Saving Justice

Chapter One

The sense of familiarity and comfort washes over me as we enter the boundaries of Chicago. From the buildings and establishments we pass by, the lights flash through my eyes. We are only gone for three days, but it feels like years have passed. There are just so many things that happened while I was away—and one of them is very life-changing.

A smile gradually creeps on my lips when I recall one of the best nights of my life. I turn my head to Cole on the driver's seat from facing the window.

With one hand on the wheel and another one holding my hand, Cole drives his car on the way to his family home. Even when we are already on the road for more than sixteen hours, he doesn't look tired at all. There is a ghost of a smile on his lips while his fingers play with the ring he slid on my left ring finger last night.

I can not stop smiling as I stare at him with full admiration. Everything still feels surreal, like it came out straight from a fairytale book.

We have been in a relationship for four years now.

We met each other through a mutual friend here in Illinois. After getting to know each other and going on friendly dates, we made our relationship official in a year. And just last night, when he accompanied me on my trip back to Denver to visit my family, Cole finally asked me the question that I had wanted to hear in my most private dreams.

"Venice, will you like to spend the rest of your life with me?"

The way he said those words with an earnest gaze, my heart went wild and crazy―banging against my chest that it almost hurt. My pulse quickened as I couldn't think of the right words to give as a reply, though I was sure that I would certainly agree to settle down with him. I had no doubts or inhibitions. It must be because my parents watched us both that I got slightly conscious.

Even though my feelings were already out in the open, Cole stayed still with his one knee on the wooden floor of our living room, waiting for me to be vocal with my answer. And so, I held the gaze of his ocean blue eyes without shying away and replied, "Yes, I will! I love you!"

Just thinking about it brings heat to my cheeks. I still had not asked Cole how he asked my parents to participate in his plans. He even successfully had them prepare for the things he'd be needing for the proposal.

My mother told me that Cole didn't fail to check on them from time to time. I didn't know that he kept in contact with them, and I'm very grateful that he's not just taking care of me but also my family. Although it's not expected of him to do that, he still took the initiative and did it willingly. With that, it's like I fall in love with him all over again.

Squeezing his hand, I shift to a comfortable position and look at him properly. His eyes are fixed on the road, but when he feels me looking at him, he spares me a glance and smiles before he brings his eyes back to the road. I watch as he skillfully takes a turn with one hand.

Moonlight streams in through the windshield after we take the curve. The light caresses Cole's face, and I want to do the same. If only he weren't driving, I would have done it already. However, I don't want to distract him. We are nearing their house, anyway.

Cole has to let go of my hand as we approach their house. He pulls his car over, then shuts off the engine and retrieves the key from the ignition.

I unbuckle my seat belt and quickly comb my hair with my fingers while Cole steps out of the car, moves over to my side, and like what he usually does―being a natural gentleman that he is―he opens the door for me and helps me get out of the car quickly.

Aside from my handbag, I'm also holding a paper bag that contains the souvenirs I got from Denver for his parents and sister. Though I've been here a couple of times now, I haven't visited for almost three months as I'm busy with work. Now, I'm coming back not just as Cole's girlfriend but as his fiancée.

It is exciting yet unnerving. I don't know if Cole's family is already aware that he proposed to me last night, and that's what makes me feel more nervous. I have no idea how they will react to the news of our engagement.

"Your hand is trembling." Cole chuckles and intertwines his fingers with mine.

I glare at him and make an excuse. "I still feel kinda chilly because it's cold inside your car."

"Uhuh..." He raises his eyebrows, looking so amused. "I'm sure you do."

He's teasing me!

I roll my eyes and try to pull my hand from his hold, but he tightens his grip, not wanting to let go. While laughing with his baritone voice, he draws me closer and tousles my hair. He always makes this move after teasing me.

"I don't know what you're worried about, babe..." he tells me. "My parents love you, and my sister adores you more than she adores me. You know that well. They treat you as a part of our family already. We're just about to make it official and legal."

Pursing my lips, I bow my head a bit.

He's right, I mentally tell myself. Cole already told me last night that his family already knew his plans to ask for my hand―that's why they prepared this intimate dinner with us to celebrate once we're back from our short 3-days trip in Denver. But I can't help feeling this way!

Cole gently lifts my chin with his index finger. As soon as I come face-to-face with him, his lips lightly touch mine like a soft feather.

And then, he smiles.

My lips twitch, trying to suppress a smile because of the sudden kiss I got from him. I force myself to frown and say, "Is that your way to make me feel relaxed?"

"I don't know." He shrugs his shoulders and smiles innocently. "I just feel like kissing my bride-to-be."

