As Emily and I neared the courthouse, the amount of people dramatically increased. People lined the streets in desperation to see the three biggest celebrities in the biggest court case of this year.
Emily and I even had to switch cars on the way there. We had usual security surrounding the car we had switched to, which was now driven by a chauffer. Emily stared out the window in awe, intrigued by the sight she wasn't used to.
"Does this always happen to you?" Emily asked, pressing her nose against the glass. She saw someone waving, so she quickly smiled and waved in return. I laughed at her reaction, "Yeah, this is normal."
"Do you like being famous?" Emily asked. I nodded, "Of course, it's so amazing," I replied. Emily frowned, "What about the hate, no privacy, rumors, and everyone looking over your shoulder?"
"Everything good has some disadvantages, that's just life," I pointed out. Emily nodded in agreement and then rested her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her waist.
I liked the way just Emily’s presence could calm me down. She had such an affect on me and I loved it. We’ve gotten closer over the last month. We were able to kiss more often without worrying that our relationship was moving too fast.
I kissed her cheek, “Emily, thanks for coming,” I whispered into her ear. Emily shrugged, her shoulder rubbing against my chest, “It’s not a big deal. Besides, I love spending time with you, even if it is at a court.”
I chuckled, “Court date, that’s on my date bucket list, what about yours?” I joked. Emily giggled, “Of course it is! Who wouldn’t go on a romantic date during a court case?”
We laughed together, still close. Suddenly, the car halted to a stop. The chauffer looked back at us, “We have arrived. You two can go ahead and get out. A lot of security is outside, so you two should be fine.”
Emily looked at me nervously. I slipped my hand into hers, giving her hand a slight squeeze. I flashed a reassuring smile, causing a small smile to form on her lips. She mouthed the word ‘thanks’ and we both got out of the car.
We were greeted by the loud crowd of people. Emily nervously clung to my side. I wish I wouldn’t have to make Emily suffer through this. I should have convinced her to stay home, she isn’t used to this.
We made it into court without anything bad happening. We were briskly led towards the courtroom, to see it was already filled. Whispers filled the room once I stepped in. I could feel all eyes on me as I walked down the aisle.
I started to head towards the desk I’d be sitting at, and realized Emily wouldn’t be able to sit with m. I kissed her cheek, and the noise of the clicking of cameras was the response. Emily gave me a one-armed hug before mumbling a goodbye. I quietly replied and she went over to the front row. I watched as the boys quietly greeted her. Emily sat beside Harry.
Then, security led me over to my seat. I looked over and saw that Asher was sitting at the court table across from me.
I so badly wanted to jump up and kill him right now. All I could see were the images of Jo backed up into the wall; fear in her eyes, as Asher held up his fist. Yells were filling the small room and insults poured out of Asher’s mouth.
I realized my fists were clenching, I looked down to see that my knuckles were white. I released my grip and looked around the room. My eyes landed on the girl in her seat, in another section of the room. It was Jo.
I guess they couldn’t find any place where Jo could fit in. They really didn’t want her on Asher’s side, and I’m guessing she refused to go on my side of the trial. She was just a victim I guess.
Jo’s hair was fixed in large curls. She hand on a knee-length, tight skirt that didn’t look too comfortable. Her blouse was loose against her chest, a nice pastel purple color. Her heels were incredibly high, the heels brushing against her legs, which were crossed. She wore a lot of makeup, making her look like a typical celebrity.
Suddenly, Jo noticed I was staring at her. Jo’s eyes met mine, and I quickly snapped my gaze away from her. I shouldn’t be staring at her inspecting what she’s wearing! I should be looking at Emily!
What the hell are you worrying about? You shouldn’t be worrying about something as petty as this! You are in the middle of the biggest trial of the year! Two girls shouldn’t be on the top of your mind. Making sure Asher is guilty should be the only thing you’re worrying about.
I practiced what I was going to say at the witness stand in my mind. This better go perfect, I don’t want to make myself look like a fool on TV. I already look dumb enough in this situation; it would be my luck to mess up what I was going to say.
I glanced at Asher to see he was concentrated on the wall. I could see that his lawyer or something was speaking with him. I wonder if he’s listening. Probably not, he doesn’t give a shit about anyone, but himself. Asher just makes me sick.
*
After a lot of paperwork, talking, and swearing an oath, the trial had started. It started out with the judge speaking to the whole court. It lasted for a while. I wanted to get this over with. Asher would be in jail and Jo would be safe… but what will Jo do after that?
