Over the next few days Jonathan worked with Yona and the attorney general officer to make an air tight case against the Mayor and Dean. By the time they presented the case none of the victims had to appear in court their written statements were enough. They had enough evidence. that all sides agreed to the medical files and written testimony. Especially since Remi who suffered the most still could not speak. The two pleaded guilty on all charges so that they would not have to face a trial . They both got life imprisonment sentences and all of the a.s.sets from the mayors embezzlement was returned to the state. What was left was divided between the victims with Remi getting ownership of the apartment building for Crystal. The house they lived in was the only property that his wife was allowed to keep as it was inherited from her father. Though justice had been served most felt it wasn"t enough. The town stripped his name from every building or award that had been given to him over the years . Many felt like fools because of how blind they were to his misdeeds. Terry and the others were let off with just their suspensions since they were minors at the time of the first attack. Sasha was given community service for her involvement. The victims over all felt that they had justice. Now hopefully Remi can feel free to move on and not have the fear of someone being harmed because of her. Winona and the family feel hopeful that she will be able to move past the trauma. Remi is walking down the path to the lake wanting to just reflect on the last month of events. So much had been going on that she hasn"t had a single moment the breathe. The fear of knowing that people hated her and wanted her dead. Fear of what might happen to her child. Now that everything is settled she is sure that Yona will be happy to be done with her. His obligation to Aisling is over. She still has so many things to work through with Winona though at Aisling"s urging they stopped sessions after the first one.
so deep in thought Remi never noticed she was being followed. Yona saw her leave the house and decided to follow her. He needs to talk to her about his upcoming trip. He doesn"t want to talk to her with the others around. When she stops and has a seat on one of the benches over looking the lake . Yona calls her name turning to look at him in surprise. He comes to sit beside her. Not wanting to drag things out he begins to explain.
" Remi I need to go away on a trip for work . It"s going to take about three weeks. I have to go back to j.a.pan to finalize some contracts. I have a favor to ask you. " taking her hand in his he looks at her very seriously.
"I want to know if it is worth me coming back here or should I go back to Tennessee. I know that you have a lot going on and it"s not fair to put more pressure on you . Remember what I told you in the hospital, I need to know what you want I can"t guess. If you don"t want what is happening between us then when I"m done in j.a.pan I will just return to my life in Tennessee. If you feel anything for me I will comeback here for us to find out what exactly we are. You have three weeks four days and ten hours to let me know. " she just stares at him in surprise. Is he telling her he likes her. That he really may like her. He goes to get up and leave when he hears a very scratchy wait. Turning to her he stares not sure he heard what he heard.
" Remi did you just talk?!!!" She looks at the ground and says
"please wait for me! " her voice is barely above a whisper before she takes off running towards the house. Yona"s heart bursts with joy at the fact that she spoke to him. He takes off running after her. Catching up to her he grabs her hand and pulls her into his arms bringing his mouth onto hers. Gently kissing her lips his tongue softly gaining entrance to her mouth to meet hers. Remi feels shy but his warm mouth is sending waves of heat through making her open up to him wanting more. Yona just holds her close for a few minutes wanting to feel her warmth. Not wanting to let her go . He whispers softly his mouth close to her ear.
"thank you for talking to me I know how hard it is for you. I promise I will try to take things slow I don"t want to scare you. While I"m away we can text everyday. I want to know how you are doing while I"m away. I know it"s going to be hard for you , with your sessions with Winona. You can write to me about anything and everything. ." She nods to him smiling at least he knows she is trying to open up. She is more afraid of losing what could be , over what was. She has a reason now to face all of her demons so she can move on. Hopefully with this man beside her she can. Everyone notices that they are holding hands when they walk into the house. Though no one wants to say anything to embarra.s.s them. So they just stay quiet. Yona holds Remi"s hand the rest of the evening until he says goodnight at her door. Looking around making sure no one is around. He kisses her goodnight.
"go to sleep we have a few more days together. Would you like to go on a date tomorrow night?" Looking at her in the soft glow of the moonlight in the hall. Remi smiles at him and nods yes going up on tip toe she kisses him. Just before going inside her room. When Yona turns to go upstairs Astilla is waiting for him. They go to Yona"s room for a chat.
"So when do you leave for j.a.pan?"
Not even looking at him as he lights the incense burner.
"four days , I asked Remi if I should come back here or go to Tennessee when I get back. She spoke to me . I got to hear her voice. It"s raspy from not using it but she asked me to wait for her." Astila is stunned by the fact that she spoke for the first time and it was to Yona.
" Wow that makes you someone very special. When you get back she will be well enough to be on her own again at least physically. Though Aisling is enjoying having her here. She starts therapy in the morning again are you ready for that?" Astila watched his brother reach into his night stand drawer. He pulls out some tattered drawings and writings.
" she brought these for Winona but I kept them. I"m going to take them with me to read. Winona knows and made copies of them. I"m keeping the originals. I want to know what she felt and how she dealt with everything at the time these were written. I think I"m in love with her. I don"t want her to go through this without me . So while she is here reliving it. I will be seeing her pain at the same time. I need to be able to help her and know what she is afraid of. Once I know that then I can know how best to go forward. I don"t want to let my impatience hurt her. If I know her thoughts then I will know better what not to say or do. " Yona has never put anyone"s feelings before his own. He has always just taken what he wanted and left when he wanted. This time he is putting someone else first. It"s terrifying to him that he has grown to care for someone so much. Not only that but the person is someone who may not be ready to love .
Astila hears the love and compa.s.sion in his brother"s voice something that normally is not used with him in mind. He tells him
"I hope that it will be okay between you once you know. I haven"t even had the guts to ask Aisling about her feelings on the subject. I know how abused she was only by what the family has told me. Aisling never brings it up though there are times when she is sleeping. She has nightmares and I just hold her till they pa.s.s. You may have to deal with nightmares for the rest of your life. Even with therapy she could still have times of melancholy and fear. I hope you are ready for that it"s not something that just goes away. " Yona understand that"s why he wants to read her journal so can can understand.
"I was thinking when everything is done and she is stronger maybe I should take her and Crystal to Tennessee. So that she isn"t here with all the reminders. Some place where she is just Remi with no past for anyone to keep bringing up." Looking at Astila he hopes that if she agrees that he will help with the family .
" If that is what the two of you want then I will support you. So will Aisling and the uncles . On that you won"t have to worry. I for one think it would be good for her . As long as she knows she always has a home here as well." They day their good nights and Astila goes to see his beautiful wife.
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