Miss Jackson {b.u.}

{82}

I stood in front of the jury. My lawyer next to me. Brendon and the kids behind me, as well as my family. My hand placed slightly on my bump. I was due in two months. It was crazy how time flies. I glanced over at Keaton—who had his hands behind his back. I looked back over at the judge, "we the jury, find the defendant, Keaton James Lethardo..." the judge began. Anticipation filled the room. I swear, you could hear a pin drop. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "...guilty on the counts of stalking, home invasion with intent to harm and harassment. The consequences for these crimes are five to ten years in prison. The state of New York grants the prosecution, Joanne Margaret Urie a restraining order against the defendant. Sentencing is set for Thursday at nine in the morning."

I took a sigh of relief, opening my eyes. I felt a few hands touch my shoulders and I looked around. I smiled a bit, with subtle tears in my eyes. The judge dismissed us and I stood at the table as everyone walked away. I watched silently as they put hand cuffs on Keaton. Him and I made eye contact and I took a deep breath. My eyes followed him before he disappeared. A gentle hand touched my lower back and I looked to my right, "Hey, you ready?"

I blinked fast to clear the tears. I nodded my head and smiled softly, "yeah...yeah. I-I'm ready."

Brendon smiled softly and I began to walk with him, "I have a surprise for you at home."

Clover took a hold of my finger, walking with me. I looked around to make sure all of the kids were around, "what do you mean?"

"You'll see."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes, looking away from him. We walked out of the doors, toward our car. The cold winter air blew against my skin, causing me to shiver a bit. Brendon quickly unlocked the car door and we packed the kids in. I got into the passenger seat and took a deep breath. I felt good. I just won and my crazy ex is going to jail. Im relieved that I don't have to live in fear. Brendon let out a sigh as he got in and started the car. He looked at everyone, making sure that we were okay.

Whatever Brendon had planned, I didn't like it. I hate surprises and I don't want there to be a surprise. I didn't like the anticipation or the anxiety that came with it and Brendon knows that. That's why he does it. He does it to fuck around with me. I tapped my fingers against my thighs, trying to relieve that twisting and churning feeling in my stomach.

As Brendon parked the car, I got out and he did too. The both of us took Clover and River out of the car seats and Daphne ran inside, probably so she could change. My hair was half up, half down and I was wearing tan suit pants with a white turtle neck tucked in. Clover and River ran ahead, running inside and I could see them disappear into the living room. Brendon took my hand and walked me to the front door, stopping at the doorway and pointed his hand out, "after you, darling."

I tilted my head, smiled and walked in, "thank you."

I heard him chuckle a little and he walked in behind me. Brendon shut the door and I began to shake my jacket off of my arms. Brendon quickly walked by me, walking backwards toward the kitchen, "dont go up and change. One; because you look really good. Two; because this is really important."

My eyebrows furrowed and my lips pushed outward. I tossed my jacket to the side and pulled all of my hair behind my shoulders. He waved me over, "follow me."

I walked a bit behind him. Following him to the kitchen. I was terrified. I was so terrified that I could pee myself. That's right. Piss myself. I took a deep breath and Brendon stopped in the kitchen and dining room. A feast of italian foods along the counters of the kitchen. The dining room table set. Italian music for christmas in the background. I jerked my head back, "Brendon.."

"I am surprising you...with The Feast of The Immaculate Conception," he began and took my hand, "i know you haven't celebrated it in a while, but, why not do it once?"