I don’t know how Jo will react, and it scares me. She isn’t reacting like most normal girls would. I wish she would be pissed at Asher. Then, it would be easier to help with the trial. Asher would be pledged guilty and then Jo would be safe.
But, if it was that easy… I wouldn’t be dating Emily. Maybe I would be dead if all this hadn’t happened… maybe everything plays out for a reason.
“Mr. Horan, could you come up to the witness stand?” The judge asked. I nodded and scooted back my chair. My feet mechanically led me towards the witness stand.
For some reason, I felt really nervous. I was worried I would mess up. This felt like déjà vu. It felt all too familiar, and I couldn’t stand it. I then realized why it felt familiar.
*
I looked out at the crowd to see that they looked confused. How long have I been up here? How long have I been silent?
I opened my mouth, ready to speak, but nothing would come out. I tried again, but got the same result. You have to speak! You have to tell them how much you loved your brother and how much you’ll miss him! Tell them all! Tell them!
The pressure in my head was building up, and I kept seeing the horror in Greg’s eyes, and then his body. He’s dead. He’s dead. My brother is dead. And you saw him die.
You let him die.
I couldn’t take it. I walked away from the microphone, and into another room in the church. I didn’t care what the room was, I just have to hide. I need to be away from everyone.
I ended up walking into a closet. I immediately leaned against the wall. I felt tears welling up in my eyes, but they wouldn’t fall. I wouldn’t let them. I blinked them back, and then turned around, so I was staring at the wall. It was dark in the closet, so I didn’t know what it looked like. Maybe they were colored walls, no, they are probably white. Maybe they are red, the color of Greg’s blood. No.
*
I bit my lip nervously as I walked up to the witness stand. I didn’t need nightmares of Greg entering my mind at a time like this. I tried to remember the words that I needed to say, but it was becoming harder. I was getting nervous, and I cannot mess up.
Don’t mess up. Don’t mess up. Don’t ruin every single damn thing again, Niall. Remember Greg? Remember how much you ruined in his life? Do you remember how much? Everything.
I squeezed my eyes shut and quickly reopened, hoping that I could push away the memories with the blink of my eyes.
When I reopened my eyes, I realize I was sitting in the witness stand. I looked at the large crowd. The cameras were concentrated one me. I could feel sweat forming on my forehead. The light shined down on me. Eyes were drilling into me.
“Niall, can you describe how you met Jo?” the judge asked. What? They never said that that question would be asked! I don’t know what to say! Should I tell them at my album release party or should I tell the truth?
I was silent. I didn’t know what to do. I had completely frozen up, and I was so scared. I kept swallowing down the spit in my mouth, hoping that it would somehow buy me time.
“Mr. Horan, you are under oath,” the judge reminded me.
I knew what I had to say, “I met Jo on a bridge.” I left it simple. I knew he was going to ask more, but if I leave it simple, maybe I can buy myself more time to think of ways to avoid this.
“What was Jo doing on a bridge?” the judge asked. I fell silent again. My eyes slowly trailed over to Jo’s. I could see that she was staring at me with wide-eyed. Her finger nervously tapped her thigh, as she stared at me. I wish she would just tell me what she is thinking. It would make my life a lot easier.
“… She was going to jump off the bridge,” I answered. Gasps filled the room. Whispering floated around and now everyone’s attention was on Jo. Jo was frozen in her seat. Her finger had stopped tapping and her eyes had now settled on me.
I could feel my skin growing hot at her stare. I didn’t know what she was thinking, but I don’t think it was the happiest thoughts for her. Then, I froze when I saw a single tear run down her cheek.
Jo was crying. Jo was crying. I made Jo cry. This is my entire fault. I should’ve just left it at the release party. Jo had trusted me with her deepest secret and I just spilled it on live television.
Suddenly, Jo got up and ran out of the courtroom. I could hear a couple members of her company telling her to stop. Everyone watched her run out of the courtroom with a new river of tears streaming down her cheeks.
Once the door closed with a resounding ‘thud’ everyone’s eyes turned back to me. I knew they wanted to know more about the Jo story, but I can’t leave her alone. I don’t care what Jo says; I will never stop being her friend.
I pushed back the chair, so I was now standing. The room was silent, as I walked away from the witness stand. I changed my pace, so I was now running down the aisle. I was actually running after Jo.
So sorry I didn’t update yesterday and that it took me so long today! I kind of changed my mind in the middle of this chapter and settled on a different idea for the ending. So, whatcha think? I think you’ll be surprised the next chapter *wink, wink*. Well, comment, follow, share, FB like, tweet, and vote (Every chapter please!)! Bye lovelies!
~Lydia ♥
