"Maybe it's not always about trying to fix something broken, maybe it's about starting over and creating something better." - Unknown
Matthew looked at the photos, note and necklace, after which he handed them back to the Bailiff, who then handed them to the Judge.
The judge then turned to Matthew asking him if he had any objections to the photos, note and necklace.
"No your honour." He said.
Judge Penny took the photos, note and necklace, looked at them entered them into evidence.
"Please continue with your testimony Miss Banks." The judge said urging me to continue.
I resumed. "I want this restraining order your honour because I don't feel safe, I can't go back to my aprtment because I'm afraid that, if I go back, he's going to be there waiting for me." I said willing my tears not to fall, I was determined, he would never see me cry again. .
"Thank you Miss Banks for your testimony." He then turned and asked Matthew and his lawyer if they had any questions for me. Matthew whispered into the ear of his lawyer.
His lawyer responded, "only one question your honour. He then looked at me, "Miss Banks how do you know that both the letter and necklace were left by my client."
"He is the only other person besides me, who has a key to my apartment, plus I gave him back the necklace a few years ago when we got into an argument." I said with as much confidence I could muster.
"No more questions your honour, he then sat down. Matthew again whispered something in his ear.
"Miss Banks do you have anything else to add to your testimony?"
"No your honour."
"Since you have nothing further to add, you may step down." Judge Penny said.
"Thank you your honour." I took my sit, trying calm myself. I could hear the sound of my heart beating in my ears like a congo drum.
"Great job baby." Dwight whispered to me.
"Alright Mr Gwep, it is your chance to testify. Would you please take the stand." Judge Penny told Matthew. He didn't move his lawyer spoke for him.
"Your honour my client has changed his mind. He wishes not to testify against Miss Banks."
This came as a shock me to me, a gasp left my lips before I could stop it.
"Are you sure you don't want to testify Mr Gwep? I'll give you 2 minutes to talk it over with your lawyer and once the 2 minutes is up and your answer is the same, then you will no longer be able to testify and I'll give my ruling after."
Matthew spoke this time. " I understand your honour. Thank you." He turned to his lawyer and they spoke in hushed tones. I turned to look at Dwight because I knew something was wrong.
Matthew had a plan up his sleeve and I wondered what it was. What was his motive, he wanted to testify and when he got the chance, he turned it down.
When the 2 minutes was up, judge Penny asked him again. "Are you sure you don't want to testify Mr Gwep?"
His lawyer spoke up, "no your honour, my client does not wish to testify today."
"Ok Mr Gwep, I'll go ahead and give my ruling. Alrighty, in the matter of Amelia Banks verses Matthew Gwep, the court will find that based on the evidence and testimony provided by the plaintiff; Miss banks. I'm ruling in the favour of the plaintiff. This order will be on effect for 1 year, effective today. The court takes these matters seriously and any violation to this restraining order, you will be in contempt of court, which would include jail time. Mr Gwep you are not to come withing 100 ft of Miss Banks."
"Yes your honour."
Judge Penny continued on. "You both need to stay here while the orders are being prepared, so that you both can get a copy. Any questions?"
"No your honour." we both answered at the same time.
"Ok great, Mr Gwep, you must turn over the key to Miss Banks apartment to the Crenshaw's police station effective today by 1 pm. It is now--he looked at the clock,11:04 am. Miss Banks you can pick up your key from the police station anytime after 1:30 pm, Mr Gwep, that will give you enough time to vacate the area, before Miss Banks gets there."
"Yes...your honour." He said.
"You both may wait on the outside, please wait on the order."
"Thank you your honour." I said and I turned and took Dwight's hand as he lead me out of the court room.
"I'm glad this is over now, I hope he uses this opportunity to stay the hell away from you. He had a smug look on his face the entire time. I wanted to punch the look off his face so bad, Dick." Dwight said.
"He is hatching a plan, I just know it. But I don't want to worry about that right now. I'm glad that this part of my life is over. I can finally move on. Hopefully he does too." I said.
We waited in the waiting area, Matthew glancing at me every 5 minutes, giving me a, this is far from over look. I gave him a death stare, I wanted him to understand that I'm no longer cowering.
I took Dwight's hand in mine and I kissed his knuckles. "Thank you for being here with me."
"I told you many times Amelia, you're very important to me and I love you. I'll do anything for you."
"Thank you." I placed a kissed upon his lips. He broke the kiss and smiled. He then leaned in again to give me a peck on my lips.
When we parted, my eyes found their way in Matthew's direction and he was scowling while staring at us.
We sat waiting for a little over an hour. The clerk came over to us handing me a copy of the restraining order, she then walked over to Matthew and gave the copy to his lawyer.
"Let's get out of here." Dwight said.
"Yes...please." I quickly got up from the chair. I didn't want to stay there any longer. I quickly grabbed my bag and folder, walking behind Dwight to the exit.
"Wanna celebrate your victory?" Dwight asked.
"Nah, your leaving tomorrow and I'm in the mood for sex. I need you help me forget."
He pulled me to him and kissed my lips. "I can definitely help you with that."
On our way to the car, Matthew walked up to me. Dwight stepping in front of me.
"This can't keep me from you. See you soon love." He said then turned and walked away.
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