Imperfectly Right for Me

Twenty Seven: Court Is Adjourned

Lily

"Today is a lovely day. Don't you think so, Ms. Livingston?"

She looks up from her phone as people walk by. "Lily, you do realize in less than ten minutes you have to speak about a man who kidnapped and nearly sexually assaulted you, right?"

"Yes, I know. I'm fully prepared to speak about it. Which brings me back to my opening question; isn't today a lovely day?"

She frowns. "How do you figure? I guarantee there's been far better days than this."

"I'm tired of keeping quiet. I'm tired of being manipulated, gaslighted, and treated without the respect I deserve. I love everyone on this Earth deeply, but I think it's time that Lily Hernandez stops being used as everyone's personal punchin' bag. And today I finally get to do that." I face her with a smile. "So I think today is one to remember, don't you?"

She stares at me for a moment before smiling. "Yes. Yes, I do."

My smile grows wider as I think of Theo. "Oh, I just know Muffin will be so proud of me."

"Who's Muffin?"

I blush. "The man I'm going to marry someday, Charlotte. There are many labels for Theo Acquire. My boyfriend. My hero. The love of my life. Grumpy Gary. Mr. Boss. Lady pleaser. And so many others I think we'd sit here for a while, honey."

Her facial expression becomes serious at the mention of him. "Your boyfriend is facing serious accusations. Attempted murder and kidnapping, Lily."

Rage quickly appears inside of me. The only time I've gotten this angry was when Mama talked down about Diddy. But now, I've heard these wild accusations about Theo, and I get heated instantly every time.

"My Muffin has done no such thing and if one more person tells me that, I think I'm just going to flip a table!"

"Lily, I k-'"

"He simply protected me. If he hadn't shown up and did what he did, that man would have raped and killed me and wouldn't think twice about it. I don't believe violence is the answer at any time, but if someone puts my Muffin in prison for somethin' he didn't do, the bat-electric-cord combo will be making an appearance today." I make sure she is staring into my eyes before continuing. "You'll make sure he doesn't go right, Charlotte?"

"I'll do everything in my power, Lily." She stuffs her phone in her purse and stands up straight. I follow her actions as many people crowd in the courtroom. "Come on. You've got a story to tell."

I shove my hands in my dress pocket and gulp as I follow behind her in the courtroom. I glance around, trying to adjust. There aren't many people. No jury, someone shouting or arguing like what I see on television. Some business people in the back stare at me. The judge glances at me, the prosecutor, everyone but the one I want stares at me. I look around further but see no sign of him.

I take a seat at a table across from the prosecutor as Ms. Livingston walks out of the courtroom, her heels clicking against the tile ground loudly. A security guard appears in front of everyone.

"All rise." He says. Everyone stands up except the judge. "Department one of the superior court is now in session. Judge Mayland is presiding. Please be seated."

I sit down with everyone else. Judge Mayland runs a hand over her face as she leans forward. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the people of New York versus Theo Acquire, are both sides ready?"

One of the security guards asks me to move to a seat in the back, and I do so. Ms. Livingston appears after Judge Mayland says this. On the side of her, three police officers and a man I can't see yet in between them. As they come closer, my heart breaks when I finally see who it is. Cuffs sit on Theo's arms as he sits down. He wears an orange jumpsuit. A medium stubble has grown and his hair has gotten a bit longer. A small cut rests on his bottom lip and cheek, but other than that he looks like hasn't been touched at all. I gulp and try to hold in the tears that were trying to escape. I needed to keep it together for him.