The Rookie and Me: Second Chances (COMPLETE)

Court Date

Today is the day. The day that I have to face my attacker in court. The day that I will be called onto the witness stand to describe every moment of that horrible day that I can possibly remember. The only thing keeping me calm about today is knowing that Tyler will be there to support me as best as he can. I take a long, hot shower and try to scrub away as much anxiety as I can. I wrap a towel around myself and stand at the double vanity. I wipe the fog off of the mirror and look at myself for a minute. 

Is this who I will be for the rest of my life? A woman that was beaten down, physically, mentally,  and emotionally for years. A woman that, even though I have the man of my dreams to come home to every night, still doesn't believe there is anything about myself to truly love. I am broken. I have been made to believe that I am not worthy of love. I will never be good enough for anyone or anything.

As my insecurities and thoughts start to consume me, Tyler walks into the bathroom and stands behind me. He leans down and wraps his arms around me. He leaves a trail of soft kisses along my cheek, down my neck, and stops at my shoulders.

He looks at me through the mirror and says, "God, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

I give him a half smile and stay silent. He knows I'm all in my head right now. He turns me around to face him and pulls my head to his bare chest. He holds me close and kisses the top of my head. We stand quietly in each other's embrace for a few minutes, just listening to each other breathe.

I pull away and look at his eyes, "Ty, I'm so scared."

He brings his giant hand up to my chin and says, "I know, baby. But I promise you, I will never let him hurt you again. Ever. You are safe with me."

I turn back to the mirror and slowly run a brush through my tangled mess of hair. "What if he wins?"

"We can handle anything life throws at us, together. Win or lose, we are going to be okay, Ali. Just know that no matter what happens, I love you and I will keep you safe." He says confidently then kisses my forehead. "I'll let you finish getting ready. I'm going to make some breakfast for Cam. Do you want me to make you something?" 

I shake my head back and forth, "No, thank you. I have zero appetite right now."

He nods his head and leaves the bathroom. I blow dry my hair and throw some big, barrel curls in the ends. I finish my makeup and try to find something to wear. As I'm looking through the drawers for some pantyhose, I find a small box. I pull it out of the drawer and open it. Inside is the necklace that Tyler gave me for Christmas. The one with his jersey number on it. I pull it out of the box and put it around my neck. I take one last glance in the mirror then head downstairs.

"You look pretty, mommy!" Cameron says from the bar stool.

I smile at him and say, "Thank you, bug."

Tyler looks me up and down and says, "Flawless. Mmm." He walks towards me and kisses my cheek. "I could eat you up right now..." He whispers in my ear. 

I giggle and lightly nudge him, "Oh stop." 

He chuckles and goes back to the stove to finish making breakfast. Cameron devours every bite and runs upstairs to get dressed, Bear trailing right behind him. I put Blue on a leash and take him outside before we have to leave. Cam comes running down the stairs with his backpack, ready to go. We put the puppies in their crates and walk out the door. We drop Cameron off at Hannah's house and head to the courthouse. Whitney and Blake are standing right out front, waiting on Tyler and myself. We walk towards them and greet them. Just as we start walking inside, I hear a familiar voice calling out to us. 

Connie comes running up from behind us, "Wait for me!"

Tyler walks towards her and hugs her, "Thanks for coming, mama."