WILD RIDE (Rafe Cameron x OC) *COMPLETE*

Chapter Thirty-Eight (Alana)

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Alana

ONE WEEK LATER

Today is John B's hearing. I may be on my brother's side internally but for my own image and where I currently am, I'm sitting with the Camerons. I'm siding with them in the public eye. Rafe didn't come today; he didn't want to get out of bed because he drank way too much last night. And when I say way too much...

I mean way too much.

JJ used to get plastered but never to the point of shooting straight up in the bed, projectile vomiting, and then passing back out. I was changing the bed set, mopping the floor, cleaning him up, and then showering for myself all at four this morning.

I didn't even bother going back to bed afterward and to my surprise Rose and Ward had both already been awake sitting in the kitchen making coffee and breakfast. I grabbed a mug when Rose looked at me and took it from me.

"Hot cocoa?" She offered and I smiled and nodded. "Coming right up."

Ward explained to me how the trial would go and what the charges could possibly be. I never had to deal with anyone going to jail before. So sitting in that court room was a strange feeling. I kept close to Rose who rubbed my arm the entire time. People looking at me and wondering why a Routledge was sitting with the Camerons.

The cat was now out of the bag clearly that Sarah was back and she sat with Kie, Pope, and JJ on the other side of the court room. I shared a few passing glances with her but had to make it seem like I was upset with her for being over there.

Kie was mad at me for not standing against Ward and sitting with them rather than full blown supporting John B. We got into it the other day when she realized I was still staying at Tannyhill and not coming back home to the cut.

"You are being charged with murder in the first degree under aggravated circumstance. If convicted the maximum sentence would be the death penalty." The judge says to John B. My stomach aches knowing my brother could be killed for something he didn't do.

But if it comes out that Rafe did it then that would be him up there in that orange jumpsuit being handed the death penalty when all he needs is help for his mental health. Something that Rose and Sarah both confided in me that Ward has ignored for many of years.

My thoughts? Rafe is having a psychotic break and unfortunately if he continues down this path and doesn't get the help he needs that I'll never know the real Rafe. I've caught a glimpse of who I think he might be beneath all of it but I'm still unsure of what I'm looking for.

Leaving the courthouse I walk behind Rose and Ward and look down at my phone, Rafe texted me pissed that I didn't stay home with him. I look to see the Pogues and Sarah grilling Ward and Rose.

Mainly Ward.

"He shouldn't be here in court!" Kie shouts as we're leaving. "You should!" She points at Ward. "Cause you're the murdered! You and your shitbag son!"

"Kie-" I hiss at her.

"How can you seriously side with them knowing everything that you know? You know Rafe did it! You were there! You had yourself wrapped around Rafe while he pulled that trigger! You're just as guilty as he is!" Kie shouted at me and Sarah clapped her hand over Kie's mouth. Kie slapped her hand away. "No! No one is going to silence me!"

"Everyone knows I was with Rose that day." I argue back. "And Rafe was at home in the pool too."

Rose turns to me. "You don't need to explain yourself. You already spoke your truth to the police and you'll speak it again on the stand if they call you to it."