Thursday, June 27, 2013

Chapter Thirty-Two

30 weeks

Montana wasn't very different from California in the summer, it was just as warm and the skies were just as blue. Helena was a fairly small city and the drive from the airport to the hotel was fairly short, for that matter, so was the drive to the courthouse.

They met with lawyer, Thomas Slone again, going over everything that would happen during the lawsuit, everything they had to say and how they hoped it would end. According to Thomas they had a very good chance of winning this trial, he was sure Jonathan was going to jail even though he couldn't say so explicitely.

The next morning they sat outside the courtroom, waiting for it to start. Sarah and Richie sat on a long wooden bench, the corridor almost empty. Sarah held Richie's hand tight, she was nervous and scared but she wasn't going to hide it from him. Richie would know anyway, all he could do was hold her hand and be supportive. He was hopeful about this lawsuit too.

Thomas met up with them a few minutes later.

"Everyone ready? We should go inside, they're about to start." He said and went to hold open the door for them.

This was the first time Sarah had been inside a courtroom, it looked very much like the ones she had seen on television. Thomas lead them to their seats.

"You can watch here and we'll call you when we need you to do your testimony. It'll be just like I told you, the other lawyer and I will ask you question and you answer them, simple as that." Thomas said and walked over to a table where he sat down and unpacked his briefcase, placing a lot of papers on the table.

Sarah looked around, Jonathan wasn't there yet. There was a table next Thomas', another man was preparing himself there but Jonathen wasn't sitting behind him, like she was sitting behind Thomas.

"Maybe he gets here later." Richie suggested, knowing that pensive look on Sarah's face, she was looking for something.
"Yeah, I guess." She sighed. She wasn't looking forward to this, she was scared and wondered what Jonathan would be like.

The question didn't have to linger long, only a minute later Jonathan was being lead into the room, wearing a blue prison outfit and his hands cuffed together, two officers guiding him to his seat. He walked past Sarah and looked at her. Sarah's grip on Richie hand became tighter as she saw Jonathan's eyes. His eyes carried so much hate.

"Are you alright?" Richie asked, making Sarah look away.
She slowly nodded.
"It'll be over soon." Richie tried to sound hopeful.
Sarah nodded again, the sooner the better.

She tried to keep her eyes away from Jonathan and watched her family as the trial started. Even though she didn't understand all the legal terms the lawyers were using it was important for her to understand everything that was going on.

So far everything had gone as Mr. Slone had told them it would be. Everyone, including the case itself had been explained. Before starting the judge had said he hoped everything could be settled quickly and hoped justice would be served.

With her trust in Mr. Slone and the state, she knew justice would be served and Jonathan would be locked up in a prison cell for the rest of his life. Where he rightfully belonged for everything he had done.

"My first withness Noah Gibson, the defendant's youngest son."

Her heart almost skipped a beat when she heard Mr. Slone. She then turned to Noah and gave him a tight hug before letting him get up.

She watched Noah, his head bowed down as he walked by the tables and past Jonathan and the lawyers.

"How do I know that's my son! She's pregnant right now, I know that one isn't my kid," Jonathan had a horribly mean look in his eyes as he looked over at Sarah, "but how do I know this one is even my son?"

The judge had to call for order and Jonathan's yelling had gone ignored by laywers and judge. Beside her, Sarah could feel Caleb shrink in his seat and she could see the fear on Noah's face as Mr. Slone started asking questions.

Noah's testimony didn't take long, he said the same things he had told Richie a few months ago. He was asked more questions but simply couldn't remember any more than what he had already said and was dismissed.

Caleb had to go next and wasn't sure anymore if he had made the right decision but Noah had gone through it too and it wouldn't be fair if he chickened out now. He didn't care if Jonathan didn't think he was his son, he was happier to think that Jonathan wasn't his father at all. Soon to be eighteen, he was sure to change his name as soon as he could.

Although she was scared for both her sons and hope they didn't hold too much memories to a bad day like this, Sarah was also immensely proud of them for doing it. They were standing up for their mother but for themselves too, proving that mental abuse was abuse too.

