“What’s That?”

Part 1 – December 2

It’s about 7:45 at night. Courtroom #2 is falling into chaos. The atmosphere is so dense, you can hardly breathe. The Judge is demanding order in his court, banging his gavel as hard as he could. A grey-haired woman clad in a ridiculous green shawl is on the witness flailing her arms all about screaming, “I did it! I killed him!” Her face colored with the grayest shades of guilt and sadness.

The defendant, Ally Taylor, is sitting at the defendant’s bench in the company of her lawyer with spiky hair. She looks like she’s about to have a nervous breakdown - the upper parts of her face twitching insanely.

“No! Th-that’s a lie! I-I did it! I killed my fiancé! Give me the guilty verdict!”

“So, are you saying this woman before us is lying?” The Judge’s deep, gruff voice made her think for a minute.

“…Yes. She must be mistaken.”

“No! That’s not true!” The woman had finally lost it. “She’s only saying that because I’m her mother!”

“Shut up! Just be quiet and let me take the blame.” Ally used a calming voice, trying to still the woman.

“I can’t. You’re my baby and I love you too much to let you go to jail. Besides, I have a perfect motive. I killed him because he was cheating on you, and not with just some girl either, but with Denise.”

“That just can’t be the truth! She’s my best friend, mom!”

“Are you really that blind to call someone like Denise, who cheats with you fiancé, your best friend? Ally, you’re a lawyer, use your brain!”

“I’ve had it! Your Honor, I request that you remove this woman from this court. She’s making a mockery of herself and Denise.”

The Judge scratched his bald head with his gravel. “Let’s make a deal. We’ll listen to her testimony. If it is just poppycock, I’ll have her escorted out of the court house, agreed? And, just for my viewing pleasure, let’s let the defense and the prosecution sit out and let Ally and her mother go at it. I haven’t seen Ms. Taylor defend someone for quite some time.”

Ally looked to the bailiff, ready to move. “Fine, let’s hear her story.”

“I only have to say one thing. Bo Winchell was always leaving his and his girlfriend’s apartment and always returning at wayward hours. Isn’t that just strange?”

“Objection!” Ally shouted with confidence. “Sorry to burst you bubble mom, but Bo had gotten a promotion at work. Since he was the assistant maintenance worker, he was needed at wayward hours to help produce the company’s supply.” She looked at her mom with smile of success.

The old woman shook her head. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present you with this.” She held up a file labeled ‘Joe’s Oil Company’ in big letters. Everyone in, including Ally, stared at it with interest. “This is a profile of Bo Winchell’s work résumé. According to this, Bo was fired about two weeks ago. I have his release form here with his signature.”

“Objection!” Ally winced a little. “I will say it’s true that he may have been fired, but what does that prove? He may have been out looking for a new job. Can you prove that he wasn’t? I think not.”

“You must be from your father’s side. You are right, I can’t prove he wasn’t, but someone can.”

“Oh really?” Ally finally lured her into the trap.

“Not only did I prepare evidence, but I have prepared an affidavit from a key witness. I’m pretty sure that most everybody knows Guy Eldoon, the noodle stand man. Well, in his affidavit, he wrote, ‘I’m always seeing them two young people, that Bo son and pretty Denise, at my noodle stand, looking all happy and in love. I ain’t ever seen anyone more in love than them, except for me and my wife.’ His signature is also included.”

“Objection! Members of the court, what do you see here in my hand?” Ally held up a small metallic purple cell phone with a green wrist strap.

“Why, isn’t that a cell phone?” Jurist number 5 called out.

“Yeah, I think it’s a new model too.” Jurist number 3 pointed out.

“A cellular phone? Did they make some new fangled device when I wasn’t looking?” The Judge sounded completely and utterly lost in the forest of time.

Ally shook her head. “No, your Honor. It just so happen that I had a little conversation with Denise about a week and a half ago. Lucky for me, this phone records all conversations and holds them for two weeks. Do we care to have a listen?” All the members of the court nodded to each other. Ally studied the screen until she reached an option in bold black letter, ‘Denise, November 23. Listen to discussion?’ She clicked the talk button.

*Click*

“Hello? Denise, is that you?”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“Hey, how have you been? I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“I’ve…been better. Listen Ally, I need your help.”

“What is it?”

“You know my old ex-boyfriend, Tom? Well, He’s been…let’s say stalking me.”

“Stalking you!?! Did you call the police or something!?”

“I did but they said he’d knock it off in a day or two. And that’s the thing. It’s been a week since he started stalking me. So, I-”

“Sweetie, he hasn’t approached you, has he?”

“No he hasn’t. Just listen to me. I think if he saw me with another man, he may decide to leave me alone.”

“You’re probably right. Most stalkers stalk because of their imagination telling them that they and the stalked are destined to be together. So, who’s the lucky dupe?”

“Well, I was hoping…Bo could be the lucky dupe.”

“Hold up, you want to use my Bo? He’s not an object you know. Can’t you use Brent or Stephen for this little scheme of yours?”

“I’m sorry, but I think it would be more convincing if I ‘dated’ someone new. I mean ‘dating’. Well, you get the picture.”

“This is all a bit hard to swallow for me. I don’t want Bo to get hurt, but I don’t want you to get hurt. Oh, why can’t the answer just come to me on a silver platter?”

“Hon, just relax a minute. This would all I’d be doing with Bo. We’d go to the park, hang out at the noodle stand, and acted like we’re in love. That’s it, nothing too over the top.”

“…Denise, you owe me big time for this, but OK. You can borrow Bo for a while. But then I want him back, got it? No late returns.”

“You. Are. The. Best! You know what, I need to thank you. Tonight is the girls’ night out and dinner’s on me.”

“Thanks. I’ve needed to get out on the town. I’ll meet you at are usual place at 7.”

*Click*

Ally sat tall in an overconfident manner. “Do you all see? I knew that Bo had been seeing Denise. It was all just a stage act to get Tom to stop stalking Denise. Even ask Denise herself. Call her up to the witness stand and have her testify about it.” Her smile is what convinced nearly everyone.

The old woman crossed her arms. “Ally, baby, do you really think you can fool everyone?” Sandy’s voice was of unusually steady, since Ally had proven her wrong and her mother hated to be wrong.

“What are you talking about? I’ve proven my guilt and my motive. Denise was seeing Bo too much and I got sick of it.”

Sandy turned to the Judge. “Your Honor, I have a request.”

The Judge smiled sweetly. “What is your request?”

“I wish to call in a prepared witness, if I may.”

“Ha! Mother, you’re the witness right now. There need be no other witnesses to prove my guilt. Am I not correct Your Honor?” His eyes were agreeing and the rest of him was about to, until he butted in.

