Even Through the Storm

38. The Verdict

 I leave the courtroom with Asher and go find Linda and Nicole in the hallway. Both of them are crying. Ms. Reynolds comes up to Linda and gives her a hug. I hear them exchange apologies, then make plans for dinner together after this is all over. Ash and I walk up to them after his mom leaves. "Asher," Linda says. "Lola, are you two okay?"

"Yeah," I say. "We're fine. Why did you do that? You were supposed to be on his side."

"We were," Nicky says. "But we're not. You guys deserve justice. And we couldn't just lie!" We give them both hugs.

"Linda," Asher says. "What about Lia and the boys? How will you tell them that their dad's in jail? Will you go visit him?"

"Asher, sit down." We go sit on one of the benches. "I will tell them the truth. That their father was, and is, not a good man. I will let them see him once, just to say goodbye, but then I don't know what I'll do. I don't want them around a jail, but I still love your father. I still want to be with him. I will probably talk to your mother, but I am hoping that I will be able to stay with him. But Nicky has a say in it also and so do you. I want your guy's opinions. Truthfully, I don't know what I'll do, and only time will tell." Ash and Linda hug, then we go back into the courtroom. We sit down, then stand until Judge Arnett is seated.

"Have we reached a verdict?" She asks the jury. One of the jurors stand up.

"Guilty!" She says.

"There we have it. Nicholas Kingston, I sentence you to two years in our state prison, one plus parole if you have good behavior. Plus, any witnesses or their immediate family will be granted a protection order if necessary. Case dismissed." Judge Arnett leaves the room, and Asher's father is escorted out of the courtroom. Nicole and Linda are crying. I hug Asher.

"You did it!" I say. He doesn't say a word, nor even smile. In fact, I see a tear in his eye. "Asher, what's wrong?"

"Nicky. She's crying. Her dad is going to prison, and it's my fault."

"Asher! Don't say that! It is not your fault. It's his. He did this to her. Not you."

"But..."

"No buts. C'mon, I have to go find my dad so I can help set up for the party."

"Okay, I'm gonna' go talk to Nicky. I'll see you in a bit."