ONE HEART

Chapter 29 Finally!

The morning soon rushed around for Tessa, after Mariah had woken her up so early. Tessa came rushing down the stairs. Woah! Said her dad. What's the rush? I need coffee and then get myself over to Mariah's so we can go to court together for the final time. Hopefully, Tessa added it as an afterthought. Aw, she messaged you back said Gwen. Not exactly Mom. She called me at four this morning. That's why I'm rushing. I'm running late because I overslept. Okay, well here's your coffee said her dad, handing her a thermal mug. Now go, and we will see you there. She kissed them both, as Cassie and Crystal came down the stairs. She shouted good morning to them both, as she ran out the door. Why's she in such a hurry? asked Crystal. Also, why is she here? asked Cassie. I thought she was staying with my sister. Gwen explained to them both, what had happened the night before. Aw, was it their first little tiff? Crystal was taking the mick. Are you two okay with your sister's dating properly after this? asked Blake. Yes, Dad, we're fine about it. We always thought they liked each other. I'm so glad you're both going to be supportive of them, said Gwen. They're going to need it in the big wide world. Not everyone is going to be as accepting, as you two are.

We know that Mom. We will have our sister's backs, don't worry. Especially if Tessa gets famous, with her singing. Oh, we will have to wait and see with that one said Blake. I know she's eager to get back into the studio. Hopefully, the court case will finish today, as Nick predicts. And then the two of them can get back to work. I think Mariah may need a bit more time to adjust said Cassie. My sister has been through a lot of stuff. She needs to process all of that. Oh, I'm sorry Cassie said, to Blake. I was not suggesting straight away. Anyway, let's all get our skates on. We have to be there by ten O'clock. Tessa bounded up to Mariah's front door, with her coffee still hot in the thermal mug, that her dad had given her. Well, good morning said Mariah as she opened the door to her. Hi said Tessa kissing her on the cheek. I'm so sorry about last night. It's okay said, Mariah. It was such a long day, and things just got out of hand. I missed not having you in the house. Did you? said Tessa. That's nice. What did you do last night? asked Mariah. Nothing said Tessa. I was more or less sent to bed. Mariah started to laugh. Did you feel like a little kid again?

Yes and no said, Tessa. I must admit I did need the sleep. Tessa looked at Mariah a little guilty. Did you sleep okay? Tessa was hesitant to ask. Just in case Mariah hadn't. Mariah had had a terrible night. I guess so said Mariah lying a little. I didn't get sent to bed though. She smiled at Tessa. It did take me a while to drop off, knowing you were not in the house. But then, you're message arrived. And I fell instantly asleep. I'm glad it helped said Tessa a little miffed. That Mariah had read her message, and then fallen asleep. Making her wait for an answer. I did wake up anxious though. That I hadn't replied to you. So hence why, you go a call at four O'clock this morning. I'm sorry I didn't give you a chance to say anything. But it was really early, and I just thought I'd let you get back to sleep said Mariah. Well thanks, for taking my beauty sleep into consideration said Tessa. It's all water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned. Let's just start from today. That sounds like a plan said Mariah. Are you two ready? asked Nick as he came downstairs. Yes Dad we are good said Mariah. Okay, let's get this show on the road. "Sharon" He screamed out. Are you ready? I'm coming said Sharon.

Can we pick up coffee on the way? asked Sharon. Of course, said Nick. I'll swing by on the way. All coffee'd up they were good to carry onto the courthouse. Mariah and Tessa held hands tightly, all the way there. Mariah knew the cameras would start clicking, as soon as she got out of the car. Now that the press knew who she was. Her face was all over the papers, once they found out who she was in court. There had also been a little picture of Tessa, that they had managed to find. All the time they had been taken to court in the last few days. They had been shown in a back way. So that Mariah could not be photographed too much. But today, she had asked her dad to park right outside the front of the courthouse. So that she could climb the steps, in view of the cameras. Are you sure about this? asked Nick feeling a bit worried. Yes, Dad. I don't have to hide anymore. I want Tessa and I, plus you and Mom of course to walk up the steps together. And be full of pride. It's also so that I can announce, I'm with Tessa officially. Get everything out in the open, all in one go. I'll message my parents to do the same said Tessa. Great said Mariah. Ask our sisters to do it too. I'm sure they will be delighted too said Tessa getting out her phone and sending her Mom a message.