It always seems impossible until it's done.

-Nelson Mandela.

-Maggie-

I did not want to go to school today, already knowing what rumors were going to be spreading around. I had to face everyone, and not only that, the trial was right after school. The lawyer testifying against us is known for winning many cases similar to mine and there's a huge chance he'll win this one. Luke's uncle Jordan is flying on his way over here, at least that's what Luke told me through text this morning; and his parents will be there too, for support. It was quiet during breakfast this morning since all of us are on edge for the trial. I barely touched my food, but before I left Sarah literally shoved grapes into my mouth, commenting on how I had to eat something or else I'd faint in the middle of the court room. Count on Sarah to choke you with grapes while you're already struggling to breathe with a lump in your throat.

So now here I am, in my car parked at the school parking lot. I lost count of how many times I've found myself sitting in my car; afraid to go inside the building and facing all those people. A knock on my window made me jump. I placed my hand on my chest and glared at Luke through the glass. "Luke you scared the heck out of me!" I exclaimed. He smirked and nodded hides head. "I noticed. Are you planning on coming out anytime soon, or are we playing some game of Tom and Jerry?" I sighed and unbuckled my seatbelt, getting out of the car and locking it after. Luke pulled me into a much needed hug and I returned it, closing my eyes. "How are you not freaked out right now?" I asked. His body language showed no sign of nervousness, making me question how he does it. I felt his chin rest on my head as he spoke. "Today is a scary day, but a smile can help us get through it." I laughed as pulled away a little so I could look at him.

"I peg you as one of these people who would get a tattoo sleeve of random quotes." Luke laughed sarcastically before pointing out the elephant of the room. "You ready to go inside?" I groaned and shook my head. "No."

"Well then thank God you have me." Luke grabbed my hand with a cheeky smirk. Leading us through the parking lot. "I should've dyed my hair black and changed my name so no one would recognize me." I said. Luke glanced at me while quirking his eyebrow. "Your filthy cousin goes to this school, Mags. I'm pretty sure she would recognize you." I frowned, realizing his point.

"Touché, and don't call her filthy. She has a name." Luke chuckled as we reached the doors. "According to Miranda she has plenty." Before I got to reply to that, Luke opened the doors and we stepped inside. People were already staring, as if they knew when we were going to come in. I tightened my grip on Luke's hand as we kept walking through the halls. "Their opinions don't define you Maggie. Ignore the staring." I nodded and after what seemed like an eternity of walking, we reached the hall where my locker was. I was relieved but when I caught sight of who was standing by it, my feet stuck to the ground as if they were part of it. "Luke, let's go to your locker first." I said, pulling him back. He furrowed his brows and placed a hand on my shoulder. "What's wrong?" He turned to where my eyesight was focused on and readjusted his hand around mine. "I'll be there with you. If she crosses the line I'll back you up. What do you say?" I reluctantly nodded my head. It's better to face her now than throughout the day while Luke is in a different class.

As we arrived at my locker Saskia gasped when she noticed us. "Oh God, Maggie." I was about to ask what she wanted but she took the words out of my mouth when she stepped forward and hugged me. "I have so much to say right now but I want to start with apologizing." I looked at Luke over Saskia's shoulder and raised my eyebrows. 'She's hammered', he mouthed. I rolled my eyes at his assumption as Saskia broke the hug to look at me. "I've been nothing but a very bad cousin to you and I had no right to judge you for having a baby, no matter how it happened. I also had absolutely no right to put up that website or pulling that stunt at the hospital. You should've pressed charges Maggie; it's beyond my knowledge why you didn't." I sighed and looked at Luke. "Could you give us a second?" I asked. Luke nodded slowly, suspiciously eyeing Saskia as he stepped to the other end of the hall.

