ONE HEART

Chapter 28 Trial Starts

Sharon and Nick had managed to find a good therapist for Mariah to go to. It was lovely to see the cloud that had been hanging over her since the trauma, finally start to lift. The trouble was, they knew what was coming. And they were scared the cloud would come back worse than before. Because so far Nick and Sharon had managed to keep Mariah's name out of the connection, why Devon was in jail? But they knew, they wouldn't be able to do that for much longer. The detectives on the case, had told Nick and Sharon that the court case would be starting in a couple of weeks. Mariah had told Kyle what had happened between her and Devon. She also had said that her name had been kept out of it all at the moment. But that was about to all change, with the court case looming over her head.  She completely understood if Kyle wanted to let her go before her name was taken through the courts. First of all, said Kyle. I can't believe Devon did that to you!

He has always been such a nice guy to work with. Secondly, you have my full support in this. And I don't want you to go anywhere. You are very good at your job. She was also brave enough to tell him, about her relationship with Tessa that was just starting out. And would that harm the company in any way? We're all for equality here Mariah. We believe that representation matters! Oh wow, that is so great to hear said Mariah. I was so scared to tell you. So it's a bit of a relief for me. Now all I have to do is concentrate on the court case. If you need me there for support, just let me know said Kyle. Do you know if Devon's put in a plea yet? What does that mean? asked Mariah. I've not been to court before. It means. do you know if he's pleaded Guilty or not guilty yet? said Kyle. I have no idea said Mariah. I'm sure mom and dad may know. They have been shielding me from a lot of it. I mean that's great and everything, but eventually I will have to face everything and him again. Especially as it's my word against his! Did they not get any DNA? questioned Kyle. 

Oh they got loads of that, thank goodness said Mariah. It was all over my clothes and face. Mariah started to panic just thinking about it. Kyle went and got her a coffee to calm her down. It will be okay, he told her. You'll have everyone there to support you. You will not have to face this on you're own. Mariah tried to smile. My therapist tells me that all the time said Mariah. I'm not looking forward to facing him again. If I'm being honest. I'm sure you're not said Kyle. A lot of things will come back to you, I'm sure. How about you take some worry beads in with you? What will they do exactly asked Mariah. Well, some people find them soothing to play with said Kyle. Ask your therapist about them. It may take a lot of the anxiety away for you. Well, thank you for that said Mariah. I'm seeing her next week as it happens, before we start the court case the following week. Perfect timing then said Kyle. Mariah felt a lot happier, knowing her job was safe at Jabot. And that Kyle didn't care she was openly going to be dating Tessa, once the court case was over.

Tessa had also started to encourage Mariah to go out on little dates with her. Mainly for walks and coffee. But they did manage the cinema again for one night. Tessa wanted to take Mariah out for dinner afterwards, but Mariah declined that. So they had to grab a pizza and take it back to the house. Mariah could tell Tessa was a little disappointed. Hey, I'm sorry okay. I just feel like all eyes are on me. Well, they will be soon said Tessa. As soon as the court case starts. Kyle suggested I take worry beads in with me said Mariah matter of factly. They're supposed to help me cope with it all. I was going to ask my therapist about them tomorrow when I see her. And if they're worth getting. I'm sure she will say anything will help. I'm more concerned, about what you will be like once you set eyes on him again. I will probably freak out said Mariah starting to breathe a bit heavily. My therapist is trying to give me breathing techniques I can use. To try and control my anxiousness. I hope it works said Tessa. Because I'm hoping once this is over. We can finally start to get back to a normal life.

Mariah was taken aback, by what Tessa had just said. Normal life, Tessa? Really? Mariah was a bit hurt, by the way Tessa had said normal life. I don't know, if I can ever be normal again said Mariah abruptly. "I was RAPED, Tessa" It will always affect me in some way. I will get help with it, of course. But I can't see how my life, will go back to normal. From here on in, I will always be known, as the girl that Devon raped and went to prison for. I hope you can cope with that label. Because it's probably going to follow me around, for the rest of my life. Now, if you don't think you can cope with that fact, then you and I need to break up. Before we've even got properly started. Tessa was dumbfounded, by what Mariah had just said to her. I err, apologise profusely said Tessa. I didn't mean it to come out as if I wanted you to brush what has happened to you under a carpet, and forget about it. I understand you will need time and maybe space to come to terms with everything. And I want to be the person who stands beside you and helps you do that.