Throw Back Thursday

Thirty Two

For some reason, I lie on my bed in complete disbelief. I was a witness of a crime, no (better!), I was part of that crime! I was the bloody victim of the crime, the one who was hit, by a teacher, who could be arrested, and I will be given money or something...

I let my eyes become dazed by the ever-strengthening light of my beside lamp. I'm lying on my side, deciding wheter to lie or write a vicitim speech. You can't lie, this is the law!  They told me that I can't tell anyone anything, and that I'm only allowed to converse of the day's happenings with the only other people who were there, my mother and father. Trust me, my parents and I have already talked for hours, but what I say on the stand they might not know about now. Then again, it could be the same with them. They could be thinking the same thoughts as me! Going through the same thing that - no. They don't understand me or the things I go through. This the only thing we all have in common. That's it.

Before I know what I'm doing, my phone is in my hand. Three rings and she picks up. "I... No." I hang up. No, I can't be doing that. I'd be breaking the law! Well, exaggeration, but I'd be breaking the rules set to me by someone who works for the law. Does that come close? Wait, I'm just babbling and you're all probably getting real bored with me so I'm just gonna skip to the "big day".

    *    *    *

Thursday 14th of August. The trial was a little while (hey, I RHYMED!) after the actual crime but no one really cares. As long as there's a trial, right? Feeling proud, I'm dressed in my Jimmy Choo high heels and a gorgeous navy long skirt suit that I borrowed from mom. Who knew that mums could come in handy and actually be fashionable?! It blew my mind!! Anyway, we're all currently being held hostage in this little cubby room. It's quite comfortable actually, if you count being squished up to your dad's sweaty arm pits a pleasant smell and sight to behold and put up with. Somehow finding it amusing, mom slowly stood up and took a picture of this "hilarious" sight before she had to switch off her electronic device before we all went to the court.

Deep breaths suddenly filled the room. My little brother Dannie was sat in the front row in the hearing room, and I felt so sorry for him. No six year old kid should have to go through this - but I gotta say it was all worth it when I came running up to me on the phone with his friend saying to her that he had to go because of his "law savvy big sister". I could have cried from pride, his pure delusional state and his cute kiddish charm. He was an arse at times, but I still loved him. N'aww...

We were all greeted by cameras as we each stepped out into court. I felt like a woman on Law and Order. Or like Vivian or Elle... Just think of what you're doing. Just think you're gonna be awesome. Just think you're gonna tell 'em what you know. Everything I know! What do I know? 

The time ticked on. My mother spoke after this random guy from like Italy or somewhere. My dad spoke after the head master and I was moved to the last spot. So from looking forward to being first, I had to wait like two whole hours before I could even begin to get my point across. Well, acutally, more like my story.

"I thank you one and all." I started formally.

The judge looked at me. "What was your  involvement in this case?" She held her gavel as if I was going to predict the outcome with just one sentence.

"Um, yes. I was the victim, your Honour." I held my head up proudly.

"Oh, really? And what exactly did Laura Bridges do to you, Miss Carter?" Loving how grown up I was being treated, I went on to speak a mouth load.

"She hit me." There was a collective gasp from the jury and the crowd. Even the judge herself! "Yes. She said to go to her office, so I did, and somehow, from school work to "romantic relations", the topic of our conversation changed to my mother. I had no suspicion that there was any stale mate between my mother and her, but she seemed distressed and happy and angry to be talking about her at the same time!" To see if I'd gone overboard, I looked at the judge. She nodded for me to carry on. "Anyway, the remainder of the conversation is a blur now, but I remember her forcing me to say something. And that's when she came up to me, held me by the neck and hit me." Another collective gasp.

"And she meant to do this?"

"Oh, yes. Then after she hit me my parents came and now, well, here we all are." I smiled innocently.

"I hope you understand Elizabeth-Anne, but you can't be making shenanigans here in court. This is the law we're talking about."

"Oh, I know." I was directed off the stand.

It was a week more to wait, but when the letter came through the door, the tension in the air was unspeakable. I ripped it open. "They demand one more day in court. We have to go tomorrow."

"Tomorra! Let it be so." Unlike ever before, my dad was actually in a good mood.

    *    *    *

Thursday 21st August. The final, deciding court session.

To be honest, this one was much less scary, and a little more boring, like a court should be, I think. We all said the same things basically twice, but the judge's brow was furrowed and there were new people sitting around the court scribbling notes on scrappy pieces of paper. The verdict was soon.

My parents and I all talked of the consequences to come and all of that drivel. It is best now to tell you; she was on trial for abusing a student and harbouring jealousy towards my mother. I know the first part's a crime but I'm not sure if the second part is so relevant, but they're trying her out for both anyway.

Even though no one was speaking, it seemed like the headmaster had just bellowed his head off because the room was very very silent. Very very  silent.

"We have come to a decision." Someone old stood up on the stand. "Not to one, but to both of the charges, we find this woman, Laura Amy Hilary Bridges, guilty. She will spend five years in jail minimum. She deserves it."

We were all standing by the fountain outside the building. I was given money, but I didn't want to accept it. I was too happy that I'd (hopefully) never see her again.

"She's arrested! Hurrah!" We all cheered. Suddenly I saw Leon walking towards me out of the blue. I grabbed my arm and pulled me into a quite spot where no one else could hear what we were saying.

"You know, you really handled yourself well in there. You were professional, you were great." I smiled. "But I need to tell you I don't love you."

I just didn't know what to say. "What?" I tried to act nonchalant. If he wants to play this game with me again, it'll take twenty years to finish playing the way we're going.

I checked my Timehop. Thursday, two years ago. Another cute picture of me, Reno and Aimee. "You and I will be on there soon. Maybe we'll be married."

"But you just said you don't love me." He winked at me.

"Ah, play along."

Throw Back Thursday. Those words  immediately popped into my head and rang out whenever I was with him. A throw back day to life I lived, and am living, when he walked into it.