Chasing Daylight

Chapter Forty-Four

I ask the traffic lights if it will be alright

They say "I don't know"

-Taylor Swift

Maria

I was nervous as I got dressed the next day. Mason sat on the edge of my bed as I pulled my hair back. My hands were shaking so much that it was next to impossible.

"Babe, you've got to calm down," Mason said gently. "Take a breath."

"I know, I'm just so worried," I sighed. "What if he changes his mind? What if he says something to me? What if he tries to hurt me again?"

"Maria, I promise nothing is going to happen to you," Mason said seriously. "No one in that room will let anything happen to you."

"I know," I nodded taking a breath and fixing my hair quickly. A knock on the door indicated that my Uncle had arrived.

"You're going to be fine," Mason said giving me a hug before we moved to the door.

"Maria! Mark is here," Max called. Mason took my hand and led me out to the living room. I bit my lip nervously hoping everything was going to turn out okay.

"Hi honey," Uncle Mark said kindly. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, of course," I nodded trying to keep my voice steady.

"Bye babe, we'll see you at dinner tonight?" Mason asked.

"Yes," I nodded giving both Mason and Max a wave before following my Uncle to the car.

"Maria honey you seem nervous," he sighed as we got into the car.

"I guess I'm just a little scared of seeing him again," I replied. "I'm scared that he won't follow through."

"You don't need to worry about that. You will have me, his mom, a judge, and both our lawyers there. You don't need to worry about him hurting you and you don't need to worry for even a second that he isn't going to plead guilty. His mom won't have it any other way."

"I just hope this goes by quickly. I just need everything to go back to normal."

"As long as you promise to call more," Uncle Mark smiled.

"Of course," I nodded. "For a long time, it was really hard to talk to you because of the secrets I was keeping about Kailey. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders now, and I'm really sorry I ever hid anything from you."

"I know it was hard Maria," he said sympathetically. "You know I could never be upset about any of that. You did what you needed to do."

I just nodded and trained my eyes on the window watching as we pulled up to the intimidating grey building.

We were led through a long tan hallway by some man in a suit before being shoved into a basic room with only a long table and chairs on each side. Mr. Burden was already in the room when we walked in and Trent's mom came shortly after.

"Oh Maria honey," she said as soon as she spotted me. I watched her eyes fill with tears as her lawyer guided her towards the seats across from us instead of letting her come up to me. I just looked down at my lap unable to meet anyone's eyes. I mean we were here because her son had raped Kailey and attempted to rape me. When the door opened again, I felt myself tense up. When I looked up again, Trent was sitting across from me looking worse for wear. He had deep circles under his red-rimmed eyes and I felt the guilt turn in my stomach. Despite everything, I remembered the good times we had all shared as a group. He had helped me through the loss of my father.

"Let's get started, yes?" The judge asked as he walked into the room. We all nodded as the judge sat down at the head of the table.

"This is the case Katherine Wellington V. Trent Wright?"

"Yes," I said my voice wavering as I looked to the judge. "Trent, how do you plead to the charges of trespassing and assault?"

"Guilty," Trent answered his voice melancholy.

"Great a nice simple case," the judge nodded. "You will be sentenced to two years for the trespassing and five for assault."

"Yes sir," Trent nodded and I watched his mother wipe her eyes. The judge signed a paper and pressed a button and a second later a sheriff walked in with handcuffs and Trent was carted off. My Uncle turned to talk to Mr. Burden and Mrs. Wright came to talk to me.

"Maria sweetheart, I just want you to know how deeply sorry I am for everything my son has done to you and your family," she said tears streaming down her cheeks.

"It isn't your fault," I replied. "I appreciate your sympathy though."

"You've always been a good person Maria," she said kindly. I just nodded knowing that I couldn't have this conversation any longer. Luckily Uncle Mark looked over and I'm sure he noticed my face changing into that of panic.

"Maria, we should get going sweetheart," he called waving me over. I nodded jumping up to go and stand near him. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders protectively. He gave a wave to Mr. Burden before leading me out.

"Are you alright?" He asked worriedly.

"I will be," I answered.