with her.

 

Karl was glad that she seemed to be looking a little better as the testimony went on. `It will just make it easier for her,' he thought before continuing. “What about the day of the second attack? What really happened that day?” he asked and took a step back again.

 

“It was a few weeks after the night I left Ethan. Van had decided to get a divorce from his wife and we got back together afterwards,” she started before taking a deep breath. “We'd gone to the mall that day and I went into a clothes store while he went to get us some ice cream. I'd only gone to the changing room to try on an outfit. In the middle of changing, Ethan suddenly appeared. I don't even know how since I know I locked the stall I was in. He claimed that it was to get me back but when I refused he slapped me again. I screamed for help and before he could do any serious damage, Van came and helped me out,” she said finding her words more confident than when she first started.

 

The more and more Karl heard her speak, the more and more he became determined to put Ethan away for as long as possible. “And the night of the third attack?” he asked without hesitation.

 

“Tiffany, Van's ex wife, lied to Van claiming that she was pregnant with his child. This caused problems between us. Moonbay and I had decided to go away for a few days to relax and hope that a solution to the problem could be made,” she started knowing that just about everyone was aware of the conflict between Van and his ex-wife.

 

It was a few moments later before Fiona continued. She hated thinking about that attack the most because it was the most painful one for her. “That night, Moonbay had been gambling and I was getting hungry. Unfortunately, she used most of the money and didn't have enough to get something to eat at the time. She asked me to go up to our room and get some more money,” she said and rubbed her side where the smallest of scars was still present. It was barely noticeable and the only one, but it was there.

 

“I went up to the room and grabbed the money before I realized that someone else was in the room. I turned around and he was there. I demanded that he leave but he didn't. He started to taunt me about my problems and I continuously told him to leave. I tried to call security but he cut the phone lines to my room. He continued to go on with his accusation that I cheated on him which ended up with him smacking me across the face,” she said but then hesitated since she didn't want to talk about the actual attack.

 

Once again, it was several moments before she could muster up the courage to talk. “He told me that he would never leave me alone because he thought I betrayed him. He said I needed to be punished for it,” she said remembering the night all too clearly. She could just about remember every word he said to her.

 

“That was when the actual attack began. He kicked me and then grabbed me by the hair and dragged me to my feet. He threw me onto the bed and then grabbed me again and threw me into the wall. He picked me up and all I could think at that time was that there was no one to help me. Moonbay couldn't hear me scream and Van was in a completely different city along with Irvine,” she said then remembered that was when things got really bad.

 

***Flashback***

 

`Van!' she mentally screamed in her head wishing that he'd come and save her like he did last time. `He doesn't even know where I am.' She thought feeling like crying that the one person she wanted at that moment wasn't there to save her.

 

“Van's not going to be here to save you like last time you little whore!” Ethan sneered before throwing her into a chair which ended up breaking it. “Bad girls need to be punished, that is what I'm planning to do,” she said walking over and started to kick her several times. He knew he probably broke a few ribs in the process but he didn't care since he was having fun.

 

Fiona couldn't breathe at that moment. Her ribs were killing her and she felt like she was about to suffocate. “Please, just leave me alone,” she begged him when she could manage to speak again.

 

“No!” Ethan yelled and picked her up by the collar of her shirt. He punched her in the face but didn't let go of her. He then lifted her above his head and then threw her into the mirror which shattered it just like the chair.

 

Fiona was barely moving at that point. Her body was already badly bruised. Her eyes barely opened to see him approaching her. “What do you want?” she was barely able to get out through all of her pain and the broken ribs.

 

“For you to die,” he said simply before kneeling down in front of her. “And for it to be slow and excruciating,” he said before picking up one of the shattered pieces of the mirror and looked at the sharp edges of it.

 

Fiona screamed loudly when he brought it down and started to cut into her skin. The screaming was hurting her even more but she just couldn't seem to stop herself. He just kept cutting into her all over her body leaving a pool of blood flowing underneath her.

 

Ethan seemed to get bored with it eventually and stood up. He threw the mirror piece off to the side. He looked down at her with a smirk before he once again started kick her over and over in the ribs. He then laid a kick to her head which made her roll several feet before coming to a stop.

