"Remember to remain calm and composed the whole time. I know the situation with your father is very delicate, but any comments said in the heat of the moment can be used against you and discredit your character." William stated as we went over the final details of the trial.
The trial was five days away and to say that I was nervous would be an understatement.
However, I managed to keep my composure, not wanting William and my mother to think I was having second thoughts.
I nodded my head at William's words in understanding.
"Though you are testifying, your father's lawyer can appeal to do a cross-examination. It is there he will grill you and try to get you to say anything that will work in your father's favor. It's vital you don't feed into his words and keep to your story. I'm sure you knew this was a possibility but I just want to mention it, though I trust you will handle yourself well." William said giving me a reassuring smile before piling up the files that were spread out on the living room table.
"Thank you, William," I spoke, genuinely glad to have had him here to coach me and make sure I was prepared for any and all situations that may occur in the court.
I admit in the beginning I was a bit hard on him, especially with the knowledge that he had feelings for my mother.
But, seeing how happy my mom has been and the way he interacts with Kyle, made me appreciate William for being here.
Though I will never tell him that.
"Anytime Myles. This is a good family and I admire what your doing for your mother and brother. I have no doubt that the court will see what I see and your father won't have his way," Willaim replied as I nodded in agreement.
I collected the notes I made throughout our sessions, reminding myself to go over them tonight after training.
Before I could rise from my seat on the couch my mother entered the room.
"You guys done already?" She asked as she went to stand behind the couch.
I nodded as she smiled gently down at me.
"I'm proud of you," She said before leaning over to place a kiss on my cheek.
Her words bring a smile to my face, grateful to have such an incredible mother.
From my peripheral vision, I caught William staring at us in admiration.
"Are you staying for dinner Will?" My mother asked hopefully as she turned her head in his direction.
"If you'll have me," William responded with a smile.
"We'll be happy too," She said a large grin appearing on her face her grey eyes shining with joy.
With a kiss to my head, she made her way into the kitchen.
I watched as William gazed at my mother with longing until she was out of sight.
"So, when are you going to tell her?" I questioned, making William turn his gaze back to me.
"What?" He asked confused by my statement.
Releasing a sigh, I began to explain.
"It's painfully obvious that you care deeply for my mother. I see the way you look at her and I know how often you guys go out with one another, and it's not to discuss the case." I stated as I leaned against the couch with my arms crossed.
"I always knew you were quite observant," Willaim said with a small chuckle.
"So, when are you going to tell her?" I reiterated the question once again.
"It's a very delicate situation. With the trial coming up and your mother being recently divorced I don't want to pressure her into anything too quickly. I'm not even sure if your mother feels the same way and I don't want to ruin what we have now, and end up losing her." Willaim said with a sigh, running a hand through his hair in worry.
My face remained blank, not showing the surprise I had at his words.
Not once have I heard my father speak about my mother with such love and care as Willaim does.
You can tell someone cares for another person deeply when they'll put their own feelings aside in fear of losing that person.
I know this because that's exactly how I feel about Jesse.
I'll rather be her best friend instead of confess my feelings and risk losing her forever.
However, Willaim's situation is a bit different.
Without a doubt, I know that my mother cares for William as much as he cares for her.
The way she looks at him, the way she talks about him with such adoration, and the smile that lights up on her face at the sound of his name.
"William," I said breaking the silence that loomed over us.
"I haven't seen my mom this happy in years and it's because of you," I said, my words dripping with honesty.
"I think you should tell her how you feel or else you'll regret it," I said before rising from my seat.
I watched as a pensive look crossed Willaim's face, showing that he was really pondering over my words.
As I left the room I couldn't help but think that maybe I should follow my own advice.
But, unlike Willaim, I didn't know if Jesse felt the same and it may seem cowardly, but it's not a risk I'm willing to take.
___
Dinner finished half an hour ago and I was currently tucking Kyle into bed, leaving my mother and William to have some time to themselves downstairs.
"Mylo am I going to be taken away from you and mommy?" Kyle asked
His words caused me to freeze in my spot.
The moment I caught the tears falling down Kyle's face I immediately rushed over to him.
Scooping him into my arms I placed the both of us underneath the blanket, my knees folded so that I would be able to fit in the bed.
"No, buddy," I immediately said as I ran a hand up and down his back in comfort as he quietly cried into my chest, my heart breaking as a peered down at him.
Once his tears began to cease, I wiped the streaks away on his face gently with the pad of my thumb.
"Why would you think that?" I asked gently once he calmed down a bit more.
"I overheard you and Willy earlier, something about Liam taking me away. I don't wanna go with him I wanna stay here with you, mommy, and Willy," He whispered into my chest, his words catching me off guard once again.
Not only did he call Liam by his name instead of daddy, but he also stated that he also wanted to be around Willaim.
It was clear William's presence has affected Kyle more than I thought, with him being more a father figure to Kyle than Liam has ever been.
"And you will, I promise you are not going anywhere. You will stay here where you belong. With me, mommy, and Willy," I affirmed gently, trying to ease his worry.
I never wanted the trial to be something Kyle became aware of, I didn't want him to be scared but it seems like life had different plans.
"You promise," Kyle whispered, pushing his head away from my chest, sticking out his pinky.
"I promise," I said as I wrapped my pinky around his.
With a smile, Kyle laid his head on top of my chest once more, his breath slowly evening out.
"Can you sleep here tonight, Myles?" Kyle whispered, his voice light as he slightly dozed off.
"Of course buddy," I replied before planting a kiss on his forehead.
I got more comfortable in the bed, Kyle now asleep in my arms.
After tonight I was even more determined to get victory in the court.
I will do everything in my power to fight for my family, I won't let my father hurt us anymore.
I promise buddy I will do everything I can to make sure you stay right here.