𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍 / alex standall ✓

𝟔𝟏. fate

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍
61 / FATE
↳ season two, episode thirteen: bye
act two / the polaroids

ONE MONTH LATER.

𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐍 the courtroom, alongside her mother, Zach, and Jessica. Both of their statements were today, and Bryce's fate would be decided. Her rapist's fate would be sealed, and she didn't know if she would ever be ready.

In the last month, Nessa and Alex had done a lot of research, maybe too much, on the sentencing fates in sexual assault cases. The odds weren't good, not even a little bit. Nessa had thought about what to say on the stand for the entire month, and she finally had something that was worth sharing. Something that might be able to convey the pain that she has been feeling for the last six months.

"I am trying everyday to be a better man, the man that my parents raised me to be, and to be a positive influence at Liberty High." Bryce said to the judge, taking the stand. Nessa couldn't even look up at him. She kept her head down, locking her eyes on the buckle on her heels and the shine of Zach's dress shoes.

"It is my sincerest hope that you will allow me to do so. Thank you, sir."

Bryce grabbed his crumpled piece of paper from the podium, walking back to his seat without saying a word. It was the quietest Nessa had ever heard him.

"Does the county accept the allocution?" the judge asked.

"We do, Your Honor." the lawyer stated. "Prior to sentencing, the victims would like to exercise the right to make their own statements."

"Proceed." the judge said, sitting back down.

Nessa looked over at Jessica, who was sitting two seats away from her with her parents. Jessica was first, and then Nessa would take the stand after her. Jessica walked past her, reaching out and grabbing her hand. Nessa squeezed it and gave her a soft smile of encouragement.

"I'm so proud of you." Nessa whispered. "Knock 'em dead."

Jessica walked up to the podium, her legs just barely trembling under her body as she positioned her piece of paper. She began her statement, asking to speak directly to Bryce. The entire time, Nessa couldn't help but tear up. She was so beyond proud of Jessica. Her best friend for the last six months, and even further back than that, was the strongest person that she knew. She only hoped that she could be half as strong as Jessica Davis when it was her turn to take the stand, and address her rapist.

Jessica finished her statement, taking her paper and walking back to her seat. She reached out for Nessa's hand as she walked by, passing her own strength onto Nessa, who was up next. The judge motioned for her to take the stand, so she reached down and grabbed her own statement. She took a deep breath and looked at her mother and Zach for comfort, who both nodded at her.

"Give 'em hell, sis." Zach encouraged her as she smoothed her dress and walked up to the stand, carefully placing her statement on the wooden podium.

"Your Honor, thank you for the opportunity to speak today." Nessa said shakily as she steadied herself. "If it is alright with you, I'd like to direct the first part of my statement to the victim directly."