Hardin Scott has been madly in love with Tessa Young since the moment he first laid eyes on her, but there's no way she could ever see him as anything more than a friend. After all, he's a bad boy with a promiscuous past and she's a sweet and innoce...
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING - SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS! ⚠️
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Emma and I find seats, while I anxiously watch Tessa walking away with the people she was talking with.
"Don't worry, she's strong. She'll be fine," Emma says as we sit down.
"Emma... does Tessa ever talk to you about what happened that night with Neil?"
"No. After you helped her through her depression, she never mentioned it again. Why?"
"I'm just really worried about her."
"Because of today?"
"No... When she got the call about the trial, I came home to find she had finished a bottle of wine and she told me she was thinking of hurting herself," I try to explain without tearing up.
"No, she didn't tell me she was having thoughts like that. I had no idea. I feel awful for not noticing that sooner."
"I didn't know either, but now it's all I worry about."
"Let's just help her through today, then we'll find a way to make sure she doesn't ever feel that way again. Okay, Hardin?"
I silently nod while looking at my fidgeting hands.
"You're good for her, Hardin."
"What?" I ask as I turn to look at Emma.
"You've helped bring her to life. You should hear the way she gushes about you. She's so in love with you. I've never seen her this happy. Ever."
"R-really?"
"Yes. As long as she has you, she'll be alright."
"Thank you, Emma. I really needed to hear that. You're a good friend... to Tessa... and me... I mean, if you want to consider me a friend."
"Of course, I do. You're a great guy. Things might not have worked out between us, and I was a little bummed, but you and Tessa are meant to be. And you can't fight fate," she quietly laughs.
"I'm glad you're in our corner. Do you think you could convince Tess to walk down the aisle with me anytime soon?"
"I'm not sure, but don't worry if she doesn't right now. You know she's not going anywhere."
I nod in agreement as the judge walks in. Suddenly, my heart is beating too fast and my palms are sweaty as we're instructed to rise for the judge. I look over at Emma and she gives me an encouraging smile. It helps calm me a little.
As the trial starts, I get more anxious with every girl called to testify. I'm worried for Tessa, but I'm also dreading hearing what she has to say. I know I have to control myself, but I'm afraid it will be too much for me to handle.
My heart stops when I finally hear them call Tessa's name. I watch as she walks up to the stand and swears to tell the truth. The man questioning her doesn't look friendly. And from what I've heard so far from him questioning the other witnesses, he's not very sympathetic, either.
