One and Only

Chapter 5

It's been 3 days since I testified. We're just waiting on the sentencing. Lisa said she would call when she finds out. The press is still harassing friends and family. Even my aunt got a call asking for the story and she lives in a different state. Mom, Leda, and I went to look at a new house. It's only 15 minutes away. Which is better than across the world. Even though now moving to Australia sounds great. Maybe we'll plan a vacation soon. So we all can get away from this trial drama. Mikey and I are together. Just thinking about him makes me smile. He does this thing where he bites his lip and then stares at mine. It makes me crazy. We haven't talk about taking our relationship to the next level. I hope we do. I'm ready. I just hope he's ready. Mom and I decided that I just do school online. I'll still graduate with with public school. Mom offered to let Leda do classes online, but she said she rather be in public school. I guess I could get out of bed and go downstairs. I got out of bed and put sweats on. I normally sleep in shorts, like really short shorts, and my legs get cold so I just slide a pair of sweats over them and I'm good. I was about to go downstairs when I heard my phone ring. I went and picked it up to see who it was. It was Lisa. Maybe she has news.

Hello?
"Hello Thea. How are you?"
"I'm not bad. Yourself?"
I'm great after the news I just received. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole."
"Really? We did it. Thank you so much.
"That's not all. I also got a call from Mr. Paxen's lawyer. Mr. Paxen is pleading guilty to the assault and the payments. He is also getting life without parole."
"That is wonderful! Thank you!"
"You're welcome Leda. You're free. Go enjoy it." "Thank you. Bye."

I couldn't wait to tell mom! I practically run down the stairs. I almost fall a couple times. I went to the kitchen but she wasn't there, so I checked her study.

"Mom! Mom!"
"What's wrong?" She asked coming around the corner
"Lisa called." I said trying to catch my breath. Man I need to work out.
"Well, what did she say?
"Max is getting life with no parole. And Mr. Paxen pleaded guilty. He also got life with no parole!"
After I finished she grabbed me and hugged me so tight I thought she squeezed all the air out of me.
"Sweetie. I have to ask you something?"
"What is it mom?"
"Would you like to move into the house we went to look at?"
"You mean like sale this one and buy that one?"
"Yes. That's what I mean."
"I would love to!" I exclaim
"Well, good because I already bought it. I just have to go sign papers." She said with a huge smile
"When you have to do that?"
"Now if you wanna go?" She asked
"Yes! Let me go change."
I run up the steps and change into a pair of skinny jeans with a thin long sleeve. It's a little chilly not chilly enough for a actual coat. I put my hair in a messy bun, apply some eyeliner and mascara, grab my phone, and head out the door.
"I'll drive!" I yell as I meet mom outside
I haven't drove since that day Emma drove us to her house from the mall.
Mom just stares at me. " I remember how to drive mom." She tosses me the keys and I pull out of the drive way and head to the house real state. For once it wasn't quiet in the car. I played the radio and mom and I sang along with the songs we knew. We haven't done this for a while. Maybe it is a new start.

We arrive at the place for mom to sign the papers. I put the car in park, and we head in. She had to sign countless papers. I didn't think it was going to end. But after like 13 pages of things, we finally received the key to our new home. We decided to head over to the new house to make plans of where things go. Since Leda wasn't here I get to choose the room I want. The house has 4 bedroom, so there's a spare. But mom promised not to rent my room out when I go to college next fall. I'm going to be a lawyer. Lisa really inspired me. Anyway, back to the house. We finally arrive and I pull in the driveway.

"Mom. Does that mean I can have the keys to my car back?"
"I'll think about it." She replies and goes to unlock the door. She gets the door unlocked and we walk in.
"I think this should be the living room."
"I agree." Mom shakes her head in agreement
"Onward to the kitchen." I exclaim in a funny voice that made my mom laugh. The kitchen was beautiful. There were so many cabinets. There was an island in the middle. The countertops were granite. And the refrigerator was huge. I could probably fit in there if I tried.
There are 3 bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs. Mom already claimed the downstairs ones.
"I'm gonna go pick my room!" I say and run up the stairs.
The first room was too small. The second room I just didn't like. Then the third room was perfect. It has a balcony that faces the city. I planned in my head where everything would go. Yeah. This is going to be great.