“Ms. Taylor, you have been making my job very simple. I can’t help but wonder why you didn’t become a prosecutor,” a voice called from the prosecutor’s bench. “But at any means, since you are on the verge of being proven guilt, why are you so threatened by a witness?”

“Excuse me Miles, er, Prosecutor Edgeworth?”

“Well, you seem to be doing a bang up job of proving yourself guilty. There seems to be no flaws in your theory. So how could a witness poke a hole in it? It’s not like that they can tell you Denise was lying, or that Bo was cheating on you, now could they? I second the motion to a new witness.”

“That is still not enough of a reason to bring in a new witness. Don’t forget, you’re sitting this out, Prosecutor Edgeworth. I’m sure the Judge will side with me and hand down the verdict right now. Right your Honor?”

The Judge remained silent as he contemplated the current situation. “…I’m sorry Ms. Taylor. But I am going to approve of, uh, Mrs. Taylor’s request.”

“WHAAAAAT?!? B-but what’s your reasoning!?” Ally’s steely eyes stared daggers at the Judge.

“Some things are better left in the dark, Ms. Taylor,” the Judge turned to Sandy, “Mrs. Taylor, you may call in your witness.”

She smiled sweetly and handed a note to the bailiff. With that, he scurried out of the court room. With in minutes, he returned with a tall, scrawny man in his twenties. He had a long, bushy, black hair, a pasty complexion, and sword-grey eyes. He was a strange looking man, but what was stranger was that all his fingers were wrapped in strips of cloth. Ally’s eyes grew big and nearly fell to the floor.

“Witness, please take the stand. For the record, state your name and occupation.”

The boy nodded, “My name is Tom Leavitt. My occupation is…varying.”

The Judge turned stern, “See hear, young man, I will have straight answers in my court room. Now, what is your occupation?”

Tom looked towards the jurists. “Well, I put up flyers, people find the flyers, the people call me, they tell me what they want me to do, and I give them a price. That’s my job.”

The jurist started whispering, and staring, and giggling at Tom. Once they had settled down, Jurist number 2 stood up and said, “Mr. Leavitt, what would you call that job, so the court can have a better understanding of it.”

Tom’s right fingers flew straight to him mouth, “I*mumble* really*mumble* to-”

“Mr. Leavitt! Take your fingers out of your mouth immediately! You’re wasting our time!” The Judge roared.

Ally’s voice cracked out at last after the shock, “I’m sorry, your Honor. Mr. Leavitt has a tendency to bite his nails clean off, mostly when he’s nervous. So to clarify for Jurist number 2, Tom does various odd jobs for a living.”

Tom’s eyes lit up and his hand fell from his mouth. “Hey, Ally! I didn’t know you were going to be here.” Ally smiled and waved her hand.

“Oh, why did my mother bring you here? What could you possibly-” Then, something hit her.

“Tom, did you just say you didn’t know I was going to be here?”

“Yes. I was invited here by your mom yesterday. When I asked her why, she told me it was a surprise. Whose trial is it anyways?”

“I think its best that I don’t tell you, Tom” Ally could feel a bead of sweat running down her cheek.

“Fine, then I will,” Sandy yelled, “This is the trial for the murder of Bo Winchell. The suspect is-”

“The suspect is on a need to know basis.” Ally tried to cover herself, but failed.

“The suspect is Ally Taylor.” Prosecutor Edgeworth called.

Ally turned to Edgeworth very slowly to absorb the grin on his face. Then, very slowly, she turned back to absorb the horror drowning Tom’s face.

“Your trial?” He said meekly.

“Yes, Tom. My trial.” She spoke like a mom because Tom never acted like an adult when something unexpected happened.

“And, Bo’s dead?”

Ally turned her head away like a schoolgirl does when she doesn’t know the answer to a question. She clenched her fist. Her voice seemed to tighten and rise. “Yes Tom, Bo is dead.”

Tom shook his head wildly. “No, that can’t be true! It’s just can’t be! How long has he been dead?”

“He’s been dead for two weeks. I’m surprised you haven’t heard.”

And this is when it all fell apart with this statement.

“I couldn’t have. I’ve been out of the state in Paris for a month, taking care of my grandmother. She has liver cancer. I have the evidence to prove it. You can call my grandmother or her doctor. Or you can check my passport.”

The courtroom rang loud with many voices. Ally felt like she was about to explode.

“Order! Order! I will have ORDER!!!”

Silence fell in the courtroom. It was so quiet, you could hear someone blink. The silence was broken by the sound of a woman softly crying.

“So you really were cheating on me. I should have known better than to love you the way I did. But I did, and I don’t regret any time we shared. I love you and always will.”

“Well, I guess we have finally found out the truth. Is the defense and prosecution willing to agree?”

“Yes.” Both the spiky hair defense attorney and the prosecutor with the ruffled ascot said it at the same time.

“So, are you really confessing to the murder? If so, you will be tried and you may spend life in prison.”

“…Yes. I, Sandy Taylor, am guilty for the murder of Bo Winchell.”

December 24, Law office of A. Taylor

“Ms. Ally, how do I look?”

“You look absolutely adorable, Pearl.” Ally responded, staring blankly out of the fog-covered window at the snowy parking lot. She watched as one by one, people old and young, came into the old church across the street for the Christmas Eve service. Ally could feel her heart sink lower and lower when she didn’t see his face appear in the murky night. She sighed quietly and slipped her feet back into her white pumps. “I hope he comes. I hope he comes.” Ally thought repeatedly.

“You didn’t even look in my direction!” complained Pearl as she marched over to Ally, tugging at the back of her dress.

“I’m sorry, Pearl,” Ally turned her face towards her, “But like I said before, you do look absolutely adorable.” Pearl blushed faintly and looked away. The slinky purple Chinese kimono really did her small child figure justice which made Ally envious. Her dainty feet were wrapped in the straps of white leather sandals. Every detail on her body was flawless and beautiful, but nothing could compare to her hair. For once, she wore part of it down and the other part up in her usual style. It shined in the small patches of moonlight that peered through the window.

“She looks so mature. I wonder how I look…” She though self-consciously as she reviewed what she was wearing. It was nothing special really. A simple black halter top dress with highlighted the upper part of her body and then fell fluidly to her knees. It had a sweetheart neckline that was lined with silver beads. The young lawyer had done nothing particular with her hair.

“Oh, I’m so nervous Ms Ally. What if I miss the cue, or hit a wrong note, or sing badly or-“

“Pearl, you’re going to do fine! We’ve been practicing every single day and your singing voice is amazing. Most people would give a limb to have a voice like yours,” said Ally smoothly, “Before I forget, I brought you a surprise to make you feel better.”

“What is it? What is it?” Pearl’s face lit up with excitement and intrigue. “What is it? What is it?”

