Kellin's POV
After our first breakthrough in the trial we returned to Preciado's office to celebrate. He poured us all glasses of champagne and passed one out to each of us. I stayed by Vic and Lynn as I knew that Tony and Justin still didn't really like me. Preciado began to hold up his flute to make a toast. "To Victor. For decisively turning the case around and for nailing the pool girl." Justin began snickering and said, "Victor nailed the pool girl." Vic just turned towards me with a disgusted look on his face.
"Well...I have to share this victory with Kellin." A huge smile spread across my face when Vic said that. Lynn immediately agreed with him by saying, "To Victor and- I can't believe I'm saying this-to Kellin." Everyone took a swig of their champagne. "To Kellin!" Everyone said. Justin just rolled his eyes. "Yeah...since when did finely-tuned gay-dar qualify as a legal victory?" Justin questioned.
Preciado was quick to dismiss him though. "But without that "gay-dar," we wouldn't be celebrating with champagne, we'd be dead in the water. Kellin Quinn trusts his gut and has shown more legal smarts than most on my staff. He won this round, making him a good lawyer. And while we'd still love to hear that alibi he got, by keeping it, he's never compromised the client's trust, making him a great one. Which is more than I can say about you, Justin. Be useful. Go get me a coffee." Preciado said turning to Justin who looked shocked and offended.
"But we're drinking champagne?..." Justin asked confused. Preciado stared him down. "Splenda and skim. Everyone else, please go home and get a good night's sleep. I need you all sharp tomorrow morning." Everyone leaves except for me. "Mr. Quinn, could I have a word?" Preciado asked. "Of course." I responded before turning to Vic. "I'll catch up with you in a second." I said to Vic before he left me and Preciado alone. "And thank you, Professor Preciado, for what you said before. It meant a lot." I said, sincerely.
Preciado nodded. "You deserved it. But don't tell the other law students I said so. I have a scary reputation to uphold." I laughed. "Don't worry: your secret's safe with me." I said jokingly, Preciado just laughed. "But I really appreciate this opportunity to work with you. I've learned so much..." I said smiling until he cut me off. "What you've learned isn't the point. You've got instincts and instincts, legal or otherwise, can't be taught. Trust your instincts." He said before leaning in and kissing me.
I immediately pushed him away and then slapped him. He held his cheek where my hand made contact and glared at me. "I thought you were smarter than that..." He said but I cut him off. "Is this the only reason why you gave me an internship?" I said, my voice breaking. "It's been nice working with you, Mr. Quinn. You can show yourself out." Preciado said pointing towards the door. I walked out to be immediately greeted with Tony and Justin.
"Well, hel-lo Marilyn! Looks like you'll make partner now. You've really earned it." Justin said smiling proudly. Tony immediately elbowed him and I responded by shaking my head. "Justin, shut up!" He said before walking off, Justin immediately followed him like a puppy dog. I was finally left all alone. "Take back the books and pack up the clothes. Clear out the room and drop off the key. Leave with what's left of my dignity. Get in the car and just go." I said walking out down to the lobby.
"Chalk it all up to experience. They said I'd fail but I disagreed; who could say then where my path would lead?...Well, now I know: back to the sun; back to the shore; back to what I was before. Back where I'm known, back in my own very small pond. Laugh with my friends when I arrive we'll drop the top and just drive-that's fine with me. Just let me be, Legally blonde." I said realizing I was outside when I finished and Vic was walking up to me. I tried to remove myself from the situation as soon as possible.
Vic walked over to me with a huge smile on his face. "There he is! Intern of the year..." Vic started before I cut him off. "Thanks for your help and for all you've done. Thank you for treating decently." I said. "What's wrong?" Vic asked looking genuinely concerned as he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Maybe someday you can visit me. Give me a call say hello." I said pushing him away and running off towards my room.
He quickly followed me though. "Why? Where are you going?" He asked. I turned around finally breaking down and crying. "Sorry, I'm letting down everyone." I said as he pulled me in for a hug. "What brought on this?" He asked but I just shook my head. "You did your best with a hopeless case." I said stepping away from him and gesturing to myself. "That's ludicrous. You are the best thing about this place. Kellin you should know..." Vic began.
"Preciado hit on me." I blurted out. He immediately froze. "He what?" Vic asked in disbelief. "He kissed me. He fired me. He made it very clear I don't belong." I said before trying to walk away but Vic grabbed my hand stopping me. "He's wrong. We'll fix it. We'll fight it..." Vic said but I didn't want to hear any of it. "Victor, please...There's no reason for me to stay." I said dropping his hand and walking to my room.
He followed me but I shut the door on him. "What about love? I never mentioned love. The timing's bad I know but perhaps if I'd made it more clear, that you belong right here, you wouldn't have to go. 'Cause you'd know that I'm so much in love." I hear Vic say from outside my room. I sat on the floor behind the door and said, "Back to the sun. Back to the shore. Back to what I was before." Vic started crying at this point too.
"I should have told you before." Vic said loud enough so I could hear before taking a broken sigh to refrain from sobbing. "Lie on the beach. Dream within reach. Don't stray beyond." I said throwing my briefcase across the room in a flash of anger. "We both know you're worth so much more." Vic said trying to be the positive reinforcement. "Some guys fight hard. Some face the trial. Some guys are just meant to smile." I said my voice cracking on the smile. I started sobbing as this was the end for me.
"Is it too late?...Can I just say how much I want you to stay?" Vic asked through the door. "It's not up to me. Just let me be Legally Blonde." I replied. "I need you to stay." Vic pleaded outside my door but I just ignored him. He would eventually go away.
AN:
Wonderless came on as I was finishing this chapter and I'm not okay.
This is almost over...bittersweet.
But new books!!!!!!!!!!!
<3 I also will start posting on Ao3 if anyone like Roosterteeth/ Achievement Hunter. My name is All Time Melanie but my AH/RT works will be on here too!
I love you!
Bye!
bkUP
