The Dance Between Darkness and Light (girlxgirl)

Alison

"Does either party have anything further they wish to discuss before we begin the hearing today?"

I don't, I just want this done with. I took the day off from work, so there's a sub in the classroom with Emily right now. After this I plan to go home and drink wine until I don't feel anything and the world fades to a full blur.

"No, your honor."  Both our lawyers respond for us. I'm not excited about any of this, but I'm not sad either. I honestly am done, let's just finish this already before my nerves are shot.

We've met with our lawyers outside of court and worked out visitation and how we are going to divide our things. I'm keeping the house, Jack will continue living in his apartment in Rosewood. We will share custody of Mya, she'll live primarily with me, and stay with her father a set number of predetermined weeks when he's not away on business. We both agreed so this should be fast today.

"Please state your full name for the court."  The judge means me.

"Alison Lauren Ehrens."

"Please state your husband's full name."

"Jackson Lucas Ehrens." I quickly say it, getting the words out so I don't have to say them anymore.

"Mrs. Ehrens, are you wishing to restore your maiden name today?"

"Yes, your honor. I would like to restore DiLaurentis."  I can see Jack wince as I ask to erase any trace of him from me. I want to start new. Mya will keep his last name, but that's fine, he is her dad and it's the only name she's ever known.

"Mrs. Ehrens, do you and Jackson have any children together, by birth or adoption?"

"Yes, one by birth.  Mya, she's six."

"And the agreement I have before me, this is agreeable to both parties?"

"Yes, your honor."

"It appears to be agreeable with this court as well. Mr. Ehrens, how long have you and your wife lived continuously separate without cohabitation?"

"Almost two months your honor."

"Is there anything further that should be known at this time that would impact finalizing your mutually agreed upon visitation rights for Mya or your division of assets?"

Jack is looking at me, I can feel him burning a hole in the side of my head.  I won't do it, I can't look at him.  He probably thought this was his last shot, then I hear him.

"Ali, please.  I don't want this. Don't go through with this!"

The judge rapped his gavel twice, silencing Jack.  "Mr. Ehrens, I would ask that you address the court, not Alison.  Did you have something to say?"  His lawyer is speaking to him in hushed whispers until we all hear him.

"Your honor, my client wishes the court to know that he does not agree with this divorce."

"That may well be true, Mr. Ehrens, but in the state of Pennsylvania that holds no bearing.  Mrs. Ehrens wishes to continue with these proceedings and I intend to sign.  She no longer wishes to be married to you, son.  That is unless she is currently having a change of heart?"  The judge is looking at me with a raised brow, cueing me.

Why is he doing this?  My lawyer said I wouldn't have to say anything today and now I'm being put on the spot. 

"Mrs. Ehrens, are you still inclined to proceed today?"  The words are stuck in my throat.  I am, but all I can do is nod my head. And Jack makes one last desperate try.

"Ali!  Look at me!  Look at me and tell me you still want this.  Look me in the eye!"  The gavel is reigning down now. 

"Order! Order in my courtroom! Control your client."