𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝘢.𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯

𝐱𝐱𝐢𝐢𝐢. 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫

☾︎ 𝕀𝕋'𝕊 ℕ𝕆𝕋 𝔽𝔸𝕀ℝ ☽︎

August 2017

Brooklyn was in her hotel in Denver, Colorado. Unlike other trips, this visit had nothing to do with her music career, touring, or recording sessions. Instead, she was in Denver for a much more personal and painful matter: the trial against DJ David Muller, who had been accused of touching her inappropriately during a meet-and-greet event three years earlier.

Brooklyn was exhausted. The court process had been emotionally draining, and as she sat there in her hotel room, frustration washed over her. The injustice and media exposure of her case affected her deeply. It had been a long road to get to this point; for a long time, she had tried to ignore the incident, to convince herself that it wasn't worth it to stand up to a system that often seemed to protect the perpetrators more than the victims. However, something inside her had changed. She knew that her public stance, her voice, and her testimony could make a difference for other women and people going through the same thing. That's how she decided, despite her fears and reservations, to report the incident and take the case to court.

As she looked out over the city from her bedroom window, her phone vibrated with a notification. It was a message from Alex.

"I'm with you, Brooke. You're not alone in this. If you need to talk or just distract yourself for a while, call me. I'm here for you, no matter the time."

Alex's words came as a relief. From the beginning of this process, Alex had been her refuge, her support at every stage. On days like that, when the weight of the situation became too heavy, Alex's constant presence reminded her that there were people who supported her unconditionally, who believed in her and who saw her beyond her fame and the media judgment.

Brooklyn decided to take a moment to call Alex, who was in Orlando training, but who had done everything possible to be available to her, even from a distance. When Alex answered, her soft, calm voice made Brooklyn take a deep breath, feeling like, at least for that moment, she could let her defenses down.

"Hey, love," Brooklyn said, trying to sound more cheerful than she actually felt.

"Hey, Brook. How are you?" Alex asked, her tone clearly concerned.

Brooklyn let out a sigh and flopped down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Honestly, I'm exhausted. I didn't think this process would be so... exhausting. I try to stay calm, but it's like no matter what I say or do, they always try to make me feel like I'm the one to blame. I didn't know that defending my dignity was going to feel so humiliating."

Alex listened quietly, giving Brooklyn the space she needed to vent. "Brooklyn, you're doing the right thing. I know it, and I know you know it too, even though everything seems dark right now. You're absolutely right to feel frustrated, but remember that this doesn't define who you are. You are incredibly brave, and I am proud of you for fighting for what is right, not just for yourself, but for so many other people who need this voice."

Brooklyn felt a lump in her throat. Alex's words made her feel understood and validated. During that trial, many had criticized her, some even doubted her story, but Alex had always believed in her and her integrity.

"Thank you, Alex. Really, thank you for all the support. I don't know what I would do without you in times like this," Brooklyn replied, trying to hold back her tears.

Alex smiled on the other end of the line, even though Brooklyn couldn't see her,
"You would do just as well, because you are amazing. But I am happy to be able to be by your side in this. Take the time you need, don't be afraid to express what you feel. If you need to cry, cry. You don't have to be strong all the time."

Brooklyn nodded, feeling the pressure in her chest ease little by little. She had been holding back her emotions, afraid that they would be interpreted as weakness, but in that moment, Alex's words reminded her that it was also valid to feel pain, frustration, and exhaustion.

Minutes passed and the conversation became lighter. Alex began to tell her funny anecdotes about her teammates at practice, trying to make her laugh. In the end, between laughs and sighs of relief, Brooklyn felt that, although the battle was not over yet, her spirit was a little stronger.

The court sessions had been especially tense. Mueller's lawyers tried to discredit Brooklyn's testimony, insinuating that it had all been a misunderstanding or that she herself had exaggerated the situation. Listening to these arguments was like receiving a new wound every day, and each word made Brooklyn's frustration grow.

At the hotel, as she looked out the window at the mountains of Denver, the singer felt a mix of exhaustion and determination. She knew the process was far from over, but she was also aware that she had a responsibility. She couldn't let Mueller get away with it, not just for herself, but for all the people who had been through similar situations and had no voice.

In the midst of her frustration, her phone vibrated with a message. It was a note from Christen.

"Brooklyn, I just wanted to tell you that you are incredibly brave for doing this. I know it's a difficult process, but you have all of us supporting you. You are not alone."

Christen's words were a reminder that she wasn't fighting alone. She had a support network that, while not always physically at her side, stood by her unconditionally. It was then that she felt her frustration subside a little, replaced by deep gratitude and a new drive to keep going.

***

The night before the final testimony, Brooklyn sat alone in her hotel room, reflecting. She sat on the bed, mentally going over the questions the lawyer would ask her, remembering every moment of the incident, every painful detail she had preferred to forget. Although Alex couldn't be there physically, she was called one last time before the trial.

"I know tomorrow is going to be tough, and that it's the most important moment of the trial," Alex said softly. "But remember that every word of yours is a truth that deserves to be heard. Trust yourself, Brooke."

"Thank you, Alex. I don't know what I would do without you," Brooklyn replied, trying to hold back her tears.

"Just be yourself. That guy has no power over you, Brooke. You're the one with the truth on your side."

Alex's words were the last breath of strength Brooklyn needed. She knew she wasn't alone, that she had someone by her side who believed in her and would fight for her if necessary.

***

The next morning, Brooklyn woke up early, dressed in formal clothes, and looked at her reflection in the mirror before leaving the room. She looked strong and confident, and remembered the supportive words from Alex, her family, and her friends. She took a deep breath, ready to face whatever was coming.

In court, her testimony was honest and direct. Brooklyn spoke clearly, not letting fear or shame stop her. In front of everyone, she recounted what had happened and how that act had affected her life. The courtroom was completely silent as she described how, in an instant, someone had tried to take advantage of her vulnerability. But Brooklyn also made it clear that, despite everything, she had decided to face that situation because she knew that staying silent would never be an option.

When she finished, she felt an unexpected peace. She knew she had done the right thing, that she had spoken for herself and for other women who might never have the chance to be heard. She left the courtroom with her head held high, her heart pounding.

That night, as she returned to the hotel, she felt like she had won something bigger than just a legal battle. She had won her freedom, her voice, and the certainty that she would always have Alex supporting her every step of the way.