Chapter 24-

"Ruthie. It is time to wake up." Annie said knocking on the door. "Jason is on his way over right now. So get up and get dressed."

"I'm up mom." Ruthie got up and got dressed. She put on a black knee length skirt and a baby blue shirt that said "Angel" on it. Just as she finished with her hair, Jason knocked on her door.

"Hey sweetheart." He said walking in and hugging her.

"Hey. I'm ready to go and get this over with." She said. Her side still hurt form last night, but she didn't think Jason knew about her getting cut. "I'm sorry about last night." Ruthie said walking down the steps.

"It's OK. I didn't get hurt. Are you Ok because I didn't get to talk to you before you left so I didn't know how you were. And I'm sorry about last night on the phone. I had to get off because my mom wanted to talk to me and use the phone."

"It's cool. I had to go to. Jordan cut me with the knife he pulled out." Ruthie lifted up her shirt to show Jason the cut from last night.

"Oh my god. Are you OK?" he asked with a worried look on his face.

"Yeah I'm fine. It wasn't all that deep so it's OK." Ruthie said.

"Ruthie, Jason lets go. We are going to be late. We have to go." Annie screamed up the stairs.

"Coming mom!" Ruthie screamed back.. he and Jason walked down the stairs and outside. They got into the car and went to the Glenoak District Court.

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"All rise for the honorable Judge Jacobson." The bailiff said. Everyone stood.

"The case is with Ruthie Camden verse Jordan Johnson. Mr. Johnsonis charged with the accounts of rape and abuse. Parties have been sworn in you honor." The bailiff said handing papers to Ms. Jacobson.

"You may have a seat." Ms. Jacobson said. Everyone sat. "How do you plea, Mr. Johnson."

"Guilty," his lawyer said.

"OK. So you admit to raping and abusing Ms. Ruthie Camden?"

"Yes you honor." Jordan replied.

"Mr. Johnson has decided to take plea bargain and receive a lesser sentence your honor." Jordan's lawyer said once again.

"OK. Since Mr. Johnson has pleaded guilty, the court shall have a brief fifteen minute recess and we shall reconvene at 12:00 and I shall give Mr. Johnson his sentence. Court is in recess. (hits gavel)." Ms. Jacobson said.

*fifteen minutes later*

"Court is now in session." The bailiff says.

"OK Mr. Johnson. I have thought of your sentence." Ms. Jacobson said. "You do know that what you did is a serious crime and it shall be punished to the fullest extent of my power."

"Yes your honor. I know." Jordan said.

"OK, but since you have pleaded guilty your sentence shall be lessened. I have sentenced you to seven to ten years in a state prison. Normally, you would have been sentenced to fifteen to twenty years so as you can see your sentence has been lessened. You also have a possibility if parole. Bailiff take Mr. Johnson away. Court is adjourned. (hits gavel)"

Outside the courtroom, Annie seems to be really happy now that Jordan cant touch Ruthie. Ruthie actually has a smile on her face for once. Jason seems to be grinning widely because now that Jordan was put away, Ruthie didn't have to worry about him anymore. Mrs and Mr Johnson were crying though.

"Mom drop me off at Jason's. I want to spend the day at his house if that is ok?" Ruthie asked as they were walking out of the courthouse.

"Yes Ruthie. That is OK." Annie said. she figured that she had to accept the fact that Ruthie had grown up and that she wanted to be with Jason a lot more than she wanted to be with her family.

"Thanks mom. You're the best." Ruthie said hugging her mom.

"Yeah. I know ." She said giggling. They got into the car and drove to Jason's house.

"I'll call you when I am ready to come home. Bye mom love you. Thank you." Ruthie said getting out and hugging her mom.

"OK. Love you too and your welcome." Annie said.

"Thank you Mrs. Camden." Jason said as he got out of the car.

"Bye mom." Ruthie said as they went up to the door. Annie drove off.

"Ruthie there is someone I want you to meet." Jason said as he opened the door."

"Who?" Ruthie asked questioningly.

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A/N- Does anyone know who Jason wants Ruthie to meet. Take a wild guess….Review and you will soon find out…..the next chapter should be up very soon!! ReViEw!! Thank you* ~*~XoXo~*~ JJ