Now, it's impossible to keep me from smiling. Hearing that I'm soon to be his bride is music to my ears.

"So, are you both gonna stay here outside for the rest of the night or what?"

We find Natalie, Cole's sister, standing at the front porch, to our surprise. She's watching us from quite a distance with a playful smirk on her lips. I can tell that she's been there for quite some time now.

It feels like all my blood went up to my cheeks. I can feel it almost exploding because of embarrassment. If I can only curl up into a tiny ball and disappear completely, I will certainly do it in a heartbeat to save myself from humiliation.

Due to a huge wave of embarrassment surging inside me, I quickly push Cole away from me. And for a fleeting moment, his head falls on his right shoulder, acting like he's hurt because I pushed him away. But then, he grins and looks up at me like he's planning something evil.

Before he can even act upon his playful desires, I spin around and march up to the front porch. Natalie immediately envelopes me with a warm embrace to welcome me.

"Let's go inside! Dinner's ready!" Without waiting for his brother to catch us up, Natalie pulls me into their house and straight into the dining area.

Cole's parents, Ronan and Eleanor, also welcome me to their home with a hug. And when they finally let me go, I feel Cole position himself behind me and hold my waist after exchanging greetings.

"How's your trip to Denver?" Eleanor asks us with a motherly smile.

"Of course, it's a success!" Ronan laughs. "I can see Venice wearing the ring which your son contemplated buying for weeks."

My lips part at that. So, they knew about Cole's proposal?

"Venice is a kind woman. Of course, she won't turn down our son," Eleanor adds to tease her son, too.

"Seriously…" Cole shakes his head with a playful smile on his lips. "I hate you both."

They all laugh while they continue to tease Cole. I can't help but ride along with them as I also find it very funny.

The uneasy feeling I felt earlier is gone, and now, I find myself ridiculous and absurd for feeling that way. I have always known and felt the warmth of their family. But maybe because it's been a month since I last saw them, that made me feel shy and tense.

Cole renews his hold on my waist before he speaks after the playful banter. "By the way, Mom, Venice bought something for you guys," he says and leans closer to me. "Go on, babe."

Nodding my head, I smile and put the paper bag down on the countertop. Cole frees me while Natalie moves closer to see what I got for them.

I bought some delicacies to share in their household and gemstones and crystals for Natalie and Eleanor. I hope they will like it because there's not much variety of souvenirs you can buy in Denver. I don't want to give them those unflattering magnets, pins, and the likes. As much as possible, I did my best to find any item you don't usually give as a souvenir.

I pull my favorite dessert out from the paper bag without so much pride. It is Helliemae's Banana Pudding! You can never go wrong with it.

I always ate the pudding during college whenever I was feeling stressed. It was something I usually crave. Now, I rarely get my hands on this since I moved to Illinois for my PsyD and began living an independent life.

"This one's delicious!" Cole steals a jar from my hand. "I'll take one of these."

Shaking my head because of Cole's playfulness, I proceed with giving out my gifts to his family.

I got Natalie a Chakra Chip bracelet with different gemstones, while I decided to buy a Colorado crystal for Eleanor.

"This is so pretty!" Natalie has already tried on the bracelet, looking at it with admiration. "Thanks, Ven!"

Feeling a sense of accomplishment when Natalie praises what I give her, I smile in satisfaction. "You're welcome. I'm glad you like it."

"How much did you spend on this, Venice?" Eleanor asks. "I know crystals can be very pricey. I have a friend who collects them."

"Don't worry," I assure her. "They sell it at a reasonable price. It's not the crazy expensive crystals."

Eleanor smiles, gives me another hug, and whispers, "Thank you. I love it."

"My pleasure." I pat her back lightly.

"What about my gift, Ven?" Ronan asks jokingly

I laugh and pull away from Eleanor to look at him. "Sorry, Ronan. You can have half of the pudding from Cole's jar."

"Hey! I disapprove of that." Cole immediately tries to protect his jar of banana pudding with salted caramel syrup. He looks so adorable while trying to act like a kid.

Ronan laughs heartily at his son. "Well, I don't mind if I don't have any gift if you'll start to practice calling me dad now."

Stunned by his sudden request, my smile turns to look constipated. I swallow hard and feel the pressure rising in my chest. I know he's probably joking, but I realize I have to change the way I address them soon as Cole and I are about to get married.

"And mom as well!" Eleanor adds.

Natalie joins the fun by raising her hand. "You can call me lil sis, too, Ven!"

