The silence in the courtroom was horrifying. Atlantis could feel her knuckles turning white as she nervously squeezed the material of her dress. She swallowed, the prickles of cold sweat running down her hairline.
Her eyes stopped on the entrance for the jury and she watched as one by one members sat down on their chairs.
The voices echoed in her head…she closed her eyes, breath leaving her lungs as she heard the verdict.
Guilty.
Next moment, she was snapped back into reality at the feeling of Nicole and Matthew's closeness to her. She opened her eyes, not even aware of the tears that rolled down her cheeks while the smile of pure relief shone on her lips.
"It's over", she whispered as she looked at her sister "Nicole, it's finally over."
Crying, she hid her face in Nicole's hair and Matthew stood in front of two sisters to hide them away from the mean look that Heart and Paul sent towards them. As far as Matthew was concerned, those two creeps will never lay their eyes on Atlantis again. He won't let it. Until the Sheriff from Denver arrives to take them away to prison, Matthew was determined to keep Atlantis away from both Heart and Paul.
And he knew just how… He had it all arranged this morning with Horace.
It was in that moment that Atlantis turned toward him. Her eyes were filled with tears, but her face shone with such happiness and hope. She never hid her emotions, that was one of the things he loved about her so much.
The world started to drift away, people's voices as they shared her happiness were barely whispers as Atlantis sank into the blue ocean of Matthew's eyes.
She felt his thumb gently wiping away tears under her left eye and that simple, gentle movement triggered something inside of her. The very next moment, she was in his embrace, his hands holding her tightly and lovingly, her whole skin tingling from his touch as he hugged her around her waist. Atlantis' buried her face in his shoulder, holding strongly onto him, for a moment, it felt like they were all alone in the world.
The skin of his cheek gently brushed against her own cheek and she searched for his lips. Not caring what will people think or say, not caring about anything right now except for the immense love she felt for Matthew Cooper.
Just for a moment, Nicole was surprised, but than a smile graced her lips; it wasn't like she didn't notice sparks that flew between her sister and Matthew, but Atlantis still didn't tell her anything…unless that he is so much more than just her lawyer…
But, than again, they didn't catch more than few minutes alone.
Looking around, she saw surprised faces of the citizens of Colorado Springs and knew right away what were they thinking. This was a small town, everybody knew everybody and showing emotions in the public, while you aren't married was … well, a bit odd and wrong for them. But, Atlantis and Matthew were completely ignorant to the people's reactions.
And, that's why Nicole started to applaud. Brian followed instantly, his face almost splitting with a happy grin. Spontaneously, everybody accepted it and very soon, the schoolhouse looked more like a wedding hall than the courtroom.
Atlantis felt Matthew smiling against her lips and it was totally contagious; she felt her lips curling up in a smile too. As she caught her breath, she looked up at Matthew's eyes, her face only an inch away from his "Thank you so much", she whispered. As he kissed her forehead, softly as a breeze, Atlantis let out a silent, shivering breath and let his hands to pull her into a warm hug…
All of a sudden townsfolk wanted to congratulate and shake hands, praise Matthew for the good defense. His family hugged him and they all talked at once, so happy with the outcome.
Nicole used this opportunity and playfully kicked Atlantis in the ribs.
"Hey!", Atlantis smirked.
"I saw it from the first moment I got here", whispered Nicole, smiling at her little sister. As Atlantis' cheeks burned with nice shade of red and her smile widened, Nicole hugged her sister.
xxxxxxx
Slowly, the schoolhouse where the trial was held emptied as townsfolk went to their homes. Dorothy insisted on getting a statement from Atlantis, but seeing Atlantis' discomfort, Matthew said that he will do it, but tomorrow, when they all get much needed rest. Dorothy wasn't very satisfied with that, but Matthew couldn't care less. The last thing Atlantis needed now was to be interviewed for The Gazette. Besides, Dorothy had enough of material from the trial without Atlantis' statement.
Without a word, Sully family, Nicole and little Matthew went toward Grace's Café, leaving the young couple alone for a while.
"Thanks…I really wasn't in the mood to answer her questions", whispered Atlantis.
"I know, don't worry, I will settle that down", he gently rubbed his palms down her arms "You okay?", he asked, knowing that all this must have taken quite a lot on her. Cloud Dancing did help, that was for sure, but emotions can play tricks on you, Matthew knew that all too well.
She looked up at him, his ability to read her feelings never ceased to amaze her. His eyes were warm and full of love.
"I guess so", she shrugged "I don't know. It all seems so…unreal, you know?", she creased her brow.
"Yeah, I understand", nodded Matthew "It feels like you are floating in a bad dream and you keep on reminding yourself that you should wake up…and than you realize it ain't just a nightmare, that it's real. And it confuses you, makes you angry, sad…"
Atlantis watched him carefully and knew that he did understand. Her palm softly caressed his face as her heart went out for him, "Ingrid?", she whispered, wishing nothing more but to take such huge pain away from him.
"Actually, it's more about Ma", he swallowed hard "And Ethan", taking a deep breath in, he continued "Both times when he came back, I felt just like you now. Hurt, betrayed."
"That's exactly how I feel", whispered Atlantis.
"I know. But, it will go away, I promise. And I will help you", he gently kissed her eyelids, sending feeling of a pure peace down to Atlantis' heart.
For a moment, she closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, letting her senses relax by Matthew's closeness. His right hand gently rubbed her back and he felt her snuggling closer to him. She could hear his heartbeat as her head leaned on his chest and Atlantis relaxed completely…She was safe…she was loved.