Two Days Later

Sherlock and I enter the Courthouse, hands squeezed tightly together. We had to come in the back way to avoid the media, who of course found out about what happened. They're here to cover the trial, which Mycroft rushed for us despite my requests to delay it. Yes, I want justice, but there must be a thousand other cases more important than mine that could have been in court today.

As we're nearing the courtroom, we meet up with Finley, who like me and Sherlock has come for the arraignment hearing. We hug and he greets us in a low voice before asking, "How are you feeling today, Sis?"

"Sore, tired, but fine. Doctor Lear said everything's still progressing smoothly even though-" I cut off, seeing the police start to escort my parents in. I go rigid when they notice me and meet my gaze with cold glares. Finley immediately steps in front, blocking their view of me while Sherlock pulls me around so that I can't see them either. I shudder and start to feel sick, grabbing hold of his coat, "Sh-Sherlock-!"

Understanding, Sherlock quickly guides me over to a bench and has Finley fetch some cold water. He lowers me gently onto the hardwood bench and kneels in front of me, bracing me, "It's okay, Love, I promise. Breathe, in and out..." Nevertheless, I feel myself turn green and hot and my stomach starts to churn. I lean onto his shoulder and he rubs circles into my back, "Sickness again, Lovey?" I nod weakly, having to close my eyes and concentrate on breathing.

I hear Finley return and sit down next to me, "Are you okay, Ada?"

Sherlock answers for me, "The pregnancy sickness from her first trimester has come back, and it's been exacerbated by seeing Alison and Bruce. As a matter of fact, they're the reason it returned at all."

"Then it might be better for you to wait out here, Sis. Are you sure you want to be in there?"

I nod once more, stating in a muffled voice since my face is buried in Sherlock's neck, "I need to be here. I have to see it for myself."

"Luckily it should not take long. It is only a preliminary hearing. The trial itself will take place at a later date." Sherlock adds, omitting from Finley that he originally tried to persuade me to forgo the court trial and just let Mycroft handle them. While it definitely would have been quicker, I didn't feel that it would be right. And now here we are. Maybe I should have let Mycroft take care of it.

I don't know if I'm actually ready to face them like this.

After a few minutes I finally feel well enough to sit back up and down the small cup of water Finley brought. It helps my stomach settle and cools me down just in time to be called in for the hearing. Finley goes ahead and Sherlock helps me up, keeping his hand squeezed tightly around mine as we enter the courtroom and take our seats.

Somehow I manage to get through the first part without getting sick again, most likely since my parents are far too focused on the Magistrate to really look at me. Even so, I know that I have my husband and my brother on either side of me, ready to intervene at a second's notice, which helps keep me calm throughout the proceedings.

Unsurprisingly, they both plead innocent to most of the charges. Alison pleads guilty to the charges of assault, though, both stunning and disturbing me and the others. Needless to say, I'm more than eager to escape afterwards, walking as fast as I can despite my pregnancy-related imbalance and gait. I only stop once Sherlock assures me that we're clear of them.

He slips an arm around my waist as Finley catches up, pulling me close to him before speaking, "I believe that it would be best to get Adelaide home now. The whole event has only caused her more distress."

Finley nods in understanding, "Go on and head home then. The more rest and relaxation, the better, especially after that."

"I confess I'd like nothing else at the moment," I sigh, wanting to go home and cuddle up in bed. Besides, Sherlock said it would be okay for me to go back to the Museum tomorrow I want to have an early day, "Ah well, we should be off then."

Our farewell is short and sweet, reflective of our desire to get out of the courthouse and away from the looming trial. Mycroft's sedan picks me and Sherlock up and shuttles us back to 221B Baker Street, where we have to thread our way through cameras and microphones before finally getting inside. Sherlock stays outside to handle the media while I head upstairs. However, I don't quite make it to the bedroom, instead feeling drawn to a certain leather chair. I curl up in it and switch on the telly, finding a baking show to watch.

When my brunette husband gets the crowd to disperse, he hurries up and smiles gently when he sees me in his chair, "Feeling better than you were, Angel?"

"Yes, I'm relieved to be home. Being in that room with my parents was horrid."

"Well, with what's been planned so far, then we won't have to be within fifty kilos of them for a long while. Mycroft's found suitable accommodations for them where they won't pose any more threats to you or our baby."

"Really?"

"Of course. You're his favorite goldfish-"

"Goldfish!?"

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