Reality (Sequel to Future)

Chapter Three

Today was the day that I would testify. Chresanto's lawyer and I had already went over everything that the prosecutor might throw at me. She mentioned that he most likely will get into my past life. That worried me. I hated being judged. But to help Chresanto, I'd do it all. I finished making a bun in my hair and then stared into the mirror of my bathroom. I couldn't decide whether I should button up my blazer or leave it open. Did it really matter or was it just my anxiety? I kept unbuttoning it and rebuttoning it but just couldn't decide.

"Buttoned" I heard Miss Mabel say in her all too familiar southern accent.

Thank God I had a second opinion because I was just about to change all of my clothes. I thanked her and buttoned it up. I stared confidently at myself. I could do this. I turned around and saw Miss Mabel holding Deon in her arms. I instantly lit up and took him from her.

"Hey, baby!" I cooed stroking his soft hair.

He stared at me blankly but he was still adorable. Just then, a call came in through my phone. It was Cedric. He was supposed to be picking me up and taking me to the courthouse. Before, he couldn't make it but today he could and offered to take me. I answered.

"Hey" I said.

"Hey, I'm right outside. I got Devin too"

"Okay, that's fine. I'll be right out"

I hung up and sighed handing the baby back to Mabel.

"You're gonna do great, honey"

I nodded. I was going to do great.

"I'll see you when I get home"

"Okay" she said. "I'm going to go give this one his bottle. Good luck"

"Thank you"

She disappeared to go downstairs to the kitchen and I glanced at myself one last time.

"You're gonna be fine" I told my reflection. "Just say all of the right things and you're gonna be fine"

When I decided that I believed in myself enough, I grabbed my purse and made my way to the front door. I stepped outside and saw Cedric waiting in the car and Devin in the passenger seat. He waved at me and I smiled in response. I got inside and we pulled off. I kept playing with my fingertips to occupy myself but it didn't help with my nervousness. Hell, you would think I was the one on trial. But it was still very important that I did this right. This was my best friend, my fiancé, and the father of our son. Whatever he gets effects me too.

"He'll be fine, Bahja"

My head snapped up and I saw Cedric staring at me through his rearview mirror.

"I hope so" I mumbled staring down at my fingers again.

"I'm not just saying that" he added. "I've known Roc for years and during that time I haven't seen him fold in any situation. He can handle it"

"I know all of that, Cedric, but the point is that he shouldn't even be going through it. I shouldn't be going to court to testify. We should be at home with our son but some snake decided to ruin it all. So thank you for the encouraging words but forgive me when I tell you that they aren't exactly helpful"

"Right" he said as he continued to drive. "I'm sorry that you're going through this but we got you"

Devin turned around in his seat and winked at me. I cracked a smile.

"Thanks, guys. I appreciate it"

We arrived at the courthouse and walked in together. Chresanto and Lisa were sitting together as usual. It looked like Lisa was trying to soothe him somehow but he just sat in his chair and pouted. Still upset about me testifying I suppose. We took our seats and the trial started. I was called to the stand. My palms were sweaty as I walked up the stand. I swore on the Bible and sat. I looked over at Lisa and she gave me a reassuring look. Then the prosecutor, Mr. Ross, got up and cockily strode over to me.