“Hold your horses! It should be here any minute now.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door. It swung open and in popped an over-excited Maya in her usually drags holding a bouquet of mountain roses and a very smiley Phoenix dressed in his suit and tie. Pearl grinned ear to ear with tears in her eyes and leaped into Phoenix’s waiting arm.

“I can’t believe you made it! I thought you had to be at your office tonight.” Pearl managed between cheers of joy.

“Well, we decided to take the night off. Isn’t that right Maya?”

“That right! And it’s all to come and see you perform.”

“You guys are the best!” Pearl gave them both a bear hug. “Oh! I left something in the other room. I’ll be back in a second.” She said as she slipped out the door, leaving the adults.

“So, is Pearl ready to perform Ms. Taylor?” Phoenix’s voice rang in Ally’s ear like the bronze church bells at the sound of ‘Ms. Taylor’. She hesitated to answer.

“Uh, y-yes, she is more than ready. She is one of my most faithful and dedicated students. And please, call me Ally. Ms. Taylor is my mother.” Dredging up the memories of her dear mother made her stomach do summersaults. Just the thought that that sweet, loving woman could be a cold-hearted killer… Her vision became blurry and she felt a bit faint.

“Ally…Ally? Are you ok?” Maya asked as she gently shook her shoulder.

“I-I’m fine! It’s just the thought of my mother…”

Phoenix’s face drained of all its color. His childish grin faded quickly away; his eyes filled with sympathy. “Right, I forgot about that trial. I’m sorry. I know how hard that must have been for you,” He reached out his hand and took hers. He rubbed the back of her hand with his rough thumb. “Seeing you mother confess must have scarred you. You want to talk about it?” She gave him a soft squeeze and let go. She wiped away a tear from her hot redden cheek.

“I can’t live in the past forever, Mr. Wright. Talking about it only holds me from forgetting my fiancé and my mother,” She let out a long sorrow-filled sigh. “What’s done is done. Those two people are dead to me now.” She picked up a cute little frame and took out the photo. Captured in the photo were her fiancé and her mother when he graduated from college. She whispered something softly, kissed the photo, and ran it through the paper shredder.

“Ally!” Maya yelled, going for the shredder only to be stopped by Phoenix. “You can’t just forget the ones you love. That’s…that’s…like giving up on yourself!”

“Maya, you don’t think I know that,” Ally said trying to hold back tears in her eyes. “I really don’t want to let them go, but if I don’t, I fear the worst would always be right behind me, always ready to stab me in the back. Leaving them is the only way I can move on in my life.”

“No it not! You can forgive you mom. You can make peace with her. You can…”

“Enough already!” Ally was caught between frustration, grief, and regret. Tears mixed with mascara came flooding out of her eyes. “Why don’t you just let me decide what to do?!” She stared into Maya’s eyes, seeing that she too had lost her mom. Suddenly, feeling very foolish about this whole mess, she hugged Maya who also started to cry.

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” Maya said into Ally’s long hair resting on her bare shoulders, “it just that you have the chance to see your mother and talk to her. My mother is no longer on this earth. I’ve tried so many times to contact her, but they have all failed. You shouldn’t let go of that chance. You may never get it again.” After for what seemed like forever, Maya released Ally, wiped away her tears and smiled. Ally did the same.

Just then, Pearl came in with the longest face anyone had ever seen. Her eyes were blackened and her bottom lip was quivering.

“I heard everything! Ms. Ally, I didn’t know you were so hurt!” Pearl not only cried like a baby, but her voice ran through all the walls and levels of the building. Phoenix brought her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. She pushed her face into his suit to try and muffle the cries. Ally strolled over to the two of them.

“Pearl, please stop crying. I’m not that badly hurt. It’s not like I’m about to collapse from the pain.” Ally stroked Pearl’s silky hair so tenderly, she giggled. “I’ve got you, and Maya and Phoenix to keep me company. You are all I need.”

Pearl looked up from Phoenix’s chest with a surprisingly calm face. She left Phoenix in favor of Ally. Ally bent down to grab Pearl’s waist and lifted her off the ground. Pearl pulled herself close to Ally’s neck, clinging to the back of her dress.

Once Ally placed Pearl safely on the floor, they heard the office answering machine beeping with a new message. “Ally Taylor, this is the Barbra Smith from the church on Main Street. You have ten minutes to get here before the service starts. Good luck.”

“Pearl, we better get cleaned up before we head over. Quickly, the bathroom is down the hall to the left.” She ushered her toward the door. Pearl swiftly exited the room and sprinted to the bathroom. Ally stopped abruptly in from of the door, turned towards Phoenix and said, “By the way, you didn’t happen to see him on your way over here did you?”

“Him? Oh, no I didn’t. Why do you ask?”

Ally smiled weakly. “No reason. Thank you.” Phoenix and Maya left first for the church and Ally locked the door to her office.

Part 2 – Church on Main Street

People in the sanctuary talked anxiously, waiting for the service to start. They talked about the candle lighting, the after service banquet and other related events. Right then, the light dimmed just enough to create a certain mystifying atmosphere.

The choir processed down the center aisle in billowing, indigo robes to the pipe organ. They all arranged themselves so that the young men and women were in the first row, middle aged in the second, and the elders in the back. Every one of their faces were smiling and saying, “Hit me with your best shot!”

Ally came shortly along with a young, lanky man with a Bible, who would briefly eyeball her bust when she was not looking. They stopped in front of a table and separated - him to the right and her to the left.

Then the man came to the large pulpit and said, “My children of God, blessed be this night, December 24^th, which we gather here to celebrate. My name is Pastor Daniel Redwood. Tonight, I will lead us in worship. Let us begin with a song lead by our very own, Ally Taylor.”

Daniel turned towards her and clapped. She sat in the bench in front of a grand ebony piano like she was riding in a white stretch limo with a famous movie star. She flipped through the pages of a book, inhaled deeply, and nodded to the choir. It start out so quiet, you could barely hear it from the front pew. She then struck the key with such power and perception, it created a catchy melody; it was like watching live art. Then the choir joined in with the song. All of their voices were perfectly in tune and they clapped to add a back round effect. It was so beautiful and heart-warming. Near the end, the youngest girl stepped forward and nailed the last note loud and proud. Everyone stood up and applauded and whistled.

The choir sat down and Ally took a bow. She snuck down the side aisle, being stopped by older folks for respects. Making her way to the back room, she noticed a gentleman in a brown trench coat and a boulder hat. Disregarded any thoughts for him, she nodded to him, and opened the door to the back room. Feeling bad for not say ‘Merry Christmas’ she turned back only to find he was gone. Puzzled, she entered the back room.

Waiting there was Pearl with a few sheets of music and a nervous face. She looked like she was about to have an anxiety attack. Ally kneeled down and took her shaking hand.

