Page 95 of Thorns That Bloom
Magnolia still has fire in her eyes when she speaks. “I’ve also taken it upon myself, like we’ve discussed, to look into bringing the original case back to court. That endeavor would take quite a bit more time and energy. I’d propose that we hold off on putting things in motion until after you give birth andget settled,” she says, easing off a little once her eyes glide down to my stomach with a smile.
“Yeah. I don’t think I’d be…up for that right now.”
“Of course. When you are, though, I’m ready to fight for all five of those monsters to get what they deserve. The time gap works in our favor, actually, since it’ll allow us time to do some preliminary research. We’ll try to dig up other dirt on them. Criminal histories, rumors, or possibly any previous victims, too. When people do something like that and get away with it, there’s usually more that was swept under the rug. By the time you’re ready, we should hopefully have all of that information at our disposal,” she says, glancing impishly at Gail next to her.
The thought of going to trial, of seeing them again and testifying and reliving everything, feels heavy and almost impossible, but…it could mean those men might finally face jail time for what they did. As they should’ve all those months ago.
It could also mean that any other victims there might have been would be vindicated, too. If for nothing else, I have to do it for them. And so it never happens to anyone else.
“Thank you so much. I will… I’m gonna prepare myself for it. I’ll do anything I can to help put them away,” I say, finally finding the confidence somewhere inside me.
Magnolia seems pleased. “You are braver than you know, Sam. Hopefully, we’ll speak again soon enough. In the meantime, Gail will be your point of contact. She’ll send over the essential paperwork and keep in touch about any additional questions or inquiries.”
Just as she says that, I get a notification about a message from Theo.
A wide, stupid smile appears on my face, no matter how much I try to hide it. The two women notice me getting distracted and share a quick glance.
“Well, that is all. We won’t take any more of your time. I know you said you were still at work,” Gail says, straightening her back.
“Thank you again. I…thank you so much.”
“You are very much welcome, Sam. I’ll email you the paperwork and let you know if there are any other important updates.”
We end the call, and for a few minutes, I simply sit in the quiet room, motionless. Cradling my belly with one hand, I rub my face with the other, still trying to believe it.
I won’t have to see him again. At least until the court, but that would be on my terms. In my control.
“We’re okay,” I whisper with a deep exhale and lean back into the chair. For a moment, I close my eyes, letting myself experience how good this peace of mind is. It washes over me like a cool, calming wave. It’s been some time since I’ve experienced it. Since I’ve felt this light.
Well, as light as Icanfeel while dragging around a five-pound melon inside my stomach. With a chuckle, I grab my phone and open the message from Theo.
What should I wear for the class? Is it like a casual type of thing?
My grin only grows wider. I wonder what Gail would think if she knew I’ve asked her alpha brother to come to theantenatal class with me.
It’s a pregnancy class. No one cares how anyone looks. Wear whatever.
I just finished the call. They said everything went well. I’ll tell you more later.
I rest my chin against my hand, swirling playfully on the office chair.
I’m excited. More than I should be. Mostly about the fact that I won’t be the only person alone again, but also because IwantTheo to be there with me to experience it. It’s the final one, and I haven’t been enjoying them very much so far. Not with the lovey-dovey couples always touching each other and kissing and excitedly chatting about their future all around me.
Now, just the idea of Theo being with me fills me with joy, and I wish I had asked him earlier.
That’s so AWESOME!! I knew they would be able to help you. I KNEW.
Okay. You’ll pick me up at six thirty. After the class, are we still coming to my place for dinner? It’s a fancy celebratory dinner now, I guess! *winking emoji*
My finger hovers over the empty text field. Going to Theo’s house is a big deal. Do I worry he would ever hurt me?No, of course not, but the smallest sliver of hesitancy is there.
I need to get over that reluctance. I want to push through, and I want to be happy again, the way I deserve.
That’s the plan. See you soon, handsome.
Biting down on my lip, I hesitate before pressing send.
After a little while, Theo sends back a winking, kissing emoji. I imagine him all the way downstairs and across the building, standing by his machine with that cute smile on his face.
