Their Little Princess

Chapter 28

The room felt abnormally cold. Maybe it was the lack of clothes I was forced to wear or maybe it was the deathly disease that is running through my veins. Maybe it was the nerves and anxiety that had been eating me alive since the moment I was born. I sat on the cold metal chair they made prisoners sit on. Here I sat in the courtroom, shaking like a leaf in the wind. Trevor and Ethan sat next to me on either side of me, trying to provide that comfort that I have been craving. My legs were bouncing so much that the whole row of chairs was shaking as well. Both Trevor and Ethan put their hands on my knees to try and calm me down. This dress I was forced to wear provided no shield to my trembling form. My heartbeat was so loud in my ears that I couldn't comprehend what was going on around me. The judge sat on his throne, listening to the defense proceed with their opening statements. This whole day has gone by in a blur. I fell victim to the horrendous terrors that haunt us every day. I couldn't even comprehend what was happening. I sat with my head facing down on my lap. I wish I had my hair right now. That could at least provide more comfort to me than being a bald skeleton. I feel some relief today as well. Finally, some of my darkest secrets will come to light. That thought struck so much fear into my core that I started to have a severe asthma attack. My breaths came out in my pants. My lungs seemed to be having a panic attack of their own. They weren't letting any air in or out. My gasps for breath were getting louder which caused the attention drawn to me. I couldn't see the stares but I could feel them. Lazors through my soul, trying to figure out who I was. I distinctly heard Trevor and Ethan scrambling around me. People started to rise and come over to me. They wanted to see the circus act happen, feel the pain that causes them to feel the emotions they can't. I felt my head gently being turned to look at Trevor and felt my inhaler being so graciously brought to my mouth. As soon as Trevor pushed on the trigger, my body relaxed. My muscles went from being concrete to jello within a matter of seconds. As the crowd realized that I was okay, they all returned like robots back to their seats. My eyes seemed to have magnets in them and Liam seemed to be the magnetic source. As soon as my eyes met his, the world around me faded. He didn't smirk or even change his face, he just stared. I felt Ethan start to shake me and whisper to me but I couldn't look away.

"I'm sorry,"

My eyes widened as I read Liam's lips.

I'M SORRY

I'M SORRY

I'M SORRY

His words filled my head. This unexplainable range just came over me. Before anyone could react, I was standing and storming over to him.

"You're sorry? You're sorry? How fucking could you? How could you!"

"Order! Order!" I felt Ethan's hands wrap around me and hold me back.

"Bri, calm down honey. Calm down!" I was struggling against his hold. Liam's face held guilt but he didn't dare to move. I was grabbed by someone else and pulled into their chest. My father's scent invaded my nose. I wasn't crying, no, I was fuming. I was brought back to the seats and sat down next to my father. He made sure my head stayed in his chest so I didn't get even more upset.

"Order! Now everyone, resume with your opening statements to the jury." Before you knew it, it was time to call witnesses and present evidence. "Now to the stand is Ms. Bri Black." My father helped me stand because he felt my fatigue. I stared straight ahead, not letting my gaze flatter from the stand. I stopped before the Deputy Clerk.

"Please raise your right hand," My right hand raised robotically. "Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

"I do." My shaky voice cut through the courtroom. I slowly and carefully climbed the steps that led to my worst fears. I sat down on the chair and was directed to fix the microphone. The defense was brought out for questioning first.