Her oldest son talked a little longer than Noah had. He remembered more but didn't remember things as vivid as Noah did. Mr. Slone continued asking him questions and when he finished, just as with Noah, Jonathan's lawyer asked a few questions too. Afterwards Caleb was allowed to sit with his family again.

Sarah knew she was next, it had been Mr. Slone's idea to testify in this order, starting with Noah who remembered the least and ending with Nicole, Jonathan's current wife.

Mr. Slone kept to his promise and asked everything they had gone through during their meetings, Sarah answered each questioned to truth. Her testimony took a lot longer than the boys' had. Half of the time Sarah felt ashamed of what she had to say, admitting to the sexual abuse was the worse of all.

In the end, it had gone better than she thought, Jonathan didn't speak again and she avoided eye contact with him at all time, she didn't need to see him, she would feel better if she didn't.

Mr. Slone admitted to the judge, after Sarah had gone back to her seat and embraced Richie tightly, that they had hoped Nicole would be able to come to the courthouse to testify but she had was emotionally unable to and therefor Mr. Slone showed a video.

The same had been suggested for Sarah too so she wouldn't have had to come to court and see Jonathan but she had come for her own good, if Jonathan was going to be sentenced to jail, she wanted to see it happen.

After Nicole's video the testimonies were over and the judge scheduled the verdict to be heard in two days.


Relieved, Sarah got up from the bench in the courtroom and walked out with her family. The hardest part was behind them, now they only had to wait for the sentence.

Out in the corridor they spend a few more minutes talking to Mr. Slone, he was a friendly man and Sarah knew he had done everything he could. The boys sat on a bench, opposite of the courtroom doors as Sarah and Richie talked about the case.

"You're no sons of mine! My sons wouldn't do that!"

The voice made Sarah look over but it also made her freeze where she stood.

"Shut up and keep walking." One of the officers said roughly and gave Jonathan an extra push.

Forgetting her conversation with the lawyer, Sarah walked over to her sons and hugged them both. She felt horrible for putting them through this. She shouldn't have suggested it at all.

"I'm so sorry." She said, not loosening her grip on either of them.
"It's alright." Noah said, half-hugging her back. "He's not our father anyway."
Caleb agreed. "We aren't his sons, we're your sons."

Hearing her son's words, Sarah couldn't hold the tears back any longer.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Chapter Thirty-One

29 weeks

Summer vacation was half past over, it was beginning of August and very soon school would start again for all three teenagers in the house.

This year too, they had spend their summer vacation at the lake.

They had rented a little place, which had been perfect for all of them, they were right on the water and Caleb and Noah were able to watch all the girls in bikini on the beach pass by, as Ava watched all the boys pass by.

Sarah and Richie had spend a wonderful 10 days like that, the water was great and whenever they could, they went swimming in the lake. Summer was warm and the blue water was a perfect refreshment for them all.

Very soon everything would get a lot more hectic. Richie's album would be out the next month and he was busy with planning a short tour. The Bon Jovi record had been put on hold so he could tour a little with his album and do some solo concert, so far nothing was sure yet but almost everything was ready to book the tour. He had figured out where to go and would be back in California before Sarah would have the baby. Maybe after that he could do another show or two. At least he wasn't far from home anymore then.

Sarah's mind was elsewhere, in two weeks the lawsuit would start. The boys had made their disicion and during the last meeting with the lawyer they had been told when the date would be. Hopefully it wouldn't expend intoo more days than one. Jonathan's wife was still in pretty bad condition but according to Mr. Slone she would be able to make her own testimony in court, which would be very helpful too. The way things looked like, it was almost sure that Jonathan would go to jail.

But she was spending time at the lake with her family and every time she thought of the lawsuit she tried to push it out of her mind, she had to relax.

Before the family left to go to the beach, Sarah and Richie had visited Sarah's gyneacologist another time for a check up. Sammy was growing well and seemed very healthy.

