Clouds Cover the Sun Because they like the warmth

Convection at the Cost of the Truth

Nervous anticipation filled the courtroom as the judge and jury walked in. Manon still remained next to Norman there was a tension so thick between the two. A knife would be needed to cut it. Then again it could make things much worse. "Members of the jury after hearing both arguments, what is your verdict?" The previous juror that Norman had changed stood up. "We the jury find Wilbur Dennis guilty of all counts of sexual assault, rape, and physical assault." A loud sigh of relief and cheers went through the room. The nightmare was finally over. Manon couldn't help but give a shaky smile. That was one problem less they had to worry about. Judge Tompson nodded before turning back. "And with that consider your lawsuit dismissed and be prepared to serve sixty years in prison." With the gavel strike Wilbur's fate was sealed. Manon looked over as the officers cuffed him. Though most were excited. Manon noticed Daniella was a little pissed. 

"He should've gotten life." Manon looked back as Wilbur was trying to resist the officers dragging him out. It was then Manon couldn't help but feel the same. Yet based on his appearance he may never get out before he dies. "Danny, a lot of time prisoners don't like rapist."' Cassie whispered. A mischievous grin on her face that all but said Wilbur's death may happen long before his sixty years are served. Then again there was still another issue she needed to sort out. As she left she continuously looked over to make sure Norman was following her. He was always easy to spot being as tall as he was. When they finally lost the crowd of their coworkers did he stand beside her. "Where do you want to talk?" Norman asked as Manon continued walking towards central park. 

"To the park." Norman nodded as they continued on their way. Ending up at a bench with very little people around them. Though the tension continued to follow them. Their bodies were far enough away from each other making it hard to reach out to one another. It felt as if they were strangers once again. Sharing a coincidence that they were heading to the same place. When they finally sat down Manon gave Norman a stern look. "You did that to Wilbur? For me?" Norman nodded shamefully. "I know it was wrong." "Not only was it wrong, but I never asked for you to do so!" Norman kept his head down looking like a toddler while Manon kept staring him down. Her anger was clearly there. "You could've messed up the whole trial! Hell that's the reason he was suing you in the first place wasn't it." Norman nodded as Manon let out a soft sigh. 

She knew it was harsh but the question of morality was thrown out the window. If Norman got that crazy for her once would he do it again over a slight indiscretion? More importantly would he get violent with her? Then she remembered Peter's words. "You've changed him for the better." Manon looked back on their time spent together. She got Norman to do more stuff. She got him out of the office. Out of his apartment. "I understand if you don't trust me, and if you want to end things after that." "No!" Norman looked up and Manon could see his eyes were watering. Was he about to cry? "I don't want to end things, but I don't want you to do things in my name that I am not okay with or didn't ask for. Whether it's deserved or not." Norman nodded. "What can I do to make it up? Outside of not doing it again." Manon looked him dead in the eyes. His twin void eyes. 

"Do you promise not to do it again? Norman Stryker" She asked. Norman kept looking in her eyes. "Marianne Vacher, I promise I won't ever do it again." Manon nodded with a small smile but it slowly turned to a frown. "Thank you, but it is going to take me some time to trust you again." Norman also gave a small sad smile. "I'm aware, and I'll do everything to gain it again." Manon couldn't help but have a reassuring smile. Her hand slipping onto Norman's. "So baby steps again?" Norman asked as Manon nodded. "That sounds nice." She said before looking out in front of her then noticing something. "I recognize this place." Manon said to herself. "Me too." Norman replied as they looked to see the shimmering lake. Surrounded by branches of bright trees. A nostalgic feeling settled in. As if something new was starting between the two once again. It was the perfect way to celebrate their victory. Just the two of them looking out at the view that practically started it all.