Walsh quickly interrupted, "So you agree that it is possible that you are projecting your own experiences onto Katelyn?"

"No, I do not"

"You don't think it's possible that when you see Katelyn you are seeing what you wish someone had seen in you when you were young?"

"That is not what has occurred, counselor" again Gillian emphasized the woman's title with scorn. "It is an insult to my professionalism to imply that I can't distinguish between my own…experiences and another's".

"So this case hasn't brought forth any painful memories?" Walsh continued to dig.

"That's not what I'm saying-"

"So your objectivity has been compromised" Walsh said nodding to herself in agreement in clear view of the courtroom paying no mind to Gillian's indignation. "No more questions your honor." Walsh concluded and Gillian closed her mouth with obvious reluctance.

The prosecutor stepped up and began his questioning. Gillian stayed focused enough to answer the questions and executed some much needed damage control, but her mind was drifting. Walsh's words had struck a nerve. You don't think it's possible that when you see Katelyn you are seeing what you wish someone had seen in you when you were young? Did she wish that someone had looked at her when she was young and taken a stand? She knew that as a kid she had resented being looked at with pity, like a charity case. She could take care of her brother and herself, she didn't need anybody. But she couldn't help but to also remember the bitterness and disappointment she felt every time someone gave up on them.

Gillian looked over at Cal, he wasn't giving up. He smiled at her and the corners of her lips twitched upward briefly. She took a deep calming breath, letting the prosecutors questions wash over her. Her answers were concise and crisp. She stepped down from the witness stand and walked out of the courtroom as a brief recess was called. She went over and sat on a bench in the corridor that was near invisible to the people exiting the courtroom. She needed some time to herself to get her thoughts in order. Her mind of course drifted to Cal and she could just imagine his smirk if he knew.

She sighed. Cal.

Cal knowing what she had gone through took the edge off the loneliness she had felt since childhood. Sure she had had good friends and still did, but she had always held back. She didn't want anyone to treat her like porcelain and didn't want anyone to think that she was dependent on their support. Alec had learned about a lot of her past, but she had always hesitated to share the full story and the full weight of the emotional baggage she carried. She had always worried that unloading her history onto him would ruin his already precarious balance and tip him back into using. She couldn't do that to him, and it seems like Alec knew she was protecting him and trusted that she would share everything she felt she needed to. At the time, she had been appreciative. How Alec had never pushed her, never forced her to push herself…But now she wondered whether the unspoken words had created a barrier. Alec had never truly known her, their relationship had lacked that honesty and trust. Gillian looked back up at Cal. Cal knew her and understood her. He had realized that although it was silent search, she had been looking for someone to demand to see all of her. Someone to give her the push she hadn't been able to find within herself. Cal hadn't shied away from her history and seemed adamant about sticking around.

And speak of the devil, Cal was heading straight towards her as if they had prearranged to meet. Ria was trailing behind him absently as the gears turned relentlessly in her mind. Gillian was a little guilty to admit that she was a bit smug that the wind had been knocked from beneath Ria's sails.

Gillian stood up as they approached and melted into Cal's embrace when he opened his arms expectantly.

"You did great, darling," Cal whispered with pride. Gillian only sighed in response, she was exhausted.

Ria opened up her mouth twice but to no avail, she didn't know what to say. She still didn't know how she missed it, but realized that she would need to apologize later. For now, she knew that the best thing she could do for Gillian was give her some time with Cal. So she quickly mumbled a "I'm going back to the office. Call if you need anything" and left unnoticed.

Gillian reluctantly relinquished her hold on Cal, instantly missing his warmth. Gillian fumbled for something to say, but Cal beat her to it.

"So are you a natural then, luv? Cause you were quite fast in the uptake if I remember correctly."

Gillian smiled at the obvious distraction and blushed a little, "In a way."

Cal thought it was cute how Foster was so modest.

"Voice analysis" he stated knowing he was right.

"Yeah, my dad, the military had taught him how to hid emotions, you know put up a face devoid of emotion, not betray any weaknesses to the enemy. Growing up, it was his voice that betrayed his actions not his face." Cal nodded.

"How about we get out of here, luv?"

"Cal, what about the rest of the trial?"

"We'll come back for the verdict, we don't need to listen through the rest."

Gillian realized it was more than he didn't want her to listen through the rest, but she was done putting up defenses and this one time she decided to surrender to his will. She would go back to bossing him around tomorrow.

"Alright"

"How about we go over to my house for dinner, I'll cook," he said with a smile.

"Emily-"

"is at her mom's," Cal quickly interrupted. "Come on, Foster."

"Dinner at your place it is," she said and smiled back.

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