“You feel ready?”

“I feel like I’m about to die.”

“It’s OK. Just keep saying to yourself, “I am going to do just fine.” Got it?”

Pearl nodded her head and started muttering to herself. Ally led them through a slew of back hallways. They could hear the pastor talk with emphasis about the night of the birth. It sent shivers down both of their spines.

They finally reached a large, metal-coated door that scared Pearl enough to make her pull back on Ally’s arm.

“It’s alright. This door leads to piano. There’s nothing to be afraid. Now, help me look for the set of portable microphones. They’re probably in some sort of case. Here, you’ll need this.”

She pointed to a set of cabinets along the wall and held out a pair of keys. Pearl obediently took the keys, went to the cabinets and started searching. Ally turned to a set of box with labels on the floor. The first on said ‘Easter Supper’ in bold green letter, then ‘Christmas tree’ and ‘Props’.

“Ms. Ally, I found it!” Pearl displayed a black suitcase with a conquering grin. She proudly opened the suitcase to find two hand-held microphones sitting in indents of maroon cushion. One of the indents was vacant.

“Pearl, where the other microphone?” Ally crossed her arms.

“I don’t know. There were only two of them when I found it.”

“Well, that’s strange. Only church members with the keys have access to the cabinets,” Ally brushed the bottom of her lip with her finger, confused. “I’ll wonder about it later. We have enough of them for the piece. For now, we wait.”

After an hour or so, they heard Daniel announce the last song of the night. Ally was half asleep and Pearl was jumping up and down, shaking her like an earthquake.

“We’re up next! We’re up next!”

Ally stumbled a bit until she finally got to her feet. She never had a student quite as enthusiastic as Pearl. After she had Pearl slap her in the face, they opened the door.

People in the pews watched closely as Pearl sat in front of the piano, instead of Ally. She set up Pearl’s microphone so it was in front of her face. Then, she walked towards the audience with her own microphone.

“I’m sure some of you were expecting me to play the last song of the night. Well, I want to personally tell you that someone else as good as me will be playing tonight. That girl up on the bench is Pearl Fey, one of my best and brightest students. She has work very hard to be here, so give her the respect that you give me. Also, one of our microphones is missing. If you have any ideas on its whereabouts, please see me after worship.”

The lights faded away entirely. They placed a spotlight right over Ally. She scanned the place in search of him but alas, failed again. Forgetting him, she closed her eyes and listened to the beginning of Pearl’s song.

“That’s it Pearl. Nice and steady now. Don’t forget that fermata.”

At last, the time came for Ally to sing. Everyone leaned in to get a better listen.

“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.”

People gave out small cheers for this single verse of the song. She drew in a breath to continue. “Lo-”

“Long lay the world-”

Someone else voice stole the verse from her. She looked down the center aisle and saw the man from before with the missing microphone. His voice was sweet and angelic. Ally squinted to try and see who it was. While he sang, he slid off his coat and hat. Then, she knew.

“So you came after all, huh Miles?” Ally could feel a feminine arousal building in her chest, growing bigger and bigger.

Miles Edgeworth shuffled down the aisle, singing a song all too familiar to him. He reached out and took her hand. She gladly accepted his invitation.

Pearl stepped in and took over the song while they started to dance.

“A thrill of hope the-”

Her lovely voice made everyone get up and dance with someone. Even Phoenix and Maya were dancing. But that didn’t matter to Ally. She was just too lost in the fact that she was dancing with Miles. The man she has adored from the side for years. Then they parted and sang the chorus with Pearl.

“Fall, on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born.”

Both Miles and Pearl cut out from the last part of the song because of the high note part that usually, even Ally couldn’t do…usually, anyway.

“O night divine!” Her voice was flawlessly on key and beautiful.

Pearl finished the song with an instrumental she made on the fly. The whole church filled with the sound of applause and cheers. Pearl came racing down and took a bow. The people cheered even louder than before. Phoenix and Maya came up and gathered for a group hug. Ally turned to see Miles, but only found an empty space where her dear friend once stood.

The lights came flickering on and people began to pack their things for the banquet downstairs. Ally and Pearl were swamped with complement-filled people and admiring fans. Trying to get by them was like trying to find you parent in the shopping mall.

Ally finally managed to squeeze through the pack. Smoothing her dress, she noticed another crowd of people. Curious, she dared to approach the other crowd. She could hear people say, “It’s so nice to have you back!” and, “Are you planning on returning to the church?”

“Poor Miles,” thought Ally, “It’s been ten years since you’ve been here and you haven’t had a chance to breath!”

The crowd started to grow smaller and smaller. She waited patiently for the right moment. Then, when she could finally see his face, she moved. He was talking with Old Lady Greenwich. Unfortunately, she didn’t notice her.

“Miles, I - oh! I’m sorry Mistress Greenwich. I didn’t see you there. I’ll leave you be.”

“Hush baby. There’s no need to apologize,” She gave her a pat on the head. “I’ll let you two love birds bond closer together on this romantic evening. Night all.”

With that, she hobbled away with the same old thud of her cane; a devilish smile forming on her face. Left in the silence, Miles and Ally just stared back each other. His face completely fixated on hers. He almost seemed to ask her to forgive her of something, like having to prosecute her at her trial. Ally decided to end the motionless, quiet conversation by walking closer and hugging him. Miles was caught slightly off guard, but then returned the friendly hug.

“I didn’t mean to cut into your time with Mistress Greenwich. I’m just really glad you came.” Ally said, well aware of the trickle of sweat running in between her cleavage.

“No, I’m actually glad you cut out that old bird. I’m also glad I came as well. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard your exquisite voice.” Miles’ face went somewhat flush when saying those words.

“Stop it, you’re making me blush! Besides, you have a unique voice as well.” She could hear the blood rushing through her ears at rapid pace.

Behind Miles, she could the faces of Pearl and Maya gazing intensely at the two of them, waiting of something to happen. She waved her hand to them to come and join them. They came reluctantly in with Phoenix, who looked like he didn’t want to come under the arc. Miles shook hands with Phoenix and sent a nod to Maya.

“Were you two waiting for us to do something?” Ally said with a smirk.

“No!” Maya’s face filled to the brim with embarrassment. “We were just…surprised that you both sing so well.” Maya’s voice squeaked, like she was trying to cover the fact she was spying on them.

“Maya?” Pearl tugged at her sleeve.

“Not to mention the way you guys moved around the floor…”

“Maya…”

“And, you two make this dull church so much brighter!”

“Maya! Will you answer my question or not?” Pearl put on a sweet pout.

“What is it, Pearl? We are all listening.” Ally pushed Maya on the shoulder.

