Thirty-Eight

I wake up the next morning feeling exhausted and anxious for Ryan's preliminary trial today. I never thought this would happen and we raised a good amount for the bail money. I was mainly hoping against hope that my father would let him go.

By the time I got to the office I felt like three hours had passed when in reality an hour passed. That was including walking to work and getting ready which wasn't bad. Everything felt surreal.

Mark put his hand on my shoulder causing me to jump almost out of my seat. "Are you okay?"

"Hmm?" I ask absentmindedly biting my lip.

"Is everything okay?" He ruffles my hair causing me to scowl.

"Oh. Yeah." I say shaking thoughts of Ryan from my mind. "Do you need your coffee and breakfast sir? Also, any snacks or drinks for the meeting later or are there any meetings for today?"

"Athea, are you sure because today is my no meeting day. You set that up to keep me from overworking."

"Oh crap that's right? I'm sorry. My brain is lagging behind a little bit. My weekend has been kind of crazy." I say honestly without giving too much away.

"Well, I heard they got the guy who kidnapped you." Mark said with a look of relief and worry. "You can go home and work from there."

"No. I'm fine Mark. Thank you though. Do you need me to run and grab you anything?"

"No. I'm good."

"Holler when you do." I say to Marks' retreating back. I really needed to get my head together. My phone vibrates a few hours later after I had gotten three manuscripts edited and one read and thrown in the later pile.

"Hey honey. The trial is going to be at four. Can you make it?"

"Yes. I'll be there mom. See ya' then." I send my mother a quick text. I was pretty aggravated and she only sent me one text. She can make my blood boil faster than anyone else.

The rest of the day went by quickly. I wasn't really ready to hear my father's verdict on the man I love but I needed to be there. I needed to show my support for Ryan this time not my father. I couldn't blindly follow my fathers' rulings anymore. I made sure Mark didn't need anything else before I clocked out for the day and was pleasantly surprised when he handed me a gift card to a Spa day.

"Um...thank you?" I said slowly as I took it. I wasn't sure how he meant it but I was grateful for it.

"You've dealt with a lot and I figured you could use it this weekend or something to de- stress." Mark said. I watched him carefully and saw he was being sincere and a boss not someone trying to flirt.

"Thank you sir. I appreciate this very much."

He nodded and I walked out of his office.

I got to the main doors and braced myself with a deep breath before stepping outside and starting my walk to the courthouse. It was a thirty minute walk. I had time to calm my nerves and fake a smile when I saw my parents. I had time to prepare my speech to my father about how I was going to support Ryan instead of him this time.

Before I knew it I was at the courthouse even after stopping to get a double Oreo caramel frappe. I put everything through the scanner and was greeted by the security guards. They knew me because of my father. I was a familiar face because I always came and supported him for his trials.

I walk into the judges chambers and see my father slipping his robe on.

"I didn't think you were going to make it. He's already in the courtroom." My father says looking at me pointedly.

"I only came in here to let you know that this time around I am publicly showing that I am not supporting your decision. I feel that besides me you are not taking everything into account. Especially considering the evidence I gave you proving Uncle Chris' innocence which I believe should be played for everyone to see in that courtroom today." I said bluntly. That was not how I wanted this to go. I wanted him to see how much I care for Ryan and not think I was doing this out of rebellion.

"Then go." My father looked like he was hurt by my bluntness. I couldn't help it. I told him he would lose me if he put Ryan in prison.

I walked into the courtroom and see that news channels were there to record the trial. My face heats up because this is going to national. Mustering up the courage I sit behind him and touch his shoulder and I hear questions start behind me. So many people were wanting to know why I was not supporting my father in this decision and why I was taking the side of the man who kidnapped me. I don't blame them; I would too if a known public supporter was suddenly sitting on the defendants side.

"Athea? Why are you sitting on the defendants side instead of sitting on the publics side? Isn't the judge your father?" The reporter shoves a microphone in my face. I mustered up all the courage I had and looked at the camera.

I turn to look at the reporter and smile. "Yes my father is the judge. I am supporting Ryan because he deserves to be supported and he is also my boyfriend. Now if you will please focus on the judges chamber door so you can capture this moment in history that would be great." A little more venom than I would have liked seeped into my words and the world would probably hear my distaste.

I turn back around and Ryan turns in his seat to smile at me.

"You look great in a suit." I say with a wink.

"Did your father say anything about the video?" Ryan asked me. He looked slightly worried but also relieved to see me on his side. It filled me with happiness.

"Not yet. However before I came in here I spoke to my father about that and my support for you."

"You told him you're supporting me?" He looked incredulous.

"Of course." I tap his shoulder signaling for him to turn around and stand. Even though I did not feel the least amount of respect for my father at the moment.

We all sat in surprising unison when Judge Carter sat down.

"I would like to start out by saying that some evidence has come to light to me this weekend about my previous case dealing with the mafia member Chris. He has been proven innocent. With that in mind I would like to start with his nephew Ryan." My father took a break and looked at me. "How do you plead Ryan?"

"Not guilty your honor."

"Young man, after reviewing the evidence brought to my attention I believe that you were just trying to plead your uncles' innocence. You did go about it the wrong way and sadly as the victims father I can not press charges. She is not a minor. She has informed myself, her mother and the police officers who arrested you that she has no intentions of pressing charges ever. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and give you five years probation no bail is to be set."

I covered my mouth with my hands as my father looked at me. "My daughter has gone out of her way to protect you, prove your uncles' innocence herself, and to tell me time and time again how much she cares for you. You have also never been involved in any illegal activities and as my daughter has also pointed out you and your family would never be dumb enough to get caught. You are to walk to the payment station where they will assign you a probation officer and for you to pay your court fees." My father stood up and walked to his chamber doors and I couldn't help but jump over the railing separating Ryan from me. Ryan was just set free. He was set free!

I launched myself at him and he caught me easily as I wrapped my legs around his waist kissing him on the lips. I didn't even care that this was probably being recorded. I was ecstatic and filled with happiness.

Ryan got off. My father listened to me and let Ryan off. His Uncle has had the charges against him dropped and Meghan and her family have hopefully been arrested.

"So...I'm your boyfriend on live television uh?" Ryan asked smiling against my lips.

I nodded smiling back and dropped down. I walked with him to get his parole officer and I couldn't stop touching him. I was hoping that this moment would never end.

News traveled and was sent on television fast. The recap of Ryan's trial was a brief video compiled together of my father walking out of the courtroom and Ryan holding me up with my legs wrapped around him kissing him.