AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey guys, I'm super sorry I haven't updated in so long. I realize you may have thought that I'd given up, but don't worry, I didn't! I was simply having a brain fart over here up until a few days ago and then I got this idea and it all just came out! Hehehe! Well I won't delay y'all any longer, on with the story..

Skye watched as Alexis removed herself with practiced grace from the limo they'd ridden in to the courthouse. She followed her lead, not quite as graceful from lack of sleep. She was exhausted. Her night had probably consisted of a total of 2 hours of sleep thanks to a number of things. The first and most prominent thing that'd kept her pacing all night was Trystan. The sonofabitch had a way of scaring her shitless with the smallest gestures.

It had been around 10 that night. She'd been trying to convince herself to sleep when a knock on the door had interrupted. At first she'd been a little hesitant to open then door upon looking out the peep hole and finding the hallway empty. Wasn't that one of the things that nearly always happened in horror movies?

After a good ten minutes of debating she'd finally convinced herself to open the door. There was no one there. Of course, looking out the peep hole had told her the exact same thing ten minutes earlier. There was no one out there, but there was something. A single white rose.

There had been no note. Simply a perfect rose lying on the hallway floor. She'd convinced herself it was from Jax, she refused to accept that it could be from Trystan. Even now she tried to believe it was from Jax. She wouldn't allow herself to wonder 'what if.?'.

The second thing that had kept her up nearly all night was wondering if she should call Jax and thank him for the rose. She'd decided against it. No matter how sweet the gesture was, if he wanted to apologize he'd have to do it face to face.

Third was Dawne. She'd worried all night about what the out come of the case would be. Alexis had assured her they had a solid case. No sane judge would give custody of a child to a man who'd nearly beaten the mother to death. They had the medical records of the beatings, solid evidence. It shouldn't last more than two hours at most. Still, she worried.

There were countless other things that had bothered her through the night, but none so large. Now as she stood from exiting the limo she straightened her shoulders and held her head high, she refused to look how she felt. Her face quickly melted into a perfect impression of a mother's worry. Alexis had told her it would best for her to look worried even when she'd convinced her they'd win. Little did Alexis know, it wasn't a mask. No matter how sure Alexis was that they'd win, she wasn't.

They were hounded by reporters before they'd taken the first steps. Hundreds of lights flashed in her eyes at once, blinding her for a few seconds as they hurled questions at her. She kept her lips tightly sealed as Alexis grabbed her hand and pulled her up the steps.

"Ms. Quartermaine will not be answering any questions at this time," Alexis told the group with professional ease. She turned again and hauled Skye up the last of the steps and into the courthouse where the media weren't allowed to follow. Only when they'd entered the elevator did Alexis release her and hastily so as if her skin were acid. "Nice work," she replied in the privacy of the elevator.

Skye assumed she was referring to the look of worry she'd given the paparazzi, and nodded silently. Trystan had alerted the media of the trial, Skye was sure of it. They'd called her nonstop since yesterday afternoon, but she'd tactfully avoided them. Most of the calls were sent to the front desk where the clerk had been instructed to tell them she was at an ELQ board meeting. It had worked for a few hours until the press had found out her cell phone number. She'd hated to do it, but she'd turn the phone off completely.

"Skye?" Alexis called her name as if she'd called it several times already.

"Hummm?" she asked snapping back to attention. "Sorry, I spaced."

"Obviously," Alexis agreed. "I was just telling you that Judge Miller is a tough one. We'll have to convince him Trystan isn't fit to be a father."

"I thought you said this was a shoe in?" Skye replied, her nerves suddenly jumping.

"Better safe than sorry," Alexis answered. "Look, Miller is tough, but he's fair. He's not gonna' let Bryant walk away with Dawne. He's a family man himself," she added when she saw Skye's unconvinced expression.

"You seem awful sure of yourself," Skye observed as the elevator dinged and the doors opened. She followed Alexis out of the elevator and down a long hallway lined with double doors. They came to a halt at one set of doors with a replaceable name tag. This one read Judge William Miller. Above the door was a sign reading Custody Case Courtroom.

Alexis pushed the doors open and once again Skye followed Alexis inside the courtroom. The room wasn't nearly as full as it sounded, but the nine people, most of them her family, made it sound as if there were a mob inside.

In the very front Skye picked out Jax, Ned and Collin. Ned and Collin were making pleasantries while Jax and Alan argued. Edward sat next to Alan in the second row arguing with AJ who stood at the end of that row. Jason, Courtney and Carly sat together in the fourth row, the third row was empty, obviously so.

