A/N: Again, I'm really sorry, my computer died again. I'm at the library typing. LOL But this is the last chapter so... enjoy!

CHAPTER 35: End

2 Months Later

"You ready for this?" Jeff questioned cautiously.
Sighing, Nicole nodded. "Yeah. I have to do this." Squeezing his hand, Nicole turned and walked into the courtroom.
Taking a deep breath, Jeff followed her in.

*~*~*~*~*

"Ok, Miss Riley, can you please explain what happened the day you were raped?" The lawyer questioned, not noticing how Nicole winced at the mention of rape.

"Ok... well..." Nicole started, taking a deep breath. She glanced over at Jeff, who offered her a smile. She forced a smile back and turned her attention back to the lawyer. "Well, Jeff and everyone decided to go shopping. They asked me if I wanted to go, but I said no. So, after they left, I took a shower. I was about done when I heard a noise. I went downstairs and I saw... Ryan."

"You saw his face?"

"Well.. no." Nicole admitted. "He was wearing a mask."

"So, how do you know it was Mr. Williams?"

"He admitted it to me. After." Nicole explained. The lawyer nodded and waited for her to continue.

"Well, I saw him in the mask and I asked why he was there. He said he was there for me." Taking another deep breath, Nicole wiped away a tear before it fell down her face. "I ran away... he chased me. I ran into my room and shut the door."

"Okay." The lawyer said with a nod.

"He had an axe... he... he..." Nicole took another deep breath, trying to stop her stammering. "He used the axe to get in the room. I was going to jump out the window, but I couldn't."

"Why not?"

"I was scared." She admitted. "He got in the room and grabbed me. He... he pushed me down on the bed and climbed on top of me. He held my hands over my head so I couldn't move. He smacked me and told me to shut up. Then... he raped me." Nicole finished, tears now streaming down her face. She saw the worry on Jeff's face, then she looked over and saw Ryan.
He was watching her intently, a look of worry on his face as well. Nicole wasn't sure if he was worried about her or if he was worried that he might lose the case.

"Thank you Miss Riley." The lawyer said with a nod.
Wiping her eyes, Nicole stood and walked back to her table.

"Are you okay?" Jeff questioned, his green eyes full of worry.

"I think so." Nicole replied with a small smile.

*~*~*~*~*

2 Days Later
"How do you find the defendant?" The judge questioned, looking at the jury. A juror handed the cop in the room a piece of paper. The cop walked to the judge and handed him the paper.
The judge quickly read the paper and looked at Ryan, then Nicole. "All rise." He ordered.
Everyone stood up and awaited the judge's answer. Nicole reached over and grabbed Jeff's hand, squeezing it tightly.

"Okay, in the case of Ryan Williams vs. Nicole Riley, the defendant, Ryan Williams is found... guilty of rape and assault."
Nicole stood in shock, not sure if she had heard him right. She was shook back to reality by Jeff, who quickly pulled her into a hug.
Nicole just smiled. Her smile faded when she turned around and saw Ryan, being led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. He turned around and met Nicole's eyes, his own eyes full of regret.
Nicole felt the tears sting at her eyes again. She quickly looked away, feeling bad.

"Babygirl, you okay?"

Glancing back up, Nicole nodded. "Yeah, yeah I am." She replied, kissing him softly on the lips. "Jeff... I love you."

"I love you too babygirl." Jeff replied with a smile.

*~*~*~*~*

2 Months Later

"Merry Christmas!"

Nicole looked up and smiled at Chris. "Merry Christmas to you too." She replied, still grinning. Standing up, she walked into Chris's open arms, letting him hug her tightly.

"Excuse me!" The two turned around to find Jeff, his face full of mock anger. "Get your hands off her!"

Laughing, Chris backed away. "Fine man, just trying to be friendly."

"Well that's too friendly." Jeff replied, hugging Nicole.
Shaking his head, Chris just walked away.

"So, are you having fun?" Jeff questioned, wrapping his arms around Nicole tighter.
Nodding, Nicole glanced around at her friends. Jay and Chris were laughing and talking, Matt and Amy were kissing on the couch, Shannon was sitting with Crystal, and Shane was on the phone, a big grin on his face. "Better than I have been in a while." She replied. Turning away from Jeff again, Nicole looked over to the doorway, where Adam and Britney were standing under the mistletoe. Grinning, Nicole watched as Adam leaned down and softly pressed his lips to Britney's.

Jeff noticed Nicole looking away and turned to see where she was looking. He smiled as he noticed Adam and Britney kissing, happy that they had finally gotten together. Turning back to Nicole, his expression turned serious again. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I mean we're all here together, happy. Ryan's in jail and he will be for a while. Things are good." Nicole replied, still smiling.

Nodding, Jeff grabbed her hand and walked over to the Christmas tree. He watched as Nicole's expression turned to one of confusion. He just grinned as he reached up to grabbed a box off a branch on the tree. He handed it to Nicole, smiling softly.

Nicole gave him a questioning look, then started to open the box. She gasped as she open the box and found a diamond ring.

Still grinning, Jeff got down on one knee, watching as Nicole gasped again. "Babygirl, I've loved you since we were kids, you're everything to me. Will you marry me?"

Nicole's eyes widened in shock... then she broke into a grin. "Yes!" She yelled.

Everyone in the room laughed as Jeff stood up and pulled Nicole into a hug, then kissed her deeply.

"I love you Jeff." Nicole said quietly, admiring the ring on her finger.

"I love you too, babygirl."

THE END!

A/N: All done! Wow, 35 Chapters is a lot for me. LOL Thank you so much to everyone who read and reviewed, it means sooo much to me! Thanks to Brit for helping me with ideas, thanks to Alex and Iccess America and Becky and everyone else who reviewed! I was thinking about a sequel, but I dont think I need one. Well, review and tell me what you think. Thanks again to everyone!!! :)Nicole***

OTHER A/N (LOL, Britney's note): Go Britney! LOL, since Nicole's computer is *still* broken, I took it upon myself to upload the chapter for her.  Aren't I a good friend? LOL, shameless plug, I'm done.  Everyone clap for Nickie and her great story!