Guilty. He actually admitted he was guilty. Asher just told the truth. I was positive that he wouldn’t go down without a fight. No, everyone thought that. But, Asher just shocked everyone.
“W-Wait, you admit you’re guilty?” Asher’s lawyer sputtered out. There goes that lawyer’s winning trial. He did not look too pleased with what Asher had said. But, when I looked at Asher, he seemed satisfied by his answer.
“Mr. Lee, are you sure of your decision?” his lawyer asked. The crowd was still staring at Asher in shock.
Then, the oddest thing of all happened: Asher smiled. He actually smiled, “Yes, I’m sure. I’m guilty of abusing my girlfriend and fiancé, Jo. I am willing to break off the engagement and realize my punishment of jail time.”
Everyone fell silent. All eyes were on Asher, so he continued, “I understand that what I did was wrong, Jo,” he turned and faced Jo. Their eyes locked, “Jo, I’m sorry for what I did to you. I hope one day you’ll be able to forgive me. We won’t be able to date for the time I’m gone.”
I hated what he said. I hated it more than anything. I knew what he was trying to say; I’m not an idiot. He wants Jo to fall for him after this, so after jail, Jo will fall right back into his arms, continuing the cycle of abuse.
“Order in the court!” the judge called once again. I then realized the courtroom had erupted in noise, once my thoughts came into play. The judge slammed his gavel down again, causing the noise to cease.
“So, you admit to your crimes?” the judge asked. Asher nodded, “Yes, I do” he repeated for the millionth time. Everyone had asked the question over and over again, expecting Asher to try and prove he was innocent.
“Well, Mr. Lee, you will be punished for the crime of sexually, verbally, and physically abusing Miss Jo Levon. Your engagement to her will also be broken off. You will receive three months in jail and forty-eight hours community service,” the judge announced.
I had started to drown out the judge after that. He continued to talk, but I had just stopped listening. I glanced over at Jo, who was now concentrated on Asher. Dammit, his plan worked! He’s a lot trickier than I thought.
Soon, the whole court was dismissed. Reporters immediately headed in Asher’s direction. I could see some coming towards me, but instead, I headed in Jo’s direction. I needed to talk to her and somehow change her mind.
“Niall!” I heard a familiar voice call. I turned around and saw Mom, Dad, Denise, and her son, Theo heading towards me.
What are they doing here? I wasn’t expecting to see them any time soon! I remembered all the nightmares. I remembered all the torture that came with them visiting me. Every time I see them… I see Greg.
“What are you guys doing here?” I replied. Probably not the nicest thing to say, but I’ve had a lot going on. I just finished a case, and I can’t tell if I won or lost. I don’t know what Jo is thinking, I want to visit her, but this definitely will put a few holes in my plan.
“We came for the trial,” Dad answered, “Why didn’t you tell us anything, Niall?”
Shit, I forgot to tell them about the trial. I forgot to tell them that the one girl they met was being sexually, verbally, and physically abused by her soon-to-be husband. I didn’t talk to them once since Christmas day, and now it’s the middle of February.
“I’m sorry, a lot has happened,” I mumbled a lame excuse. Dad sadly shook his head, “Niall, you aren’t the same anymore… Is something going on… because I don’t know why you don’t talk to us anymore.”
You know… sometimes I wish they knew. Sometimes I wish I could just pour out my feelings, but I just can’t. What would they even say? How could I tell them that I killed their own son? How could I tell them that I’ve tried to kill myself a few times? How can I tell them all that’s been happening to me?
I fell silent. I tried to say something, but the words only got caught in my throat. I wish I could tell them something, but I didn’t know how to explain all of it. There was too much in all too little of time. If I say something, then it’s bound to lead to one of my secrets.
“Niall-” Mum began, but suddenly, she was interrupted, “Hi, I’m Emily,” I turned around and saw Emily standing beside me. I was kind of shocked, but I moved aside, so she could join the circle. She smiled at my parents and stuck her hand out. They each shook her hand, a little confused.
“U-Um, Mum, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Emily,” I introduced Emily. Mum frowned, “I thought you were dating Jo?”
I groaned and hid my face in my hands. I finally looked up, “Mum, we already went over this, I’m not dating Jo. I’m dating Emily now. Jo is just a friend… well, we’re kind of friends. This court case has kind of put a dent in the friendship…”
“Well, it is so nice to meet you, love,” Mum smiled at Emily. Emily smiled back, “It’s so nice to meet you, too. Niall’s told me so many nice things about you,” she lied. At least it is lying to be polite.
“He doesn’t seem to ever want to call…” Mum muttered. I shot her a look, “Mum.” I warned. Mum sighed, “I’m sorry, Niall, we just miss you a lot, and you don’t even bother to answer our calls anymore.”
“There seems to be a lot of paparazzi here, why don’t we get out of here?” Emily suggested, glancing around the room. Thank God I have Emily here. Without her, I would’ve probably just tried to run away from my problems.
“Good idea,” Denise piped in, holding on tighter to her son. I led everyone out of the crowded courtroom. The press started surrounding me, so I decided to answer a couple questions to occupy them.
“Niall, what are your thoughts on the trial?” one of the reporters asked. Time to lie for the magazines, “Well, I’m glad that Asher got what he deserved. No girl ever deserves to be treated like that.”
“How did you know about Asher and Jo’s engagement?”
“Jo called me earlier and told me,” I answered, continuing to walk. I knew this was going to get bad fast. The questions get more personal as I continue to answer. Thankfully, I can draw the line.
“Niall, did you sleep with Jo?” one of the reporters yelled over the others. My eyes widened, “Wha-” I began, but Emily quickly dragged me away. I could see tears in her eyes, “Babe-” I began, but Emily just shot me a look, telling me that we’d talk about all of this later.
I headed out with my whole family. We headed over to the fancy car that drove Emily and me over. There were too many reporters here; we’ll just have to be driven home in this car.