Alexis headed straight to their table on the other side of the benches reserved for on lookers, leaving Skye alone. She looked around at the people; everyone with the exception of Collin had been her family at one time or another, and yet Collin ::was:: her brother. Maybe not by blood, but he was closer than anyone else in the room would ever be to her.

Carly stood upon seeing her and gave her a small smile. "Hey there," she greeted her.

"Hi," Skye returned as Carly stood and stepped over to her. Carly opened her arms wide and pulled her into a brief but tight hug. Skye was dumbfounded. "Uh, thanks?" she replied when Carly pulled away.

Carly shrugged. "You looked like you needed a hug."

Skye smiled, still unsure. She turned to her family and stared at them as they fought. "Don't you just miss being a Quartermaine?"

"Extremely," Carly answered a bit dryly.

Skye laughed and turned her attention to Jason and Courtney who stood waiting patiently behind Carly. "I didn't expect to see you two here," she said with a smile.

"Carly dragged us along," Courtney answered. "Not that we didn't want to come or anything-" she added quickly realizing the double meaning of her words.

"No, no, don't apologize, I understand," Skye waved it off. "I probably wouldn't find my sister-in-law's custody hearing very exciting either."

Courtney smiled, not exactly sure what else to say to her. Skye had been her sister-in-law once before, but it had definitely been different. This was a different Skye, a new one, not the conniving bitch she'd been last year, but now she was a mother. Courtney wasn't sure how or why that had changed her views on Skye so dramatically, but it had.

"Skye!"

Skye turned in the direction in which her name had been called and found AJ waving her over. She knew AJ wasn't about to waltz over and join in the conversation she was having with his brother and his two ex wives, so Skye turned back to the group and made apologies. "Sorry. Um, I'll talk to you after the trial?"

"Sure," Carly nodded and exchanged a look with Courtney regarding their ex.

"Skye," Jason called as she turned to leave them. It was the first word he'd said since she'd walked in. "Good luck," he replied as if he'd wished to say more.

Skye smiled. "Thank you Jason, that means a lot."

Jason opened his mouth to say something else, but shut it and simply nodded. Skye took that as a silent 'you're welcome' and left it at that. She turned and walked over to her other brother and hugged him a bit longer than Carly had hugged her.

"AJ," she said. "I didn't think you'd come."

"Neither did I," he replied honestly. "I changed my mind at the last minute and came with dad."

"Thanks, I really appreciate it," she replied.

"What are brothers for?" he shrugged.

"Young lady," Edward began with a scowl. "I cannot believe you've brought our family into another scandal-"

"Grandfather," Skye cut him off. "Dawne asked me to tell you that you were a neat great grandpa."

Edward looked flustered. He opened his mouth and closed it several times over. He finally let out a breath through his nose and went back to what he did best, scowling.

"That's what I thought," Skye winked at him as her father abandoned his argument with Jax when he noticed her standing there. He pushed AJ out of the way as if he were nothing and enveloped her in a tight hug. "Hey daddy," she smiled.

Alan pulled away. "Why didn't you bring my grandchild over for more visits before you sent her away?"

Skye smiled. "I promise you, when this is all over Dawne will be visiting very often."

As she said this the doors to the courtroom opened and Trystan sauntered in. He wore his coat over his shoulders as if he were something else and smiled charmingly at Skye as he approached her. "Skye, dear," he said smugly, "How good of you to show."

Skye glared at him.

"You'd step away from her if you knew what was good for you," Collin told him and strode over to the group.

Trystan's ever smiling gaze remained locked on Skye as he answered Collin. "Unless you wish to spend another night in jail, Francis, I'd keep your threats to yourself. if you knew what was good for you."

"I'm not afraid of you," Collin replied.

"Maybe not, but Skye is. Aren't you dearest?" He asked her and never stopped grinning. He reached out and let a finger trail down her cheek. She flinched, but didn't back away. Beside her she heard Collin struggle as if he wanted to rush forward but something held him back.

He grinned wider and reached into his coat pocket slowly. Skye tensed along with everyone else in the room as he slowly pulled something out from inside his coat. Ever so slowly he pulled out a perfect white rose, identical to the one left on her doorstep the night before. "For you," he replied and held it out to Skye.

Skye made no move to accept the flower and she remained staring at him with pure venom in his eyes. "Please step away from my client or I'll have you up on charges of assault," Alexis broke the silence as she made her way through the crowd to Skye and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Trystan's smile never faltered, years of practice made sure of that. He placed the rose delicately in the crook of her arm. He knew the lawyer had no grounds for assault, but he stepped away from the mother of his child nevertheless.

They all watched him follow his lawyer to their table before anyone relaxed. Alexis dropped her hand from Skye's shoulder. "Come on, let's go sit down before a brawl breaks out," she said to Skye and pushed her way through the crowd back to their table.

