Forbidden Love

Chapter 10

Anna

"Are you ready honey?" my dad asked as the car came to a stop. "Yeah" I just had to be. It was finally Brandon's trial today and I was so nervous to see him again. I had to testify in front of a bunch of people and had to relive the entire thing. I felt sick all morning and I really just wanted to get it over with.

We got out of the car and entered the large, cold courtroom. My lawyer was already there and I saw Maya and her mom sitting in the gallery. They waved to us and my lawyer gave me a quick pep talk and last minute pointers. After about 10 minutes the judge came in and everyone was quiet.

I zoned out for most of the judge's speech, overthinking and worrying about the worst case scenarios. I only paid attention again when it was my lawyer's turn to speak.

She delivered her opening statement in an organized way. She was confident and calm which made me feel more relaxed. She was very good at her job (I researched her thoroughly to prepare for today).

When she finished, it was the defence lawyer's turn. He did not have a very strong argument as there was no evidence proving Brandon innocent. I watch a lot of 'Law and Order' so I know the drill by now.

The next thing I knew, they called me up to give my statement. I stood up and slowly walked over, my legs almost collapsing under me. I got sworn in and they started asking me questions. I looked over at Maya for support while answering each one as calmly as I could. I finally went back to my seat and took a deep breath as the attention shifted away from me.

Other witnesses like my neighbours and the doctor who treated me were called one by one to tell their sides. Brandon's lawyer advised him not to give a statement as he had a tendency to get aggressive and carried away. I was really grateful for that because I would not have been able to handle him trying to defend himself.

The trial took most of the morning and I was struggling to pay attention to the jury but I could feel they were on my side. "It's looking good for you so far honey" my dad reassured me while taking my hand. He could sense that I was nervous. I kept looking over at Maya and she gave me a hopeful smile every time.

The judge announced that we would have a 15-minute break while the jury reviewed the evidence again and made their decision. We stood up and decided to go for a coffee at the café attached to the courthouse. Maya and her mom met us there.

She gave me a long hug. "I am so proud of you for staying so strong Anna." she whispered. We each ordered a cappuccino and waited for the incredibly long 15 minutes to go by.

We made small talk until we could go back inside. Everyone returned to their seats and a thick tension hung in the air. The judge banged his gavel and explained how the decision was made. My dad took my hand into his again and my lawyer gave me a reassuring side hug. I waited impatiently for the verdict, my knee bouncing uncontrollably and my nails digging into my skin.

The judge spoke again after a moment of silence. "The jury has found Brandon Peters guilty on charges of attempted murder and rape." A flush of relief came over me and I started crying.

"He will serve a life sentence with no chance of parole." A heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders after hearing those words. I've dreamed about this moment but never thought it would actually happen.

My dad held me tightly and Maya rushed over to join the hug. Tears were spilling down their faces too. I could not believe it, I was free and I did not have to live in fear anymore.

Police officers took Brandon away in handcuffs. That was the last time I would ever have to see his face, except in my nightmares, but I knew that would pass eventually. It was finally over, my life could go on. I could go back to being a teenage girl with a regular life. I did not have to be scared anymore.

Maya

I was so proud of Anna for staying strong like she did today. Her dad offered to take us out for burgers to celebrate. Anna's stepmother and Michael met us at the restaurant. It was a small place, with mismatched décor and dim lighting, but it was cosy.

We all ordered drinks and Mr. Canning proposed a toast. "To new beginnings and to healing from the past" he spoke while raising his glass of coke. "To Anna," we all said in unison while clinking our glasses.

Anna had a big smile plastered on her face. It was the first genuine one I have seen in months and I really missed it. I missed her, the old Anna, the happy Anna. I was so happy to have her back.