Overcome (editing)

Chapter Fifty - One

Everyone started exiting the courtroom for the brief recess. I saw Mrs. Benson, kyle's mom on the phone outside on the corridor :

OK... she said with confirmation and then she hung up, I approach her cautiously.

Rihanna: Mrs. Benson..... I called.

She turned to face me slowly. We haven't spoken at all in months and it was nerve wracking, I wasn't sure how she felt towards me, everyone is fully aware that if it wasn't for me Kyle would not have been where he is now, Kyle was her only son, what if she blamed me too? Under normal circumstances I wouldn't have been so bold to approach her but I needed to know what was going on and even though she wasn't Kyle's lawyer because of the close connection, she was still actively involve in the case.

Mrs. Benson: hi Rihanna.... she breathed my name as though she was exhausted.

Rihanna: can you please tell me what's happening?..... I pleaded.

She sighed openly.

Mrs. Benson: some new evidence was just brought in, evidence that is extremely important to the case.... she answered.

Rihanna: is that good for us or bad?..... I inquire

Mrs. Benson: I don't know but I hope so.... it was then I saw the tears gathered in her eyes, I have known her all of my life, she and my mom were best friends, in a way, they were the reason why Kyle and I were so close with the play dates and all when we were kids...... Kyle and I went from play mates, to best friends to lovers and it all started with their friendship. I always knew her to be tough and smart, which was needed in the field she was in, she was the best lawyer in town and I am sure it wasn't easy making her name among vicious and conniving men but she did, but now....... she wasn't a cut throat lawyer, for the first time ever......she was just a mother worried over her son.

She continued: from what I heard faintly... a tear rolled down her check.... they were gonna convict my ba--- by
.... she said, her voice breaking as she desperately tried to hold back then sob.

A lump sprang to my throat, it's my fault....my fucking fault... the tears were coming.... I can't stay around! I cant just sit and watch them bury him!

Rihanna: excuse me..... I mumbled distractingly... I must go

Mrs. Benson: Rihanna!

She called as i rushed pass her but I halted at the sound of my name.

Mrs. Benson: don't go.... he.... he needs you. He loves you so much....don't leave him...doom or not please stick with him through to the end.

Rihanna: but...... it's my fault...... I whispered, my back to turned to her.

Mrs. Benson: no Rihanna....... it's mines.

I was confused by her statement and that's when I turned and face her.

Mrs. Benson: Mr. Buntly was my associate, I introduce Mariah to him, hoping to spark a love interest between them but it never happened. I understand why now, obviously Richard had a thing for underage girls .....when Mariah told me of her plans with Mr. Buntly I had consented.....she said shamefully....I was thinking at times you got to do what you got to do, knowing the circumstances with your finances and Mariah's health , It wasn't until I saw how hurt my child was over it that I started regretting and seeing the errors in both of our actions, I didn't even realize how deep you and Kyle's feelings ran for each other.... the tears came harder .... I tried to stop her afterwards but it was too late, you both were already married, Rihanna I feel so awful, I am a horrible mother, an horrible friend and a horrible guardian to you! I should have never consented to such an act! It nearly cost me my marriage with John, he was so disappointed in my actions that i really thought our marriage was over, for months i was ignored by my husband and son! That's why I didn't even fought Kyle when he formatted his plan to save you, I felt I owed him that much to allow him to fight for his love.

She was crying harder now, I knew I had every right to be mad at my mom and her but as this point I was emotionally drained and just wanted Kyle to be OK so we can finally be happy. All of this has gone on long enough and at this point I was over it all.

Rihanna: if I can forgive my own mother then I can forgive you too... I breathed and she flash me a smile and gave me a brief hug.

Mrs. Benson: listen Rihanna.... John and I have been talking..... if you'd like to.... after everything is settled.... I knew immediately that she was talking about my mother's death that is seemingly near but she didn't want to say it out loud to which I was grateful but the brief mentioned made my heart jumped, she noted my reaction and said.....Rihanna.... I know you don't want to but it must be discussed.

I sadly nod my head in agreement.

She continued: we will speak to the board requesting you and your brothers and obviously our grand child to stay with us until you're at least eighteen years old, we will fund all of your educational needs and such and give you food and shelter until you're ready to go on your own.... whether Kyle is---- .... she paused and closed her eyes tightly, desperately trying to keep her composure.... is convicted or not.... our home is yours.

I was relief to get such an offer, we we're still technically under age and could possibly end up in the Foster care and I was pregnant, who would take in a pregnant teen? Especially if Kyle was convicted we would be completely broke with a deceased mother and a runaway dad. This offer was heaven sent and one I would be stupid to pass up.

Rihanna: thank you Mrs. Benson, I am truly grateful

Mrs. Benson: Rihanna you're basically our daughter... we love you...it's our pleasure... plus it's what Kyle and Mariah would have wanted.

Just then Kyle's lawyer came out and gave Mrs. Benson a nod.

She let out a heavy sigh..... it's time.....she announced and just like that my heart started playing drums again. We both started heading towards the courtroom, Mrs. Benson in front. Suddenly something caught my eyes, way at the end of the corner was someone peeking at us, I stopped and stared at the staring eyes.

Mrs. Benson: Rihanna you're coming?

Yes... I'll be there shortly.... I respond.

She went in and so did everyone else, leaving me alone in the corridor with the person, that's when he revealed himself. It took me a while to recognized the person, but when i did, my mouth fell open, it was the pastor who had married Mr. Buntly and I that day. He came out with a gentle smile on his face and he did a curtesy bow towards me and said:

You're welcome child... and with that he turned and left.