 

Fiona felt the last bit of her consciousness leaving her in that moment. She was only conscious enough to hear him say, “Good riddance to bad trash,” before her world went dark with what she thought would be her last living moments.

 

***End Flashback***

 

Fiona was desperately trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall after retelling the entire night to the whole courtroom. It was just becoming way too much for her to think about. `I want to get out of here,' she thought in a panic.

 

Karl saw the state Fiona was starting to get into and thought that it would be best for him not to push it any further than it needed to go for her. “That will be all your honor,” he said before turning and walked back to his seat.

 

Mr. Anderson stood up actually looking a bit paler than her normally was. He just grabbed a few things and walked up the witness stand. “Miss. Lynette,” he started sounding much more normal than he looked at that moment. “If these so-called attacks actually happened, why didn't you report them to the police?” figuring that Van's answer wasn't what he wanted.

 

Fiona took a few moments to get herself together again and wiped the few tears that escaped from her eyes. “I didn't want any trouble. My entire life was a mess at that time. I didn't want to complicate it anymore with something like this trial,” she said in a weak voice.

 

Mr. Anderson just looked at her coldly for a few moments. “Miss. Lynette, have you ever had sex?' he asked hoping to catch her in a lie like Karl had done to him far too many times before this day.

 

Karl growled and stood up quickly. He didn't want to have Fiona go through any more pain which was what Tom was doing. “Objection your honor!” he yelled and grew more infuriated at the smirk that came up upon Mr. Anderson's face.

 

“I once again reiterate that these supposed attacks partly have to do with her supposed unwillingness to perform sexual intercourse with my client,” he said with a taunting smirk towards Karl.

 

The judge felt sorry for Fiona for what she had to do. It was obvious that the girl was in pain but she had to do her job. “Overruled, but watch your questions,” she warned Mr. Anderson who just nodded his head and repeated his question.

 

Fiona wasn't sure how she was going to answer. She was quiet for what seemed like several minutes as everyone waited patiently for her answer. “…Yes,” she said looking towards the ground refusing to meet the eyes of the horrible man that stood before her. “It was after I left Ethan though. I never had sex with him or anyone else before then. He just wishes that we did to boost his own ego,” she said taking a quick look in Van's direction and saw the comforting smile he was giving her.

 

Mr. Anderson was expecting her to deny it so he was taken off guard at that moment. “I thought you wanted to wait till marriage,” he said with a smirk when he finally managed to regain his composure a few seconds later.

 

“I did. I love Van with all my heart, which is why I don't have any regrets about it. Ethan sees women as tools for his own pleasure. I realize that I could never have been happy if I did such a thing with him. He's the type that would probably just leave after he got what he wanted,” she said and welcomed the warm glances that Van was giving her,

 

Mr. Anderson was rather unimpressed with her words so he decided to dig deeper into the attacks instead. “This supposed first attack that you described, my client only hit you after you hit him first. Could he have only done it in his own self defense?” he asked with a mask to block out all of his emotions for that moment.

 

Fiona shook her head no before glaring into the eyes of her ex. “I hit him because I was afraid he would try to rape me if given the chance. He hit me to try and keep me from resisting. There's a huge difference between what I did and what he did that night. So don't even try to put all the blame for this on me,” Fiona said feeling a little stronger than she thought she was.

 

“But you still attacked him first. It's only natural for a person to want to defend themselves. You also apparently were the one that ended it by leaving my client injured,” he said with a smirk before turning around. “No more questions your honor,” he said before taking his seat.

 

“You may step down Miss. Lynette,” the judge said before turning to the rest of the people there. “That's it for testimony, this trial will convene when the jury makes it's verdict,” she said slamming the gavel down and stood up before walking out of the courtroom.

 

Karl stood up and looked towards Mr. Anderson who didn't look as calm as he usually is. He was having a bit of an argument with his client. `This will finally end,' he thought turning to look at Fiona as she stood up and started to walk back.

 

Van stood up and walked towards the front of the courtroom as everyone else besides his family left the place. He just watched as Fiona slowly made her way back towards them. `She doesn't look too good,' he thought a bit worried.

 

Fiona finally made it to them looking pretty pale at that moment. “Is it over?” she asked and Karl just nodded his head. She smiled before suddenly passing out. Van was quick and caught her before she could hit the ground.

