Spotlight on the Mirror

Chapter Twenty-Five

On the morning after the sleepover, they awoke to noise outside as usual. Holliday never fully realized the meaning of a "media circus" but she was now getting a clear understanding. It took no time before Madison's address was known and there were cameras and reporters stationed outside all day and night. Luckily, Holliday and Madison's social media accounts were private and Natasha's were only fan pages. Holliday logged on only to see that she had hundreds of new friends requests. She ignored them all knowing that they only wanted an exclusive about Natasha and the case.

Everyone would be surprised to learn that neither Madison nor Holliday barely mentioned Natasha's name on their personal accounts for the simple fact that they weren't friends growing up. The longest conversation that Holliday ever had with Natasha literally just occurred within the last forty eight hours.

The media was relentless and with Wanda's trial starting tomorrow, it was becoming crazy. Every news station and online blog was discussing it. Even the radio stations gave short updates. Holliday could feel Natasha's tension rising. Since she couldn't go outside to smoke and risk getting her picture taken, Madison said that she could smoke in the bathroom since they each had their own. Natasha never left the condo. Holliday and Madison always went into public together to obtain groceries or personal items. The even had to stop ordering food since a news reporter pretended to be the pizza delivery guy the night before. The reporter tried to take pictures of Natasha but he failed and was arrested thanks to Mrs. Hemsworth.

There was nothing that could be done except to watch Netflix and too silence their cell phones. Madison had purchased Natasha a new cell phone but after reporters kept getting her number, Natasha trashed the phone. Her number had been changed three times but yet, they still obtained it. Mrs. Hemsworth usually called Holliday to speak with Natasha. Reporters had also gotten Madison and Holliday's numbers as well but after the second change, they just ignored the unknown numbers. Holliday wanted to make sure that her dad and Mendall could always reach her. She had texted her mom after the first number change but never received an reply. Holliday wasn't bothered in regards to her mom because she had another things to worry about.

****

Monday morning had finally arrived and marked the first day of the trial. There was an uncomfortable silence during breakfast. Madison played with her food while Natasha just sat there. Holliday knew nothing could be said that would soften the realization that Natasha's world would be on public display forever. For the rest of her life, a search on Google would always retell her tragic story. They cleaned up and got prepared to leave the condo.

Mrs. Hemsworth instructed Natasha to wear any light color in a darker shade but she refused. Natasha only wanted to wear black because she explained that's how she felt on the inside. Holliday couldn't relate but showed her support by wearing all black as well in which, Madison followed. Even though they were dressed as if they were going to a funeral, Holliday felt that they were actually mourning in a sense. Natasha had lost a lot but most importantly, she had lost her innocence in the worst possible way.

They gathered at the door while Holliday felt the need to say a quick prayer for strength and endurance. They look at each other knowing that once they returned, things would never be the same again. Natasha gave a slight nod to signal that she was ready and while Holliday held her breath, Madison opened the door.

There was cameras and people everyone. The mob instantly surrounded them and yelled out questions. The flashes dazed Holliday and she lost both Madison and Natasha. She tried desperately to fight through the crowd but she kept being pushed in different directions. A hand reached out and grabbed her, pulling her away. It was Mendall and she was also holding Madison's arm. She escorted them to the SUV where Natasha was already in, sitting next to Mrs. Hemsworth. Natasha looked like a deer caught in headlights. Holliday was sure that she also looked frazzled. Luckily, the windows were darkly tinted so once the door was closed, they couldn't be seen.

"What the fuck!? That cannot happen everyday!" Madison was pissed.

"That's my fault. I called for security escort but with the police department being very short on cops, they couldn't provide any additional assistance," Mrs. Hemsworth explained. "I've hired a personal security team. They will protect you guys 24/7 and until everything dies down. They are leading and following us right now. You each have one bodyguard but Natasha, you have two."

"Thank you, Mrs. Hemsworth," Holliday said. She got some type of comfort knowing that they would be protected.

"Is two body guards really needed?" Natasha asked while on the drive to the courthouse.

"Natasha, a lot of people will be negatively affected after today. It's only best that you are safe at all times," Mrs. Hemsworth replied.

Natasha just nodded as Mrs. Hemsworth proceeded to review last minute notes with her. Both Mendall and Madison texted their fiances while Holliday just stared out the window. She thought about all the craziness and how just a few weeks ago, she lived a simple life. She was a dancing brat crying over losing her grandma with no future plans and now, she was involved in a high profile child sex scandal case. She couldn't help but wonder why she was chosen to travel down this journey.

The SUV stopped in front of the courthouse where they all saw a white sheet covering Judge Hayes' name. Holliday observed a small smile on Natasha but it quickly disappeared. They waited for the security team to make their way through the crowd and stand outside the SUV. Everyone looked at Natasha knowing that the moment had come. There was no running away or hiding. Natasha had no choice but to be brave and face the monster that had created her. It was now up to her on how she would tell her story. With a look of determination in her eyes, she said, "Let it begin."

****

The security team helped escort all of them safely into the courthouse. Staff was trying to cover graffiti that been sprayed on the walls and on the large portrait of Judge Hayes. Since the media wasn't allowed inside, they couldn't take pictures of the destruction. Most of the words were related to him being a pervert or child rapist. Natasha kept her head up but Holliday knew she felt bad. Even though he had hurt her, Natasha didn't want anyone to be harmed because of her.

They entered the courtroom where they would sit in for the duration of the trial. It was empty and Mrs. Hemsworth was explaining the day's process to Natasha. Madison looked scared and deep down inside, so was Holliday. She wasn't sure why because the trial had nothing to do with her.

"Why I do feel so nervous?" Holliday asked more to herself.

"That's because you're vibing off Natasha. That's why you and Madison have to stay strong. She's going to really need y'all," Mendall responded while lightly squeezing her hand for reassurance.

"Thanks for being here. We all need any support that we can get right now," Holliday replied with a smile.

"Of course and since I'm a law student, Mrs. Hemsworth has asked me to assist in the case," Mendall stated with a hint of pride.

"Congrats. This is a really good opportunity for you to get some hands on courtroom experience."

"Thank you. Plus, it will make my resume look amazing. The circumstances sucks but it's a great boast for my career," Mendall whispered back.

Just then the bailiff entered the courtroom and escorted the jury in. They had already been selected the week before. Normally, this type of trial would taken months to be presented before the judge but thanks to cooperative witnesses and readily evidence, Natasha's due process provided her a speedy trial. Just seeing the jury made it real for Holliday.

It wasn't like on Law and Order: SVU, the atmosphere was dark and the temperature was cold. Holliday had chills knowing that she was stuck in that room. Natasha faced her with a look that suggested she felt trapped as well. Holliday remembered what Mendall said and gave a calming smile. Holliday then made an X with her fingers signaling that this was the first step to crossing out all the negativity in her life. They had talked about that during the sleepover. Madison leaned over to Holliday and also made an X. Natasha seemed to relax a little bit and made an X as well.

The bailiff then stated in a loud voice, "All rise for the Honorable Judge Christy Howard."

Judge Howard was an older Asian American woman that possessed an aire of power and instantly commanded the room. All eyes were on her and not a sound could be heard. With piercing dark eyes and in an authoritative tone, she stated, "Please be seated. Court is now in session."