Before They Hide

WMBC

"Good afternoon fellow watchers! I'm your host, Sarah Atkins, hosting our live special on WMBC News. Today, we're here with the ever famous, Laney Williams. She has agreed to answer some questions and to share her story. So, Laney, how are you?"

I shifted in the faux-leather sofa, thinking of what to say.

 Wow, these looked a lot more comfy on television. 

"Umm, good I guess?" With the hot lights and the staring faces of the studio audience, I began to rethink my decision to do this interview.

"Well, that's good to hear. I'm just going to ask you some questions, no need to be nervous."

"Uhhh, yeah, okay." I responded. Geeze, I must sound like such an idiot!

"First of all, how does it feel to be back home and out of the courthouse?"

I pondered this for a moment. How did it feel to be free? Certainly not normal. I mean, everywhere I go I see nothing but dirty looks and angry eyes from those who believed I was guilty. I looked up at Sarah to answer the question. BAD idea! Her makeup was caked on so much she could have passed for a barbie. Her stuck on, obviously fake smile gave me the creeps, and the rest of her expression frankly looked like she a two foot pole stuck up her ass. 

"Miss Williams?"

"Hmm?" Sarah's voice shook me out of my trance. "Oh, umm, sorry. What was the question again?"

Sarah sighed, obviously trying to hide her annoyance. 

"Being home. How does it feel?" she repeated. 

Not wanting to be more of a bother, I answered this time, "It's pretty nice. I mean, it's nice to have toilets that actually flush."

This received a chuckle from the audience. The butterflies in my stomach started to calm down. 

"Oh, haha, that's.... cute." Sarah replied, not finding the comment as funny. "Now, that you seem to have the audience's attention, why don't you answer some questions from them."

I scanned the audience along with Sarah for raised hands. One particulary disgruntled looking man caught my eye. His face was gruff, like he had forgotten to shave for a few days. He wore a battered trench coat with clunky work boots. But what scared me the most were his eyes. They stared at me as if they were trying to burn me with a focused look. I knew he believed me guilty, I could feel his vibe, even from all the way across the studio. 

At least his hand isn't raised. 

Then the man shifted, slowly but surely, he raised his large caloused hand.

Please don't call on him, please don't call on him. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sarah glance at me. I don't know how she did it, but she must have noticed my discomfort towards the man. And guess who she called on...

"Yes sir. The gentleman in the back with the long coat."

Before I could help it a low growl escaped my throat which immediately stopped by a confused look from Sarah. Have I mentioned that I don't exactly like her?

The man stood up and proceeded with his question. "Now, I'm not gonna start off with some lighted hearted how're ya doin or does it fell good to be home."

The man continued to stare me down, creeping me out even more. I clenched my jaw as he continued to speak.

"So, I'm just gonna cut right to the chase. Why'd you kill him?"

Now, I am dumbfounded. I mean, haven't we already established that I DID NOT kill my boyfriend?! And now this...this monster thinks he can come here and accuse me on TV? I wanted to scream at him and shout the nastiest of things, but all that came out was a meek, "I didn't kill him. I was found not guilty."

"We all know you're layin ya bitch!"

The audience gasped at this remark, including me.

"Why don't ya just stop wastin everyone's time and tell us the truth!"

He was angry now, and so was I. I abrubtly stood up from my seat and balled my hands into fists.

"You want me to tell you the truth? Fine! I'll tell you the truth. Take a seat mister, cuz this is one long story and I'm starting from the beginning!" 

Second chapter done! Yayyyyy! I'm actually supposed to be doing homework when I lost my writer's block and just had to put this in print. Soooo, I know this probably isn't being read by anyone right now, but if there is one person, PLEASE have your friends read this. And if your looking for a good action book, read my sister's book, Hide and Seek. Btw, she's kmfluvsart. Sooo yeah, I'm gonna get back to homework, but feel free to comment and let others know about this! and expect A LOT more updates cuz my sister's motivation ha rubbed off on me and all of a sudden this has become sort of a competition, she just doesn't know it yet :P