⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING - SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS! ⚠️

Emma and I find seats, while I anxiously watch Tessa walking away with the people she was talking with.

"Don't worry, she's strong. She'll be fine," Emma says as we sit down.

"Emma... does Tessa ever talk to you about what happened that night with Neil?"

"No. After you helped her through her depression, she never mentioned it again. Why?"

"I'm just really worried about her."

"Because of today?"

"No... When she got the call about the trial, I came home to find she had finished a bottle of wine and she told me she was thinking of hurting herself," I try to explain without tearing up.

"No, she didn't tell me she was having thoughts like that. I had no idea. I feel awful for not noticing that sooner."

"I didn't know either, but now it's all I worry about."

"Let's just help her through today, then we'll find a way to make sure she doesn't ever feel that way again. Okay, Hardin?"

I silently nod while looking at my fidgeting hands.

"You're good for her, Hardin."

"What?" I ask as I turn to look at Emma.

"You've helped bring her to life. You should hear the way she gushes about you. She's so in love with you. I've never seen her this happy. Ever."

"R-really?"

"Yes. As long as she has you, she'll be alright."

"Thank you, Emma. I really needed to hear that. You're a good friend... to Tessa... and me... I mean, if you want to consider me a friend."

"Of course, I do. You're a great guy. Things might not have worked out between us, and I was a little bummed, but you and Tessa are meant to be. And you can't fight fate," she quietly laughs.

"I'm glad you're in our corner. Do you think you could convince Tess to walk down the aisle with me anytime soon?"

"I'm not sure, but don't worry if she doesn't right now. You know she's not going anywhere."

I nod in agreement as the judge walks in. Suddenly, my heart is beating too fast and my palms are sweaty as we're instructed to rise for the judge. I look over at Emma and she gives me an encouraging smile. It helps calm me a little.

As the trial starts, I get more anxious with every girl called to testify. I'm worried for Tessa, but I'm also dreading hearing what she has to say. I know I have to control myself, but I'm afraid it will be too much for me to handle.

My heart stops when I finally hear them call Tessa's name. I watch as she walks up to the stand and swears to tell the truth. The man questioning her doesn't look friendly. And from what I've heard so far from him questioning the other witnesses, he's not very sympathetic, either.

"Miss Young, can you tell us in your own words what happened the night in question?" he sternly asks her.

As Tessa begins to talk, I feel myself getting light headed and I can't help but look over at Neil. Of course, he's not smirking now, not with the jury watching him, but I can tell he's enjoying reliving what he did to my sweet, innocent girl. I feel the rage coursing through my veins and I clench my fists in anger. He gets to sit there, while my girl has to relive the worst day of her life. A day that has made her question living. I want nothing more than to go over there and rip his head off.

I'm dragged from my thoughts by a gentle hand being placed over my fist. I look over at Emma.

"She's doing great," she whispers before removing her hand from mine.

She is doing great. I've been so caught up in my own emotions that I didn't realize how brave she's being. She's not backing down.

Every time during Tessa's testimony that I feel myself becoming enraged, Emma helps to calm me, stopping me from doing something stupid.

Finally, Tessa leaves the stand and I feel relief wash over me. That is until I remember that I have to testify, too.

I calm myself before getting up and going to the stand and swearing to tell the truth. It's a good thing they don't make me swear not to beat the shit out of Neil, because I don't think I could keep that promise.

"And what do you remember about that night, Mr. Scott?"

"I remember getting a voicemail from my girlfriend, telling me how terrified she was because she was being followed. I remember driving around town, looking for her, only to find her pinned against a wall, being assaulted by him," I say angrily as I point at Neil.

"Is it true you assaulted him? And that you beat him to the point of being unconscious?"

"Yes. He was about to rape my girlfriend. I had no choice."

"So, you're saying that one type of violence justifies another?"

This fucker is getting on my nerves, but I have to keep my cool. "No. I didn't choose to assault him for fun. I was protecting the love of my life. But he did choose to assault her."

I continue to answer irritating questions, until I'm finally allowed to leave the stand.

We take a break while the jury deliberates, but I'm still not allowed to see Tessa.

"Hardin, that was really great. It was so hard to hear what you both went through. I'm so sorry for what happened that night," Emma says sympathetically.

"Me, too. I hope he goes to prison for a long time. I had no idea how many poor girls he had victimized."

"Me, neither. I guess I was one of the lucky ones."

"Wait, what?"

"Neil did something similar to me when I was at the frat house one night."

"Tessa never said anything. And why didn't you testify today?"

"It happened a while ago. I was at a party and I was looking for the bathroom, but I opened the door to his room by accident. He was charming at first... then he turned into a monster. This guy must have heard me calling for help because he burst into the room to save me. That's how I met the boyfriend I had before Noah. He saved me from that monster. I never said anything to the police because I was ashamed and I wasn't brave enough to testify like Tessa was today. No one even knows except my ex and now you."

"Wow. I had no idea. Today must have been so hard for you. Why doesn't Tessa know?"

"I was too ashamed to tell anyone, even her. I know I should have, but I just couldn't."

"I'm so sorry that happened to you, too. Thank you for still coming today to support her."

Just as we finish our conversation, it's time for the verdict, so we take our seats.

The jury announces their verdict. "Your Honour, we find the defendant guilty."

Both Emma and I sigh in relief. I cannot wait to see Tessa again.

Once the courtroom clears out, we're finally reunited with Tessa. She walks over to us and hugs us both at the same time.

"Tess, I'm so happy. You did great and Neil can never hurt you or anyone else ever again. How do you feel?"

"I'm relieved. I think I needed to do this today, so that I can finally move forward."

"So, you feel better?"

"I really do," she says with a smile.

"That's so great, Tessa," Emma says. "I think I'll let you two be alone now. Call me if you need anything," she says before she turns to leave.

"Emma, wait!" I call after her and then walk over to her. I lean in to give her a hug and whisper in her ear, "Thank you."

She's taken by surprise, but hugs me back. She pulls out of the hug, smiles at me and walks away.

"What was that about?" Tessa asks in shock.

"I was just thanking her. She helped me so much today. So Tess, are you ready to finally go home?"

"No. I need you to take me somewhere first."

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I just want to give a big thank you to everyone who has been reading, voting and commenting on 'More Than Friends'! Your support means so much to me! If you're enjoying the story, please remember to continue to vote and comment! It's encouraging and motivating! I appreciate your support! Thank you. ♥️