It must've been the wind...

Chapter 16: Locked Up and Buried

We arrive at the court a week later, today is the day for Andrew's sentencing and tomorrow is Derrik's funeral. Cassidy gives her testimony and shows the scars, what's left of bruises, and pictures she saved of older bruises Andrew left. Then it's my turn, I go to give my testimony, I go through everything that happened. Before I finish with my testimony, I look at the jury, "Members of the jury, I ask that you see that this man is put away for a long time. Not only for the domestic abuse, but for the murder of my best friend. Because of this man, I now have to bury not only my friend, but someone I called my brother." I said to the jury then turning to face Andrew knowing that despite Derrik being gone, we had won. The judge excuses the jury to make a decision, and after about a half hour of deliberation they come back in. We all rise in the court. The judge turns to the jury, "Has the jury reached a verdict?" He asks. Jury member number one stands up, "We have your Honor." He said as he gets ready to read the verdict.

Jury member one, takes a deep breath. "We find the defendant Andrew Curtis, guilty of all charges." He pauses, as he lists off the charges. "Mr. Curtis is guilty of first-degree domestic violence and fourth degree murder." Jury member one explains. The judge takes a breath, "Andrew Curtis, I sentence you to 35 years in prison. You will be transported to a prison out of state, and when you are released, you are not to come back into the state for any reason." The judge exclaims. "Court is adjourned." He smacks the gavel and I see the tears rain down from Cassidy's face. I hug her, and we go home knowing we will never see Andrew again. We get home and get our clothes ready for the funeral tomorrow. I feel numb, Derrik is gone, and I have to bury him tomorrow. Cassidy comes over to me, kisses me, and hugs me. We go to sleep cuddling one another. She's already comforting me the best she can.

We arrive at the cemetery, friends and family are there to support each other. My parents are there to give their condolences to Derrik and his father. Ben is there to pay his respects. Mr. Hammond reads some scriptures out of the Bible as he pays his respects to Derrik too. Before the casket is lowered, I step up to say something. I choke up trying to speak, "Um, Derrik. He was my friend. My best friend. My brother. We done everything together. We were as close as could be. I'm thankful he was in my life, and I hope he was thankful I was in his." I take a breath trying to not break down in tears. Cassidy walks up to me taking my hand, I look at her and smile. "Derrik was family, to all of us. He was the light you needed when it was dark, and the comedic relief when you were sad. Either way, he knew how to make you smile. We love you Derrik, rest easy my friend." I said as I rest my hand on his casket. A tear falls down hitting the casket. We watch it lower to the ground slowly, as it lowers, I come to the full realization that Derrik is finally at rest.

Cassidy and I make our way to my truck, and Derrik's father comes up to me, hugging me. "Thank you, for being such a good friend to my son." He said to me as I smile and shake his hand. "We were family Mr. Myers. He'll forever be my brother." I reply. He smiles and turns around and walks away without another word. After that, I never heard from him again. Cassidy and I went home, to settle into a new life. A life without Andrew to hurt Cassidy, and a life without my best friend. It may be tough on me, but I know the pain will fade away. I look at Cassidy, "You know you could've came over whenever you needed a friend to talk to." I say to her referring to when Andrew hurt her. "I know, I should've but it was hard." Cassidy replies. I look at her and take her hand. "We can talk about the noises when you're ready, but until then. It must've been the wind." I tell her, with a smile seeing if she'll catch how I was referring to what she had told me. She smiles, "Thank you for everything Jonas." Cassidy said as she gives me a kiss. She's safe now, and at this point that's the most important thing.