Truth Be Told

Chapter 12

OMNISCIENT POV

The Williams Home

Karen, Kierra, and J. Drew were in Karen's office and had just finished praying. They prayed that today they would finally get some type of resolution from the judge. Over the course of almost 4 months, the judge has heard testimonies from both sides as well as hearing testimony from Ja'Layeah that the judge held in her chambers.

"Hopefully, today we receive some great news." Kierra spoke

"I'm hoping for the same thing." Karen replied

"Do you think if I ask, the judge will allow me to see Ja'Layeah before we go in for the closing arguments." J asked

"I'm not sure but you can ask Annalise." Kierra answered

"Everyone ready? We should be heading out. We need to get ahead of the traffic as much as possible." Karen spoke

"Yeah, we're ready." J and Kierra answered

With that being said, they headed out the door. J decided to drive so Karen got in the passenger seat and Kierra sat in the back behind her mom. They began their journey to the courtroom with some Neo-Soul softly playing in the background on the Bluetooth that Kierra connected from her phone

OMNISCIENT POV cont'd

Veronica's Home

Amber stood in her bathroom while Ja'Layeah sat at the vanity as Amber did her hair. She meant what she said to J. Drew; he had better tell his mom the truth or she was going to tell it herself. One thing Amber didn't do was make threats. She made promises. She put the finishing touches on Ja'Layeah's hair

"All finished pooh. Why don't you go watch TV until it's time to go." Amber told her

"Thank you, mommy, and okay." Layeah replied leaving out

Amber sat at her vanity and begin to do her makeup. She opted for a more natural softer look today. While applying her makeup, she started humming the tune to Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman". She finished her makeup, checked her hair, then she went to put on her shoes. She sprayed her favorite perfume YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum Intense, grabbed her clutch, and headed downstairs

"Everyone ready?" Amber asked

"Yeah, Veronica went ahead she had to take care of some things." Sandra spoke

"Okay, well who wants to drive?" Amber asked

"I will." Amaiyah replied

"It's 8:15, hopefully, the traffic isn't too bad right now. We have to be there at 9:30." Amber spoke

They all headed out to the truck; Amber made sure Layeah was strapped securely in her booster before getting in on the other side. Before pulling off, Sandra led them in prayer. Once finished, Amaiyah started the GPS and headed towards the courthouse.

OMNISCIENT POV cont'd

The Courthouse

To everyone's surprise, The Williams and The Riley's arrived at the courthouse at the same time. Amber was a little skeptical about walking in with them. Plus, she didn't know what was going through her mom's mind after seeing J and thinking back to the messages; so, she asked the security guard if they could be escorted in after them. A few minutes later, the security guard came back out and escorted them in. Amber made sure Layeah was situated in the daycare before heading to the courtroom. While waiting for the judge to come out, Sandra noticed that Amber was stuck in a daze; that could only mean one thing; she was having an anxiety attack. Sandra begin to massage her shoulders, Veronica and Amaiyah allowed her to squeeze their hands. After a few minutes, Amber had calmed down and Judge Toler was preparing to come out.

"All Rise. The honorable Judge Lynn Toler presiding. You may be seated." The bailiff announced

"Good Morning ladies and gentlemen. It has been a long 4 months that we have been at this custody battle of this beautiful angel Ja'Layeah. We have heard testimonies from both sides, I have privately heard testimony from Miss Ja'Layeah who I must say is a very intelligent. Today, I believe both parties are hoping to leave here with some type of resolution. Well today, I will be honoring that with my decision. Now I do want everyone to understand that I reached my decision based on the testimonies and the evidence that was presented to me. Once I announce my decision, I ask everyone to remain calm and respectfully accept my decision. If you have any concerns, I am more than willing to meet with you in my chambers and I will explain everything. Now does everyone understand and agree with everything I have just said?" Judge Toler asked

"Yes, your honor." Everyone responded

"Good, now let's get down to business." Judge Toler continued

"Actually, your honor, I would like to address the court if it's okay." J. Drew spoke

"Mr. Williams, the floor is yours?" Judge Toler asked

"I first would like to address Amber. I want to apologize for everything that I have put you through the last few years. I know I can't take back all of the things that I've said and done to you, but what I do hope and pray is that you will find it in your heart to forgive me and that I would be given the right to be able to see my daughter again. I've missed the last 4 years of her life and I don't want to miss anymore." J. Drew spoke

Amber was shocked that J. Drew finally apologized. She was happy that he finally did, but they still needed to talk before he could see Ja'Layeah. J. Drew then turned and faced his mom and sister before continuing

"Mom, Kierra. I can understand why you felt that it was in my best interest that you would take matters into your own hands. But after what I have to say, I would hope that you can forgive me, and we can move past this. I truly believe that you both should drop the suit against Amber and allow her to continue to have sole custody of Ja'Layeah." J. Drew spoke

"I'm not understanding J, what is it that you're saying?" Kierra asked

"Remember the day I came home beat up and I told you that Amber and Amaiyah jumped me, and her mom beat me with a bat?" J. Drew asked

"Yes, we do. That was also the night Amber told you, that you could never see your daughter again." Karen replied

"The truth is I lied. They didn't attack me. I paid someone to do that to me. The truth is I showed up at Amber's home drunk and I attacked her." J. Drew confessed

"YOU DID WHAT!?" Karen and Kierra exclaimed

I decided to update. Don't ask me for anything else! Enjoy this chapter and cliffhanger and I'll see y'all next year.

PEACE ✌🏽☮AND LOVE💖💜!!!!