Is this just fantasy? BOOK 2

Chapter 2

As court came back into session, Louise walked back to the desk at the front. She could feel Karl's eyes burning into her face. She looked at him and gave him full eye contact. He wasn't expecting that, and quickly looked away. Louise realised something, right then and there. She wasn't frightened of him anymore. If she wasn't mistaken she could swear that she could see fear in his eyes.
Judge came back into the court and called it back in session. The defence gave their evidence. Trying to make out that Karl has PTSD and that's the reason why he did what he did. Karl went on the stand. Testified that he didn't mean to do what he did. Louise drove him to it, because she had the audacity to run away from him. It was very hard for Louise not to role her eyes at the crap coming out of his mouth.
After Karl had testified, it was Dean, Louise's lawyers turn, to cross examine him. He tied Karl up in knots. Karl was flustered when he left the stand.
Louise was then called to the stand. She took a deep breath and got up. As she was sworn in, she looked over at her support, they all gave another thumbs up and smiled. If they could have brought cheer pom poms into court, they would have.
Louise's lawyer asked her to relay the events that happened last summer. Louise was strong and gave Karl eye contact as she retold what happened that night. He again, looked away. Then it was Karl's lawyers turn to cross examine. He tried to paint Louise out to be a bad person. Saying she used Karl and that she was now using Brendon. Louise explained how it took her 2 years to leave Karl and 3 years to get back to being who she was beforehand. Henry Smith, turned away, shaking his head. He muttered how he hated this case. Once Louise was finished she stepped down and back to their desk. Court was adjourned for the day. Everyone left and Karl was taken back to prison.
When Louise, Brendon and Edith returned home, Louise went to their bedroom. She flopped onto the bed and groaned out loud. She was relieved her part was over, but
she hadn't realised how much pressure she was under, until now. Brendon followed her, and put an arm around her.
"You ok babe?" He asked.
"Yea" came the muffled reply. Brendon chuckled. Louise turned her head and looked at him. " I am good Bren"
"Ok. We had better sort some dinner out." Brendon said.
"On it!" Edith called from the kitchen. Brendon and Louise looked at each other and laughed. Louise got off the bed and went into the ensuite. She started to run herself a bath.
"I will call you when dinners ready" Brendon said, starting to walk out the bedroom.
"Or," Louise said trailing a hand up Brendons arm "you could join me"
"Really?" Brendon arched an eyebrow. "Your Mom though"
"Eww. You want her to join too?" Louise teased.
"N-no o-of course not" Brendon was flustered and went pink in the cheeks.
Louise laughed at Brendon and said "Babe, relax. I am just kidding with you." She went into the bathroom and Brendon followed Louise and closed the bathroom door.

The next morning at court the defence said that they rested. This meant that Louise's testimony was all that was needed as evidence.
The jury went out to make their deliberations. Louise and everyone else went to the cafeteria at the courthouse, to wait.
An hour later the court bailiff came to let them know the jury had returned with a verdict. Louise let out a shaky breath and stood up. Brendon looked at her and kissed her hand. He kept hold of it all the way back into the court room. Karl pulled a face when he saw the gesture. Louise sat at the desk with Dean.
"Have you all reached a verdict?" Judge Kincaid asked.
"We have." said the foreman
"Would the defendant please rise, turn and face the jury?" Karl and his lawyer stood up and faced the 12 people.
"What is your verdict?"
"We find the defendant guilty of kidnap and attempted murder.
Guilty of assault and battery."
Is this the verdict of at least 10 of you?" The judge asked.
"It is," replied the foreman.
"Thank you, for your service. You are dismissed." The judge said. The jury filed out of the courtroom.
"I will determine sentence in 2 weeks. Bailiff, take the defendant away."
Louise hugged Brendon and her mother. Then all her friends.
"Baby, let's go home." Louise said to Brendon, holding his hand.