Hello journal, today I received a notice by the court. The hearing for my abusers charges is coming up. My mother and father can not attend due to distance. I'm nervous, as no one will be there to help me. I have to testify, show them what this stranger did to me. I have no doubt they'll order a test on my baby.

How am I to feel safe? He's still walking the streets right now, and could find me. Seven days... a week... can I avoid him for seven days? I've avoided him for longer, but now he has a reason to seek me out... to silence me... maybe worse. The rest of the page is covered in tear marks making almost all the words illegible, except a small area. "Maybe fate will bring me a protector."

The next entry continues after a few pages of doodles and tear stains.

Today I met Lucifer again. He was at the police station, surprisingly. He looked very scruffy, and a dangerous look was in his eyes.

"I do not care what Lucius has done, nor who he has hurt. I am simply here to bail my brother out. I'll have our mother deal with his reckless behavior once he is back under her roof." His voice was commanding and the poor desk lady looked upset already.

"Hello, Lucifer. Maybe take it a tad easier on poor Sharon there. I'm sure she'll help you if you say please. Can you please help my friend, Sharon?" Sharon nodded and started the paperwork with a relieved smile. "See." I smiled brightly at Lucifer, happy to see him, despite the circumstances we were in. He nodded and grabbed the paperwork as Sharon handed it to him. She addressed me immediately. "I'll tell Sheriff Austin you are here. Sit down, you know one of the officers will offer you a seat if you don't Ciara." I nodded and walked over and sat next to Lucifer.

I started counting days, three had past, now I had four more days, and all my companion spots were filled except one. The court said I could have someone sit next to me on the stand, but so far I couldn't think of anyone. Today was my last day for the companion paperwork to be filed. "Why are you moving your hands, it's quite distracting." Lucifer grabbed my hand and held it to keep me from picking at my nails. I apologized quietly and looked up through my lashes. His eyes were soft, but serious. "Don't apologize for being nervous, it's only a human emotion. But do try coping in a less distracting manner." I nodded and smiled again, this time earning a smile on return.

"Why are you waiting on the sheriff?" Lucifer asked honestly, and I felt his hands release mine slowly. "Talking to him about a court date in four days." I wished he wouldn't press any further, but my luck has not been the best lately. "Court? For a speeding ticket? No. You wouldn't meet with the sheriff for that. Are you in some kind of danger?" I cleared my throat and nodded sheepishly. I do not like my business being talked about openly.

"Ah. If you allow me, may I help with the danger?" He was staring at me with the same soft dark chocolate eyes as before. Before I could respond, the sheriff was in front of me. "Ciara Deirdre Smith, what a pleasant surprise. I hope you have decided who will accompany you onto the stand." I looked down and mumbled under my breath. I had no one, and if I had no one, I knew I would not take the stand. That's when Lucifer stood up and held out his hand to the Sheriff. "I'll be accompanying her on the stand, if that is alright with her." He looked at me and the sheriff shook his hand as I nodded.

"Lucifer Ambrose, your brother is coming through the doors. Please keep a better hold on him, he is lucky they released him with a warning, attacking a woman of legal status like he did." Lucifer turned and stared as a silver blonde guy stepped out the doors. "Lucius. Mother was worried about you this time. Next time please restrain your anger, you shame her when you act reckless." Lucifer spoke coldly, but there was a light and kind tone behind the icey voice.

"She was a bitch." Lucius was a rougher looking man than his brother, all except his flawless waist length hair. He also seemed to be more rude and hostile than his brother. "Well, even so, patience and restraint are needed. Now, if you'll give me a few moments I'll drive you home." He turned back to the Sheriff, a serious face that quickly turned sincere.

"Here you go Mr. Ambrose. Just sign your name and number. We'll get these processed and Ms.Smith can give you the details on the time and date later." Lucifer nodded and smiled, his handsome face light with kindness. His brother did not look as enthusiastic, nor as kind.

"Hi, my name is Ciara." I attempted to shake his hand but Lucifer stopped my hand by lacing his fingers with mine. "He's not friendly, please pay him no mind. Would you like a ride home too?" Lucius looked annoyed, and I couldn't help but feel unsure. "No thanks, I'll message you the time and date, can I have your phone number?" Lucifer nodded and pulled my phone from my free hand.

After that we parted ways. Maybe fate has brought me a protector. Lucifer is very kind, hopefully he hangs around for a bit. I could definitely use help with the little one.

Yours Truly
𝒞𝒾𝒶𝓇𝒶 𝒮𝓂𝒾𝓉𝒽