I feel so overwhelmed. They make me feel very welcome to be a part of their family, and I really appreciate that. However, I'm also feeling pressured because I don't think I'm ready to call them those titles yet. It's hard to change what you're used to suddenly. I probably need more time to get my mind into it.

It looks like Cole senses I'm slightly uneasy, so he steps in for me. "Please let's not pressure Ven, people..." he says. "We just got engaged. It'll happen naturally."

Cole squeezes my hand tight.

I smile because he's always considerate and sensitive about my feelings.

"Okay, okay..." Ronan put his hands up as a sign of retreat. "No pressure, Venice. We're just telling you that it's fine to call us that already."

Smiling genuinely this time, I nod at Ronan. "I understand, thank you. I'll consider it."

After we exchanged a conversation, Eleanor asked us to settle down for dinner. There was a huge relief inside me when we finally dropped the topic.

"Don't listen to them," Cole whispers to my ear while we are walking to the dining table. "You can go at your own pace. Don't worry."

"Thank you," I sincerely tell him and smile.

He places a quick kiss on my forehead, giving me more reassurance than I can ever ask.

Although we have been together for years now, my heart still flutters every time he gives me those light and feather kisses on my forehead. There's just something about how forehead kisses stir me up, or maybe it's about how Cole does it, which always makes me feel loved and special.

"Hey, lovebirds!" Amid our short, little moment, Ronan calls for our attention. "Let's eat now, or the food will go cold."

Cole and I laugh at his father before we eventually join them at the table. Served for dinner are roasted chicken, clam chowder, and pesto pasta salad. For the beverage, there are pitchers of soda and water.

Cole's family is aware that I don't drink carbonated beverages. I always drink water and seldom drink juice, which is supposed to be organic, by the way.

"Natalie, call your cousin upstairs. Tell her it's time for dinner," Ronan suddenly orders Natalie after I take the seat beside Cole.

"Sure." Natalie obeys her father right away and runs upstairs.

With brows furrowed, I turn to Cole to ask in a whisper, "Your cousin's here?"

"Oh, right!" Cole remembers that he forgot to tell me about his cousin. "Remember Justin?"

Hesitantly, I nod.

I know Justin, though I'm not really acquainted with him. He's only a year younger than me. Cole introduced me to him before when we coincidentally met at the mall. But he also told me a year ago that Justin died due to a car accident.

"Justin's younger sister is currently living with us," Cole says. "She is the same age as Natalie."

Eleanor must have heard Cole talking about his cousin, so she also shares a piece of information. "My niece's relative from her mother's side migrated to England just a month ago." I give my full attention to Eleanor. "They were the ones taking care of her since last year. Now that they left to migrate, she's now staying here with us while she finishes high school."

"How about their parents?" I ask, concerned about his cousin's welfare.

Cole releases a deep breath. "They also died in a separate car accident two years ago."

My lips part, feeling a pang of sympathy because of the tragedy that happened to her. She lost both her parents and her brother in just two consecutive years. I have no idea how she's coping up with life.

I have many questions because her situation's bothering me, but I purse my lips when Natalie arrives with her. The moment our eyes meet, Justice stops walking for a short moment until she picks up her pace and avoids my gaze.

If I were a normal person, I would have felt awkward and uncomfortable, so I would try to evade her gaze in every way that I could. However, due to the nature of my job, it has already become a habit to observe a person I find acting unusual or indifferent. The urge and curiosity to get to know that particular person always pushes me forward.

And so, once she is already seated in front, I take the initiative and gently smile at her. "Hello, I'm Venice, Cole's fiancée."

I can tell that she is very reluctant when I see her hand on top of the table quiver. Much as my brows want to furrow, I remain smiling, looking at her with a clear agenda.

Suddenly, after a few seconds of consideration, she lifts her head, stares directly into my eyes, and smiles confidently, which I find slightly creepy. There is no sign of pleasure and joy in that smile, but the confidence that she showed is troubling me.

I'm intrigued to learn more about her.

Usually, my patients who have undergone depression and anxiety are lethargic and lack self-esteem. However, I had also encountered patients who were the opposite. Still, I have never seen someone like her, which bothers me a lot. Her situation may be another atypical feature of a depressive disorder, but her initial reflexes tell me otherwise. With the way her hand twitches when I approached her earlier, it seems like she's also suffering from trauma. But since I'm not really licensed to diagnose someone, I don't want to get ahead of myself.

"Justice," she introduces her name briefly and then averts her gaze as fast as she can like she's feeling timid.

"Nice to meet you, Justice," I say and smile wider. "I hope we can be friends."

Without sparing me another glance, Justice bites her lower lip and pours water on the empty glass in front of her, then takes a sip―refusing to converse with me again.