Author's Note: Thanks, once again, for the reviews. I usually like to space the chapters out more, but I'm really excited about the next couple chapters. As surprised as you guys are about Karen's reaction, I'm even more surprised. Also, I hadn't even considered Karen having malicious intentions, and I don't think I'll be bringing her back. So, here's another chapter for you ;) Oh, and if you ever have any questions, never hesitate to ask because I will message you and answer them. Naomi's POV this time folks :)

Emily and I lazed about the house for the rest of the evening after her meeting with Karen. I've honestly never felt so happy, ever. She's free. Better than that, she's free because she wants to be. For me. I'm falling hard and fast for this girl. It's only a matter of time before she has all of me, totally and irrevocably. Once I've dealt with Anthony, I think I'll be ready. Ready to let go and give myself to her.

I received a phone call after we got home from lunch, telling me that my court date was Thursday, then it was Tuesday. They had me sign some papers and give them my statement and all that the day after I got out of the hospital. Emily had to give a statement too, but she won't have to testify. They say that Anthony will only get from 3-5 years. Apparently domestic violence isn't considered an unforgivable offence. Sure I'm scared that once he gets out he'll find me, but I know that Emily will do everything in her power to keep him away from me.

I wake up every single day feeling safer and more loved than the day before, and Emily has everything to do with it. Like she said, once we deal with Anthony, we can move on together. When I think about a better future, it always includes Emily. Always.

She's being amazing with the injuries, borderline annoying, but I think it's cute how much she worries. I know she'll be there for me during the trial, and I have never even thought otherwise. She's my everything right now, and that scares me. It also makes me indescribably happy. I'm counting down the minutes until I'm finally done with Anthony, and can start a new relationship with Emily. I know it may seem like I wouldn't be ready to go right from one relationship to another, but it feels right. I feel ready.

I wake up to a still sleeping Emily, but my ribs are screaming. I get up to get my medicine from the bathroom, but I didn't realize that one of my legs has fallen asleep. I end up on the floor, my ribs feeling a hundred times worse than they did just a minute ago. I let out an ear piercing scream which has Emily instantly awake. Tears are streaming down my face and she finally figures out that I'm on the floor. She sucks in a sharp breath when she sees me, but quickly comes to help me up.

'Naomi, what happened. Never mind, don't answer that, it doesn't matter. Come on, up you go.' I quickly shake my head no because I honestly don't think I can move right now.

'Just let me stay here for a bit.' I whisper, the tears still coming, thick and heavy. She nods before laying down next to me and putting her head on my chest. She gently runs her hands over my ribs, so that I hardly feel it at all. We lay there for about an hour, unmoving except for her hand. 'I think I can get up now.' She is instantly up, helping me sit up straight. I let out a few groans along the way, but we successfully get me sitting up. She stands behind me and hugs me.

'Ready?' I nod hesitantly. She lifts me gently and maneuvers me onto our bed. 'I'll be right back.' She whispers. She comes back with a glass of water and my pain medicine. 'Sorry I didn't get them before, I just didn't want to leave you on the floor crying.' I smile at her because she really is a sweetheart. I eagerly swallow the medicine. 'Hungry?' I nod. 'I'll make us something to eat.'

She comes back about ten minutes later with food for both of us. 'Thanks.'

'It's no problem.'

'Really, Em, thanks. You're being so helpful and patient.'

'You were just as helpful and patient when I needed you to be. It's just my turn now.' I smile at her and she returns it. We finish eating and I figure it's time to tell her about the trial tomorrow. I didn't want to ruin the good mood yesterday with thoughts of Anthony. I guess it's good news that the trial has come so quickly because then we'll be able to move on faster, but it's still going to be hard. I'm so glad that Emily will be there.

'Something on your mind Nai?'

'Yeah. The trial's tomorrow.' I say quietly. She looks confused before realization settles on her face.

'You want me to come?'

'Of course. No, I don't want you to, I need you to.' She smile sympathetically.

'I wouldn't dream of being anywhere else.' I smile genuinely back at her.

'I honestly don't think it's going to take too long, a few hours maybe.' She nods.

'What time do we need to be there?'

'Um, the trial starts at ten so they want me there by 9:30.' She nods again.

We arrive at the courthouse on time. We've been going to bed at a more normal time since Emily doesn't have to work anymore. I am a lawyer, but I don't think I could handle representing myself in this case. The trial is set to start in about ten minutes and they have me waiting outside with Emily. I'm not feeling so great right now, this is going to be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Emily must sense my timidity because she wraps me gently in her arms.

'You can do it, okay? Just look at me the whole time if you have to. Don't pay any attention to Anthony. Pretend he's not even there.' I just nod against her shoulder and try to blink back tears.

