Loving Mr. Collins

Chapter 8

Abby
The day that Chris was arrested was by far the worst day of my life. I keep my promise and don't say a word to Christina and Violet from that moment forward. My parents hear about everything and are livid to say the least. They kick me out, forcing me to live with my aunt and uncle who live in a different neighborhood. It's close to the school, so I don't have to transfer.
On my birthday, my former best friends try to give me presents. A present isn't going to make all of this go away. I barely allow myself to accept Christina's gift. It's the necklace that I've been eyeing for a while now. If I wasn't furious, I'd love it. Instead, I smash the box with the necklace inside and throw it away. Our friendship is dead as far as I'm concerned.
When the trial date comes, we go to the courthouse. Chris doesn't look at me until I'm asked to testify. I have to answer every possible question about the nature of the affair. At the end of the trial, the judge finds him guilty and sentences him to eight years in prison. We share a knowing look before they take him away.
It goes without saying that prom and graduation are absolutely horrendous. My parents don't have any contact with me since they found out about the affair, so they don't even come. My aunt and uncle take me to the venue for the ceremony. I hear other students heckle me as I walk onstage and receive my diploma. My aunt, uncle, Christina, and Violet are the only people that root for me. My aunt and uncle are more understanding about all this because they know that Chris was responsible for pursuing me.
I catch up with Christina outside of the building.
"Hey," I say.
"Hey," Christina says.
"I'm so sorry about how I treated you. As much as this all hurts, I miss you."
"No. I understand why you were upset."
I give her a hug. She hugs me back. We hug for a long time until we finally let go. By this point, everyone else has finally found us among the huge crowd. I make up with Violet as well. It feels good to at least have my friends back even if the person I love is locked up. We go to my aunt and uncle's house for a small party. It feels pathetic but I appreciate the gesture. My friends stay for a while until it starts to get dark outside. I hug them goodbye and shut the door behind them.