They were both surprised with how much things had changed since the last time they had children. Now they could even get a 3D picture of the baby and they could actually see Sammy as the baby would look like when it was born. If they knew Sammy's sex or not, they didn't tell the children what sex it would be to keep Ava and Caleb's arguements at bay and respecting Noah who didn't want to know. Sammy was healthy, and that was all they needed to knew.

Even Sarah's gyneacologist had expected Sarah to have more complications during her pregnancy but so far she hadn't been to the hospital again. She tried to stay as relaxed as she could even with the lawsuit, she was still relaxed enough. Her bloodpressure had been raised a little at the last check up but not so much that it was something to worry about.

Her pregnancy books helped a lot with that too, they had tips and excersises she could do. Apart from that, she had also learned that Sammy could hear sounds and see lights, with that, Richie took his chance to sing for Sammy whenever he could. Other than singing for Sammy, it was a great way to rehearse for all the promotional singing he'd have to do and the concerts that would follow.

A lot of close moments were shared like that and it made Sarah love her husband even more, to see him so looking forward to the birth of his next child.

Eventually their 10 days of summer vacation had to end, they had to return to regular life, which wasn't very regular anymore. Richie was away more often than he used to be but he had to work and so did Sarah. She loved her days off, she had one less thing to worry about. She didn't find her job stressful but during her time off, she had already noticed changes, she felt more relaxed and calmer, maybe it would be smart to stop after all.

She wasn't sure if she wanted to go back after Sammy was born. When Caleb and Noah were born, she still had to work, someone had to support their family at that time but now she didn't have to. She had only gotten a job for herself but now she felt she should stay home for Sammy and the other kids. Still months away, she tried not to think of it.


They arrived at home in the evening, Sarah was ready to go to bed even though it wasn't very late, traveling was exhausting and she just wanted her bed. Richie left the bags by the door and went upstairs with Sarah.

A few minutes later they were comfortable in bed, face to face, Sarah stroking Richie's hair. She liked his hair the way it was, the length of it was just perfect.

"I'm gonna miss your hair." Sarah sighed.
"I'm only getting it cut, it's not like they're gonna shave it off." Richie chuckled as Sarah twisted her fingers in his hair, like she was claiming it.
"Still, I like it the way it is."
"It's just hair." Richie shrugged. "It's only for the video. You'll love the video."
"I already love the song." She snuggled closer to him.

With a happy, proud smile, Richie kissed his wife.


The next day, after breakfast, Richie left to get his hair cut. He had convinced Sarah some more during breakfast that it would be just fine, just a little different in length, nothing more than that. Simple as that.

Sarah enjoyed the morning alone, kids still asleep, usually they weren't up before noon but soon all that would change again and everyone would be back to school. She knew they weren't looking forward to it but she was in some way. It was nice when they were home but they were teenagers and seemed to be unable to clean up behind themselves. When they were at school, at least there was less to clean up at home. Another thing she knew she didn't have to, someone came around every week to clean the house but she still felt like she had to do something around the house.

They had only been home for a day and tomorrow Richie had another concert to play. Not a big concert, but he still had to fly to the other side of the country again but this time Sarah was going with him. She hadn't been to one of his concert in a long while and was very excited to see her husband play again.

It was special to watch Richie play, the way he lost himself in the music, how it was so perfect for him and seeing the sex faces she knew all too well.

"Honey, I'm home!"
Sarah laughed at the expression she heard from the hallway, and looked over her shoulder to watch her husband walk into the room, her face went blank as soon as she saw him.
"What?" Richie asked confused.
"But.. What?" She couldn't even find the words "T-that is not getting your hair cut!"
"It got cut too."
"But it's blond! Blonder than my hair even!" Sarah couldn't believe what he had done.
"It's only for the video, they thought it would look better, you'll see and I'll dye it back afterwards."
"I can't believe you did that." Sarah got up and walked over to him, stroking his hair again as she had done the night before.
"I guess you don't like it then." Richie sighed, a bit disappointed, he hadn't really thought about Sarah's reaction when it was being dyed. He just trusted his director that it would look good in the video.
"It's just very different." Sarah answered, twisting her fingers in the now blond strands of hair, it still felt the same. "We can go upstairs and you can take my mind off of it." She smiled up at him.
"I'm sure I can do that."

