You never know how relaxed you are until you wake up nude in your boyfriend's bed and it's past noon. Amy slowly sat up and looked around the room. The walls were dark grey, the carpet red. The only light that came to the room was from the window. A desk across from the bed with a computer along with a bookshelf filled with books. One book standing out of all the others. A small pink one. Before Amy could ponder what it was Shadow walked in with only a towel wrapped around his waist and he was carrying a tray of brunch. He smiled seeing her face.
"You're awake; just in time to eat." He sat the tray of food gently over her lap. Amy sat up more and tried to gather all her hair to the back or to the side knowing she looked a mess. Shadow stopped her from fiddling with her hair. "Don't. You still look beautiful. Bed head and all."
Amy blushed, never hearing such things like this was refreshing and the way Shadow was looking at her made her wanna smile until her face hurt and froze that way.
It made her feel warmer than she felt since she returned. Since they got together. At that moment she was truly happy. Amy dug into the food and Shadow watched her while softly stroking the ends of her hair. "You can use some of my clothes to wear if you want me to take you home."
Amy finished part of her food before answering. "Actually, if it's okay, I was wondering if I could stay here for a while or until the trial date."
Shadow looked surprised but happy. "Yeah, I don't mind you staying. You're welcome here anytime Rose."
"I feel safe here, with you."
Shadow kisses her on the forehead. He always wanted to do this. That's all he ever wanted. To keep her safe with him close by. She leans into his chest and sighs deeply, shadow could feel her relaxing against him. Carefully pushing the tray to the side, he lays with her.
"I guess today will be doing nothing but lounging around?" Amy asked softly.
"If that's what you wanna do, I don't mind being lazy. It'll be different."
"I would love that." Amy snuggled into Shadow's white fluff and giggled. Shadow smiled warmly. "Oh by the way, I hope what Acorn said last night didn't bother you too much. She was out of line for that." Amy hummed before pulling away.
"Nah, not a lot. I try not to let things bother me right now. Since well.."
"Rose, the trial is in two days. It's ok to feel bothered or nervous or whatever." Shadow cupped her hand and squeezed it. "I know it is. But I don't want to think about the trial right now. For the next two days I want to focus on something else. Have fun and just chill. Like what kind of movies and snacks you have downstairs."
Shadow chuckled. "For two days I got plenty. If that's what my Rose wants then that's what we'll do."
Amy kissed Shadow and smiled brightly. "I will take that offer on the clothes also."
Shadow went through his drawers and gave Amy a black shirt that said Guns N Roses and some shorts to wear. "I'll wait in the living room while you change."
He took his leave while she got dressed. While in the middle of doing that she checked her phone. 3 missed calls. One from Riko and others from Sonic. She decided to call Sonic back later and text Riko now. Telling her she will be staying with Shadow until the trial. The only reply she got back was a thumbs up. Amy stuffed her phone in the huge pockets of the shorts and made her way out. Still her eyes laid on the small pink book. She'll find out later.
Sad to say those two days together didn't last long enough for Amy. They went by within a blink of an eye. It is 7:45 AM. Amy stood by Shadow's window, looking out at the gently sunlight beaming across the landscape. Why is it the most beautiful of days have to be on horrible events?
"Rose?" Shadow had shucked up on her. She didn't even hear him come in. He stood in the doorway holding a folded up outfit. Amy turned her head to look at him. Not speaking a word.
"It's almost time to leave. Everyone is waiting for you downstairs. Rouge told me to give you these to wear."
Amy still didn't speak. "..."
"I'll leave them on the bed. I'll be right outside the door if you need me." Shadow stepped out and closed the door. Amy made her way over to the bed and Expected the clothes. It was a Deluxe Shadbelly. A card fell out after unfolding it reading "Tailored for success, this empowers you with confidence. Unweighted to create the perfect picture over each jump, this hunter shadbelly compliments every round. Expertly tailored, superior stretch, and designed to keep you cool with perforated underarms for maximum breathability and performance in the ring. Good luck and best wishes. XOXO -Rouge and Ronnie."
