The Baby Project [#Wattys2018]

Chapter Twenty-Five ~Alis volat propriis

I knew what today was. I knew what it held. It was my one chance to get it right; and if I didn't – the war would be lost. I must take charge to what has happened in the past week...in the past few months... in the past year. This sudden outrage is anything but sudden. Walking into the courtroom, I see the jury sitting down and staring at me; trying to figure out my story. The actual story and not some made-up story to keep them sane; because this isn't that. In a few minutes, I would be asked to take the stand and freely tell my side of the story; but it's not going to be something that will be short. If they allow me to speak my mind...I'm going to speak and use it to my advantage. Having almost everyone on my side, things are, to say the least, are looking up.

Luna told me to wait at the gate and for the bailiff to escort me to the stand. "Also remember that this is your fight. Light their fire. Be pure. Be blithe. Be yourself. Tell your story, but don't let them tear you apart. It's an open stand and they cannot truly object. A week ago...we didn't know we'd be here... and now we're here. Tell your story, Rosie." I hugged her and ran to the gate – well I walked quickly that is.

"Ms. Mitchells....please take the stand. You have this opportunity to speak on your behalf freely. You may start whenever you are ready."

"Do I have a voice? Up until just a sad moment ago – no I had no such expression and no such thing. Truly I thought in the Constitution– our code of ethics to fall back on; in the first ten amendments – which we had the freedom of speech; or has my voice been stolen? Forgive me, but I thought we lived by that document – but I suppose I am wrong. Yet here I am today standing before you and hoping you hear my story. I've been trying to tell you my side but it frustrates you that I want to be equal and given the chance to speak. So, I can have a voice now? Right? Is that what you're saying? That I am allowed the right to speak? And that maybe everything I have said in this case has been totally dismissed and ignored? That it hasn't meant anything? Fine then. Very well. Thank you for your well-minded, thoughtless, and very barbaric consideration of what really matters here; because apparently nothing and I mean nothing matters– unless it suits you, the agency, or the government. Don't we matter? Aren't we all supposed to be given all the rights? When did we start living in a world when the government and other law-biding officials had the right to govern us and control what we love; and how we love and who we love? Thank you for not believing in the minority population; for not protecting us. Guess what? Who needs you? Who wants to be told how and who to love and when to love? We're stronger without people such as yourselves and your ignoramus way. I guess I'll be the one to speak for anyone that has been wronged by you and the people; so I'll set the record straight. Unless you already have your verdict – then I should stop. I should prevent future humiliation because what I have to say will be very pointless and not change the way you think.

My voice of opinion would prove detrimental rather than helpful. Am I getting closer? Here goes yet another meaningless speech on what matters most and what my story is. No one is forcing you to believe – but I want you to believe on your own rather than be forced to figure out the truth by your fellow comrades. In The Lion King, there is a quote said by Mufasa that really resonates with me; and before you go glaring your eyes at my examples because they're childish examples; do remember I am a mother and a teen mother at that. The quote reads, "Never forget who you are." I likely choose that quote not because of the movie but because the meaning behind the quote. If I forget who I am – I'd forget why I am here – that my friends isn't ever going to happen; because in a case like this and a situation that seems to be a lose-lose one at best – I don't want to change. That I remember the reason I am fighting; why I am trying to win my son back from your grimy clutches; because without him I am nothing... and that isn't who I am and who I shall become; because I am me and that in a way makes me strong. Makes everything possible.