Not That Girl

Chapter 21

Picking at the hem of my black tank top I waited for something to happen. I'm sitting in a court room behind my lawyer and the university's lawyer while the talked in hushed voices, I didn't even hire the lawyer, he just showed up saying my dad sent him. He hasn't called me or made any attempt to talk to me about what happened although I do appreciate the lawyer, it means I won't have to pay for it from my trust fund.

Ryan, Michael, William and Emily are all seated a bit behind me in the benches. I think they're benches... or pews? No pews are in church.

Mr Matthews wasn't in class the day after I went to the dean, a tall brunet woman was substituting for him and told our class he'd taken a leave of absence. The university didn't want the class to know he's been suspended.

'All rise for the honorable judge Paige Matthews.'

Matthews?

Standing up I looked at the middle aged woman, she had long orange hair and almost white skin. The complete opposite of Mr Matthew's brown hair and tan skin, they can't be related, it's impossible. Just a coincidence.

I squirmed in my seat as Mr Matthews was brought in, he wore a neat black suit and was well shaved with a smug look on his face.

My lawyer made his opening statement which I pretty much zoned out for, same goes for Mr Matthew's lawyer's opening statement. They were just listing facts on the case, why we're here and which witnesses to call. I heard my name in the mix a few times but ignored it keeping my eyes focused on my lap.

The dean spoke for a bit saying that there were no other reports of Mr Matthews harassing students but he had been known for fixing a female student's grade at the last university he worked at.

One of his other students, a post-grad, was called up to talk about Mr Matthew's "good character" and how much he'd helped him.

I wanted to tell him to shut up so badly but my lawyer had strictly told me not interrupt the trial unless a question was directed at me or I was on the stand.

When my lawyers got their turn to call witnesses they asked Emily to come to the stand, they asked her how long she'd known me and how trustworthy I am. She was so kind, making me sound like a perfectly honest girl. Which I am. She told them about the bruise on my back and my lawyer brought up a photo of it.

I had my back turned away and a shirt half way over my head, it was the morning she saw it at first. I didn't even know she took that picture while I was changing.

Ryan was called next but he swore so many times and accused Mr Matthews of being a sadistic bustard that the judge made him go back to his seat. This meant that Mr Matthew's lawyer didn't get a chance to talk to him, I think they planned that because Ryan looked so smug when he was told to sit down.

'Veronica Louise Rochester, please take the stand.'

I looked at my lawyer, panicked, I thought I wasn't going to have to talk today! The dean said- Ugh, I'm such an idiot!

My knees shook as I walked up to the stand and took my seat in the soft leathery chair. Why do they call it the stand if you sit while you're up there?

I placed my hand on the bible held by the bailiff and repeated after him mostly not paying attention.

'Is the man that sexually assaulted you in this room.' My lawyer asked.

'Y- yes.'

'Could you point to him for us?'

I pointed my finger at Mr Matthews.

'Miss Rochester, could you tell us in your own words what happened the first time this man assaulted you.'

'He asked me to stay after class so I did but Mr Matthews closed the door and he- he kissed me.' I rattled out quickly.