Chapter Thirty - Six

The judge declared two minutes break as he step out to his office. Ryan's parents moved closer to him as they hold his hands to comfort him.

Few minutes later, The Judge entered the court room as everyone rise for honour him. He took his seat and instructed everyone to sit down.

The judge observed the court room with full concentration before he began.

" Before the court imposes sentence, I would like to call on both attorneys.." (faced the attorneys).. " Is there anything you wish to state to the court this afternoon?.." He asked

First Attorney stood up " Nothing for the government, Your Honor." replied calmly

Second Attorney stood as well " Not for the defense, Your Honor" replied calmly

The judge nod his head in acknowledgment and faced Ryan sitting beside his lawyer. Ryan looked towards his side and saw him staring at him curiously and stood up gently folding his hands together.

" Ryan Collins, you have the right to address the court this morning before imposition of sentence. Now, you are not required to say anything, if there's anything you'd like to say now's the time. If that be your choice, Is there anything with which you wish to state to the court this morning?" judge asked curiously

Ryan looked up to the ceiling with fresh tears dropping from his eyes to his neck before looking at the judge in a sympathy expression

" I never imagined this day would come and I will stand In front of multitude defending my innocence. I only wanted people to rejoice with me not here but situation brought it and just have to accept it.. I have loads of word to say but I will summarize it in a sentence. I only want the truth out maybe they I will be free from this scary daily nightmares..." He said, the whole Court stay silent including the judge who took his time to process everything.

" After hearing from both attorneys and the accuser.. have come to a conclusion that Ryan Collins is found not guilty and within the space time of 6 months, the culprit should be found... " He stood as everyone stand

Emily ran so fast towards Ryan and hugged him so tight. Ryan was so happy that she's in his arm. He love this woman and thank God he realized his feelings but he just did not know how she will take. He can't afford to lose her or her friendship. He hug her back with all passion pulling his neck on her shoulder as he felt her tears. He gently caress her cheeks and wipe her tears before kissing her on her forehead.

Ryan's parents left the court room leaving the two lovers alone even with Ryan's mother resistance but her husband practically dragged her out through the back of the door of the court. Their driver opened the door of the car.

Jessica got so angry with her husband

" Who gave you the right to drag me out of the court like a dog ?..." She yelled angrily

" Are you a dog?.. why are comparing yourself to an animal?.. I only dragged you out because I don't want you to create another drama for our son. he has gone through a lot in this past few weeks.. at least, give him a break"

" So?.. I am his mother and I know what's good for my son.. that that do useless girl is never good for my son.. her existence brings bad luck

" And you brought good luck?.. you've done so much damage in that innocent boy's life. infact what am I saying, you've done more harm than good in his life and you call yourself a mother.. you overheard what he said in the court right??.. guess what?. it brought tears from everyone's eyes not excluding the judge and you are saying that Emily caused this ? you are despicable.." He yelled angrily as his wife open her mouth in shock.

This is the first time, her husband would yell at her like that. it breaks her heart and Increased her hatred towards Emily believe she made her husband to behave this rudely towards her.

Ryan hold Emily's hands passionately, looked into her eyes tenderly with full concentration

" Thank you.. " He said staring at her

" For what Ryan?.. " She asked curiously

" For coming.. It gladens my heart to see you here inspite my wrongdoings.. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break your heart like that.. honestly Emily I respect you a lot and kissing you will not stop my respect for you. you're my best friend, I can't afford to lose you especially not now.. pls forgive me..." He muttered calmly, studying her reactions.

" Ryan can we forget this?.. let's ignored it like it never happened. you're my best friend and that's the most important here.. can we go home? " She said coldly

There's was a slight silent in the court room as the two best friends stares at each other in astonished. Ryan was beyond shocked to hear those words from her mouth and it breaks his heart but he kept quiet acting like a Man.

Ryan opened the door for her as they both stepped out to see the media waiting patiently for them with their ridiculous questions.

" Ryan sir, we apologize for saying those hurtful comments about you.. " One said

" Thank God you won this case, what would you like to say to your audience waiting at home ? " Another asked

" Is this lady your girlfriend?.." Another muttered

" When are getting married or you're not planning to marry anytime soon? " Another asked with their camera flashing at his eyes and Emily.

Emily hated this kind of life, a life filled with people interested in your daily personal life. She blocked her face with hands as the security men gently usher them to Ryan's car. Emily reluctantly entered the car because she didn't want to stay with Ryan.

Ryan avoid her eye contact as possible, he hate himself for giving in to his feelings and feel so vulnerable in front of her. He stylishly looked at her direction and saw her busy with her phone.

" Emily!!!!.." he called out, trying to get her attention. She looked at his direction perplexingly

" Yes.. you called me Ryan? " She asked reluctantly

" I'm sorry for causing this between us.. I really didn't mean to cause this little direction between us" He muttered softly

" There's no distance between us Ryan.. I'm just not in the mood to talk" She said

He sit properly facing her with full concentration while she looked at him curiously

" Look Emily.. you're my best friend and I'm not supposed to jeopardize our long time relationship just like that so I'm so sorry okay?.. but please don't be like this, this is not you okay?.. not my best friend, my best is jovial, very fun to be with not this attitude.. I know what I did was wrong and I'm to blame for that but pls don't restrict yourself from being you.. " He said calmly

She looked at the mirror and saw her house, she quickly thank her star that she wouldn't have to reply to his words because she has nothing to say. " Thank you Ryan.. I'm here in front of my house.. " She said, open the door of the car about to step out but Ryan stopped her.

Ryan stopped her with his hands, as she looked at both his eyes and hands on her shoulder curiously getting a little annoyed

" Thank you for coming today, I really do appreciate it despite our misunderstanding you came so thank you.. thank you so much, you show what a true friend can do and so sorry I kissed you.. it wasn't a mistake from my side because I will kiss you more if I had the chance but not to make you feel this uncomfortable. So sorry... " He said, removed his hands as she step out and shut the door behind her.

Ryan took a deep breath and instructed the driver to drive. Emily watched the car moving away from her view, she felt guilty for behaving like that to him especially after what he passed through this few days, the least she could do is to be with him and support but rather did otherwise infact made it worse. she entered her house, opened her fridge and took out a yogurt bottle and took the pancakes she left behind this morning to her room.

She checked her phone and saw Ryan's pic posted on top News headlines of the day, she szoom it larger with her hands and saw his sad face before entering the court. it hurt her but she messed up badly, closing her eyes as she imagine him smiling at her. Her mouth moved on it own

" I'm sorry Ryan.. very sorry... " she said you herself before falling into deep sleep.