"Ella's already in the car" Bram says as he walk inside the house. We're on our way to Haarlem to talk to Kang's ex-girlfriend. The drive there isn't too long so we didn't really have to go there way too early. Ella thinks that we're going there for my job and she will be at a mall for an hour or so. Since Bram and Noah will go with us, they contacted a friend of them to hang out with Ella which is great since that friend will also bring her niece who is on the same age as Ella.
"I'll go get Jennie" I said before walking up the stairs. I walk towards the far side room, open the door and saw Jennie sitting at the bed facing the window. Since we arrived in Amsterdam she didn't really got a call from Kang which is a relief. He will only text her to check up on them quickly.
I approach the bed and sit right next to her carefully as I try to not startle her. Once I sit next to her she automatically lay her head on my shoulder without any word.
"Will you lay your head over someone who just went inside the room like this?" I said jokingly
"I know your scent by now" she said
"You're a vampire now?" I said and without even seeing her face I do know that she's smiling from my antics
"I mean if you will count the times that I have bitten your neck then sure-"
"Are you crazy?!" I said startled to hear her be vocal about such things. She lift her head and lean over so she can look me in the eyes with a coy smile on her face
"Don't act so innocent" she said rolling her eyes making me chuckle. She then lay her head back on my shoulder. I thought she'll stay on the same position but she scoot closer to rest her head on the crook of my neck and this time she wrap her arms around my waist and put both of her leg on my lap. I let her do so as I pull my arm out to hold on to her waist for support. "I'm nervous" she said quietly
"It's alright to be nervous" I said softly as I pat her back lightly
"I'm scared" she added
"I know" I breathe out and lean my cheek on her head "it's normal to feel those stuff especially when you're expecting so much from it. I will be right beside you, I will be here if you need a hand to hold, someone to lean on, or someone to prop your legs like this" I said which made her chuckle
"I know you will always be beside me.. and I'm glad you are" she said as she tighten her hug
When we finally arrived in Haarlem, we first dropped off Ella and told her that we will pick her up in about an hour and hang out together. Ella is a very social and friendly person, that's why when we told her about our plan of dropping her off of the mall first and letting her hang out with Noah and Bram's friend she didn't even ask why and told us she's excited to meet them. I can tell that Jennie is extremely nervous but I can't do anything else to assure her that everything will work out or go as we planned.
When the car came in to a halt a couple of minutes after we dropped off Ella, we saw a simple looking house in front of us. It's not very fancy, it looks like they're living comfortably.
"Here we are" Noah announced as they get off of the car first. Jennie didn't let go of my hand once and I can feel the change of her hand temperature from warmth to cold. I squeeze her hand to reassure her before we step closer to the front door of the house.
Bram took the lead and pushed the doorbell twice. We stand there patiently waiting for someone to answer the door. I rub my thumb on Jennie's knuckles to somehow calm her down even though that won't help as much. In less than a minute, the door open revealing a guy which I'm assuming is the fiancé.
"Please come in, she's expecting you" he said with a strong accent. We all step inside and walk towards their living room. In their living room there is a woman with a long blonde hair and her eyes immediately find us when we entered. At first look, she seems nervous about this but I can tell that she seem to have the courage to help out.
"Kelly, this is Ms. Jennie and Ms. Lisa" Noah said. The woman then stand up and offered her hand to greet us
"I'm Kelly, it's nice to meet the both of you. This is my fiancé Finn." she said so I shake her hand and so did Jennie. Her hand is also as cold as Jennie's. Finn also lean forward to shake both of our hands politely.
"Thank you for accommodating us" Jennie said. Jennie is a very confident person whereas she doesn't get too nervous like this when it comes to meeting someone.
"I'm sorry for not reaching out to you" she said towards Jennie as her fiancé pointed the couch so we can all sit. I pull Jennie's hand lightly as we step back to sit on the couch.
"No, it's more than enough that you let us in today" Jennie said which made Kelly give a tight-lipped smile
"I am very hesitant to give a statement. But both of these guys.." she said looking at the siblings "they were checking up on me every now and then. I also heard that you will go here which pushes me more on actually helping you. Having these people around you and helping you to reach out to me shows how much they wanted you to be free" she said looking at Jennie "And as promised, I recorded a video of me testifying and also a handwritten letter with my signature" she said pointing towards the coffee table infront of us. There is a flashdrive and an envelope which I think contains the letter.
"I'm really really sorry for taking your time. I know that it is hard to move on from such traumatizing experience and I am very grateful that you still chose to do this" Jennie said as her voice breaks a little "I'm sorry" she apologize once more
"You don't have to apologize for anything. You are the victim here." She said with a comforting smile "I used to be in your position where I couldn't ask anyone for help. And I know that you are in a deeper hell hole than I was. I was just his ex-girlfriend.. I runaway cause I can. I can't imagine being in your position where I'm tied to him through marriage and I also have to protect my own kid for custody" at this time Jennie's tears started falling because of Kelly's words "I'm glad someone stood by you and won't leave your side no matter how bad it can affect their own life" she said switching her gaze from Jennie to me. At this point, I also want to shed some tears
"Thank you.." Jennie says
"I hope my statement will help you" Kelly said
"We haven't heard anything from the court yet whether they need to summon you in person" Bram says
"I'll do my very best to make it there when they made a decision" she said making Jennie sigh out in relief
The whole room is silent for a couple of minutes. Kelly is just looking at Jennie and you can see the sympathy on her face. Jennie's trying to contain herself and stop herself from bawling out.
"I wanted to tell you how horrible Kang is.." Kelly said after a couple of minutes
"I kinda notice too" I said cracking up a little bit of humor to lessen Jennie's sadness. She did chuckle lightly as well as the rest of the people in the room
"I heard that you guys have been together for a long time before she met Kang" Kelly ask making me nod
"You are the one who helps her the most" Finn said making me smile a bit "I wasn't there for Kelly when she's going through her rough times... I wish I was. Though I probably will be very indecisive if I was in your position right now. I will chicken out most of the time " he added as he let out a small chuckle
"Jennie.." Kelly says as she turn her eyes back to Jennie "the journey is tough and it will be tougher. Arguing with Kang on occasion is already hard, it will be even harder in court where he has his attorney and he wants to prove something.. and take someone" she said talking about Ella's custody "but you are the mother. Even if you are not her biological mother.. you are still and will always be her mother. Fight for your right as a woman who deserves to be loved respectfully and to have the freedom like everyone else. Also fight for your daughter's right to be with a happy family, loving family, and a family that her biological mother entrusted her to"
