Save Him

18.

Taelynn.

"Baby wait" I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath. "I can't do it" I began panic outside of the courthouse. Today was the day I had to testify for Kevin; after all these months he had finally had his court date. "I can't see him" I began to hyperventilate and my dad wrapped his arms around me to calm me down. "What if- I can't" I shook my head.

"Baby look at me" My dad shook me so I could focus. "It's okay; all you have to do is be strong and I'm right here okay?" He hugged me. "And Quincy is right here too" My dad nudged him and he snapped out of whatever thought he was in and nodded his head.

"First time offenders usually get let off easy right?" Quincy asked a passing police officer. "Hypothetically speaking, of course" He smiled and my dad shook his head while I was confused.

"Depends on the crime" The officer replied. "Let's just say; you're in the middle of court and someone that's locked up gets called to the stage right?" The officer nodded. "Now if someone in the crowd goes up there and beat him, how much trouble would he be in?" He asked and I finally caught on. "I'd say they'd get escorted out; and if they resist arrest then they'd be in cuffs" She smiled and walked away.

"Quincy you are not about to do that!" I pinched his arm.

"Why not? I'm grown as of last month!" He stated and I shook my head because I knew he was serious. "He hurt my girl and I don't care how much time he get; he gone get punched atleast one time, I should of did more that night- Let's juts go in" He grabbed my hand and led me in. I held on to him tight; and out the corner of my eyes I seen Kevin walk out of one of the rooms in shackles and I froze up as images of that night flashed through my mind and I ran to the nearest trash and threw up.

"I can't face him" I sobbed and Quincy had already ran up to him and punched him to the floor, I couldn't even react I just put my head down and cried, I thought I was over this but seeing him just made me relive it all and I couldn't do this.

After having a panic attack I had calmed down and walked into the room, locking eyes with Kevin and my body started to tremble as if he was touching me all over; and Quincy couldn't come back in here for what he had did, my mom wasn't here she was home with my now 2 month old baby brother. I closed my eyes and broke contact, zoned out as the hearing went on. Hearing Kevin's name being called he asked if I could stand and I did, avoiding eye contact and focusing on my breathing.

"Taelynn could you look at me? I'd like to give you an genuine apology" He said and I slowly looked at him, feeling the lump in my throat, and my hands tremble. "First I would like to say I truly do apologize and I'm glad you're here today to hear this and finally speak of how you feel.. What I did that night was wrong, no matter if I was drugged, laced or not I heard you say no, I heard your cries, I heard you asking me to stop. I heard it all but I continued." He choked up. "I knew something was wrong with me when I slapped you, I didn't think anything of it"

"Slapped her? Mannnnn get the fuck off me" I turned to see my dad being held back.

"Daddy please.. I need you in here with me" I begged so he could calm down and not have to leave me, he looked at me and I could tell he was crying already. He shrugged the offices off of him and sat down with his leg bouncing up and down. I could tell he was ready to end Kevin's life. The courtroom went quiet; and I focused back on Kevin, feeling weak I sat back down and worked on my breathing.

"You didn't deserve that and I pray you don't blame yourself; you did nothing to provoke me. Nothing at all and I hope you can forgive me, not just for me but for you as well. I'm so sorry Taelynn" He broke down unable to finish; and I mean he cried like a baby. He cried so hard they had to walk him out for a moment and in that time I had to explain what had happened that night; and when I was done I felt a little relieved.