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BITTERSWEET
:: xvi. | day of court

Two weeks went by after that incident with Daniel and the two still haven't really talked about it. It's not that Cole didn't want to talk to her mom about it, she just couldn't stop thinking about how awkward it might be which is why she kept pushing it off. Same for Vanessa.

It was Friday and school was canceled. It was also the day Vanessa was needed in court by Miguel. The day had finally come and she was dreading it even more as of Cole.

Cole thought about how she treated her mom when she found out and she understands now. But she also realized if her mom didn't want to go, she didn't have too. It was the matter of if she knew that or not. Which is why Cole rushed downstairs before her mom left to court. She met her at the front door, just before it was even opened.

"Mom, don't go."

"What?" She turned towards her daughter.

Cole rephrased, "If you don't want to go then don't. Dad's a hypocrite. You're always there for him and he isn't for you. Just by that, he takes advantage and plays at your weak spots." Cole was winging it but she thought she was doing ok, "You don't want to be with dad and don't give him a sign that you do. Going there will be that sign."

Vanessa heard her daughter loud and clear. She understands the concern but it was more than just going there now. She didn't want too at first because of many reasons but now she realized Miguel has no one and yeah that's his fault but does it have to be?

"I appreciate your concern but I'm just supporting your father. There will always be feelings because he's your dad and he's just that charming but it's not that, I promise you." Vanessa promised, "If you want — I can call you so you can talk to your dad?"

Cole's eyes beamed with joy, "Really?" She forgot all about what she was talking about with her mom, "Since we're talking . . do you want to talk about that?"

"Maybe when I'm not in a rush to court." Vanessa suggested as her hand met the knob. She lightly twisted and opened the door.

"Oh! I'm spending the day with Mia." Cole mentioned before she forgot.

"Ok. Love you!" Vanessa announced as she closed the door on her way out.

So Vanessa hoped in the car and began her way to court while Cole ran upstairs to get dress. She hasn't seen or spoken to Mia in a little while because she's been so preoccupied. She took this free day from school to hangout with her best friend because now other than Daniel, she had no one else. Maybe she also wanted to hangout so she could tell Mia about Daniel because she's kind of been dying to tell someone other than her mother even though it's still awkward for her.

• • •

Cole took a bus to Mia's house. Her parents were away again on some business trip so she had the house to herself. Luckily for Cole, Mia didn't have plans because unlike Cole, Mia had options. Mia is kind of the popular people, she hangs with that crowd so she has tons of friends but to her, the only real one is Cole.

After the fifteen minute bus ride, she got off at the bus stop near Mia's street. All bundled up in her sweatshirt with her backpack on, she walked across the street and passed a couple of houses, then there was mia's.

Cole approached the front door and knocked. Mia however was already near the door. She was sitting on the bench in the hallway the whole time. Mia got up as soon as she heard Cole's knock. She walked up to the door and gently opened it.

They both stood in front of each other awkwardly. They may be best friends but they're hella awkward with each other and they don't know why. Cole walked in passed her, heading to the living room. Mia stood there for a moment as she closed the door. She adores Cole obviously but this was going to be a long day if they were going to be awkward the whole time and she knew it.

Finally Mia joined Cole in the living room. She sat near Cole on the couch. It was just silence as their eyes wandered around the room as they thought of what to say. It has been awhile since they've spoken to one another or actually seen each other. They do have classes together but either Cole isn't there or whatever other reason that chaotic teen could make up.

Mia finally broke the awkward silence, "Want to watch tv?"

Cole looked in her direction then back in front of her, "Yeah."

Mia leaned forward and grabbed the controller off the table. She pressed the red button and surfed through channels until something good was found. It was eventually found — a movie marathon. They didn't check out the title so they have no idea what was going on but it quickly became entertaining.

Eventually Cole let her bag go and laid down on a pillow that she placed between them. Mia soon laid down after her, their heads touching one another's. The two just stared at the screen in silence, getting too lost in the movie.

• • •

While the two teens were together, Vanessa sat in the courtroom waiting for someone to come. She realized last minute that she didn't want to go in alone, so she was thankful jj was free. Vanessa couldn't stop staring at the back of Miguel's head. He hadn't even turn around yet and that drew second thoughts in her head.

Soon everyone rose from their seats when the judge walked in and as soon as the judge sat, everyone else followed along. It was just the way it was in court. Vanessa even forgot what the matter of this court date was. She searched her mind as the judge began speaking — drugs!

"Mr. Reigns . . welcome back. Drug possession in the first." The judge sighed, "How do you plea?"

Miguel was in a black suit, standing up with his hands to his sides next to his lawyer, "Guilty, your honor.."

"Hmm." The judge hummed, "You'll be happy to hear since of the kidnapping and you being a model inmate— your time has been lessened. Three months." He grabbed his gavel, "Case close! Next!"

"Thank you, your honor." Miguel smiled as he turned to look back. He saw Vanessa and his smile grew even wider but then slowly faded with he saw agent jareau. His head began quickly running with thoughts as handcuffs were getting put back on him.

What was an agent doing there? He thought the case was closed and finished. Unless this agent had a vendetta against him for some reason?

• • •

Cole had just gotten off the phone with her mom with a huge smile on her face. She was happy to hear the news about her dad. After her mini party in the kitchen, she went back to the living room. She laid back down next to Mia, continuing watching the movie.

"I hope to find love like that some day." Mia mumbled as she watch the couple kiss on tv.

"Find a girl?" Cole ask in a not understandingly way.

Mia sighed as she sat up, "I've been meaning to tell you this for sometime now." Cole sat up as well and gave Mia her undivided attention, "There's a reason why my Maroon 5 posters are limited now. I think I'm gay."

Cole slowly nodded, "So you're in questioning?"

Mia shrugged, "Pretty much. Is that ok? That I like girls?"

"I mean I have no problem with it." Cole nudged her, "You're my best friend and since we're sharing now . . I have something to tell you."

"Am I gonna like it?" Mia tread cautiously.

"Depends. Do you still like boys?" A smile came across her lips.

"Cole Lauren Reigns, what did you do?"

"I lost my virginity." Cole proudly spoke.

"Oh." Mia got all clammed up, "Is he your boyfriend now?"

"Not really." Cole shook her head, "We haven't talked since that night."

Mia stood up, "So he humps and dumps? Wow, what a charmer." She spoke sarcastically.

Cole followed her into the kitchen, "It wasn't like that. He was kind. He's a nice person."

"I bet he is. Good for you." Mia opened the fridge.

"Why are you being so hostile? I'm telling you something big that happened to me and you're being a bitch." Cole was growing upset.

Mia's back was still turned to Cole, "At least I'm not going down the same route as my dad."

There are many things that upset Cole but when an outsider speaks about her family, something inside her erupts. But Mia, she wasn't an outsider. She knew of certain things. So her saying that really stung Cole. She didn't know where it came from, she didn't know how to respond to that. She was shocked that left her best friend's mouth and so was Mia. But Mia was too angry to care right then. So angry that she let Cole walk out and leave her house. She didn't even try to stop her or explain herself. It was the lowest thing she ever done . . .

And all because she was losing Cole to guy who probably doesn't give a shit about her.

a/n:
who has better chemistry?
don't be biased. Daniel and
Cole or Mia and Cole? Miguel
and Vanessa, Jennifer and
Vanessa, or Derek and Vanessa?