Dysfunctional

18

After a few hours, the jury had called everyone back in, and they had come to a decision on the trial. I sat at the table, my leg shaking slightly underneath. My lawyer placed a hand on my shoulder and slightly squeezed. I smiled at him softly before the judge had entered the room. We rise as he walked in and he seated us.

"Has the jury come to a decision?" He asked gruffly.

"Yes we have your honor," a young woman said as she handed him the paper. The paper he held in his hands determined my fate. Everything on the paper, could save my life or ruin it. The judge cleared his throat before reading.

"We the jury find the defendant...Guilty of all charges." I let out a huge breath I hadn't realized I was holding. My father looked at me. If looks could kill, I'd be ten feet under. The officers pulled him away as I stood up and my lawyer hugged me.

"Thank you," I said tears filling in my eyes.

"It's no problem it's what I do," he said. "Now go call Michael, he'll want to know the news." I smiled at him as I excused my self and pulled out my phone as I pushed Michael's contact. After the first ring, he picked up.

"Babe, what happened?" He asked, the slight concern laced in his voice.

"He's out of my life," I smiled.

"Oh, Cassie that's great!! I'm so glad!" He cheered through the phone. "I'm so glad you can be safe now."

I smiled, "I know, it's finally over." The years began spilling out of my eyes. I sniffed a little as Michael started talking.

"Don't cry, it's over you're safe now. You're gonna stay with my mum and dad right?" He asked.

"Yes I am, and I'll be waiting for you to come home." I smiled.

"Perfect," he sighed. "I have to go, but I love you!!"

"I love you too!" I said before hanging up. I walked into the court room where Mrs. Clifford was waiting. She wrapped her arm around my shoulders.

"You ready to leave dear?" She asked. I nodded my head as I grabbed my purse and we walked out. She kept her arm around me tightly. Never in my life had I felt so safe.

***********************************

Back at Michael's house, I laid on top of his bed with my laptop laying on the edge of the bed. I continuously scrolled through my Twitter feed, when comments started filling in. I clicked on them and noticed fans had found out about the court case. Someone had tipped them off.

They had started a new hashtag called Cassiehaddaddyissues. I sighed as I clicked on it and began scrolling through the comments. A lot of them were very supportive and defending me. But others were not so good. They talked about how I was no good and a piece of trash and how I came from a horrible family.

The years began welling up in my eyes but I blinked them back. I promised Michael I would let the them get to me. He must've seen the hashtag because he was trying to skype me. I looked in the mirror before answering. When I did his face popped up with concern.

"Hey-" I was cut off.

"I know you've seen the hashtag and don't believe a word they say. I don't know who told them but when I find out who I'll stop this." He rushed.

"Michael, it's okay. Honestly, don't worry about it. I'll be okay I promise." I smiled.

"I know I'm just afraid..." he said.

"About?" I asked.

"You've been clean for so long and-" I cut him off.

"Mikey, I'm not going to self harm. I have you now. I don't feel like that anymore. You've brought me out of a bad place, but I'm okay now." I smiled.

"Are you sure?" He asked his eyes slightly red.

"110%" I said.

"Alright, if you need anything you call me and I'll call you right after if I'm in a show okay?"

"Alright Clifford, don't become a pansy on me." I smirked.

"I won't Hewitt." he laughed.

"That is my thing don't take it." I laughed.

"Alright, alright. Look I have to go for an interview but I'll call you later, yeah?"

"I'll be waiting Clifford." I smiled, "I love you."

"I love you too."