 

“I'd say that she's just tired and has had too much stress put on her today. Just give her some rest and she should be ok,” Karl said after looking her over very quickly. He was a lawyer but knew a bit about being a doctor from when he tended to Thomas after his younger brother got into a mess.

 

Van nodded and picked Fiona up bridal style and just carried her out of the courtroom. He ignored everyone who gave him odd stares and made his way to his car where he carefully put Fiona inside. He had a few quick words with his parents before he got in as well and drove off to go home.

 

*****

 

Fiona moaned as her eyes fluttered open. She sat up and immediately took in her surroundings. She found that she was in their bed and that the sun was shining. “How did I… get here?” she questioned a bit confused.

 

“You passed out after your testimony,” Van said as he walked into the room. He walked over to her and gave her a kiss before sitting down next to her. “I took you back home afterwards. How are you feeling now?” he asked her looking at her with eyes that were filled with worry.

 

Fiona turned towards him and smiled that beautiful smile of hers. “Much better thank you. I didn't really get much sleep last night and I was really stressed while I was waiting and giving my testimony. I'm fine now,” she said resting her head upon his shoulder.

 

Van looked at her peaceful face and couldn't help the smile that crossed his face. “I'm glad. I have to admit that I was worried,” she said wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “You should rest a little more. Right now we only have to wait for the jury to make it's decision before this is all over,” he said lying her down upon the bed.

 

When he knew that she was comfortable, Van stood up and prepared to leave the room when he felt Fiona grab a hold of his arm. He looked down at her with a smile. “Do you want anything?” he asked her in the fondest voice he could manage.

 

“For you to hold me,” she said and was really happy when he just climbed into the bed next to her and took her into his arms. She smiled as her eyes closed and she relaxed into his embrace knowing that this was where she wanted to be for the rest of her life.

 

Van had his eyes closed but he was still awake long after Fiona had gone back to sleep. He loved the feel of her in his arms and never wanted to let her go. `Now that this is ending, we can put our full attention towards our wedding,' he thought feeling himself starting to drift off to sleep.

 

The suddenly ringing of the phone took him from such ideas. He quickly grabbed the phone and answered it before the ringing had any chance of waking Fiona up. He walked out of the room before he said anything. “Hello?” he answered trying to hold back his irritation at being interrupted.

 

“Van, this is Karl Shubaltz,” Karl said which immediately made Van straighten up. He knew this had to be serious because that was the way that Karl sounded. “I'm calling about the trial. The jury has already reached a verdict,” he said which shocked Van a great deal.

 

“So soon?” Van questioned but didn't even wait for an answer before he decided to continue on. “Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I mean, we just finished hearing witnesses earlier today,” Van said sounding a bit worried.

 

“I don't know. It just means that the jury knew their answer before they went in. Anyways, the trial will resume tomorrow at noon to hear the verdict. I have high hopes for this case so try not to worry,” he said and Van felt a little better at the idea. “I would suggest that the both of you rest up,” he said before the phone line went dead on the other end.

 

Van hung up the phone in deep thought. He just decided to shake all of those thoughts of things going badly out of his head before he headed back to his and Fiona's room. He looked at her for a few moments before crawling back into bed with her and took her into his arms. He closed his eyes and was soon fast asleep, just like she was. He figured he'd just tell her in the morning so that she could get a peaceful nights rest, which was something she'd been lacking these past few days.

 

*****

 

Fiona's reaction was just like Van's when she was told about the verdict already being made. She expected it to be several more days before a verdict would be made. “How come you didn't tell me about this yesterday?” she asked while putting on her best suit.

 

“Would you have been able to sleep with the idea that such a big decision was going to be made today?” he asked her back which she just shook her head. “You were exhausted yesterday. You needed some rest and I wasn't going to ruin it. I didn't want you to pass out like you did in the courtroom again since you haven't been sleeping very well,” he reasoned and she just nodded her head.

 

Van noticed how nervous Fiona looked and walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Just relax. No matter what the verdict, I won't let him come anywhere near you afterwards,” he said smiled when her body tension eased up. He knew she was still nervous but he managed to take most of it away with just those few words.

 

Van took Fiona's hand and they walked out to the car and then drove to the courthouse. The normal crowd of reporters were there because Ethan was a well known businessman and that this verdict could cause him to lose everything.

