Defend Me

Chapter 17: The Announcement

Krissy's Point of View
Hearing Blake say those words about how he continues to blame himself for losing me, causes a turmoil of emotions. I was supposed to be acting professional and then he goes and says that he loves me in front of the judge. I didn't know how to react. I know he loves me and I love him, but I don't think i'm ready to give us another chance. I just broke up with Daniel last week. I need time to be single again. I need time to learn to be me.

I felt Blake start to shake next to me upon waiting for the judge's verdict. I subconsciously wrapped my hand around his. I needed him to calm down or else i'd start to get uneasy. When I wrapped my fingers around his, I felt him relax. I let myself relax too. I tried my hardest to ignore the shockwave that went through my body. I knew what it meant, but it wasn't the time for it to be analyzed. I was about to find out if I had won my first case. If Blake was going to jail.

"Blake Tyler is found guilty, but will be released on bail." The judge said. I was surprised that he was letting him off the hook. I was slightly nervous when the other lawyer brought up Blake being a criminal. When I was doing my research, I had almost forgotten what he was like before I met him. It seems like light years ago.

I felt Blake tense at the judge's words, so I squeezed his hand. He needed to know that everything was okay. He wasn't going to jail. He didn't have to give up football. He'd still be able to have the sport he loved and his job.

"He will be asked to do one hundred hours of community service with a $15,000 fine and a suspended license for a year. If he is found under the influence again, once regaining his license, he will be sent to jail for five years." The judge finished saying. I was relieved with those terms. Any judge would increase the fine as well as having him go to driving school. I just hoped Blake didn't make this mistake again. He won't be off the hook as easily then.

"Thank you your honor." Blake said from beside me. I smiled. Jail was no where near Blake now. He had to pay, do some hours of community service, and not drive for a year. He'd still be able to live his life. I watched as the judge slammed his mallet on the stand.

It was over. I had won my first case, ever. This only excited me more for my future. I wanted to help others and helping Blake was just the start. I couldn't wait to receive more cases. I watched as the judge nodded at Blake who was grinning from ear to ear. I hadn't seen him this happy since I told him I was pregnant. I wondered if this was how he felt when get signed with the football team. It was his biggest dream.

Blake turned to look at me. I let out a breath. But I held it again when I felt Blake's arms around me. It was sudden. I didn't know how to react. He had been hugging me a lot lately. I wanted to say that I didn't like being in his embrace, but that would be a complete lie. No matter how much I try, I can't stop loving Blake. I just wished there was a way for me to forget what we lost.

"Blake." I stated. That only seemed to encourage him. His hold around my body tightened. I wrapped my own arms around him. He sighed in content.

"Thank you Krissy. You have no idea how much this means to me." He said. I relaxed. He deserved to be happy. He soon unwrapped himself from me. I instantly missed his warmth, but pushed that thought away. I was his lawyer right now, not his ex-girlfriend. "Thank you."

"It was no biggie. Just don't get caught under the influence. Stop drinking while you're at it." I joked. Blake chuckled. I smiled and focused on grabbing my things. I wanted to go home and relax. I wanted a glass of wine and a bubble bath. I had finally won my first case. Blake wasn't going to jail. I bet Sophie will be very happy.

"Hey Kris," I heard Blake yell. I stopped walking and looked at him. He was right behind me. Did I forget something? I glanced at his hands. He wasn't holding anything. "Are you busy Friday night?"