"I didn't press charges because despite all those times you made me feel completely worthless, you're still my cousin. Besides, your parents divorced and it hit you hard. You had to take it out on someone and it so happened that I was the perfect target, being pregnant and all you had a reason to." She let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head. "Just because I've been going through a hard time doesn't mean you should've too. I want to start over Maggie. Nothing I do will help forget what I've done but forgiving me could be a start. It's up to you though." The bell went off, signaling it was time for everyone to get to class. I smiled at Saskia as I began walking towards Luke so we could go to home room. "Well, I have the first day of trial today after school. An extra friend wouldn't hurt." With that said, I joined Luke and we began walking.

"That looked like it went well." Luke said. I smiled and looped my arm through his.

"It did."

*************

Okay, I managed to make it through school, the only whispering done around was about Luke and I becoming an item. Saskia sat with Luke and I at lunch. It was awkward at first but after a few minutes of silence we managed to strike up a conversation. Luke and I had brought extra clothes to school for the court trial since we didn't have time to go home and change. As soon as the bell rang we both separated and agreed to meet out in the hall. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror I smiled softly, already imagining Sarah's reaction when she sees Saskia later on. A frown soon came to my face as I realized it probably isn't a good idea to not warn Sarah, especially if we're going to be in a courtroom with several witnesses if anything happens.

I stepped out of the bathroom with my backpack, straightening out my simple green dress. Luke was already out in the hall waiting, leaning against the wall wearing dress pants, a white shirt and black tie. He flashed me his teeth as he smiled when he noticed me come out. "You look-"

"Like a girl who is about to go to court for a trial against the guy who raped her and his really good lawyer who has won seventeen cases similar to these?" Luke sighed and shook his head.

"I was going for beautiful." I blushed and lightly hit his shoulder. "We're gonna be late. We should go." I said. Luke grabbed my arm, stopping me from walking away. "Hold on, I need to do something important first." Before I got to ask what in the world was more important than the trial I had to attend to, his lips were landing on mine. I closed my eyes and immediately kissed him back, resting my hands on his shoulders. Honestly I wouldn't mind doing this all day with Luke, but the trial was about to start and we needed to get there in time. I reluctantly pulled away and smiled as he groaned in protest. "What happened to taking things slow Mr. Banfield?" He rolled his eyes placed his hands on my waist.

"Says the girl who kissed me back. Now, let's go. We don't want to be late now, do we? I want you to meet my uncle beforehand." I took a deep breath and we both walked out of the school. "Do you want to go in one car? I can drop you off here after." Luke said. I nodded my head eagerly and we both started making our way to his car.

——

Luke and I managed to make it to the courtroom with twenty minutes to spare. People were starting to take their seats as we made our way to the front row in the middle where my family and Luke's parents were. I greeted my parents, Graham, and Sarah before going to Hannah to hug her. "Don't be nervous darling. Everything will come out okay, just wait....." she whispered in my ear. I smiled at her and nodded my head.

"I sure hope so." After hugging Thomas as well, Luke lead me to a tall man who had some similarities to Hannah. "Uncle Jordan, long time no see." Luke said. The man turned around and instantly smiled when he saw Luke, pulling him into a hug. "Lucas, you've grown! Last time I saw you it was at a band concert you had in sixth grade." Luke chuckled as they pulled away. "Yeah I remember. Uncle Jordan, this is my girlfriend Maggie. I told you about her last night." Luke placed his hand on my back, nudging me forward a little as he spoke. I smiled and shook his uncle's hand.

"Maggie, it's nice to finally meet you. I heard a lot of great things about you over the phone. Feel free to call me Jordan. I'm sorry for what you have to go through right now. These type of things aren't easy, especially at your age." I nodded my head slowly.

"It's nice to meet you too. I feel like I'm about to faint." I replied. Jordan rested his hand on my shoulder. "That's completely normal. Now, listen. Walter's lawyer has won many cases, but he hasn't gone against me, and there's a first time to everything. I'm going to do all it takes to make sure he gets locked up- as long as it's legal of course. Now, there will be times where he's going to call you up for some questions. I'm not going to lie, you'll be nervous at first with everyone staring at you. If he asks a question you aren't comfortable answering, just give me some signal and I'll back you up. I'm going to ask you some questions too as well as your parents and sister. If you need a break let me know. This session is an hour long, so they'll give us recess when it's halfway through. Do you have any questions you want to ask me?" I shook my head.