The trial went by agonizingly slow, feeling like days rather than hours. They let me sit with Emily after I gave a tear-filled testimony. I looked at her the entire time and when I was done she didn't let go of my hand once. Letting me know repeatedly that she is here for me. We're waiting for the verdict. There's no jury or anything like that. Anthony vehemently denied ever laying a finger on me, even though my nose clearly told otherwise.

The judge looks ready to deliver the verdict and I squeeze Emily's hand that much tighter.

'I find the defendant, Anthony Campbell, guilty of aggravated assault. Sentencing will be tomorrow morning at 9AM.' That's it? He'll get less than five years for aggravated assault. How could they not find him guilty of domestic violence?

'Naomi?' Emily whispers from beside me. 'Is that good or bad?'

'He'll get five years at the most.' I say distantly. She sighs heavily.

'Have you filed a restraining order yet?' I nod my head. 'Are you ready to go home?' I nod again. 'Are you ever going to speak to me again?' I nod a third time. 'Good to know.' She says under her breath. 'Let's go then.' I vaguely hear Emily trying to ask me more questions, but I can't bring myself to listen. Even with the restraining order, who's to say that Anthony won't come after me again?

I look up to see Emily standing in front of me holding my car door open. I don't even remember getting into the car. I get out slowly and walk ahead of Emily to the house. I walk up the stairs into our room and change into shorts and a hoody. I walk back down the stairs and sit in front of the TV and just stare at the blank screen. Emily appears in front of me seconds later, looking less than amused.

'Naomi, listen to me. Anthony is going to prison for five years. That's five years to move on, to grow up and discover yourself, okay? Five years to spend together, without worrying about someone attacking you in your own house. You can't spend every day worrying about him coming back. I could walk outside right now and get hit by a car, and there's nothing I could do to change that. You have to live in the present because you never know what the future holds. If you spend all your time worrying about it, you'll see that you haven't lived much of a life.' I sit looking at her open-mouthed. She's totally and completely right.

'Em, I'm sorry.'

'Don't be sorry, none of this is your fault. Just, try, okay?'

'I will.'

'Well, what do you suppose we do for the rest of the day?' She asks. Hm, haven't really thought about today. Guess that's that 'thinking about the future too much' thing Emily was talking about.

'Um, want to go to the park?' She looks at me like I'm a lunatic, but her face softens when she sees that I'm serious.

'Sure.' We walk to the park, after me putting on some jeans of course. I feel more than comfortable holding Emily's hand in public now. In fact, I don't like not holding it. I'm going to wait until after Anthony's sentencing to tell her that I'm ready. Ready to be hers. It makes me smile just thinking about it. Emily notices my goofy look and smiles up at me.

'What're you smiling about, you loon.'

'Want to go out to dinner with me tomorrow?' She smiles even bigger.

'Like on a date.'

'Yes, Ems, like a date.' I say, rolling my eyes at her excited tone, even if I really think it's adorable. She'll never have to know.

'Hmm, I'll think about it.' She says. I look at her disbelievingly. 'Okay, okay, fine.' I smile at her and she smiles back. We arrive at the park and Emily's eyes light up. Good choice Naomi.

'Want me to push you?' I say, pointing at the swings. She smiles, but then frowns.

'But your ribs-'

'Are feeling just fine.' I finish for her with a smile.

'Alright.' She acquiesces. She gets on the swing and I start pushing her. We stay like that for a bit, me just pushing her, but I can tell she's thinking about something. I grab the chains of her swing, halting her motion. She looks questioningly back at me, but I just start walking to a bench.

'Did I hurt you, are you okay?' She rushes out. I smile.

'I'm fine, Em. I just want to talk to you, if that's okay.' She grins.

'Well, of course that's okay.'

'Something on your mind Ems?' She looks deep in thought for a minute before answering.

'No.' I burst out laughing. 'Damn, I thought you wouldn't notice.' She says breaking out into a smile.

'I wouldn't have if you didn't take five minutes to think about it.' I say still chuckling.

'I was just thinking about what I said to you earlier. It's just, I thought after Anthony's trial that you would be ready to be with me. I wasn't going to push you, and I'm still not, I'm just really-'

'Emily.' She stops babbling and looks up at me sheepishly. 'I was going to ask you something tomorrow at dinner, but now you've gone and ruined it. So, now is good, I suppose. Would you like to be my girlfriend?' She looks gob smacked. Then she starts nodding slowly.

'Yes, of course I would.' She says finally. I lean in without hesitation and kiss her chastely, but deeply. She has a dreamy look on her face when I pull back.

'Let's go then. I'm hungry.' I say ever so gracefully. She nods before grabbing my hand and dragging me toward home.

Note: Sorry, I know I said next chapter, but I couldn't wait! The fic still isn't over. I was thinking of bringing in the rest of Emily's family and Gina. Like a meet the parents. Let me know what you think. Also, let me know what you think about immense amounts of fluff. Cheers guys.