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vic·to·ry /ˈvikt(ə)rē/ noun an act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition.
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I rubbed my eyes as I started to regain consciousness. I stand up and push away the thought of Xavier being in this place not too long ago. I didn't stay here long enough to see him give the key back to the landlord or saw when he moved out. Maybe he just moved out? I shake my head and walk out of the bedroom. I make my way downstairs to find the apartment completely empty. I check my phone and see that jack as texted me.
Jack :)
Hello beautiful, I hope you got there safely and I hope you are okay. I wish I could be there with you right now. I miss you so much already. Stay strong.
A small smile spreads my face. I quickly text him back letting him know I made it safely and that I miss him too. I glance at the clock and it's only 5:38pm. I look plop down on the couch and think of something I could do. After about an hour and a half, I decide to take stroll through downtown Manhattan. As I walk I see people in lines for a night of entertainment. Families are taking pictures to capture the memories of this exact moment. Musicians playing on the street, I smile to myself finally feeling like New York can become my home again. I walk around a few blocks before I decide it's time for me to get ready for bed. As soon as I get home I take a nice long hot shower and jump into bed.
A FEW DAYS LATER
My alarm clock wakes me out of my slumber. I slowly open my eyes adjusting to the light. I groan as I stand up before I walk to the bathroom. I look myself in the mirror, mentally preparing myself for today's events. It's finally the day of the trail. My heart is pounding and I feel very lightheaded as I step into the shower. The warm water surrounds me as I quickly wash up. I dry off and pull out the dress that my mom picked out for me to wear for today. It's simple and classy. Definitely something that would be appropriate for a court appearance. I get dressed and quickly do my hair and makeup. I grab my purse and head on out to the car. One of the security guards open the door for me and I slide in. My hands are shaking and I feel like I'm gonna throw up. I can't think straight and all I can do is remember all the terrible things that Xavier did to me. We shortly arrive at the courthouse and I step out. There's a few people standing outside already with cameras and microphones. I brace myself as I exit the car.
"Piper, how are you going to handle being in the same room as your ex-husband again?"
"Piper, is this going to affect your dads movie?"
"Piper, any details you can give us about what you hope to accomplish today?"
The security guards help keep them away from me so I can enter the building. I keep my head down and head straight for the room Jonathan said that we'll meet in before we have to congregate. I sit down and start playing with the bracelet that I was holding in my hand. Before I know it, it's time for us to Exeter the court room. As I walk in I quickly spot my parents, Tom and cillain. I take a deep breathe and gather up as such strength I could muster. Xavier and his attorney were already in the room. I didn't want to but curiosity got the best of me and I tried to sneak a look at him. Little did I know he was already looking at me so we ended up locking eyes. His green eyes stared into my soul as a piece his black hair fell in front of his face. I gulp and look away. The session was pretty straight forward and I was told that the jury wants to make a decision today. Which is good in my opinion so I don't have to put myself through this again. My family and I are sitting in the room again as we wait to be told that the verdict was.
Two hours have passed when there's a knock on the door, Jonathan gets up and opens the door. He exchanges a few words with them and the looks back at us and nods. We all stand up and we walk back into the court room. I feel the sweat running down my back as we sit down. I zone out when I start to hear people cheering behind me. I look at Xavier and I see his face full of anger. I see two cops put handcuffs on him and escort him out. I stand up and am immediately wrapped into a hug from my parents. I make my way back to my apartment like a robot. I have no emotions, no reaction. Nothing. I open the door and a few minutes later a knock is on my door. I open the door and find jack standing there out of breathe with flowers in his hand.
"Hey." he says, before he says anything else I wrap my arms around him and finally breakdown.