Monday, June 17, 2013

Chapter Thirty

26 weeks

On Sunday Richie brought Ava home again, even if it was summer Ava was still coming over every other week. It was easier than changing the whole rhythm.

While he was gone, Sarah took her chance to talk to her sons about the lawsuit. She hadn't mentioned anything yet to them but it was getting close to the next meeting and she decided to ask them for their opinions. Believing they were old enough to make their own decision in wanting to testify or not. The decision was entirely their own even if she didn't feel completely comfortable with that, she felt like she should let them call the shots.

So after Richie and Ava had left, Sarah asked both her sons to meet her in the living room. Once they walked in, she immediately noticed their worried faces. She couldn't let them worry and started explaining what happened.

She started with how it all had started, the phonecall Richie had received and the reason why they had gone to Montana.

It was difficult to tell them the whole truth, what Jonathan had done and what the accusations were. The boys their faces weren't full of worry anymore but shocked.

Watching her sons confused by it all, Sarah felt like she had to explain more about, she hadn't ever really talked to them about who their father was. With that she also decided to start with the beginning, how she had met Jonathan in college, right before wanting to start med school. How she had to give up med school because she was too busy drinking and had to support herself and Jonathan.

The only thing she was proud about telling was, was how she had gone to rehab all by herself even though Jonathan was very much against it and had tried to stop her. She was proud she had done it despite that might having been the reason to make her marriage so bad.

But she didn't explain everything too detailed, she didn't want to make it sound too bad, she told them about the beating, but left out her injuries. She didn't feel comfortable telling them about the rape she had gone through so many times but told them anyway.  If she wanted to tell them about their father, she had to tell them everything and so she did.

"What if I'm like him?" Caleb blurred out, both surprised for thinking it but even more for saying it out loud.

Sarah looked at him, a bit shocked he would think that, her eyes went over to Noah to see if he thought the same way, then back to Caleb.

"You're nothing like him. Neither of you are." Sarah said, trying to reassure them. "You've both never been in fight, never been in real trouble and I'm sure you've never thought about hitting your girlfriend or have had sex when she didn't want to."
They both felt uncomfortable now that their possible sex lives had become a subject but both agreed that they had never done that.
"But what if we do when we're drunk? Like Jonathan was?"
Sarah sighed. "Well, if you worry about that, I can only tell you not to drink. I know everyone is always so excited about drinking but you can have just as much fun while being sober. You don't need to be drunk for that. Besides that, you know alcohol isn't allowed at home."
Both boys nodded.

"Do we have to testify in court?" Noah asked after a few minutes of silence.
"No, you don't have to but it would increase Jonathan's chances for going to jail and for a longer time."
"So it's best if we do." Caleb concluded.
"He'll be there when we go?" Noah asked his next question a little unsure about wanting to know the answer.
Sarah sighed again, she understood, she didn't want to see Jonathan either. "He'll be in the same court room so you will have to see him but I don't think we'll be allowed to talk."
Again, both boys nodded their understanding.

"It's up to you if you want to or not. Don't feel forced at any moment, it's entirely up to you, no one else, not even me." Sarah told them, trying to be very clear about it. "But I do have to know in a few days, so think about what you want to do and let me know."

Again both boys nodded their understanding and agreement. Sarah really hoped they understood there was no pressure whatsoever on them. If they wanted to go, then that would be fine, if they didn't, it would be just as fine.

"And I'm always here if you need to talk about something." She added quickly, just in case they still needed a judgement on their decision or wanted some helping in making up their minds.

After the boys had left the room again, Sarah thought her conversation had gone pretty well. She had been completely honest with them and hoped they could both make their own decision on the matter.

She still didn't know how much her sons had witnessed but she didn't want to put more pressure on them and start asking about that. Maybe when they had made their decisions, then she could ask them to talk to her about it to find out how much they had known about their father.

Eventhough she felt it had gone well, she was still glad to see Richie when he got him. It still felt as a relief to see her husband whenever she did something that was difficult for her.