Pearl pointed towards the top of the arc. There, a cluster of leathery green leaves and waxy white berries sat tied up with red ribbons. “What’s that thing?”

Everyone in the group stepped back in surprise except for Pearl. The most surprised of all were Ally and Miles, their hands covering their mouths.

“That’s called mistletoe.” Phoenix said from far back. “When two people are caught beneath it, it’s tradition that the two kiss. And I think we all know who the suckers are.”

“They told me they didn’t hang that this year.” Ally’s thoughts began to race out of proportions from Miles to Pearl to that thing. But as bad as it seemed, something inside her was telling her to do it, telling her not to care.

Miles and Ally eyed each other wearily, Maya and Phoenix looked like they were about to crack up, and Pearl held her hands to heart.

“Oh, it’s like a fantasy coming true! And I get to see it first hand!”

“Pearl, we can’t-”Miles started but was rudely hit in the chest by Ally.

“Pose us the way you want to, Pearl. Make it the kiss you’ve dreamed about.” Miles looked at her like she had a third hand.

“Ally, are you sure about this?” Something was up. Miles’ tone not only sounded like he was confused, for once, but sounded like he…almost wanted to do it.

“Miles, it’s for Pearl. We’ll kiss and it will be over. OK?”

Miles pondered for a minute, and then nodded to Pearl. Silently, Pearl lifted Ally’s arms and placed them on Miles’ broad shoulders. Next, she took Miles’ arms and wrapped them around Ally’s waist, making him fidget. Finally, she moved them toward the stain glass window to set the mood.

“Finished, I’m finished. OK, let’s see that kiss.” Pearl stepped back to line up with Phoenix and Maya.

Soaking up the moment, they didn’t move or speak. They just stood and studied their situation. Finally, Ally gave him a thin smile.

“This is just like all those years ago, isn’t it?”

Ten years ago

“Whaaaaaaaaaat!? You’re leaving?!” Ally shrieked at the top of her lungs.

“Ally, tone it down,” Miles said evenly. “I don’t want the whole church to know.” Being only fourteen, Ally was not used to things not going her way. Everyone says that she was the most stubborn, determined person in the world. When it didn’t, she could get pretty catastrophic.

“W-why, why are you leaving? Do you not like this church?” Ally tried to hold back any little crack in her voice, so she covered her mouth.

“No, goodness no. This church is like home to me. It’s just…I’m leaving for law school to become a prosecutor.”

“Prosecutor? You’re only sixteen, Miles. You’re barely old enough to drive a car. You can’t actually be serious,” Ally came close to him and looked him despondently in the eyes. “Can you?”

Miles glanced away from her powerful gaze. “I’m sorry Ally-cat, but I need to. It’s nothing personally,” He reached out to touch her shoulder, but she moved away. “I need to stay with my responsibilities.”

Ally toddled past Miles towards the arc. She played the tassels hanging on the end of her jacket. “Responsibilities, you say? Man of the Miles, how long have we known each other?”

“I’d say about seven years,” He began to trail slowly in back of Ally. She started to pick up speed. “Why?”

“Have those seven years met absolutely nothing to you? Or do you want to forget those seven years? Maybe I have been a problem in your life so you want to move on. Is that one of your ‘responsibilities?” Ally wiped away a small tear as she made it half way under the arc. She could hear Miles’ footsteps begin to quicken. In no time, he caught up to her and grabbed her forearm harshly; fire burning in his eyes.

“Of course they have met something to me! For heavens sake, you’re my best friend! Don’t be ridiculous,” His grip tightened. “I would never want to forget you.”

Ally didn’t say anything. Not a word for a long time. She just took her other hand and clasped it around the hand imprisoning her arm. The tears fell madly out of her eyes. Miles sighed and wiped some of them away with his free hand. Then, she spoke in a gloomy voice. “Then why are you leaving me?”

Miles was left dumbfounded. Ally was like a little sister to him. She had never been this upset before. He thought she would the only one to understand. He never would have guessed this would happen. Him, gripping her arm with all his force, and her, her face pale and drenched in tears, standing in the middle aisle of the church. For once in his life, Miles felt like an idiot. He let her arm go and took her in for a much needed hug.

“Ally…” Miles stroked her hair. “I’m sorry. I know that you don’t want me to go. Believe me, if I didn’t have to I wouldn’t, but-”

“But what Miles?” Ally looked up at him. “What’s more important than our friendship?”

“Nothing is more important than our friendship. It’s just…” Miles took a lengthy breath. “I can’t stop denying reality. Since my father’s death, I’ve seen things in a different prospective. Defense attorneys will defend anyone to get their pay. To defend someone who is guilty so they can get their next meal? That should be a crime itself. Please understand Ally, I need to do this.”

“Miles…I-I understand,” Ally took a step back so they were in a friendly embrace. “You need to put those who are guilty away. I respect that a lot. I just wish you didn’t have to leave.”

“I know, but don’t worry. I’ll keep in touch with you. I will write everyday to you. Well, at least once a week,” Both of them laugh. Ally smiled. “Aw, now there’s my Ally-cat.” From behind them, they could hear another person laughing. They turned and saw Old Lady Greenwich standing by the door. Her dark skin was leathery, framed with salt and pepper hair. She banged her cane on the ground. A smile perched on her lips.

“Well I thought I would never see the day you two love birds would finally kiss, especially on the most idealistic of evenings.”

“Mistress Greenwich, what are you babbling about now?” Ally asked.

“I’m babbling about that.” She lifted her cane and pointed to the top of the arc. Miles and Ally looked up and saw their fate.

Present

Edgeworth couldn’t help but chuckle. “Just like last time.”

With final statement, they started to lean in closer. She could feel his hands tense around her curvy hips and his shortened breath glide across her chin. They took one last unsure look, and then they kissed. For that single moment, everyone had disappeared. The man’s lips were amazingly full and strong. Her nose flared as it filled with his smell, his rich and spicy smell. At that, she couldn’t help but tilt her head to match Miles’ mouth for a better kiss. She even pulled his body closer to hers. Apparently that feeling was mutual, for Miles started to move his hands up to the small of her back, feeling the naked skin not covered by her dress. It sent tingles up and down her body. They shared a rare cosmic moment.

When their lips at last parted each other, everyone came back from the shadows with wide eyes and an even wider jaw drops. Pearl, on the other hand, was smiling, her eyes gleaming brightly. Miles and Ally dropped their embrace with embarrassed faces and stepped apart.

“Well, that was certainly…actually I don’t know what that was.” Phoenix’s answer was very smug and arrogant.

“Thanks Phoenix. That just makes me feel great.” Miles rolled his eyes and slyly, looked at Ally.

“Hey, it’s getting late,” Maya stated, “and Pearly and I have training in the morning. I think we better get going.”

“I guess you’re right. So I’ll see you here Tuesday, Pearl?”

