In It After All

The Day

The night goes so slowly I can scarcely believe when it's finally morning. I'm collected at 9AM to shower before we leave at 10. Not much of a shower, but it's the best I'm getting. The water feels relaxing, almost soothing as I bathe myself. The shampoo stinks of an off bath bomb but it's better than having greasy locks. When I'm done, I throw on my sexy prison uniform...(Washed out navy blue jumpsuit). As I'm walking out towelling my hair dry, the young guard stops me.

"You'll be wearing this to court. You need to look presentable," he says.

Gee. Thanks.

He hands me a black pair of trousers with a white shirt and black blazer. They come with a pair of black heels. Size 5. My size.

"And tie your hair back. Neatly."

Wow. Charming.

I scrape my hair back into a low ponytail, change into the clothes back at my cell, then I'm walking out to the bus. To go to court. I prepare myself for flashing cameras, gasping people, disgraced citizens, but as I trudge out its dead. Have people forgotten? Hopefully. I continue to the bus and climb on. I'm surrounded by policemen, and suddenly a woman taps me on the shoulder. I whirl round to find a very energetic, over excited woman.

"Hi! My names Mandy Oldman and I'm serving as your lawyer today!" She exclaims.

Serving? Really? She throws out her hand and I shake it sheepishly.

"Now I know we haven't met, but I know everything about your case, and we are going to be fine, I promise. I've practiced my words and I've even convinced myself!!" Now, come on then."

I strap myself in and were chugging down to the court. I don't understand how we can go to court without me even meeting my lawyer, knowing where I'm going, or seeing anyone for days on end. I clear my throat to speak up, but I'm quickly silenced by a booming voice coming from the front of the bus.

"NOW PEOPLE. We're off now to Woodstown Court. Mr Scofield will be there as well as Mr Janson. The judge will be making her decision today, so we ALL need to pay attention. Do I make myself quite clear? Good. LET'S MOVE."

Mandy is almost squirming next to me with excitement. Clearly a trainee lawyer, finally getting a big girls case. Great. It doesn't take very long to get to Woodstown, and I suddenly realise I'm shaking with fear. As I get off, I'm directed into a dirty old building, where now there are many reporters, news vans and people. Suddenly, I spot Michael getting out of a very similar van, heading straight indoors. I'm directed in the same way. Once we're in the building, I'm shown into a small room. A posh looking woman waddles in with a stern face.

"Case starts in 5 minutes people, can we get going please?" She screeches.

I'm shooed into the court room now, stood next to Michael before I know it, with dozens of people sat. I spot the pin striped man on the opposite side to us. I reach for Michael's hand. He grabs it violently.

"I'm sorry." He grits his teeth.

"It's okay," I whisper, a tear rolling down my cheek.

That's all he says until the case starts.

The posh looking woman is standing at the front on a little podium, and I soon come to the realisation that it's the judge. She hits her gavel on the bench, and we start. She clears her throat, as silence falls across the room.

"May we begin."

I take a deep breath.

"Mr Scofield I have been told that yourself and Miss Morgan have been involved in a theft crime."

Michael looks calm.

"Yes." There's almost a smirk in his voice.

"Can you explain to the court you views of the event please."

"Absolutely. I needed cash, so I took my gun and tried to get some. That's it."

The crowd gasps slightly. The judge looks stern.

"That's it?" She says. "Why were you in possession of a gun?"

"That's simple. Self-defence."

"Okay Mr Scofield. Thank you."

Michael sits down. Oh god that means I'm next. And I'm right.

"Miss Morgan, stand if you would?"

I shakily stand up. I feel like I'm about to faint.

"Miss Morgan, you views of the event please."

I'd never really thought about what I was going to say at this point. I glance at Michael, and he shakes his head slightly.

"I...I was working that day at the bank. I saw Michael coming in and I saw he had a gun. So I ran away out of fear."

Niiiiice...Not.

"Miss Morgan, I have been informed by witnesses that you departed from the scene a good 30 seconds before Mr Scofield even entered the building."

Oh.

"I felt sick. I-I needed air."

The judge puts her papers down and stares at me.

"Miss Morgan, you need to tell the complete truth. You understand that don't you?"

"Yes."

"Would you like to change your statement?"

I think about it. They know it's me.

"Yes."

"Please. Continue."

"I was in it all. I knew Michael was coming. I was going to open the volt and give him money. I backed out at the last minute. I was involved."

I look up. She almost smiles at me as if she knows it's the truth now.

"Thank you. You may sit. Mr Scofield it is in no doubt in my mind that you attempted this robbery. Not mentioning the gunfire. You even admit that. All the witnesses have told the exact story, and I have these here today. I sentence you to 36 months behind bars. As for you Miss Morgan, I do also believe that you were involved in the crime, but not as severely as Mr Scofield. I sentence you to 6 months in Prison."

Even though I knew it was coming, it all gets a bit too much. I can see the lights gradually fading, and I collapse to the ground.