Together with Richie, Sarah walked back to the living room and watched some TV with him. She loved the easy times with him, just being cuddled up on the couch with him.

Not much later, that was how Sarah fell asleep, her head on Richie's shoulder, her arms wrapped around his waist, as were his arms wrapped around her.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Chapter Twenty-Nine

25 weeks

A week later, Richie was home again. The concert had been amazing but he had also missed his wife and family. He was happy to be cuddled up on the couch with Sarah right now. It was Tuesday and Sarah was home all day, tomorrow she'd have to work but today he could spend with her alone. Ava was at her mom's house and Caleb and Noah were both at the beach.

It would have been nice to go to the beach with Sarah but they were comfy on the couch and he didn't want to ruin the moment they were sharing.

The last few weeks had been a little rough and for now everything was okay. While he was away Sarah had talked to her sons about the lawsuit, having told them what was going to happen and that they didn't need to worry about. She wasn't sure yet if she wanted Noah to testify or even ask Caleb if he knew about anything. It was still a difficult subject that Sarah rather avoided than having to face it.

In thought, Richie rubbed Sarah's belly. She was getting bigger, it was definitely obvious that she was pregnant, Sammy was growing a lot. At times he felt so excited to finally be a daddy again that he had to remind himself that it was still four months before Sammy would be born. He couldn't wait to finally see his child, to hold it and hug it. To love it.

Sammy would change his life even more, by the time Sammy would be born, he would be done with his solo record and then he would have time to stay home. Sure he was working on the Bon Jovi album with Jon but that was still miles away, by the time that would be done and he would have to go back on the road, Sammy would almost be a year old.

Except, Sammy wouldn't be Sammy, it was only a temporary name. After the birth the baby would get another name but to decide on a name they would have to know the sex. So far Richie didn't really have any idea what to name their child and as far as he knew, Sarah didn't either. They hadn't paid much thought to that yet. There was still a lot of time for it.

"I've been thinking while you were gone." Sarah said, holding her arm around Richie a little tighter and the arm she was leaning on, feeling asleep.
"About the lawsuit?" Richie asked.
"Yeah. I told Noah and Caleb about the lawsuit and that I need to testify but I didn't mention that they might have too."
"They don't have to, it just might help if they need more proof." Richie clarified.
"I know, but if there's more proof, there's more chance of Jonathan to go to jail and he needs to go jail." Sarah said strongly, he had to go to jail and she would be part of making him go to jail.
"He will, even without the boys having to testify. You could suggest it to them, they're old enough to make their own decision in fact."
Sarah nodded. "That would be a good idea. I feel so bad about this."
"The lawsuit?" Richie asked.
"Partly but I meant, knowing that the boys did suffer. I always thought it wasn't so bad because it was only me, I never thought that they heard any of it. I didn't know they suffered, they were just little boys, they didn't deserve that."
Richie hugged her tighter. "If they remember anything, it won't be much, they were little. Noah said he didn't remember much, just snippets." He tried to comfort her.

Softly, Sarah nodded again, hoping that it was true and that the boys didn't remember much. As Richie said, they were little, they were very young back then and maybe they really didn't remember much. Hopefully they had processed everything on their own.

She knew she still needed to talk to them later, maybe when they had a clearer date for when the case would be. She didn't want them to go through more than they needed.

The doorbell disrupter her thoughts and Richie got up from the couch to answer the gate.

A few minutes later Richie walked back into the room with a big, brown box and sat down next to Sarah again.

"What's that?" She asked when she noticed the box.
"I have no idea but it's from Jon and Dorothea." He said, tearing off the tape and opening the box.

Sarah watched him as he got a few books out.

"Books?" She asked confused.

Richie opened it and leafed through it, then handed it to Sarah, who also leafed through it but looking more at the pages than Richie had. Every page had another number of weeks, a pregnancy book where she could write all about Sammy and her pregnancy.

"Dorothea sent this?" Sarah asked, wanting to see what else was in the box.
"Yeah. Look at this." Richie said, pulling out a t-shirt.