Skye followed Alexis to the table and had barely smoothed down her skirt before the security guard's booming voice forced her to stand again. "All rise for the honorable Judge Miller." Everyone in the courtroom turned to the stand, most of them were still standing, but they quickly made their way back to their seats as they judge entered.

Judge Miller was a short, plump man in his mid to late 60's, sporting a Santa Clause like beard that made up for the lack of hair on his head. He wore the traditional black robe and carried a small file with him to his honorary seat, high atop the courtroom. After he'd situated himself he looked up at the crowd, eyeing Skye first, then Trystan. "You may be seated," he told them as he banged the gavel once. "Court is now in session. Custody case 109, Trystan Bryant versus Antoinette Chandler- Quartermaine."

Skye heard a snicker behind her at the mention of her legal name and she turned around, quickly discovering who it was. Collin met her gaze, his eyes dancing with laughter. She gave him a small smile, amazed at his ability to make her feel better at the worst of times. She turned back around to face the judge and prepared herself mentally for what was about to come.

* * * * *

"Prosecuting attorney you may call your next witness," Judge Miller's voice carried through the courtroom.

"Thank you your honor," Mark Griffin replied and stood, buttoning his suit coat. He glanced down at his list and looked back up at the judge. "I'd like to call Ms. Chandler-Quartermaine to the stand."

Skye froze for a split second. She'd known she'd be called to the stand sooner or later, she'd just hoped on it being later, and that it would be by Alexis. She turned to Alexis and looked at her as if for permission, she nodded for her to go ahead.

Slowly she stood and crossed the floor to the stand. The security guard met her at the stand and held out a bible. He instructed her to place her right hand over the bible and raise her left hand in the air. As he swore her in she wondered silently to herself if the people who didn't believe in God or Jesus still had to swear in on the Bible. What if they didn't believe in God? Wouldn't that make them okay to lie since God isn't their god?

She let the thought go, if she thought to hard on it she'd confuse herself and wouldn't be able to focus. She took a deep breath as she crossed her legs and got into a comfortable position for what she hoped would be a short session of questions.

"Ms. Quartermaine -or would you rather me call you Ms. Chandler- Quartermaine?" Mark Griffin asked her, sending her a perfectly charming smile as he did.

Skye was immediately uneasy. There was just something about that smile that reminded her too much of Trystan. "Ms. Quartermaine, I'm no longer associated with the Chandlers," she replied.

"Hummm," he nodded. "Is there a reason you've decided to keep the name then?"

Skye thought a moment. "For old times sake I suppose."

He sent her another charming smile. "You know, I know your father, Adam Chandler I mean-"

"Objection you honor," Alexis broke him off. "How is this relevant to the case?"

"Ms. Davis is right," Judge Miller nodded. "Move on Mr. Griffin."

He nodded and turned back to Skye. "Ms. Quartermaine, can you tell the court exactly how you and Mr. Bryant know each other?"

"We met in college at Harvard," she answered.

"Yes but how exactly did the two of you meet?"

"I'm not sure," Skye replied. "A school picnic I believe."

"Hummm," he said cocking his head to one side. "Mr. Bryant seems to remember a different meeting."

"As I said, I'm not sure," Skye repeated.

"My client claims the two of you met at frat party. Says when he first saw you you were involved in a drinking contest with several of his classmates."

"I wouldn't argue with it," she answered. "I attended several parties in college."

"Hummm," he nodded again. "Could you give an approximate date?"

Skye pursed her lips. "We met in the later part of May. Summer semester had just begun."

He nodded. "Is that about the time you started to date?"

"Yes," she answered with a nod.

"Hummm," he cocked his head to the side once again. Skye suddenly wanted to lean over and slap him if he said 'hummm' one more time. "Can you tell us how long you and Mr. Bryant dated?"

"Three months," she answered.

"My client asked you to marry him, did he not?"

"Yes he did," she nodded.

"And what was your response?"

"I told him no," she answered.

"And why did you tell him no?"

"We'd only been together three months," she replied. "I wasn't ready for that kind of commitment."

"Hummm," he said again. Skye bit the inside of her cheek to keep herself from doing something she'd later regret. "Ms. Quartermaine, would you be so kind as to tell the court how many times you've been married?"

Skye shifted in her chair. The man was making her angry. "Four times," she answered sharply.

"Hummm," he nodded. "Can you tell the court what was so different between Mr. Bryant and your ::four:: ex-husbands?"

Skye was suddenly very pissed off, but she didn't let it show. "My other husbands didn't nearly beat me to death, Mr. Griffin."

