On Our Own

Chapter 31

"Don't set yourself up for failure- make sure to answer all questions in a respectable way. Play with the juries emotions- make yourself seem like the poor, innocent victim who was wronged by the foster system that was made to protect orphans like you," Trenton instructs.

"But I AM the innocent victim," I sass.

"Then it should be easy for you," he chuckles.

"Why are we even talking about this? I thought this was just the hearing... for all we know, the judge could dismiss my case," I say hopefully, although a hint of doubt is present in my voice.

"I know- I hope that's the case Taylor, I really do. But I'm just preparing you for the worst, while hoping for the best."

By the way, Trenton is my lawyer. He'd a friend of Carter's parents, and is taking on my case completely pro bono. He's about ten years older than me, making him a fairly young lawyer. Even so, he's said to be amazing, and he's never lost a case. Hopefully, mine will be no different.

As we near the entrance to the courtroom, my heartbeat quickens, and my palms start to sweat. I am the image of nervousness. Trenton notices that I've stiffened up, and he sighs, turning his gaze towards me.

"Taylor, you'll be fine. Just don't let the other lawyer intimidate you- if he stares you down, state right back at him. If you back down, he'll walk all over you. And make a good impression on the judge," he advises. I nod, too nervous to actually reply.

I know that my appearance is presentable. Carter's mother let me borrow a pant suit, and my hair is sitting in a tight bun on my head. I have modest, silver earrings in, and a pale pink lipstick. I'm also wearing a pair of professional looking black heels.

The doors open, and we enter. I keep my head held high, and try to maintain a look of confidence, even though I'm terrified inside.

While we make our way up the aisle, I see Carter and his parents sitting in the booths. Carter gives me a reassuring, yet nervous, smile. I smile back, but it's next to impossible to mask the terror in my eyes.

Trenton leads me to the table where we sit, and pulls out a chair for me.

"Thank you," I whisper. He nods politely, and takes a seat beside me.

"All rise," the court marshal announces as the judge enters. "Judge Phillips residing over the case of the State vs. Taylor Evans."

"You may be seated," Judge Phillips instructs. "Let's get this over with. Please present your cases. The lawyer for the state may go first."

A short, fat and bald man stands from behind the table to the right of us. That must be the opposing lawyer. He's scary looking- almost as scary as Stabby Joe.

"This delinquent," he starts, gesturing towards me, "has lied, stolen, and ran away from a loving foster home. She stole money, looted a train, and most notably, stole a horse. She left Tina, her loving foster mother, alone without even a goodbye or a reason. She even assaulted a police officer as he was trying to arrest her, along with viciously attacking two men as they loaded the stolen horse into a trailer so it could be returned to its rightful owner. Your honor, she can not be trusted. She's already proven herself too unpredictable and dangerous to live among us civilians. She belongs in jail."

I gawk at the attorneys statement, astonished at the lies he's spewing from his mouth.

"You make a good point, and I'll take that into consideration. You may be seated. Now you, Trenton, make your case," the Judge orders, gesturing towards my attorney.

Trenton stands, buttons his jacket, and walks to the front of the courtroom. It's hard not to notice how at ease he is, and it almost seems as if he's not worried at all that my future is in his hands. Anyone could see that he is at home in the courtroom. And that gives me a sense of comfort.

"Taylor Evans, is not dangerous. She is not a delinquent. She is a troubled orphan, put through too many foster homes to count. And she finally had enough. Her most recent foster mother, Tina, is not the loving angel my opponent makes her out to be. She abused both Taylor, and their pit bull puppy. That's what pushed Taylor over the edge. And yes, she stole, and she is willing to pay for all of the damages that she has caused. The horse that she stole- Ezhno, as she calls him- was abused brutally by his previous owner. Taylor witnessed the abuse, and couldn't think of anything else to do but to save him. Let me remind you that when the man fell unconscious, Taylor called the police instead of leaving him there unconscious. This proves that she is a good person, and not dangerous. You see, even through her rage at him for abusing the horse, she saw the right thing, and did it. Lastly, the police who she supposedly assaulted did not press charges, so there is no real evidence to that. And the two men who she, as the opposing council put it, 'brutally attacked,' weren't injured. She simply was trying to save the horse from going back to its abusive owner. She wasn't thinking straight. Your honor, please take into consideration that Taylor is still a child, and an orphan at that. Please let her off easy this time."

With that, Trenton comes and sits down beside me. I look at him thankfully. He gave me an amazing argument, and I can't thank him enough. Even if we do have to go to trial, I'll be thankful for what he did here today.

"I've taken both of your arguments into consideration, and I've made my decision," the judge says.

I hold my breath, silently praying to god that I don't have to go to trial. All the while, my eyes stay on the judge, who has paused his speaking, as if trying to cause me to die of suspense.

I can't do anything but watch as he opens his mouth to announce his decision.

A/N

Sorry that there was sort of a wait, and sorry that this chapter was sort of boring. It's a necessary chapter though.

I'll update soon, but I don't know when. What do you think the verdict is?

Also, I have very little knowledge on courtroom things, even though I watch a lot of law tv shows (Drop Dead Diva and Law and Order). So sorry if it was inaccurate. If you find mistakes in the process, please tell me so I can fix them.

Also, I didn't have time to proofread, so please call me out on any errors! I promise I won't be mad, I'll actually be extremely thankful!

Random Question:

Favorite Horse Movie?

I love Spirit! I love the music, the animation, everything. Call me childish, I don't care. I love everything about that movie.

Goodnight my lovelies.