Amy smiled softly and got dressed. A white top under the long sleeve black blazer and white pants with black knee high boots. She left her hair down, brushed out the knots and tangles. Her long quills became permanently wavy from growing so long. Once she put it on she felt like she was going horseback riding or the ring leader of a circus but she looked nice. No cleavage showing, you could barely tell she had hips. It was appropriate for court. She opened the door to see Shadow by the door as he said he would be. They walk down together to see all their friends waiting for them. Rouge dressed in a black double breasted long sleeve blazer dress with heels to match. Blaze beside her wearing a red long sleeve ruffle back blazer with black leggings and black top under the blazer. Sally wore a black cap shoulder top and bottom detail back slit dress with heels to match. Cream wore a red rotita faux two piece long sleeve bowknot dress. The skirt was black, the bowknot on the top was black as well. The top and heels she wore with it were red. The guys all wore black suits with pink ties. Amy noticed everyone all had pink streaks in their hair. Yes, the guys included. Amy noticed the red parts in Shadows quills were now pink. How she didn't see that was shocking.
"Oh you guys.." Amy finally spoke, feeling her eyes tear up but Rouge stepped in to dap them.
"We're here to support you in every way possible so you'll stay strong darling." Rouge spoke with courage. Blaze appeared next to Rouge. "We all got your back. You'll be great."
Amy hugged her friends. She didn't want this to end but she had to let go. They all filed out of the house and went to their own cars. Shadow being in front of everyone to lead. Amy sat in the passenger seat and took deep breaths.
"Where's Riko? All that talking she did I thought she'd be the first one here to support you."
"She'll be there; I know it. She wouldn't bail on me."
"..." shadow huffed, clearly feeling different about it.
"She knows how important this is to me. I know she will be there."
Shadow revved up his car and started down the highway. "If she isn't there will be a problem." was all he said and Amy didn't respond. She had alot on her mind right now.
The ride to the courthouse didn't take long. Everyone pulled into a parking spot and got out.
Heading towards the doors Riko could be spotted. Wearing a traditional pants suit with a red shirt underneath. Her hair in a low ponytail. Seeing everyone come to view, Riko hugged Amy tightly.
"You look amazing. I guess I didn't get the memo about wearing a blazer and pink highlights." Riko smiled.
"It's ok. You being here is all that really matters." Amy let her friend go and took another deep breath.
"You ready sweetie?" Rouge asked from behind. Amy nods and moves forward.
"Yeah, let's go."
The group entered the building and took their seats in the courtroom. The judge wasn't there yet. Only the police officers. Silver clutched his briefcase as the jury started to come in and take their seats.
"All rise!" shouted one officer. Everyone stood up and the judge, a rottweiler, entered and sat at the bench.
"You all may be seated." the judge spoke. "Ok, we're here today to discuss case number R0372964A. Is Amelia Rose here?"
Amy stood up from her spot. "Yes sir, I'm here." Silver walked her to the small table up front and sat in one of the chairs. The judge nods to them and reads off the paper. "Now where is the plaintiff? Jesse Collins?"
The doors swung open, a dark yellow cat in an orange jumpsuit walked in with two officers and a lawyer behind him. The group eyed him for the first time and glared daggers at him. The officers brought him to the opposite table of Amy and Silver. Amy didn't look over at him. Not yet. Her heart was beating so fast she could hear it. The officers blocked Jesse's view of Amy so he couldn't see her.
The Judge asked Silver to state his case of why they were here this morning. Trust and believe no one wanted this to be over more than Amy did deep down.
Silver stood up and walked around the table. "Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I bring you here today to address the crimes this man has done over the years. Yes, the other times we've been here we didn't have much proof but today, a brave young woman has decided to tell her story and testify against this man and hopes to put him away for good."
Silver reached out his hand to Amy. "Ms, Rose, will you please take the stand?"