 

The two of them just ignored anyone trying to get an interview and walked into the courtroom. Van's family was behind them and did the same but they weren't the ones that the press really wanted to talk to.

 

Karl was waiting for them just inside the doors. He didn't say a word as he turned and led them towards the courtroom. They just followed behind him quietly and took their seats once they were inside.

 

Fiona immediately took notice that Ethan and his lawyer were there and both weren't looking as confident as they usually were. She silent was glad that he was finally starting to worry about the possibly spend the next several years in a prison. She didn't want him to do this again to her or anyone else.

 

Van leaned forwards over the railing so he could speak with Karl. “Exactly how many charges does he have going against him?” Van asked making sure that it was loud enough for Ethan to hear. He wanted to make the guy really start worrying.

 

“Attempted rape, sexual harassment, two counts assault and battery, one count assault, attempted murder, and a few other minor charges. I was wrong in my original estimate now that more charges have been brought up. I'd say he'd be going to jail for prison for somewhere around twenty to thirty years if convicted of all these charges,” Karl explained and even Van was slightly shocked.

 

Van grinned and looked towards Ethan who looked really pale in that moment. `That asshole deserves every bit of his punishment,' he thought glaring at the man who avoided any such contact with anyone.

 

The judge came out a few moments later and the jury came out a few moments after that and took their seats. No one could tell what it was that they were thinking about in that moment. It just made the people in the courtroom more anxious to hear what the verdict would.

 

A few words were said by the judge before she turned towards the jury. “Has the jury reached it's verdict?” she asked and the guy in charge said yes. “On the count of assault, how does the jury find the defendant?”

 

An older looking man stood up straight and looked towards the judge and then towards the rest of the courtroom. “We, the jury, find the defendant, Ethan James, guilty,” he said in a serious voice.

 

Fiona let out the breath that she didn't know she'd been holding at that moment. She knew she couldn't count her chickens before they hatched. She'd just hoped that there would be enough o keep him as far away from her as long as possible.

 

The judge nodded and then continued. “On the first count of assault and battery, how do you find the defendant?” she asked returning her attention back to the man standing in the jury stand.

 

The guy took a deep breath before continuing. “We, the jury, find the defendant, Ethan James, Guilty,” he said and there was a murmur that erupted throughout the courtroom. Just about everyone knew what was going to happen next.

 

The judge nodded and looked at a piece of paper in her hand. “On the second count of assault and battery, how do you find the defendant?” she asked taking a look towards Ethan and then towards the jury.

 

The man's eyes appeared to be blank in those moments making it hard for anyone to easily predict what it was that he was going to say. Everyone had a guess though. “We, the jury, find the defendant, Ethan James, guilty,” he said and a bigger murmur went out.

 

Fiona was feeling more and more at ease as the proceeding went on. She knew that with just those charges that she wouldn't have to worry about Ethan for a long time. She wondered just how much her luck would hold out though.

 

The judge nodded and appeared to be thinking about something before turning back to the jury once again. “On the count of attempted rape, how do you find the defendant?” she questioned without emotion.

 

The juryman looked towards Ethan who was shaking in rage at that moment before looking towards Fiona who was finding the desk really interesting. “We, the jury, find the defendant, Ethan James, guilty,” he said without emotions.

 

Van watched on with a relieved sigh that he was getting exactly what he deserved. He knew that there was only one big charge left and he had a pretty good idea just what it was going to be. `Either way, he's going away for a long time,' he thought with a glare towards Ethan for hurting the one he loved most.

 

When asked about the final charge of attempted murder, the juryman took a deep breath. “We, the jury, find the defendant, Ethan James, guilty,” he said and Fiona let out another breath of air which shed been doing after each verdict was made.

 

Ethan stood up quickly and couldn't believe his ears as he was found guilty of all the smaller charges as well. `This can't be! How dare she!' he thought turning his anger towards Fiona. “You stupid bitch!” he yelled and lunged out at her.

 

Van was once again quick to react and jumped over the divider and into Ethan's path. He punched Ethan in the face really hard and when that didn't stop Ethan, he kneeled the guy in the gut which made him crouch over in pain and lack of breath while the judge called for order in the court.

