CATASTROPHE CAREN (Completed) ✔

12: Before The Judge

On Monday, Caren and Preston found themselves standing before a judge. 2 lawyers were appointed to defend them since Caren didn't know any lawyers to call and Preston's family's Lawyer couldn't make it on time from Arizona.

Within 30 minutes, the counsel to the defendants were able to explain to the judge, everything that happened at the baby shower the previous day, most importantly, pointing out the fact that, their clients, Caren and Preston, had no intention whatsoever, in breaking the law.

In addition to that, Mrs Patterson stood in as a witness for Caren and her nephew, Preston. She explained that Caren was totally unaware of the situation at the time when her nephew made the mistake. She also vouched for Preston's behaviour and described him as someone who has always been a law-abiding citizen.

The State also called in a witness to testify against the Defendants. The person was the bartender who served drinks to the guests at the baby shower. According to his testimony, he told the court that he saw when Preston chose the drink which contained alcohol from the table but that Caren who was standing close by didn't seem like she was aware of the situation. The bartender also said that even though Preston held on to the alcoholic drink for a while before setting it down at a nearby table, he didn't see him drink it due to the fact that he was distracted by the people he was talking to and the snacks and appetizers that was being served.

After hearing the testimony of the witness, the court remained silent while the judge studied the documents before her.

"Please may I say something, Your Honor?" Caren said as she raised her right hand. "Please..." She forced a smile.

"Go ahead but make it quick." The judge replied.

"Your Honor, it's not even more than a week I've been here and I can honestly tell you, this is my worst vacation ever. No offense to the Howells and Pattersons because they've been nothing but wonderful to me since I arrived here. But my time here has caused them so much trouble and I am so, so, disappointed in myself for coming here with my bad luck to ruin the holidays for them." She tried to catch her breath as the tears rolled down her eyes uncontrollably. "Please Your Honor, have mercy on this beautiful family especially their son, Preston. I promise you he is such a good boy, Your Honor, such an intelligent young man. He not only made his entire family proud by making all of his grades this year, but also, he got accepted into 3 colleges. The last thing he would do, is bring shame upon his family. Please your Honor, find it in your heart to forgive him, please."

"Is that true, young man?" The judge asked.

"Yes, Your Honor." Preston replied.

She nodded and went back to looking at the documents before her.

"The court will go on a short recess after which my judgement will be given when we return."

After 10 minutes, the court was in session again and everyone remained silent for the judgement.

"After having reviewed the facts of this case thoroughly, and taken into account, not just the most important elements contained therein but also, the financial capacities of the parties involved, I find the Defendants guilty of negligence and I hereby sentence them to pay the sum of 1000 US Dollars each, as a fine for committing a misdemeanor. This court is adjourned."

"All rise!" The bailiff announced as the judge stood up to exit the courtroom.

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At last, Caren and Preston were free to go. Preston's family reached an agreement with the court that the 1000 Dollar fine imposed on Preston will be paid in installments over the next couple of months.

Caren paid the 1000 Dollar fine imposed on her at once.

"Girl I'm pretty sure paying that fine at once left a hole in your account." Halle joked as they were on their way home.

"I really don't care. I'm just glad to be out of there for good." Caren sighed. "Do you have my phone?"

"No, it's at home."

"Okay!"

When they arrived, Mr and Mrs Howell ran out to hug their grandson.

"Oh, thank God you're home Grandson. I was almost dying of a heart attack." She cried.

"I'm fine, Grandma. Thanks for your care. Everything's alright now." Preston smiled.

"Thank God! Caren, how are you doing? Did everything go smoothly?" Mr Howell asked.

"Yes Sir, everything is fine now. I'm so sorry I put your family through so much stress especially at this time that ought to have been peaceful. I feel so ashamed of myself." She covered her face and cried.

"Oh my darling, it's not your fault. These things were destined to happen." Mrs Howell consoled her with a hug.

"Thank you." She nodded and wiped her tears off her face.

"Now come in, let me fix you guys something to eat. You guys look like you lost a few pounds already. How terrible was it in there?" She smiled as she led Caren and her grandson into the house.

As soon as Caren finished her food, she went to the bedroom in search of her phone. As soon as she found it, she got online and started searching for the next available flight back to California.

Not long after, Halle came into the room.

"Hey Girl, everything alright?" She asked as she laid on the bed.

"Yes Dear, everything's fine. Just trying to book a flight." Caren replied.

"Book a flight? What do you mean? Our vacation isn't over yet." Halle stared her while wearing a shocked expression on her face.

"Well mine is! I just want to go home." She got her credit card out of her purse and typed the numbers written on it, into her phone.

"Caren come on! I know a lot has happened these past few days but you don't have to leave. Come on, we still have like a week left to stay here."

"Halle, I'm scared okay? If I stay here for one more day, only God knows what will happen. Honestly, I've never had this much trouble happen to me before. I don't even know what's going on anymore. It's almost as if this whole trip was cursed from the beginning, ugh!"

"Don't be ridiculous, Caren. Everything that happened was simply a coincidence that's all."

"Well I didn't see any of it happening to you! Listen Halle, please don't feel like I'm leaving you and your family behind just because I want to. I really appreciate the time I spent here and you guys are so, so wonderful I swear. But if I don't get out of here, who knows what else is going to happen. I have to leave you guys to at least, enjoy the rest of the holiday in peace." She dropped her phone on the dressing table and started packing her things.

"So now you're going to head back and just be alone? That sucks! If only your parents were in the country, at least you would have gone to spend what's left of our break, with them."

"Oh, you know I would have spent the entire time with them just as always. Would have saved me a whole lot of tears if they were just here. Anyway, it's all good." She chuckled.

"It's all good! I'll really miss you." Halle smiled.

"It'll run by quickly. Before you know it, you'll be on your way back." Caren walked over to her friend and gave her a hug. "Thank you for everything. I really appreciate you."

"Here for you... Anytime, any day." Halle hugged her back.

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