Finding My Dad

11) court pt 2

I can't believe I just did that. I felt so empowered and confident, but the same time I was scared and nervous for the outcome.

Alex is making his way over to me with seething eyes and a red face. I'm shaking in my seat. We are in public so he can't do anything, the worst he could do is yell at me. if he wants custody that bad, he'll hold himself together.

I'm frozen. the reality of what I just said finally caught up to me. and I remembered the serious look in Alex's eyes when he told me to keep my mouth shut.

No one can do anything at this point, he's too close. I can only hope my assumptions are correct.

He reaches where I'm sitting and screams "I TOLD YOU TO KEEP YOUR FUCKING MOUTH SHUT!" before I could say or do anything, his large, toned arm reached back, and swung forward hitting the side of my face in the process.

I fell sideways and hit my head on the side of the table and violently hit the ground, not bothering to pay attention to what is going on around me.

I never in a million years thought he would hit me in public, let alone in front of a jury who decided if I was going to live with him or not.

My face was burning and stinging so bad that I let tears slide down my red cheek. My head was throbbing and I was lying on the ground breathing heavily while fighting back sobs.

When I zoned back into reality, I heard the sound of Alex yelling at what I think are police officers, My mom screaming at them to stop, the judge banging his gavel, and the jury talking amongst themselves.

Not even 10 seconds after I was hit, I saw a shadow cast over my shaking body. I was in so much of a shock, I didn't look up, fearing it was my mom or Alex. when their strong arms wrapped around me and pulled me to my feet, is when I really freaked out. I let out a scream and tried to get away from the monster that was holding me, but couldn't.

It wasn't until I heard the voice of the person containing me when I stopped thrashing around. "Gianna, shhh. it's ok love, it's ok." My dad was trying to hold me, but I wouldn't let him. When I realized who it was, I immediately clung to him, looking for the sense of safety.

"That's it baby girl, it's just daddy" he cooed. I loved hearing his voice, I missed hearing his voice. My breathing was heavy and uncontrolled when I choked out "oh my god daddy"

When he heard my stuttered voice, he tensed, and bent down so he was my level. He had glossy eyes and took me in for an embrace. I stuffed my head into his neck and let him calm me.

His hands rubbed up and down my back, while he whispered in my ear. I was trying so hard not to cry. I couldn't let them see me cry. I didn't want to cry.

"Gia, honey, let it out. it's ok to cry." he said reading my thoughts.

Dad stood up and lifted me with him, my head was still resting on his shoulder, and my arms were wrapped tightly around his neck. I couldn't help it anymore and started crying. My tears streamed down my face and soon I was sobbing.

Everything was chaotic, people screaming, Alex being arrested, the judge yelling for people to be quiet, and my screams.

"Excuse me Mr. Malik, but we need you to back to the stand and for your daughter to sit down as well."

"No! please, I want to be with my dad!" I wailed.

"Harry, can you come get her please?" Zayn called out. My grip around dad tightened, I was NOT letting go. I wanted my dad and only my dad.

Harry came up to us and tried to pry me off of my dad, but it was a failed attempt.

I was crying and screaming and kicking because I didn't want to be pulled away from my life line. my dad was my life line, he was there for me and always had my back (in the few time that I've known him) I was not letting go, I needed him.