Soulmates

57

Today was the day.

I didn't sleep the night before, since the anxiety was bubbling in me. I was so afraid that Peter would only be sentenced a couple years. I was afraid of him seeing me. I was afraid of seeing him.

I was just afraid.

I got out bed at 7 and let Colby sleep so I could get ready. I walked into the bathroom and brushed my teeth then washed my face before getting in the shower since I didn't want to wash my hair today.

I stood in the hot water, taking deep breaths. I needed to get a grip before I freaked out. I needed to be strong today.

Once I was done in the shower I got out and started to do my makeup. I decided on a subtle look so I would look human but not like I was trying too hard.

When I was finished with my makeup I straightened my hair and fluffed it slightly. No matter how much I looked in the mirror I could still see the broken and scared girl that was trying to break through.

I needed to be stronger.

I let out a breath then went to go get changed into the black dress I had picked out. It was the one I wore to grams wake. I thought it was the right kind of appropriate for what I was doing today.

When I walked out of the bathroom Colby was buttoning up his shirt. He was wearing black and white dress pants and white button up shirt. He hadn't tied his black tie yet though.

As soon as he looked up at me he smiled slightly then walked up and put his hands on my waist. "You look beautiful." He said as I shook my head. "I should change." I said as his brow scrunched. "Why?" He asked as I looked down. "I don't want to look beautiful." I whispered as he put his fingers under my chin, lifting it slightly.

"You'll always look beautiful, V. Be beautiful for yourself though, nobody else." He said then kissed my forehead. I sighed then grabbed his tie so I could start tying it for him.

"I'm nervous." I said and focused on the black fabric in my hands. "I know, baby. I'm gonna be here for you though. Every step of the way." He said as I nodded. "You can't come up to the stand with me though...that's the part I'm scared of." I said and tightened the tie.

"I'll be in the crowd though, if you start to freak just find me, I'll be there." He promised then kissed me. I nodded then turned away. "We should go, we're gonna be late." I said then grabbed my purse.

When we got to the living room everyone was there, wearing their nice outfits. "You guys don't have to come, it's not that big of a deal." I said quietly as I picked at my skirt.

"You smoke crack." Ki said causing everyone to laugh. "I do not smoke crack!" I said with a laugh. "Right, you smoke weed, which reminds me." Ki said then grabbed a blunt from her purse.

"Smoke this on the way." She said and handed it to me. "Thank you, but this is gonna be a celebration blunt for when his ass is in jail for life." I said then set it on the coffee table.

"We're coming, V." Sam said and patted my back. "I appreciate you guys." I said as Colby guided me towards the front door. "We love you, V." Kat said as we made our way to our cars.

We all piled into the different cars then made our way to the courthouse. Colby held my trembling hand the entire drive, trying to keep me as calm as possible. I was so beyond grateful for him because I didn't think I would be able to do this without him.

My heart only raced more as we pulled into the parking lot. I didn't want to do this anymore. I just wanted to go home.

"You've got this, V." Colby said gently as he parked the car. "Yeah. I'm a badass." I said, trying to convince myself. "You really are." He said then let go of my hand so we could get out of the car.

We slowly made our way inside, then to the courtroom we needed to go to. When we got there everyone was sitting in the first row of benches.

I waved at them then made my way to Donna and Ellen who were going over some paper work. "Hey, sweetie. How are you feeling?" Donna asked as I shrugged. "Ready to get this over with." I said as she smiled slightly.

"So how this is gonna go is he's going to be brought in here, they will state the crime then his lawyer will try to make a case to prove him innocent." Ellen explained as Colby took my hand and held it tightly.

"Then you'll be called up to make your statement. You know what you're going to say?" She asked as I nodded. "You'll sit down and we'll take care of the rest. Okay?" She asked as I nodded again. "I understand." I said then looked at the clock.

It was already almost time for it to start which meant it was almost time to see Peter.

I was really fucking nervous.

"Go ahead and take your seat, we'll get started in a little bit." Donna said as I nodded and went to my seat with Colby.

"You're doing great." Colby said as we sat down. "Thank you." I said and kept my eyes on the judges podium.

I just wanted to get this over with.

After a couple minutes a bailiff came out from behind the door that was to the left of the judges podium. Behind him was two police officers escorting Peter into the room.

He was handcuffed in the front and was wearing an orange jumpsuit.

I felt my heart race as his eyes met mine and a huge smile formed on his face. I felt myself starting to hyperventilate slightly as he kept direct eye contact with me.

"Hey, focus on me." Colby said quietly, and pulled my face to him so I could look into his eyes. "You're okay." He said and gave me a reassuring smile as the officers turned Peter so his back was to me.

"All rise." The bailiff said, causing everyone in the room to stand up. An older man in a black robe came out and sat at the judges podium.

They said a couple words then had us sit down.

"Here we are gathered to discuss the sentencing of Peter John Chavez. Peter was convicted of kidnapping and stalking." The bailiff announced as Colby squeezed my hand.

I noticed Peter would keep looking back at me, making my heart race in my chest. "Justin Simmons, your case." The judge said and gestured to Peter's lawyer.

"Peter Chavez is not a kidnapper. Violet Richards agreed to everything that Peter wanted from her, thus making it impossible for this to be a kidnapping situation." The older man said as I shook my head, feeling the anger rise in my chest.

"Violet willingly went with Peter and stayed with him. She knew exactly what was going on." He said as Ellen stood up. "Your honor, he's lying!" She said as the judge put his hand up to her. "Out of turn." He said then looked at Peter's lawyer again.

I zoned out after that, not wanting to hear the lies that were being spoken of me. I refused to let him win now.

He was lying.

After a couple minutes I heard my name be announced, breaking me from my thoughts. It was my turn to speak.

"You've got this, V. I'm right here." Colby said and squeezed my hand as I stood up. I slowly made my way to the stand where I would have to do the oath.

I put my left hand on the Bible and raised my right hand. "Violet Richards, do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you god?" The bailiff asked as I nodded. "I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me god." I said then put my hands to my sides and walked to the stand.

I felt my heart race even more as my eyes scanned the crowd. I wasn't usually scared of crowds, but right now I felt vulnerable.

I felt like a victim.

When my eyes got to Peter's he smiled widely. "I love you, Violet. My beautiful bride." He said as a shiver ran down my spine. When I didn't answer a look of anger spread across his face.

"Violet, will you tell us what happened?" The judge asked as I nodded and took a deep breath. I let my eyes trail to Colby's so that I could get some comfort so I could speak.

Before I could open my mouth though I heard Peter yelling, "SHE'S MINE." Then pushing the cops next to him to the ground.

Then he looked at me, before charging the stand.