Amy slowly stood up with the help of Silver. She walked to the bench and swore the oath to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
"Ms. Rose, could you please tell us your story?" Silver asked her. Once she sat down she didn't realize how high she was sitting. And then she saw him in full view. His eyes pierced hers. He smirked at her. Her breath was caught in her throat. The group could see the complete fear in her eyes as she looked at him.
"AMY!" Amy snapped out of gaze and looked towards her friends. They were all standing up. "You can do this Rose! Don't focus on him!"
"Order in my court! Another outburst and you'll be removed!" the judge shouted. Silver gave Amy a glass of water and nudged her finger. "It's ok, we're all here with you. He can't hurt you here." he whispered. She took a gulp of the water, her mouth dry from earlier. "Ms. Rose, will you please tell the court your story?" the judge asked this time but more gently.
"Yes, your honor. It was a Saturday. I was 15. It was my friend's birthday and I was on my way to his house to help decorate for the party." Amy paused and took another deep breath. "I got a text asking if I could pick up something for the party before i came, of course I didn't mind, and went off to find the item."
"What was you out to find Ms. Rose?" the judge asked.
"uhm..liquid nitrogen and dry ice."
The jury mumbled as they took notes. Amy continued. "I looked at every store and I couldn't find the items. Back then I didn't know you couldn't get these items in stores but I was so determined to find them because I didn't want to let my friend down. I went to another story but my phone rang and… it was my friend. He buttdailed me and I found out it was just a trick to keep me away from the party because I wasn't wanted. My phone died after hearing most of the conversation. I left the store and started to make my way back home. But then...I missed the last bus. And that's when I was approached by this man."
"Is the man you're referring to in this courtroom Ms Rose?" Silver asked her.
"Yes." she answered.
"Can you point him out?"
Amy slowly pointed to Jesse. "He's right there. Jesse Collins."
"Objection!" shouted Jesse's lawyer but the judge told Amy to continue.
"He asked me if I wanted a ride and I told him no but he wouldn't leave alone. He grabbed my arm but I snatched it away. I just wanted to go home. Quick as I could think about it I hit him and walked away but he grabbed me by my hair and..dragged me into an alleyway. He threw me against the wall and pulled out a knife…" Amy paused again and took another drink of water.
This was the first time her friends, anybody really, heard the full story from Amy. Each word was heartbreaking.
"He beat me. Tied me up with his jacket. Used the knife to cut off my underwear and shoved it in my mouth.. And then he… he held me down so I couldn't fight back anymore… and he… raped me…"
Her friends silently cried during the story. All the while Jesse grinned like a devil. "I passed out but when I woke I was told my friends found me and brought me to the hospital."
"Thank you Ms Rose. You may step down." Silver told her. "So you see your honor, Ms Rose's story confirms what Jessie Collins did. She identity him and with the tests results from the doctor who saw Ms. Rose at the hospital confirms the DNA found on Ms Rose fur is without a doubt Mr Collins. I rest." Silver sat beside Amy and placed an comforting hand over hers.
The Judge turned to Jessie's lawyer. "Anything you would like to add?"
The lawyer stood up and stated, "Your honor, my client was only trying to be a good civilian and help the girl get home. Do you honestly believe he would touch a woman in such a way? How do we know she is not lying and is secretly a stalker?"
"Objection! She was 15 at the time which clearly makes her a minor! She doesn't know him let alone would be a stalker. The doctor wrote his statement here and it clearly says what happened to her, your honor! Ms Rose is only confirming it further!" Silver argued.
"Your honor please."
"Enough. The court will take a small recess and the jury will discuss their decision." The judge banged the gavel and the court was dismissed. Amy quickly got up to leave the courtroom but before she left, she caught Jessie checking her out with a smirk which made her speed up out the door. Her friends quickly right behind her.
"Amy! Amy, you did great, it's ok." Silver said as he caught up with her. Shadow gathered her in his arms to calm her down while the others said small things to confer her. Amy's breath was shaky as clung to Shadow.