Sarah took it to have a look at it as Richie held it up, at the bottom, it had a headphone with music notes. If Sarah would wear it, it would seem as if the bump was listening to music. She liked it a lot.

Richie pulled out the next tshirt, it was the same kind but this one read "daddy did it".

"Isn't that lovely?" Richie said sarcastic. "They blame me."
Sarah chuckled and checked the box for anything else. "I blame you too." She cuddled closer to his side. "But not in a bad way. Wanna go see if this fits?" Sarah asked suggestively as she got up from the couch and pulled him up with her, heading for the bedroom.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Chapter Twenty-Eight

23 weeks

Only a few days later the whole family celebrated the fourth of July.

The five of them stayed at home, watching the fireworks outside after having barbecued and spending a nice family day.

It was very easy for Richie to remember their first fourth of July together, only a year ago. It had been the evening he decided he was going to marry Sarah. They had been on the beach and Sarah had told him she dreamt of getting married on the beach, at that moment Richie knew he was going to marry Sarah and that their wedding would be on the beach.

He smiled at the memory and was glad that their wedding had gone exactly like that.

Only a year later and their life was entirely different. Sarah was 23 weeks pregnant, something they were both very happy with but not everything wasn't as they had planned. They were close to a lawsuit, that Sarah still had to talk to her sons about.

Richie eased himself in a lounge chair next to Sarah.

"How's Sammy enjoying the fireworks?" He asked as another one exploded in the air.
"I'm not sure, lots of kicking." Sarah said, really not knowing if Sammy was liking or disliking the sounds.
"Oh?" Richie asked curiously and reached over to put his hand on Sarah's belly. He felt a kick instantly. "It's alright Sammy. Just some fireworks, you're safe."
Sarah smiled at her husband's sweetness.

In only three days Richie had to leave. She was used to Richie traveling, but since they had gotten married, he had only traveled to New York to visit with Jon, write and compose music. This time he was going to perform, twice, it had been a while since he had performed and during the month, Richie had a few concerts to play.

After the fireworks Sarah and Richie went to bed, knowing the kids might stay up a little longer or finally go to bed too, it was summer, they were old enough and they didn't see the need to tell them when they needed to go to bed.

As pregnant as she was, a baby bump very visible now, Sarah still wore the same kind of nightwear, revealing, short nighties. Richie still thought it was very hot.

As soon as Richie got in bed, wearing his usual nothing, he moved close to Sarah, wrapping his arms around her, once again very happy he had her.

He bent his head and captured Sarah's lips, "love you." He said when they pulled apart.
"I love you too." Sarah said but reached back in to kiss him again.

Gently she pushed Richie to his back as they kissed, making him lay down, she cuddled to his side. Her hand on his chest, roamed his skin and went through his chest hair. Her kisses tore away from his soft lips and kissed his scruffy cheek.

Meanwhile, Richie was enjoying every touch Sarah made. She moved on to kiss his neck, her lips so soft that he wanted to ask her to wrap them around something else. Her hand on his chest, playing with his nipples, she moved to straddle him.

He smiled up at here. "Hello there."
Sarah grinned at him and reached behind her, wrapping her hand around Richie's cock. "Hello to you."

After a few strokes, Sarah bent forward and went back to loving his chest. She pressed her lips against his skin, softly kissing him, finding her way to his nipples to lick.

She finally pulled back when she realized Richie was pushing her nightgown up, trying to get it off.

"Trying to hint something?" She asked, not yet moving up so he could take it off for her.
"Since when are you a tease?"
"Gotta try something new once in a while." Sarah smiled and sat up.

All too happy, Richie pulled up her gown and dropped it next to him on the bed, his hands moving up to her breasts right away. He had noticed them getting bigger the last few weeks. Even though he liked Sarah's breasts the way they were, he wasn't opposed to their size right now either.

Being poked in the back, Sarah reached behind her and lifted her hips to guide Richie inside her.

A long sigh escaped her as she slid down him until he was entire inside her, he moaned.