"Hummm," he nodded. "Are you accusing my client of abusing you, Ms. Quartermaine?"

"Yes, I am," she shot Trystan a glare and was unnerved to find him smiling smugly at her.

"Do you have any proof that Mr. Bryant physically abused you?"

"Your honor," Alexis stood up. "I've shown you the medical files that prove my client was physically abused-"

"But you have no proof that my client abused her," Mr. Griffin stepped in cutting her off.

"We have a witness your honor," Alexis answered. "He's willing to testify."

"So noted," Judge Miller answered. "Continue counselor."

"Thank you your honor," Mark said and nodded slightly to the judge before turning back to Skye. She was pleased to find he was a bit ruffled. "Ms. Quartermaine, can you tell us what you believe made my client physically abuse you?"

"He was drunk," she answered. "I refused to sleep with him."

"And because you refused to sleep with him he decided to knock you around?" Griffin asked.

"That would be correct," Skye answered giving him a calmly pissed off look.

"Hummm," Mark crossed the floor to the table where Trystan sat and opened a file. "My client has a very clean record Ms. Quartermaine, not even a speeding ticket. Are you aware of this?"

"I'm aware," she nodded.

Mark stared at the woman in front of him, her eyes simmered with rage, but she was keeping herself in check. He frowned. He was trying to push her buttons, trying to make her say something he could use against her, but she was good. Only her eyes let on that she was angry. "Can you explain that for me?"

"Explain what?" she asked.

"Why my client has a clean record," Griffin replied.

Skye smiled slowly, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Why I think that would be obvious Mr. Griffin. Trystan Bryant is a very wealthy man with many friends. Friends in high places."

"Are you saying my client used his connections to get himself out of trouble?"

"That would be correct," she answered.

The anger was starting to come through in her voice now. "Hummm," he smiled to himself when he saw rage flare in her eyes once more. "That's an interesting concept, do you have proof?"

"I tried to place a restraining order on him once, it fell through. I can only assume that he called in a favor."

"Nothing substantial?"

"No," she answered with regret.

"Hummm," he nodded once more. "When did you first discover you were pregnant with the child, Ms. Quartermaine?"

"In late September," she replied.

"Were you and Mr. Bryant still a couple at that time?"

"No, we ended our relationship in July," she replied.

"We, Ms. Quartermaine?" he asked.

"I mean I did. I ended our relationship," she corrected herself.

"Hummm," he nodded and watched Skye's eyes widen with unsaid anger. "Can you tell us exactly why you decided to end the relationship?"

"Well when a man beats you three times it isn't exactly good for the relationship now is it?" she asked sarcastically.

"Three times Ms. Quartermaine?" he asked. "Which three times would that be?"

"The first time I've already told you why, the second time was because I turned down his marriage proposal," she replied. "That's when I ended the relationship."

"And the third?" he prompted.

"I-I don't know," she answered unsteadily.

"You don't know?" he repeated. "What don't you know?"

"I don't know why," she responded.

"Oh come on," he waved a hand. "There has to be some reason. Come on, tell us."

"I told you, I don't know," she replied firmly.

"Hummm," he nodded and turned around to walk back to his desk. "Are you sure you don't know the reason Ms. Quartermaine?" he asked, throwing the question over his shoulder.

"People don't have to have a reason for beating others," she replied.

"There's always a reason Ms. Quartermaine?"

"Have you ever been beaten Mr. Griffin?" she asked him angrily.

"No ma'am, I haven't," he replied.

"I didn't think so," she nodded. "Have you ever beaten someone yourself?"

"No," he shook his head.

"Well then don't you tell me there has to be a reason," she said raising her voice, not quite to a yell, "Because there doesn't. My mother beat me nearly everyday of my life when she was alive. Sometimes she did it for a reason; maybe because I didn't set the table right, or because my hair wasn't combed, or maybe because I didn't bring her another beer fast enough. And sometimes it was just for the hell of it. So don't you tell me there has to be a reason for someone to beat you when there doesn't!"

Mark congratulated himself silently; he'd finally pushed her buttons. Now if he could only get her to say something he could use against her. "Hummm."

Skye stood up so fast her chair toppled over. "I know what you're doing, you're trying to get me to say something you can use against me so that bastard can get custody of my baby! Well it's not gonna' work! That man is a lying sonofabitch and he will never lay a hand on my child as long as I live! I will ::not:: let the man who raped me have my child!"

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello again. So there is chapter 10, it's kinda long, but hey! I guess y'all (Can you tell I'm southern? They've been making fun of me the whole time up here!) deserve a long chapter after having to wait so long. Well please tell me what you think of the latest installment, thanks! PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!