Amidst The Chaos - In Delusion...?

Chapter 19: Commence

TUESDAY, 9AM
Today was the day of the court case. We didn't know what happened after our daring escape, but we weren't called back, so I guess we were safe. Nurse Charlie was part of the prosecution team, and so were Doctor Bob and Nurse Evelyn. I didn't know about my mother. She was half and half. I know Olivia's parents were going to be there, I didn't know what position they would be though. It was too late for both me and Olivia to testify, so we figured we'd sit this one out. Maybe we would do so for Doctor Greg's testimonial, since he was arrested too, maybe not. I think his was on a different day... Nurse Charlie was going to both.

I got fresh and found some clothes that were left in the wardrobe for me. I wanted to wear something professional but comfortable, so I went with a simple sweatshirt and black trousers. Hopefully, it's comfortable enough. I noticed the necklace left on the desk. I wonder who transported my jewellery from my house to this one. It looked a lot similar to that day when the schoo-  oh god. Not that traumatic day. I decided not to wear it and opted for a bracelet instead. It was a pretty simple one. A friend had bought it for me and I never got the chance to wear it. I also put my hair into a neat braid since I didn't want it to get in the
way, and it was more comfortable that way.

As I walked out of my room, I could smell the fresh aroma of pancakes cooking downstairs. It was a pleasure to smell. I got to the table, Nurse Charlie and Olivia were already dressed and ready to go, so was I. We all took a seat and our pancakes were given to us, very nicely decorated and we devoured our food before the seconds were made.

"The hearing starts at 10, so you two better hurry up." Nurse Charlie says, still making a few more.

"Have you eaten?" I ask her, she looks at me with a smile.

"Yes, thanks for asking. I woke up before the both of you."

"Rose, nice outfit." Olivia says out of the blue. "It's refreshing to see you in something other than that hideous uniform. But you didn't do anything to your face.. doll it up a little...?"

"I prefer it natural. Besides, I'm allergic to makeup."

"If you say so. Anyways, hurry up, or else we will get late." Olivia says, she'd already finished her pancake in lightning speed. We started eating at the same time. I quickly finish the last bite of my pancake, although I wanted to savour it. We then make our way out of the house and on our way to the courtroom.

10AM, CROWN COURT
"All rise." The bailiff says, and we obey, of course, since it's a court.

"The Seattle Municipal Court is now in session, the Honourable Judge Elizabeth is presiding." These words genuinely sent chills down my spine. This was really happening. I was going to witness my own father in this  courtroom... as a criminal. Well... I would have loved to see him as one of the attorneys, but oh well.  I guess bad luck and Rosalynne go hand in hand. He also dug his own hole and is about to fall into it.. so it would be nice seeing him finally fall in, like a rat. I could also already sense this was going to be one hell of a ride... just by the standing. It felt like the longest stand ever.

"Everyone but the jury may be seated. Mr. Sam Johnson, please swear in the jury." Judge Elizabeth says. At this point, we were all sat down watching. We watch the bailiff instruct the jury like a conductor, except this was serious business.

"Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that you will truly listen to this case and render a true verdict and fair sentence to the defendant?" The bailiff says. They all agree in unison. "You may be seated."

I could already feel a yawn escape from my mouth. Was it really this boring? I was just praying that this case wouldn't last very long since I was aware that some cases go on for days. I looked around the courtroom to examine how many people there were, it was full. I guess this was serious.

"Hey, I know it's boring, but at least look like you're interested if you can't act it." Olivia whispers at me, noticing that people were looking. My yawn was really loud, huh?

"Sorry. I don't want this to last long." I finally whisper back, Olivia chuckles quietly.

"It's a court case. Probably against the most wanted man in Seattle. It's going to be long. We are going to be in here for a long time. Maybe... a week?" She whispers as all my hopes diminish. Great. There goes my week. No breaks either. Our conversation was cut off with the case. It was the most interesting part for me.

"...Mr. Johnson. What is today's case?" The Judge says. We didn't hear the part before since we were both talking. Whoops.

"Today's case is the Seattle Municipal Court versus MR. JEFFERY LEE." Ah. To hear those words, satisfactory overload. Music to my ears. I had every right to be this mad about how my father treated me, so this gave me happiness. I could see his body shrink up and shrivel into his chair.

"Mr. Lee, please come to the podium." The Judge then says. He walks up slowly, eyeing everyone in the room. He looked at me briefly and then looked away quickly. He has to obey her.

"State your full name and where you live for the court."

"My name is Jeffery Lee. I'm from Seattle."

"Mr. Lee, are you aware that you are being convicted for several counts today?"

"It's only three." He's trying to be snarky, isn't he?

"Three major ones. You know you could be jailed for life for what you did. Now. Answer the question. Are you aware that you are being convicted for several crimes today?"

"Yes, Your Honour." He scratches the back of his neck uncomfortably.

"I will now state each count at a time, please say guilty and not guilty, if need be after each one."

"Yes, your honour."

"Count one of the indictment, criminal fraud."
"Guilty." Why that was a plot twist I thought I'd never see. I know he won't say he's guilty for at least one thing in the list.
"Count two of the indictment, criminal theft."
"You know, I wouldn't put it that way, but-"
"Answer the count."
"Guilty." I could see his tactics even if I was far away. He was trying to get away with it. This whole thing was the judge putting him back in his place. As she should honestly. He deserves it. And in all essence, I was here for it.
"Count three of the indictment. Murder in the second degree of Anabelle Miller." Now there was a long silence. I could see his head bopping left and right. At the prosecution, the defense. This ought to be fun.

"Not guilty." He finally spits out. What?! The one major thing he was convicted for- I'm at a loss for words right now. I think that her body should be brought here to show he is really guilty. And the thing is... he can't even lie properly. Even the judge looks unconvinced. She raises an eyebrow and just jots it down.

"Alright... and defense... you applied for motion to use no evidence, am I correct?" She then says, looking for her papers on her desk.

"Yes your honour." One of the defense attorneys say.

"Well... unfortunately, the motion was rejected, I will allow motions in the middle of the case if need be, but not at the start. Anyways, prosecution and defense may now read the first statements." I can now see a classy woman walking up to the podium, getting ready to speak. This was getting real and I had to endure every second of this burden as well as boredom.

○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●
☆▪︎author's note:▪︎☆
this is just the beginning. the next chapter will be the main stuff because i really do not want to write out the whole process of how a court caee works if i'm being completely honest, since it will be very long otherwise and cases in reality last very long sometimes.

the next chapter will need time to write and i am almost sure that the book will now end at the end of july since i'm busy for the rest of june. the next chapter will be published next week maybe (?) since it is hard for me to write a full or half a court case. i also want to include a filler chapter of what is happening in the hospital. probably do it tomorrow to ease your minds away from the drama.

as always, hope you enjoyed the chapter. it's different and quite fun to read. it was sure fun to write.

thank you for reading ♡♡♡