“You bet Ms. Ally! Good night, you two love birds!”

Maya, Phoenix, and Pearl went out the front door and called for a taxi. The only ones left on the first floor of the building were Ally and Miles.

“She sounds so much like Mistress Greenwich, doesn’t she?” Ally twirled herself down the hall to the coat rack, picking out a tan coat, and put it on. She came back right next to the door.

“You’re right.” Miles looked out the door and saw only one car - a red sports car - in the parking lot. “Hey, where’s your car? I only see mine.”

Ally turned towards him and looked him seriously in the eyes. “I didn’t drive here. I walked. I’m staying at the little shelter up the street for the homeless people.” With that, she darted promptly out the door into the snow, hoping Miles couldn’t keep up. She was wrong. Miles caught up to her in a heart beat and grabbed her sternly by the shoulder, jerking her to a stop. He brought his mouth close to her ear and said in a disappointed, almost humorous manner.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

So many different answers filled Ally’s head, but only one seemed to stick out. “…Because I didn’t want you to find out. I got kicked out of the apartment building right after my trial. The owner said it would fend the populace away to live near ‘an almost convicted murderer’.”

Miles’ grip tightened around her shoulder and he forcefully turned her to him. “Ally, your trial was weeks ago. When are you going to do something about it?”

“I…I don’t know. I don’t have enough money to buy a new apartment. Working two jobs doesn’t get you a lot of money.”

Miles stared at the ground, baffled. Then, he let go of Ally’s shoulder for her hand. “Why don’t you stay with me for a while, just until you get back on your feet?”

For once, Ally was completely speechless. She had forgotten how caring a guy could be. How sensitive…how sweet…how sexy…

“Stop it! He’s just offering a helping hand.”

“Miles Edgeworth, I accept your offer. But only until I get back on my feet.”

Miles gave her a smile. “Whatever you say, Ally-cat.”

They walked together, forgetting that they still were holding each others hand, to his car. Like a chauffeur, he opened the door to his car for her. Plopping herself down in the leather seat, she saw a woman and a child walking down the street. She flashed back to her childhood, seeing herself and her mom swinging on a porch bench. She leaned her head on her mother’s shoulder with heavy eyes.

Ally gasped. “Miles, could we run somewhere really quickly?”

Miles tapped her playfully on the cheek. “OK, where do you want to go?”

Part 3 – Detention Center

Ally took a seat by the large glass window, waiting. Miles stood in the hallway as instructed. She could feel her heart and brain battle a never ending war on being in the dreary place. She tried to decide what to say to this person. She tapped her fingers nervously on her thigh and bit her nails. The door on the other side of the glass opened. Coming out of the door was an old, plump woman with no color wearing a home-made pink dress hugging her body’s curves. A smile crept over her wrinkly face as she sat down.

“It’s been rather a long time since I’ve seen you, dear. You look well.” Her voice had change since she had seen her.

“You look good too, mom.” It pained her to admit, but she kind of missed her mother.

“So, to what do I owe the honor of seeing my daughter?”

Ally attempted to remember what she had planned to say, but her mind went blank. Her throat became completely dry, making it hard to talk. “I…I came he-here to say…I for-forgive you. I-I’ve…left B-Bo behind,” She felt like she was about to collapse from talking those few sentences. “I…have f-found someone new.”

Ally expected her mom to cheer and pray to the heavens how happy she was her daughter moved on, but she didn’t. Her mom didn’t react to the news. She just sat there, fiddling with her pudgy fingers. Her stare started to drift from Ally to the door behind her. Ally twisted around and saw Miles peeking through the little window on the door, and then ducking out of view.

“Is that the man you’re talking about?” Her eyes were shining with curiosity and mockery.

“Yes mom. His name is Miles Edgeworth.”

“Why don’t you invite him in?”

Ally held her breathe. Then, she gestured Miles to come in. Tentatively, he turned the knob, creaked open the door, and stood next to Ally. He placed his trembling hand on her back.

“Hello ma’am. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Sandy tilted her head quizzically. “I’m sorry, but have we met before?”

“Uh, I don’t ever remember meeting you.” Miles turned his head away.

The woman’s empty stare suddenly turned sugary and kind. “I remember you. You were the one who prosecuted my little baby.”

“Well I…”

“Tell me, are you going to make an honest woman out of her?”

“Mom,” Ally wiped the stray hairs from her face behind her ear. “Can we please not ask that now?”

Her mother leaned forward. “You do know who this person is, right honey? He almost put you in here.” She whispered in a harsh tone.

“Yes I know but-” Ally was cut off by the excessive chatter of her mother.

“Not to mention how hard he was pushing on you, making you believe there was no way to hope.”

“Yeah, but that his job and-“

“Plus, he even fooled the judge into thinking you did it. You should be glad I showed up in time.”

“Mom!” Ally bellowed in a huff. “He didn’t want to be prosecutor of the case! He had no choice. And, he’s the only one who has showed me kindness and compassion since the trial. He…he is my best friend like dad was to you!”

Sandy gasped. “Ally Kara Taylor, don’t you mention that dreadful man! He was never part of this family. He left us with nothing but police forms, news interviews, and the scene that haunted you when you were a child!”

“You’re wrong. He left me with something,” Ally spoke softly. “He left me with his gift of defending the innocent and good choices. And he left you…with his brother. Uncle Don has been the father and husband Dad was and never could have been. To me, I say he left us with everything we needed.” She left her mother in deathly silence. She wished she didn’t say anything about her dad.

“Hey,” the guard call from the end of the room, “visiting hours are over. You two have to leave now.”

“Well, I think I’m done here. Shall we go Miles?”

Miles mouthed the word, ‘yes’ to Ally. “It was nice seeing you again.”

“The pleasure is all mine, child. I hope to see you in the future Ally.”

“As do I, mom, Merry Christmas to you and a happy new year.”

Ally stood up with Miles behind her and was about to open the door when she heard her mother call. She stopped herself. “Yes?”

“Why did you forgive me? I mean, I murdered the love of your life!”

Ally came back to her mom and placed her hand on the window. “A teenager told me something earlier. She said ‘I shouldn’t let this chance slip away’ and she’s right. You might have killed Bo, but you are my mother and I love you. You’re the only family I have left.” Ally pushed all the sincerity she could into ‘I love you’. Her mom put her hand on top of Ally’s. A nearly parched tear slid down her face.

“I love you too. Have a nice night.”

The lady got up and left the room. Miles and Ally did the same. Back in the car, Ally simply stared at the clean floor. She finally could feel the guilt in her heart disappear.

“So, Man of the Miles, where am I going to sleep? Do you have a guest bedroom?”

