“Are you feeling okay about tomorrow?” His voice was filled with concern and I thought it was very sweet of him to call me.
“To be honest, I’m really nervous. It’s hard to believe that I am going to see Brian again tomorrow. I just really hope that the judge doesn’t let him out. What am I going to do if that happens, Sebastian?” I could feel the panic beginning to rise in my throat.
“Calm down sweetie, everything will be okay tomorrow, I promise. You don’t have anything to worry about.”
“I know you said that everything would be okay but I’m still scared, I can’t help it.” I hated that Brian was even still a part of my life. I wished that he would just go away.
“Elena, listen to me. He will never be able to hurt you again.”
We chatted for a few more minutes then said goodbye and I clung to his words the rest of the day. I couldn’t wait until the next day was over.
I think I probably slept for a total of two hours that night and my stomach was in knots as I got ready for court the next morning.
Chloe took the morning off to be there for moral support and I was so thankful to have a friendly familiar face there for me. As soon as I walked into the courtroom I saw Brian, my throat closed up and I had to force myself to breathe. He looked at me, staring with a sinister smirk. A chill ran through me and I shuddered as I looked away and grabbed Chloe’s arm next to me as we walked to our seats.
She quickly turned to look at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Brian is giving me the creeps.”
She glared at him. “Just ignore him, he’s probably terrified and he’s just trying to intimidate you.” She stopped and looked at me before she sat down. “Take a deep breath, you’ll be fine, you can do this.” She smiled at me as she took her seat and then I went to sit with my lawyer.
He quickly went over a couple of last minute things before the judge came in and then before I knew it, it was all over. We were in that courtroom for about two hours and I swear the time flew by in two seconds. I learned a lot about how dangerous Brian really was and after learning what he did I was really happy that he was in custody. He was found guilty and for the first time in a very long time I was able to breathe a long sigh of relief. I didn’t know what his sentence would be yet, but I knew that he would be behind bars while we waited to find out.
Chloe and I did a quick little happy dance in the hall after we walked out of the courtroom and then give each other a huge hug.
"I knew that everything would be okay, Laney! You're not going to have to worry about him ever again; just you wait. I bet the judge is going to give him a really long, harsh sentence.”
“I hope you’re right, I really want to put this nightmare behind me forever.”
“I know I’m right. So, what did your lawyer say when you asked him when Brian would be sentenced?”
“He said it will be a couple of months.”
"Well at least he’s still in prison while we wait to find out how long he'll be put away. I just know that you’re not going to have to worry about him anymore, I can feel it.”
I linked my arm through hers as we walked to my car. “I pray that you’re right.”
We grabbed a quick lunch and then both headed back to work. I quickly called my parents and told them the good news. As I sat at my desk looking out the window, I couldn't wait to tell Sebastian the good news. I was deep into research on my computer when I heard a light knock at my door and looked up to see Bev standing there.
“Do you have a minute?”
I smiled at her. “Sure Bev, come in. Did I forget to do something?”
She laughed at me. “No, nothing like that. I just wanted to find out how court was today. I know you didn’t say anything about it but I could tell you were worried. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
She had such a calming spirit and I thought it was really sweet of her to ask so I gave her a friendly smile. “Thanks, Bev. Court went really well today, they found him guilty.”
She let out a deep breath and clasped her hands together. “Oh, that is such good news! You must feel like you can relax a bit now.”
I smiled. “Yes, I actually do.”
“How long is his sentence?”
“We won’t know for a few weeks, but hopefully it will be for a long time.”
“Well, don’t worry, I bet it will be.”
I smiled at her and she gave me a half smile as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair and I could tell that she wanted to say something else.
“Is there something else Bev?” My voice was gentle so that she would feel comfortable. Bev was an incredible assistant and she was very close to Sebastian so I wanted her to feel that she could ask me anything.
“I don’t mean to be nosy, but have you spoken to Sebastian?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact I have. He will be home today.”
“Is he doing okay? Is Jaden okay?”
“Yes, it’s tough you know, but he said they are getting through it.”
“That’s good. And the two of you, are you okay?”
“I think so, we are going to have dinner tomorrow.”
A huge smile spread across her face and she didn’t even try to hide how happy she was.
“That is wonderful news. He cares very much for you, Elena. It would be nice if you both could work things out.”
I was a little bit surprised by how blunt she was but her words were not lost on me. I could tell that she cared about him very much and he must have shared with her how he felt about me.
“One day at a time, Bev.”
"Okay, okay I will mind my own business. I better get back to work." She stood to leave and before she walked out the door she turned to me, smiled, and quickly said one last thing. “This is meant to be.”
I couldn’t help but smile, Bev definitely did not hold back and it was one of the many things that I liked about her. The rest of my day passed quickly and at around 6:30 I was completely exhausted so I headed home.
I felt really good when I got home and I was happy that the day was finally over. I scoured my closet for something nice to wear for my date with Sebastian, and I decided to wear a simple black tank dress that skimmed my figure with sling back heels. I couldn’t wait to see him. I went to bed early that night and as I lay in bed, thoughts of what Sebastian had just gone through flew through my mind along with thoughts of my dealings with Brian. Even with everything he was dealing with, Sebastian was concerned about me, and that meant a lot. I had just dozed off when my phone rang and jarred me awake.