Changed Me ( Rewritten)

36

TW: From now until the end of the court, their will be mentions of sexual harassment

The days leading up to Saturday, were very hard for Nat. Some moments he would be able to smile and laugh. While others he would get really anxious and nervous. It's as if, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't prepare himself in the slightest bit. His mind would constantly drift back to the thought of having to be in the same room with Aek and talk about everything.

It's the only thing on his mind at this very moment as he stands right outside of the court room. Everyone there is trying to reassure him and help him not be as nervous. None of it helps. Even when Max hugs him, he still feels incredibly anxious.

" They're letting everyone in now. It's going to start once everyone is seated " his mother says as officers open the doors that lead into the court room. His mother is led to the table with the lawyer. While him and the others walk and sit behind a small rail that separates them from his mother.

On one side of him is NuNew, while on the other side of him is Max. Zee sits next to NuNew and Poppy sits next to Max. Making him sit in the middle of them, which he's grateful for. They're protecting him.

" Oh god " he quietly whispers when he sees Aek walk over to a table and sit down. Max quickly grabs ahold of his hand, gently squeezing it. " All rise for the judge " and officer says loudly. Is everyone in the court room stands up as the judge makes their way to their seat. " You may be seated " the judge says when he's sitting down.

" Prosecutors you may begin " the judge says, officially starting the trial. He bites his lip and watches as a women in a robe walks towards a small podium and stands on it. Next to her is a large projector. " Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. Today we are all gathered here to help Nat Nattasit, punish the person who had caused him so much harm and trauma " the prosecutor says, turning on the projector.

On one side of the projector it shows a picture of him. While there's a picture of Aek on the other side. " Jury, I'd like to take you back to the day of May 16th. On that day during early afternoon, Nat Nattasit was dragged to a secluded corner in the mall and sexually harassed by Aek Woovern " the prosecutor says before pausing. He feels like the room is silent for hours when it's only a minute before the prosecutor speaks again.

" Now, I'd like to take you back to last Monday. Where Aek Woovern was transferred into Nat's art classroom. During the first half of class, Aek had once again hurt him and threatened him. During that same class, the police had come to take Aek into custody. When Aek saw the officers, he grabbed Nat and pulled him to the back of the classroom, holding him hostage. When the situation got more intense, Aek Woovern had attempted to murder Nat " the prosecutor says.

He freezes as he hears the last part. Aek had tried to murder him. A-Aek wanted to kill him. He was so close to being killed and he never even knew it. " Now I know this is a lot of information all at once. Which is why, I'd like to call up the first person to testify. So we can break down what happened " the prosecutor says.

" Permission granted " the judge tells the prosecutor. " I'd like to call up Nat Nattasit to testify " the prosecutor says, turning towards him. He slowly forces himself to stand up before making his way up to the desk that's next to the judge. His hands are shaking and he's so incredibly nervous.

" Please state your first and last name and relation to the case " the prosecutor says. " Nat Nattasit, I'm the v-victim in this case " he says into the microphone. " Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth or you shall be charged " the prosecutor then says, so he says " I do ". The prosecutor then starts to question him.

" Nat, did you know Aek before the crime took place " she asks. " Y-Yes " he stutters, looking over to Aek. Only to see him glaring towards him. The way Aek is looking at him, terrifies him. " Don't pay attention to him while you testify " the prosecutor says.

He turns and looks at the prosecutor, forcing himself to take a deep breath. " How did you know Aek " she asks. " H-He along with two others have bullied me and beat me up since the start of last school year " he replies. " Has he ever shown or hinted that he had liked you " she asks.

            " No, the main reason they would bully and harass me was because I'm gay. S-So he's never done it " he says into the microphone. " Was there any similar incidents that happened like the mall one ". He nods his head before saying " T-The night before. Our schools basketball team won the homecoming game and there was a huge party. Which had alcohol. When I was alone Aek came over to me and forced me to drink a lot of alcohol before he " he pauses as he looks down at his shaking hands.

          " Before he started to forcefully kiss me neck and lips. I-It didn't get to far because P'Max came and stopped it before it turned out like the mall " he says, nervously fidgeting with his hands. " Why did you drink the alcohol instead of get help Nat " she questions him.

            " I-I was terrified. He had just recently hurt me at school. I-I thought that if I didn't upset him he'd eventually leave. I-I didn't think he would " he stops talking as he begins to cry. " Walk us through what happened at the mall " she tells him. He forces himself to take a deep breath. He hates this so much. He wants it to be over.

            WC: 1029