flatsound || newtmas

twenty-five

t.w - sexual assault, stalking, and mentions of suicide attempts

Today was the day of Aris' court trial. At his arraignment; he pleaded not guilty, which lead to a trial. Christmas had passed, dreadful for Newt and his mum, but they got through it. It was now early January, a month of waiting and fear of what were to come.

Thomas and Newt spent whatever time they had together, maneuvering around midterms, holiday festivities, and the many questionings Newt had.

The group pushed off their plans to go camping till later because this was their top priority at the moment.

Newt, anxious as ever, stood in the mirror adjusting the tie that hung around his neck. He bit his lip, a habbit of his. "Here, let me help you," Penelope said after she saw him struggling. She tied the knot and secured it at a safe level.

He wore a button up with a sweater vest, his tie tucked in. His pants were a different feeling to Newt, making him uncomfortable. He's used to his jeans or sweatpants.

"There," she said, patting his shoulder. "I'm scared," Newt said, looking down. "I know, I have a feeling it's going to be okay. If it all goes right, all you have to deal with is a disposition, right?"

Newt appreciated her realistic optimism, she knew it wasn't over but these were big steps. "You're right, I hate it but you're bloody right."

"You ready?"
"Yeah."

They left the appartment, Rebecca giving them her best, saying she'll be there. They walked down the street, passing people as they went by. Many tried to stop them as they had heard what happened from their children or the papers.

"Hey! Aren't you that kid I saw in the papers, your court is today, yeah?" An older man asked, Penelope grabbed her son and politely asked the man to leave.

Once they reached the subway, every second closer felt like hell to Newt. He was so terrified of today because he knew if Aris was free; he'd be a goner.

***

Thirty minutes later, they were in front of the New York city courthouse. The building intimidated Newt to say the least.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to calm down his heartrate. It didn't start until nine-thirty in the morning, an hour and a half from now, but it was like impending doom to him.

Many others waited on the steps, some awaiting for the doors to open for their own court cases, the others waiting for his. It was weird for so many people to know about Newt's case, that became reality standing there.

Those doors opened and people filed through, going through the metal detectors and giving their identifications. Newt walked through after putting his phone and headphones in the bucket. Penelope came after him, getting in without issue.

They sat in the waiting chairs for the court, the room was silent considering how many people where in there. 'Maybe it's because it's a court, put in your headphones,' Newt thought himself.

Tommy was supposed to come with Athe and Minho but they hadn't shown yet. Newt decided not to think about it too deep. He sighed and pulled his earphones into the jack and put in his passcode. In all honesty, it wasn't even a password because it was Lizzy's birthdate.

Emptiness invaded his brain as the soft melodies sang through his ears. He could settle with an hour of this.

His eyelids drooped down, attempting to enter sleep. Newt's hand was pressed against his face, holding his head up.