"Okay, well your parents explained what happened, but I need to hear everything from you personally before we start. Is that okay?" I nodded my head and turned towards Luke. "I'll be right back." I said. He nodded and kissed my forehead, the simple action calming me down. Jordan lead me outside the courtroom and into an office. We sat down and I began telling him everything. After explaining how the night went and when I saw Walter again, Jordan gave me an example of the questions he would give me so I would be ready. Before I had time to react it was time for the trial to begin. Jordan and I rushed back to the courtroom and I took a seat in between Sarah and Luke.

"What is Saskia doing here?" Sarah asked. Her expression was not happy at all and I sighed as a police officer walked to the front of the room. "Please stand for Judge Hansen." We all stood as the judge walked in the room. "I can't explain right now but please don't try anything in a room full of witnesses." We all took a seat once again as the case was explained and the judge officially announced the start of this trial. I grabbed Luke and Sarah's hands. Breathing in and out deeply. Sarah rested her head on my shoulder. "Everything's gonna be alright. We got this." She whispered.

Jordan and Walter's lawyer- who went by the name Quentin Valesco walked to the front of the room. After having a silent conversation with the judge they returned to their spots. "Mr. Valesco will begin this trial." Walter's lawyer leaned against the table they were placed at. "Your honor, I'd like to start by asking Ms. Brown a few questions." The judge nodded her head. "Proceed."

Jordan looked at me and I nodded, slowly standing up and walking to the stand. I took a seat, facing everyone. My throat went dry as I saw everyone stare right back at me. After going through the oath procedure, Mr. Valesco started his first question. "Ms. Brown, this situation happened about a year and three months ago. Am I correct." I nodded my head. "Yes." I replied. Mr. Valesco crossed his arms and tilted his head.

"Why didn't you report Mr. Tarrant then?" I looped my fingers together as his questions and my answers started back and forth.

"The situation hadn't hit me the night it happened. The next day I woke up feeling disgusted even though I had spent the rest of the night in the shower trying to get the feeling of his hands off me. I didn't say anything because just thinking about it was like going through it all over again."

"What gave you the courage to speak up now?"

"I went on a date with my boyfriend a few days back. We went to a clay studio and then to the art festival just outside of town. Everything was going perfectly fine until the man we bought some wooden rings from- Walter Tarrant- said something that made me realize it was him. I didn't recognize him at first but those words hit me hard and I wanted nothing but to get away from him. I thought he was going to try having his way again and I got scared, just like last time, but this time I chose to I speak up. I was tired of holding it in for so long." I said to him.

"What words did he say exactly?"

"He said, 'It's a wonderful night to take advantage of'. Those were the same words he had said the night he raped me."

"What is your purpose for being here in trial today?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Elaborate that question."

"Do you want Walter Tarrant in jail because he raped you or because you need money to support your kid?"

"Objection!" Jordan stood up, a stern expression. The judge held her hand up towards him. "Overruled." Jordan sat down, glancing at me with a sorry expression. I shrugged and looked at Mr. Valesco.

"I don't need money to support Graham. This trial isn't to solve financial problems. I want that man in jail for bringing constant nights filled with nightmares of what he did happening to me again and again countless times. Because of him I have been mistreated and tormented at school, being called hurtful words by anyone whenever they got the chance."

"I hit just three more questions. You love your son Graham, yes? He's a big part of your life?" I turned my attention to Graham and smiled as he played with my dad's tie in his hands. I didn't feel as nervous anymore while I looked at him.

"I do. I can't imagine my life without him. He's the main reason why I manage to get through every day."

