𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠 𝐌𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 (𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

48

Song: Bold - Ledger

..............................

The day was finally here and I still unable to wrap my mind around it.

Yeah, now it's past mid February and I had weeks since I know this would happen and even more since we started it all, but still felt completely unreal as I watched my reflection in the mirror, checking the last detail.

Sarah had told me to go elegant yet simple, like, looking good without bragging and at the same time not like I seek for their pity. The formal, pencil skirt and delicate blouse must do the trick. That with my wedge heels and straightened mane, softly brushed backwards, gave me that vulnerable yet carefree look our lawyer wanted.

I couldn't believe I was going to see him. It's been... what? Two mounths since the attack when everything was discovered? And when we returned after Christmas Break he wasn't able to come Milton 'till the court so I hadn't seen him. Thank God.

I know their lawyers had tried to reach for us and kept it out the public eye and sign a conciliation, but neither my father nor Sarah had flattered a bit. Once they'd made sure I was okay with it probably going to the press or something on that line they'd carried on relentlessly. In my father's words, no conciliation other than him paying would be enough.

I couldn't agree more.

"Ari?" Julian was at my door, stuffed into a suit and shifting his weight one foot to theother. His nails bitten to the root, and now was the turn of his lip. He was practically as nervous as myself. "You're ready?"

Not at all. "Yeah." I grabbed my purse and followed him downstairs. My stomach a knot of nerves.

Dad was already at the door, putting on his coat and his eyes found us when we lowered to the frist floor. "Your mother called when you were in the shower." he said. "She sent you her best thoughts."

I hummed nodding, and somehow I managed to make a tight-lipped grin even tho I was about to yell from frustration and growing anxiety. I'd talked with my mother this very morning, she gave me words of encouragement and a lot virtual hugs. Even considering her words helped soothing me -at least at the moment- I wished she was here, I could use her hugs then.

That must be printed on my face 'cause my father's arm shot over my shoulders, pulling me to him for a brief reassuring kiss on the top of my head. "Everything will be fine, Ari. You'll see."

The ride to the tribunals was tensed, especially for me, but I really appreciate how they tried to make it more light smooth talking. Not like I could contribute, but well... Half of the time I was holding back the tears and gags every time I thought of facing him again. He would inevitably be there, in the same room... close enough to reach and-

"We're here." the sound of the engine dying down snapped me out my horrible trance and realized the court stood proud in the square at the end of the street where dad's parked. I forced myself to breathe again.

You can do it, Ari. This is the last step and you won't ever had to worry for him ever again.

The moment we stepped in the old official building it felt like the air grew heavier. This is ridiculous! Why am I the one feeling like this at the perspective of seeing him? I haven't done anything! I hate the effect he had on me. I'd been in front of a freaking gang leader and not even then I felt this damn paralyzing fear that crunched my guts now.

I hate feeling like this. I hate him making me feel like this.

"Han!"

We turned to the old woman coming our way. With her expensive outfit and luscious hair you could easily mistake her for some of the Up-Hill costumers but no. My Grandma always has this impressive appearance, imposing even in his early eighties.