The Law of Attraction | Vol I

Revival.

My solicitor, Ana, briefed me on the morning of the second day of the trial. She was statuesque, slim with long ligaments, not particularly tall, but her proportions made her elegant and graceful. Olive skinned and brunette, with almond shaped brown eyes and flawless skin. Her speaking voice perfect English, eloquent and colloquial but, gentle. Plus, her means of winning cases were as slick as they came. She was determined, pushing for me to take the stand although my Barrister wasn't sure it was needed or favourable for us.
" if you aren't comfortable taking the stand, it's okay... we have enough evidence besides your testimony. I have planned for a presentation without it..."
" no! I think she should, yes... she should. Statically, direct examination increases chances for conviction, and for you voice to be heard, Lylee! I know the footage and evidence is heavy, but... we have to ensure the jury hear your story. We have to make sure the voices of the victims that survive these things show just how talented, and strong they are, despite what happened"
" I want to but... my memory is"
" patchy?"
" yeah, I can't remember what happened after the studio... I passed out-",
" exactly!"
" then I woke up in his bed- I don't remember the car, or anything else,... this is why I didn't want to say anything in the first place!"
" you don't have to! You're not supposed to... and when you tell the jury that, they'll see it was all a part of his plan." I was taken aback, realising that I had to tell my truth. No one else could, and I knew he wasn't going to.

I thought about Summer, one day she would see the stories. Then when she got old enough, she would make judgements of me and perhaps my choices, my dating history, like I started to when I found out about my sister having a different dad to the rest of us. Looking at my angelic mother like she was, just a regular woman acting out of emotion and immaturity. My little sister was different with my mother too, surprised and untrusting as per her adolescent emotions. Just like Summer and our unspoken soon to be baby Graham both may one day, with me. Generational symmetry consuming my mind, as I hated the fact it was known, just like my mum did. I despised the fact my uncomplicated friendship turned in seconds, into that of a predator and it's prey and, I knew I had to make sure I spoke on record, too. I was terrified the second day, thinking about the fact I had to sit and bare the brutal details of being sexually violated in front of an entire courtroom. In front of my parents, fans, husband, mature and composed to the eye but planning hell, for my former friend and ex music mentor. My brothers bestie, turned mental torturer and who I hoped would soon be, a jury convicted memory.
" Mr Avery is also taking the stand as he contests guilt"
" is he?"
" his barrister motioned against it but... he insists"
" oh... okay"
" Also, we have heard about some of the defence witnesses, and-"
" who are they!?"
" we didn't discuss names any names, but we have been briefed that one has been convicted of crime and the other served time for multiple offences" my mind was racing with potential people he could call to the stand to slander me, but I was told the defence were taking a gaslighting approach to their case. Acting as if I was ashamed of sleeping with Jax, and having had done it before that night.
" who!?"
" I'm guessing it will be someone who is a friend, who has chosen to believe his persona over the things he does to people behind the scenes"
" so everyone he knows! That was even me at one point!"
" I believe it will be a mutual friend, Lylee"
" oh my days... I think it's Kyle!"  Kyle was cut out of my life surgically, after his mums funeral I knew I could never speak to him again. Especially , when we were divorcing. I wondered if it was him, wondered if Zianna and 40s fling before she had their newest baby was reason for Alex to also take the stand with him. I convinced myself anyone willing to take his side must hate me, despite knowing Jaxon and his team were manipulating people to have a point to stand on.

" Mrs Graham - please follow me to the court-" a court clerk was in the door way as I stood up, inhaled deeply and looked back at myself in the smudged mirror, hair straight and centred, in a long sleeved black body hugging knee length jumper dress, LouBoutin heels that matched my red lips and a soft Smokey shadow to hide the fatigue. My make up waterproof, as my make up artist was aware it would be needed, but I wanted to look like myself. Despite feeling so flat and drained , I wanted to look like I was showing up for me. Looking good, smelling great, and smiling as people recognised me on the way to courtroom.