Involuntarily, Richie bucked and made Sarah gasp.

Slowly Sarah got into a rhythm of moving over him. Richie's hands still on her breasts and his thumbs teasing her nipples, made her climax approach faster.

Richie watched every movement she made, Sarah looked gorgeous when she was turned on and about to climax. Her motions on top of him became faster and Sarah braced herself with her hands on his chest.

"Richie, I'm gonna... Oooh God."

Sarah felt Richie squeeze her breasts a last time as she climaxed, then he wrapped his arms around her, held her close and rolled over with her. She was still recovering from her orgasm when Richie straightened above her, braced on his hands, he started driving inside her.

Watching Sarah orgasm had always been his personal turn on. The way her face contorted, how her eyes misted over, everything she did. He thrusted fast and hard, he needed to come but not without Sarah.

With her hands above her head, Sarah braced herself so her head wouldn't bang the headboard with every thrust Richie was making.

"Oh God, Richie, right there." She encouraged him, not caring how loud they were being at the moment. It felt so incredibly good. "Yes! More!"

Sarah's back arched as she reached her second climax in only a few minutes.

Richie stilled as he emptied his seed inside her.

A few seconds he tried to catch his breath, watching Sarah below him. Finally, he laid down on top of her and kissed her again.

"God." He sighed.
"That was so good." Sarah said, completely satisfied.

Carefully, Richie rested his head on Sarah's shoulder, still trying to relax again.

"Honey?" Sarah asked when she knew they were both falling asleep. "I don't want you to move but Sammy wants some space."

Richie kissed her cheek and smiled at Sarah before rolling off and pulling Sarah against him so they could still cuddle.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Chapter Twenty-Seven

22 weeks

The next day they got ready to meet with the lawyer that had contacted them a few weeks ago. Sarah was nervous and was unsure of what would happen today but on the other hand she was glad that she was doing it. For all the suffering Jonathan had caused to her, now she could have her payback and help getting him the punishment he deserved.

Richie knew it was hard for Sarah to go to this meeting and he was trying to stand by her every step of the way. He knew she needed the support and he was all to willingly to give it. It was important that she did that. The meeting with the lawyer today would reveil their options and possibilities and then Sarah could make her decision from there on.

He knew Sarah wanted Jonathan to be punished for what he had done but he also understood Sarah was scared of what might happen. Just the fact that she thought her ex-husband might find them made it clear to him how scared Sarah still was of him. Richie was going to make sure he was with Sarah every second while they were in Montana, he needed to protect her and give her the sense of security she needed to get through her testimonial. Hopefully, by the end of the lawsuit she would finally be able to let go of the memory of Jonathan and could have peace with herself.

"Ready?" Richie asked carefully when he himself was ready to go.
"As I'll ever be." Sarah gave a soft smile.

Even though she wasn't sure of herself, Richie was very proud of her. He embraced her and kissed her to let her know how he felt.

"I'm with you, I love you and I'm very proud of you. You can do this, it's only a meeting." He said gentle.
Sarah nodded against his shoulder, still in his embrace. "Thanks. I love you too."
"Let's go and then we can go home again."



Thomas Slone's office was big, he was part of a big law ferm. They were greeted by a receptionist that informed them where they could wait.

As usual with appointment, this one was also late. Richie hated it, their appointment was schedulated at 10:30 am and by now it was 10:40 am. He didn't exactly have a reputation of being on time himself but when something was scheduled he didn't like it when it was delayed.

Sarah sat in a chair against the wall, there were magazines on a little table but she didn't feel as if she could read right now. Instead she watched Richie who was pacing in the very small room. He seemed more nervous than she was or maybe she was just better at hiding it but his pacing and sighing wasn't helping her either.

"Sweetie?" She asked, making Richie look at her. "Can you sit down? You're making me nervous."
Richie nodded and walked over to sit next to Sarah. "Sorry."