 

Ethan was stood up and handcuffed. The judge just watched. “The sentence for Mr. James will be twenty to twenty-five years in prison with parole possible in fifteen on good behavior,” she said over the noisy crowd.

 

Fiona just couldn't believe that it was over and that they had won it all. She was happy and she threw herself into Van's arms and kissed him passionately which he was more than happy to reciprocate. “We won!” she said in his embrace.

 

Van smiled down at her and kissed the top of her head. “Yeah, now you won't have to worry about him coming after you again. Now we can get to the real planning for the wedding as well,” he said which just made her even happier. He hoped from now on that she'd always be able to smile like that from now on.

 

Karin stood off to the side watching the scene. Her face seemed to be lost in a memory from long ago. `Every time I look at you I continue to see it. I'm surprised that neither of you have realized the truth about Fiona's birth quite yet,' she thought with a sad smile as another memory assaulted her.

 

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she turned and saw her husband giving her a sympathetic look. “I just don't think that I can keep it a secret anymore. I'm ruining one of the best memories I have because of this stupid lie!” she said as slight tears came to her eyes.

 

Dan led her out of the courtroom so that the two of them could be alone. “Please just wait a little longer. George's lie went farther than he meant for it to go. Just give it time. I'm certain that she'll know the truth before long,” he said wishing his wife would just cheer up.

 

Karin didn't say anything. She just stared towards the ground with emotionless eyes. “This has got to be the stupidest thing he ever did! If he wasn't dead then I'd kill him myself right now,” she said finding the idea rather amusing.

 

Dan rolled his eyes at his wife's antics. “You sure know how to change your mood quickly,” he muttered only to receive a glare from Karin. “You've lasted a few years, a few more weeks is all that you'll need to wait.”

 

*****

 

Fiona sat on a swing in a park that was near the courthouse. She decided to go for a walk by herself for a little to clear her head of all the thoughts that had been plaguing her since the trial had begun.

 

She watched as many people walked by. Couples, families, and many others walked by. She watched the families the most. She kept dreaming of having one of her own with Van as the father of her children. `In a few weeks, I'll be marrying Van and then that could happen,' she thought with a smile on her face.

 

“What are you doing?” Moonbay asked walking over and took the swing that was next to Fiona. “Van was looking for you. You just suddenly took off without a word,” she said swinging back and forth a little.

 

“Just trying to clear my head. This trial has been so stressful that I haven't been able to do that. Sometimes I just need to get away from everyone, even Van, and just be by myself,” Fiona said with a small smile. She loved Van with all her heart but she did like to be alone at times as well.

 

Fiona watched as a mother walked by carrying her child in her arms. She sometimes envied children like that for having a mother that actually cared for them. She was stuck with a mother that didn't love or even care for her. “I'll never talk to her again!” Fiona said in an angry tone.

 

Moonbay didn't even need to ask to know who the woman Fiona was talking about was. “Screw her! She abandoned you when you were a baby and she abandoned you again when you needed family the most!” she said finding the thought of the woman to be enough to make her blood boil.

 

“I'm never going to be like her! When I have children, I'm going to love them like a mother should! She's nothing but a bad memory to me now. As far as I'm concerned, I have no mother!” Fiona said with bitterness laced into ever.

 

“That's the spirit!” Moonbay said deciding to look on the brighter side of the situation. “Come on Fiona. I'm sure Van's worried sick about you,” Moonbay said standing up and Fiona did the same shortly afterwards.

 

The two of them walked in silence back to the courthouse. On the way, Fiona noticed a shop and stopped to look at the display in the window. There was a beautiful wedding dress. She could just imagine what hers would look like when she wore it on her wedding day to Van.

 

“It's beautiful,” Moonbay said looking at the dress as well. “I'd say it would suit you perfectly. Van probably won't be able to keep his hands off of you if he saw you in it,” she said before turning and started to walk the rest of the way to the courthouse.

 

Fiona stayed still and continued to look. It wasn't the exact one she wanted to get since she had yet to decide. It was the idea of being able to wear such a beautiful type of dress on that perfect day she'd be marrying Van on.

 

She just smiled and turned and continued to walk back to the courthouse. When she got there she saw Van waiting for her. He looked worried but smiled when he saw her. He never said anything to her about it. He just walked over to her and threw his arm around her shoulder before leading her towards the car.