“…I’ll figure something out. Maybe you can have my bed. I can just sleep on the couch. We’ll just see when we get there.” When he stopped a red light, he leaned over and kissed her. It wasn’t like the kiss at the church; it was very casual and calm. Completely shocked, she jerked herself away and almost slapped Miles.

“What was that?!”

“Huh? What did I do?” He sounded like he hadn’t done anything to her. His body language said the same thing.

“Don’t play games with me. Why did you kiss me?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t even touch you.”

Ally gave him an angry look before turning to stare out the car’s window. She swore she could feel him grinning and hear him laughing silently.

Miles’ home

“Wow, this place is so…tidy”

Ally had expected to see Miles’ home completely organized and dust free, but not this clean. Making her way up the stair, she noticed every little detail of the house. The walls were a warm shade of red-brown with a few pictures of friends and family. The lamps were all covered in some sort of Chinese writing. Ally thought one of them said, ‘Every man has a flaw, even the flawless man’. A brick fireplace sat at the end of the room with a small fire burning in the audience of a white sofa and coffee table. Everything was welcoming, but the one thing that caught her eyes was the simple window with the perfect view of a snow covered hill.

“Can I take your coat?” Miles put out his hand that already held his usual court jacket.

“Oh yes. Thank you.” She took off her coat and dropped it in his hands. As Miles went off to discard her coat, Ally took a better look at the pictures. She recognized most of the people – the church choir, the old pastor, Franziska and Manfred von Karma. The only people she didn’t recognize were a man and a woman in a wedding photo. She took it off the wall to read the inscription in gold lettering.

“Mr. and Mrs. Edgeworth”

Ally jumped out of her skin when she heard Miles sneak up behind her. She turned to him, flashing an innocent smile. He reached out and took the photo out of her hand. Wiping the glass, his eyes went misty.

“This is the only thing I have of my parents together,” he explained. “My father always had a client and my mother traveled as part of her job.”

Ally came around to look at the photo again, resting her head on Miles’ shoulder. His mother was the most beautiful woman she ever saw. She wore a snow-white gown that wrapped every contour of her body before flowing to the floor. Her short red hair was barely curled, landing just so on her neck. Her woodland green eyes were smiling up at the camera.

“What ever happened to your mother?”

He moved towards the window leaving Ally to stand along. “No one really knows. One day, she was here on the weekend, getting ready for company and the next, she had disappeared. We called the police as soon as we could. They did their best, but they had nothing to work with. She never came back.”

He closed his eyes tightly and whimpered. Ally drifted over and placed a hand on his shoulder. “That’s enough of that. I don’t want to be the one to spoil your Christmas Eve.”

He opened his eyes and smiled. Taking one last look at the photo, he set it aside and turned his full attention to Ally. “That sounds pretty good to me. You want something to drink?”

“Yes, red wine if you have it.”

Miles left for the kitchen. Ally trailed to the sofa and sat down like her father had taught her to - back straight, hands in lap, ankles crossed. He always said that it was ‘sophisticated and womanly to sit correctly.’ That and she’d get hit if she didn’t.

Miles returned with wine glasses and a bottle of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, vintage ’04. Judging by the year, it must have been pretty expensive. He popped the cork and poured them each a half a glass. Ally graciously accepted the drink.

“Are we to toast to anything?” Miles raised his glass.

“To old friends we have and to new experiences.” The glasses made a ping. Ally tipped the glass and tasted the delightfully sweet juice. It must have been a great year for such a tremendous taste. She didn’t even wait to drink most of it. Miles did the exact same thing.

“This is the best wine I’ve had in a long time.” Ally’s voice cracked a bit as she poured them their second glass.

“When was the last time you drank? You seem a little…disoriented.”

“Oh, I don’t really drink that often, only on special occasions.”

“Interesting…” He pressed his lips up to the glass as he stared at the fire. His eyes reflected the orange and red flames dancing in unison.

Unexpectedly, Ally flashed back to her and Miles at the church under the mistletoe. All the terrifying moments came running back to her mind. She could feel the anxiety flutter around her body, the touch of someone’s moist skin, and the warmth of nervous lips upon hers. She wiped it out and returned to the present.

“So, do you have anything new to report?” Ally asked over the rim of her glass.

“I’m prosecuting a case tomorrow.”

Her eyes lit up. “A trial on Christmas day? Oh, let’s hear the details.”

“You know I’m not supposed to do that,” He sneered. “I can only tell you that the defense attorney was just hired this morning. When it usually takes that long to hire, the attorney has to be a weak bottom-feeder.”

“Why can’t you just…practice some of you opening statement with an audience?” Ally said cleverly.

“Fine, I’ll tell you. The victim was a waitress named Jess Jameson, age 32. The defendant is an unemployed man and Jess’ brother, Damien Jameson, age 27. The motive is clear – he was angry she wouldn’t bail him out of jail for burglary. She was killed with blunt trauma to the back of the neck, causing her spine to break. Her body was found in a kitchen closet in the restaurant she worked at, Shanghai Parish. The murder weapon was…a bit different. It was-”

“It was a decorative conch shell.” Ally finished.

“Yes. How did you know that?” He tipped the glass to get the last bit of his poison.

“I’m the attorney defending Damien Jameson tomorrow.”

He choked a bit on his drink. “I’m sorry. I must have heard you wrong. Did you say that you’re the defense attorney for the case?”

Ally shrugged and licked her lips. “Yeah, I’m the defense attorney. Is that a problem?”

“No, it’s not a problem. It’s just…you are actually pretty good at what you do.” He squirmed uncomfortably in the sofa.

“Just relax. I’ve been known to be a weak bottom-feeder.” She giggled and leaned back in the seat. She could see Miles start to sweat bullets of humiliation.

“No! I didn’t, I didn’t mean it! I was just…expecting someone…” He looked around to try to find a good choice of description.

“Please, let me guess. I’m great at this,” Ally sat up and grabbed a pillow. “Let’s see, I’m picturing a single, stout man in his thirties. He’s a bit nerdy, with the receding hair line, the five o’clock shadow, and the thick framed glasses. You know the ones from the sixties? Anyway, he has big ears, weird teeth, and the goofiest smile. He wears a suit that his grandmother made – bright blue with stripes. He gives a new meaning to ‘only a face a mother could love.’ How am I doing? Am I in the ball park?” Miles’ jaw drop and beady eyes gave her enough ammo to continue.

“He worked at fast food restaurants until he received his attorney badge, probably in his twenties. When he started, he was hot stuff. He beat some pretty tough prosecutors back in the day. His popularity grew so much; he had a different girl at his office every night, too. Unfortunately, like all things in time, his style began to dull down. His methods became predicable and basic, thus ending his perfect record. All the women he had probably think, “Good Lord, why did I go with this guy?’ Now, he stutters in his opening statements, laughs at his owns jokes, and drops the evidence a lot.” She paused to take in a breath, and waited for Miles’ response.