She watched her husband, in the moment she was incredibly happy to have him. She had those moments a lot, sometimes it was still hard to believe that Richie was her husband. Someone so many woman and girls wanted and she was the lucky one without even having known she was lucky. Sitting down, he seemed more relaxed, which made her relax in turn too. Sarah quickly checked her phone again, she knew the lawyer was late but something must have came up causing him to be late. 10:41 am, when she put her phone away, she noticed Richie's knee bouncing up and down and sighed.

"Mr and Mrs Sambora?"

Sarah and Richie both looked up, seeing a man in costume stand in the doorway.

"I'm Thomas Slone, sorry for the delay."

Richie nodded and they both followed to the office where they sat down in front of a very large wooden desk.

"I just received a phone call regarding the case." Thomas said as he sat down too. "Jonathan's wife woke up out of coma but she doesn't remember much. The doctors hope she'll regain her memory."
"She was in coma?" Richie asked in disbelief.
"Yes, that's why Jonathan has been pressed with the charges of attempt of murder."
"W-what happened?" Sarah asked, scared to hear the answer, scared that it could have been her.
"We don't know exactly what happened because Jonathan claims he was drunk while it happened. We only know Nicole was pushed from the balcony where they lived."
"He was drunk?" Sarah asked, she knew that was when he was most violent but he didn't need to be drunk to be violent.
"He claims he was, he's also claiming momentarily insanity but when the police showed up after the 911 call, they did all the tests and he wasn't drunk, he scored 0."
Sarah nodded, taking all the information in.

Thomas went on to explain why they needed Sarah's testimony. If Jonathan was claiming insanity but if Sarah could prove he had a history of violence, it would be easier to make the judge see that Jonathan had done this knowingly.

Richie was nodding, understanding and agreeing. "But what about Sarah? She really doesn't need the stress now that she's pregnant. Does she have to meet Jonathan or anything?"
"We can only make is as stress free as we can and hope that everything is dealt with soon. The sooner it's over, the better, right?"
Richie nodded, not really pleased with the answer.
"The case will be taken to court because of the allegations and hopefully, if we get everything right, it will be over in one day. We're looking for more witnesses, the more the better to have this over quickly."

It was worrying for Sarah, she'd have to be in court, the same room as Jonathan but where was Jonathan now and how would he be in court? Was he free to go as he pleased?

"Where's Jonathan now?" Sarah asked.
"He's in custody. He'll stay there during the entire case until the end of the trial."
"Unless he doesn't get proven guilty." Sarah said.
Both Richie and Thomas looked at her but Thomas was the one to speak. "There will be more chance of him being proven guilty if you can testify about your marriage. It would help even more if Nicole could and if we had more witnesses. The records said you and Jonathan had two sons, could they testify?"
"They were too young. They never knew." Sarah said.

Richie knew he had to say something now. Sarah had always been relieved that her sons hadn't gone through the abuse and hadn't witnessed anything and now he had to take that away from her. He had to say what Noah had seen when he was little, that he did remember some things.

"Actually..." Richie started but didn't know how to go on.
Sarah turned to look at him and Richie felt guilty, seeing her sad eyes. "What?"
He didn't want to but he had to, he kept his eyes focused on Sarah's. "That night me and Noah had an arguement, he told me about a night he woke up and saw you and Jonathan."
Sarah couldn't believe it, tears were starting in her eyes. "He saw us? What did he see?"
"I'm sorry honey, I really am. He told me he woke up, hearing noises and got scared so he went looking for you but then he saw Jonathan hitting you." Richie sighed, seeing Sarah's sad eyes, he moved closer to her.
"He saw us?"
Richie reached over and wrapped his arms around Sarah. "I'm sorry. I couldn't tell you and I think Noah was too scared to tell you. He was scared while telling me."

Hearing that didn't help Sarah and she couldn't hold the tears back anymore. She had always believed her sons hadn't suffered through the abuse but this just proved that they had. If Noah had seen them, then maybe Caleb had too. Caleb was almost five years old at the time, maybe he had known what happened at home. Knowing they hadn't seen anything always made Sarah feel less bad about the abuse but knowing this, knowing her sons had been emotionally abused by knowing their mother was abused, hurt her and made her hope Jonathan would go to jail.