Whatever it Takes

Trials and Ends

Six months.

Six months since they had discovered a little girl, six months since Ella was brought into custody and six months was all it took for Eldon to become Eldon again.

It was the morning of September 26th, and today was the day he would finally put Ella behind bars, and finally be able to call his little girl legally his. Eldon awoke happily this morning, his eyes shining and he made his way to through quiet home and into the cosy little pink one next door. He was greeted by a little giggle and swept his sunshine into his arms, nuzzling her into his neck. "Good morning." He smiled, rubbing their noses together. She smiled back cheekily, as through the months she had grown so much. Her hair was beginning to thicken into wavy blonde strands and her eyes were still big and brown. She had taken up crawling and was an energetic little one, always finding a reason to move, and Eldon was proud to have her as a daughter.  He would raise her well, he would raise her to be a strong, independent and compassionate woman like her mother. If anything, the little girl could be his and Michelle's daughter, their features were so alike, and he would raise her to know that Michelle was her mom and that she would have loved her.  "Looks like someone wants some milk huh." He cooed, she replied giggling as he whisked her away into the warm arms of the kitchen.

After their little breakfast, he had dressed her into a warm fuzzy sweater she was practically rolling in. He had himself dressed impeccable, his suit neatly folded and pressed. They needed to make a good impression and their case was solid. Eldon dropped off his daughter with Riley, as he picked up James to go to the courthouse. She quickly warmed up to the little girl and when he came home after that night, he found his living room to be covered in clothes, bottles and diapers, with Riley in the middle of it. EJ himself had longed for a playmate, as his sister Emma Michelle was only a few weeks old. He smiled at them as they drove off, his life was one step closer to being complete. James smiled at him, they had gone through so much and now it would finally be over. Their arrival at the courthouse was sensed by the hundred of journalists who had surrounded themselves amongst the doors. Quickly, West and Hunter dragged them from the chaos and they were secured inside. They met with their team in the conference room before heading in the court, they were soldiers of determinations and they were going to end this once and for all. "All rise, as the Honourable Judge Terris takes her seat." Someone announced.

"Thank you." The judge signalled, as everyone sat. "Today's case, number 1783 will be on the premises of the murder of Michelle B.Waters conducted by Tessa E. Gillings." The jay she signalled to the prosecution, and he stood up. "The prosecution may begin."

"Thank you, your honour." He stated before walking up. Eldon looked over to the side to see Ella, her face purple and sallow and she was scowling. "Your honour, on the evening of March 13th 2015 this woman right here committed  one of the most inhumane crimes of humanity, due to pre-conceived measures based off of jealousy and hate. She murdered this innocent girl because she took her place in the competition and because she felt anger towards the studio." He stated solemnly. The defendant began to plea that the allegations are old and there was a high probability that it was all an accident in the first place. His heart wasn't into it, it was obvious by the slump in his shoulder and his stance, he was fighting a case he knew was wrong but his client had pleaded not guilty. Eventually they pulled up each one of the witnesses and one by one they told their stories. Henry told the court about how those were odd and it was her duty to report the protruding metal. James and West both testified about her off behaviour and how she was just cruel to everyone after her loss, to the point where she almost punched Michelle and how she acted at the studio. Though when Eldon went up, he told his story about his brokenness and how the studio accepted her but she only failed them by her deviousness and finally the tapes were shown before the defence could say anymore. It was broadcasted overhead and clearly depicted her determination on hitting the lights, and caught onto her and caught the menacing laughter after it had fallen. Eldon stared at her, she refused to meet his eyes but paled, although her face showed no remorse.

The judge cleared her throat before announcing that the jury would go debate over the matter if nothing else needed to be said. Finally she declared recess and they went out to breathe. Riley was now there with the three little ones, they were waiting for Eldon's custody battle. She smiled as she handed over his little girl, whom Eldon hugged tightly. James kissed her and not before long they were ushered back for the verdict. Judge Terris, signalled for everyone to be quiet and announced," In the case of Michelle B.Waters, the jury finds  Tessa G. Gillings guilty of second degree murder. You will be charged with 25 years to life with a possibility of parole." The court room soared as everyone hugged one another, Ella looked at Eldon disgusted before the bailiff took her away. Her father came up to Eldon and apologized before bidding him a good life. Eldon smiled he was free again and it seemed as if Michelle was right there with him.

The day was not over yet, there was still another matter to be dealt with. Riley's don the social workers were brought in and his case over the baby girl was presented. Eldon spoke to the judge about how everything has changed and how this would be a new chapter in his life. The life he could give would be so much better than one she would find in a home and she had endured so much already.  The court awed as the judge cleared his throat and granted the adoption. He smiled and took the little girl into his arms, he hugged everyone and was congratulated. Riley opted to photograph the two, it was their first day officially as a family. His eyes were bright, something they haven't been in such a long time. He felt another pair of arms embrace him and his daughter but it quickly vanished in his euphoria.

It was night, Eldon had just arrived home. The birth certificate and name change were a hassle but he did it, she was finally his and they would be together. He gently picked her up from her car seat, her body heavy with sleep and quietly opened the door to their home. Although she was a miniature version of his first love, she could never be replaced and the love he had for his daughter was of protections and comfort. He couldn't bare to name her after Michelle, he opted for something different. Turning on the lights he smiled adoringly at the framed photo of Michelle, " We did it." He whispered. Carefully he tiptoed up the stairs and laid his little girl in her pink crib and turned on her musical mobile. As he was about to walk out, he turned back and smiled. "Welcome home, Mitchie." He whispered before closing the door.