“Your talents continue to amaze me, you know that?” He smiled for what seemed to be the billionth time, which was strange. In court, Edgeworth was ‘The Demon Prosecutor’, unforgiving and shrouded in rumors. Rumors like fabricating evidence, bribing witnesses, and arranging testimonies. Even out of court, he was still cold as ice, rarely showing any emotion except for irritation. For him to smile just at her felt…special.

Ally and Miles continued to chat and reminisce for hours like they used to when they hung out. They could have kept going until Ally looked at the tall antique clock behind him and it read quarter past eleven.

“Miles, it’s getting to be late. I think it’s time I go to bed,” Ally stood up, “Where am I sleeping for the night? Should I take the couch?”

Miles shot up like a rocket. “No. A guest in my house should not being sleeping on the couch. I’ll take the couch. You can take my bed tonight. Here, take the champagne back to the kitchen and put it on the shelf near the sink. I’ll make up the bed.”

Seeing there is no reason to argue with the Demon Prosecutor, she grabbed the bottle and headed to the kitchen. She found the cabinet Miles was speaking of. The cabinet was up pretty high and the cabinet handle was just out of her reach. Ally put the bottle on the counter and pulled a chair under the cabinet. She stepped out of her shoes and got up on the chair. Finally able to reach the cabinet handle, she opened the cabinet, grabbed the bottle and placed it on the highest self in the there.

All was going well, until the shelf below gave way from too many bottles. The crash shocked her system; she lost her balance and fell from the chair with the bottles. Wine spread everywhere on the floor and stained her dress. Her body crashed against the light linoleum floor. Darkness flooded her eyes. Her body was floating in space. She was alone in the cold dark, completely and utterly alone. Time seemed to pass slowly.

Then she heard Miles calling her name and felt something take her hand. She looked around in her space, but saw nothing. She looked down at her hand, but nothing was holding it. Ally heard Miles again, and tried to call to him, but she couldn’t find her voice. It was like she wasn’t alive, wasn’t dead. She was just a wasn’t.

Now a tingling sensation covered her lips. It was a lovely feeling and it made her smile. And a smell filled her mouth: a very familiar smell. Instinctively, her hand flew in front of her and touch something, no, someone.

Everything began to fill in and become colorful. Edgeworth’s face developed before her eyes; his eyes closed as if kissing, and not saving. He pulled away to sit on his knees when he saw her opened eyes. His face turned a little bit flush. She sat up and hugged him tightly, getting the wine all over him.

“Ally, are you ok? What happened?” He squeezed Ally.

“I don’t know,” Ally pulled away. “I put the wine on the top shelf and then the shelf below just, just crashed. I lost my balance and fell over. And it looks like I ruined everything in this kitchen.” The floor was stained with wine, the cabinet was in shambles, and her dress was soaked through and through.

“That’s the least of your worries right now. Show me where you fell,” Ally pointed over to the chair, “No, where on your body you fell.”

“I think I landed on the back of my head,” She reached behind her and touched it. Edgeworth check with his own hand. “How long was I out for?”

“You were probably out for ten minutes. But that’s beside the point. You might have a concussion. We need to get to the hospital. Get up and get your coat.”

“Miles, I’m not going to a hospital. Do you know how many people are there tonight?”

He yanked at arm, bringing her up off the floor. “What does that have anything to do with you?”

“There are people there who are in worse condition than I am. And it’s Christmas Eve, so most of the nurses and doctors have gone home. If I go, I’m going to be taking the care away from the people who really need it. I just need a good nights sleep and I should be fine.”

“I see a plethora of flaws in your logic. But you are most likely right. Come on, I’ll help you up stairs.” Miles started out of the kitchen.

“Wait, I think I need to pay you back,” She ran over and caught up to Miles.” I mean, you saved my life after all.”

“Ally-cat, there’s no need to-” Before he could finish his sentence, his mouth met with hers in a thankful kiss. His back stiffened in shock, but then quickly relaxed. He curved his hand around her neck. He could feel her pulse rise steadily.

She separated their lips and sighed happily. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while Man of the Miles. For you see, I think I might have fallen for you hard.” Ally stroked the hand on her neck. “I know you don’t believe in that sort of thing but-”

Now her sentence was cut short by Edgeworth. Their jaws matched like a jigsaw puzzle. It was the hungriest kiss both of them had ever had.

“Ally,” he panted between kisses. “It’s alright. I don’t believe in it, but I do believe in you. Now, let’s go to sleep.”

Christmas day

Ally awoke to the sound of the antique clock singing its song in the other room. Too happy lying in the extremely comfy bed, she closed her eyes and rolled over, only to bump into something. Her eyes split opened to see a muscular figure with her in the bed. She sat up trying to remember what had happened while stretching her bare arms and legs.

At the far end of the room, she saw her dress dangling from a nightstand in a crumpled mess. Immediately, her brain started functioning and she remembered all of last night.

“It’s been a while.” She crept next to him and kissed his sweaty shoulder, waking the man. He let out a lingering yawn.

“Good morning Miles.” She cooed. He shifted himself to see the woman he was with. He pulled her down next to him and kissed her neck.

“Hey, you’re up early.” Miles draped his arms around Ally’s body, nearly snuggling her to death. It felt good to feel the presence of another person’s body warmth embracing her.

“Miles, the trials begins in two hours. We better get up now,” Ally tried to wiggle out of the strong clutch Edgeworth had on her, but he refused to let her go. She pushed her hands into his chest to get better leverage to get away. Miles just laughed and pulled them even closer together, bending her head upward towards his face.

She saw the cocky grin sitting on his face and figured out what he wanted. She shifted over and kissed him tenderly. He moaned thinly and finally released her. They both got out of bed. Miles ran over to Ally and lifted her off her feet and cradled her like a baby as he headed out of the room.

“Miles! You seem energized this morning,” She grabbed his neck in fear of falling. “What’s gotten into you?”

“What’s gotten into me? I’ve got you in my life - an enemy in the cold battlefield, a friend in life.”

She rolled her eyes as they made it down the stairs. “You stole that from ‘Silver Samurai III: The Onyx Dragon Statue’.”

“Well only you would know that now wouldn’t you,” he placed her down on the floor of the kitchen. “Do you want a cup of coffee?” He gestured towards the table.

Ally grabbed a chair and took a seat. “Yes, milk and two sugars, my good man.”

He nodded his head. With a bow, Miles went of to make them both the mixture every adult craved and needed. While she waited, she pondered about a lot of things – the new man in her life, her mother, the trial. But somewhere, in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but think of one thing she thought she never would have to think.

“Can I truly start over, with my best friend?”

~End