"Can you believe he said that? Amy stalking him? Unbelievable." Blaze growled at Rouge. "The nerve darling."
Riko patted Blaze's shoulder. "Don't worry, karma will take care of him." the others agreed. Riko brought Amy a bottle of water before it was time to head back inside. On the way Riko's phone rang.
"Shit it's my boss. I'm sorry Amy but I gotta take this, I'll try my best to get back inside as soon as I can when I get done with this." Riko said sadly.
"It's ok, go take care of work. I'll text you the news if you don't get back."
Riko hugged Amy and left to take her phone call while the other entered the courtroom.
The judge returned along with the jury. "Have we reached a verdict?"
"Yes your honor, we find the plaintiff, Jessie Collins, guilty under charges of statutory rape." said one of jury members.
The judge turned to Jessie, trying to ignore Amy's friends celebrating in the back. "Jessie Collins, I hereby sentence you to 15 to 20 years in prison." the judge banged his gavel. "Case dismissed." the judge got up and left and Amy's friends and herself celebrated. Though they had to leave the courtroom before they got too rowdy. Amy hugged silver tightly.
"Oh Silver, you were brilliant in there! Thank you so much!" Amy squealed. "Yeah but it's really thanks to you for being really brave to testify and tell your story. Now that bastard will serve the next 15 years behind bars." Silver smiled at his friend while his girlfriend hugged him too.
"I still wish I could have 5 minutes alone with that guy so he can taste my flames." Blaze growled.
"Trust me, I believe we all do. But for now we'll have to settle with what justice has given us." Shadow kissed Amy's cheek. "I'm proud of you Rose."
"I couldn't have done it without you. All of you, for being there for me."
The doors opened and Jessie was being escorted to a police van down the stairs of the courthouse. He stopped and smirked at Amy. "Too bad I didn't wait a couple years for you to mature. You'd have tasted so much sweeter."
"Shut up before I rip that tongue of yours out through your teeth!" Shadow Growled.
Jessie chuckled. "I'm just stating facts. But hey, the way I see it, I did her a favor. Taking a flower bud and helping it grow and mature to something more beautiful. Now I bet all the guys can't keep their hands off of you." Jessie laughed as the police pulled him away.
"You know what they say toots; you never forget your first! And that's a treasure I'm proud to walk away with!"
"Get him out of here!" Sonic yelled while he, Tails and Silver held back Knuckles who was steaming.
"Don't listen to him, Rose. He hasn't won anything." Shadow hugged her tightly but she only felt hot tears run down her face. The girls hugged their friend while the police strapped Jessie in the van and closed the doors.
One officer came around to the driver's side. "The prisoner is secured and ready for transport."
The driver, a black cat with one blue eye and one red eye smiled at the other officer. "I'll take care of him immediately."
The officer nods and wished her safe travels. The van drove off towards their route until they were far enough. She opened the small window to be able to talk to the prisoner.
"Oh Jessie, I heard you liked to have fun.~"
Jessie looked confused but smiled feeling he knew where this was going. "Yeah toots, you wanna give me one last ride before I hit the gates?"
She turned her head to him and smiled wickedly. "Oh baby, yes, let's have some fun indeed."
"Well come on back here love. I won't bite."
"Oh but I'm afraid I do." She threw a gas bomb into the carrier with Jessie and closed the window. Jessie yelled at her as the gas knocked him out shortly.
"Oh yes, we're gonna have loads of fun.~" Riko changed course as she laughed and drove to a different location.
-Phase 1 completed.
Good, see you soon.-
AN: THATS IT FOR ANOTHER CHAPER I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED AND AS ALWAYS LEAVE ME A REVIEW, FAVORITE, FOLLOW, AND CHECK OUT MY OTHER STORIES! MORE IS ON THE WAY I PROMISE! FALLEN ANGEL IS WRAPPING UP TO AN CLOSE SO STAY TUNE TO SEE HOW IT ENDS! THANK YOU!