"Then if you're so grateful to have Graham in your life what's the big fuss? Had it not been for Walter Graham wouldn't be here. If anything you should be grateful to Walter. It looks like to me that you just want some extra money for yourself; therefore you decided to start this lawsuit, using your excuse of fear to back you up." I gaped at Mr. Valesco, too shocked to be able to speak. How could he even say that? He just turned my words on me.

"Objection, your honor." Jordan's voice echoed through the silent room. The judge allowed Jordan to take over and he looked at me, raising an eyebrow to ask if I wanted a break. I slightly nodded my head and he motioned his behind him, telling me to leave the stand. I walked back to my original seat, the whole room was tense as I did so.. Luke immediately grabbed my hand while I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"I'd like to call my client's sister, Sarah Brown up to the stand." Sarah patted my knee twice before standing up and walking to the stand, taking a seat.

"Sarah, I only have a few questions for you today. You've mentioned that you and Maggie are close, correct?" Sarah nodded her head.

"Yeah. We've been there for each other our whole lives." Jordan's back was facing us, but by the time of his voice I could tell he had a serious expression by his tone of voice. Then again, he's standing in front of a judge.

"When you and your parents found out Maggie was pregnant, how did she behave from then on?" Sarah looked at me and frowned.

"She wasn't herself. Yeah, she still smiled and pretended she was okay, but I could tell otherwise. Every night would hear her cry herself to sleep, and when she started showing it got worse. She would come home right after school or work ended and wait until she was in her room before she'd burst out crying. She would tell me about how people have been verbally bullying her, but she'd act like she could handle it. Till this day I still hear her cry herself to sleep sometimes."

"So it's safe to say Walter Tarrant effected Maggie's life by a great amount?" Sarah once again nodded.

"Yes it is. People like to superficially glance at the summary of books and already decide whether they like it or not without reading deeper into it. The people in Maggie's school did the same. They saw she was pregnant and immediately started judging her without stopping to think what happened and how she felt. That filthy man right there," Sarah pointed towards Walter, shaking her head. "is the reason why people made my sister feel like it was her fault that she got pregnant." Jordan joined his hands together behind his back, nodding his head. "That's all for now Ms. Brown. Thank you for your time."

"I'd like to question Ms. Brown as well, your honor." Mr. Valesco stood up, nodding towards Sarah. The judge allowed it and I noticed Sarah glare at Mr. Valesco as he approached her.

"Ms. Brown, you stated that you and your sister have been there for each other your whole lives. This means you'd back her up when she needs help?"

"Of course. She's my sister and I'd do anything for her." Sarah answered. Mr. Valesco chuckled, the sound causing everyone to wonder what was funny at the moment.

"Your honor, there's your proof to why my client should be let free. This young lady is stating she'd back her sister up for anything at all. That would include her sister's claim of my client getting Ms. Brown pregnant."

"What exactly are you stating Mr. Valesco?" The judge asked. Mr. Valesco pointed right at Graham.

"Everyone is talking about how the pregnancy has effected Ms. Brown's life. But they're missing a point. Whether Ms. Brown really wants money, or she's trying to get bad gossip about her to stop, but my point is, there's no proof that my client is the father of that baby. Ms. Brown could've had sexual relations with someone else around the time the rape happened and used my client as an excuse. What a coincidence that she sees my client participating at an art festival. The baby doesn't even look like my client. The father could most likely be her boyfriend!" Sarah stood up from the stand and started walking towards Mr. Valesco.

"What is she doing?" Luke widened his eyes as she shoved Mr. Valesco. Security guards immediately appeared and pulled Sarah away from him. "Maggie had her life planned out before she was raped! We first time was supposed to be after she was happily married! There is no way she would sleep with someone before-"

"Order in the court!" The judge began to hit her gavel against the surface of the desk she was seated at. "Ms. Brown, take a seat." She ordered. Sarah pulled away from the security guards and took her seat beside me without a word.