They Don't Know {Sequel}

Chapter 1 - JAMILA

May 3, 2022
Athens, GA
3:36 PM

"You're sure we're not missing anything?"

Ryan laughed, grabbing the handle of her suitcase. "Girl we didn't miss anything. Okay? The room is cleared out. I think you might've packed the kitchen sink the way you were moving."

We laughed as I looked around our room for the very last time.

"I just can't believe it's all over. We're finally done with school."

"Yeah. Feels like we were just moving in yesterday."

I smiled at my reflection in the mirror that sat above our couch. Joy and sadness could be seen behind these eyes of mine, but I knew that I was on a path to greatness.

"I swear, I don't know what I'm going to do now."

Ryan grabbed my hand. "You're going to live and flourish and be amazing. You've worked really hard to get to where you are Mila, don't downplay your journey. You deserve this."

My heart continued to beat lowly in my chest. I still couldn't believe that just last week we became official graduates of the University of Georgia. I'd been so caught up in my work and internships that I don't think I took the chance to soak up my experience here.

Me and Ryan became roommates my sophomore year after I left home. I stayed with my mom for my freshman year, but she insisted that I move on campus and focus more on myself. And she was right.

Dakota stayed online for the remainder of his college time so he could help mom around the house, but I knew that he feared that dad would come back for some sort of revenge, and honestly, I felt the same way.

Their divorce went by smoothly but I believe I took it the hardest out of everyone else. Like yes, I'm aware of his wrongdoings and how shitty of a person he was, but he was my dad. He's all that I knew.

But I was quickly reminded of how great of a role model Dakota was to me throughout my entire life. He was there for me every step of the way and I couldn't ask for a better brother.

"Alright, I think I'm ready."

"Okay. Let's get going. I know traffic's about to be a pain in the ass." She groaned.

I bent down and grabbed my suitcase while adjusting my purse on my shoulder. We walked out of the dorm ready to hit the road. I watched Ryan continue her walk to the elevator as I was left staring at our now old dorm room door.

I held the door handle tight, fighting back tears.

"We had a great run 364. Give someone else great memories," I whispered.

I took a deep breath and continued my walk to the elevator in silence, remembering all of the good times we had in that room.

Many would think that I'm being overly dramatic, but I loved our dorm. I've went through some of my greatest and lowest moments in that very room.

The time I aced my first college exam, the night me and Ryan had a karaoke session and almost got kicked out of the building for being too loud, the first of many nights that I started to dream about her again.....

Nobody really talked about her anymore. I don't know if it's because we're all still torn about her trial or if we just choose not to talk about the fact that she might've killed someone.

And I know what I said before, I did believe her when she said she didn't do it.

But watching her sit on the witness stand, fighting for her life, pleading to be set free and given mercy? I knew she wasn't telling the truth.