Before They Hide

*Warning, begining in chapter WMBC, there will be strong curse words and foul language used*

"We find the defendant, Laney Williams, not guilty."

I couldn't hold it in any longer, I leapt to my feet and embraced my laywer in the most meaningful hug I could give. Crying into his shoulder, I realized that if it were not for this man, I would be behind bars for forever and longer. Attempting to dry my eyes with my sleeve, Mr. Stephens, my lawyer assisted me down the aisle of the crowded courtroom. Tripping over my own feet, I could barely see where I was going due to the never ending flow of my tears, so I trusted Mr. Stephens with leading me in the right direction.

Outside was grey and a chilly breeze managed to sneak up my jacket. Flashes lit up the world around me from the cameras of countless reporters and papparazzi. 

"Miss Williams, some still believe you're guilty, how do you feel about this?"

"What do you have to say to your peers watching this at home?"

"Do you think your life will ever go back to normal?"

Question after question was fired at me as I ducked my head into Mr. Stephens' side and ran for the cover of my transportation. I barely had time to think as I launched myself into the car with the protection of my lawyer and parents. 

I didn't realize that I had stopped crying until I caught my breath. I almost burst into another shower of tears when I stopped myself. Why are you crying? You're free! Laney Williams is finally free!

"Laney?"

I turned to my mom at the sound of my name. The sight in front of me almost broke my heart. Her eyes were red and puffy from the months of constant crying. Dark purple bags under her eyes showed that the stress of this trial had taken its toll on her. 

"Yes Mom?" I knew what she was going to say and frankly, I didn't want to hear it. My mom thought I was guilty from the beginning. Just like half of the town, she believed I murdered my boyfriend, Jacob Stanley. After a minute or so of silence, I became annoyed. "What?!"

"Nothing, just, nevermind." My mom whispered. I knew she could sense my anger and if I was my mother's daughter, a simple sorry wouldn't cut it. 

I turned to Mr. Stephens and broke another moment of silence. "So what happens now?"

Mr. Stephens returned my gaze as he answered my question, "Well, the local news station would like to interview you on the trial. If you find that too stressful you dont have to-

"I'll do it." I interrupted. Even if the jury thought me not guilty, the world did not. I needed to prove to eveyone that I was not guilty, even if it meant exposing my feelings on TV.

I'm Laney Williams, and this is my story.

Hey guys, so this is my first ever story on wattpad. I'm going to ask that if you comment to please keep them positive. I write to get away from anxiety but I'm worried it will start up again if I see rude comments. Updates on this story might be slow since this is more of a pastime to me than a passion, but I hope you guys like it! I'd like to thank jmichelle97 for convincing me to get my own wattpad! I'll have her remind me to update for you guys so your not stranded, k? Happy reading!