The Come Up

Chapter 14 - Trial I

          Trevon's trial is today. I have been dreading this day for a week at least, since I was told I had to be a witness. I've had no communication with him but I would do everything in my power to make him come home. Trisha, Pookie, Mom an myself wake up early and get dressed in appropriate enough clothes for court. A few people of Trevon's friends on the block watch as we leave. Pookie gives them a head nod, letting them know that he will relay the information as it comes.  

Trisha holds my hand and rubs it from time to time, as if this is my court trial. But I know a part of me needs it. I wasn't dealing with all of this as well as everyone else but I would never show that. 

I wonder for a minute how she even knows that I haven't been well. Pookie, probably told her I wasn't answering Trev's calls. My stomach begins aching again. I clear my throat and the pain subsides. 

It takes about an hour to get to the court by public transportation, but I don't remember the route or the bus we use. As soon as we left the house, something happened to my brain. There is a possibility that it caved in on itself. 

We stand at the big wooden door with marble under our feet. The building has central air which I notice momentarily as I begin to get cold. Pookie goes to push the door open since I only stand in front of it, staring. 

Trisha looks to me and takes my hand again, holding me tighter this time. The door slowly opens and a new breeze swifts across my face with a smell of old papers or maybe polished wood. I try to focus on the floor as Trisha walks us to the second row seats. I sit down and place my hands, along with Trisha's hands in my lap and try my best to look pulled together. 

The door opens a few minutes later and my heart enters my throat. I feel my face freeze. 

Trisha rubs my hand again. 

"It's Flex." She says quietly. 

I turn around to see Flex in a grey button up shirt and jeans. He gives me a kiss on the cheek and then sits directly behind me. The small gesture brings a realm of comfort and Trisha knows and loosens her grip on my hand. 

I tug at my skirt and blazer, making sure everything feels in it's place. My hair is up in a bun and there is little make up on my face. 

More people enter the courtroom, but the judge is still absent. 

I wasn't ready to see Trevon, my body knew that and tensed. 

I hadn't called back or answered and those were the easiest things I could have possibly done. How could I look at him now? 

After ignoring every way he reached out to me in his time of need, after he helped me when I needed him most. 

His Mother and little sister make their way into the courtroom and sit beside Flex who greets them politely. His Mother looks a little out of it, much like I do. His little sister looks happy to be in the AC but a worried look still plagues her face. I know she must miss her brother. 

Oh God.

I took him away from his family after he told me that he needs to provide for them, after he tried to keep out of trouble. I feel my emotions bubbling up to my throat and my eyes begin to water. I turn my face back to the front of the court room before his Mother or sister can see, but Trisha catches a glimpse. 

She turns her head away from me to give me privacy, but rubs my arm a few times. 

I pull it together before any more tears can fall out and moments later the judge walks in. 

He is medium size, with glasses and a beard, his skin tone is light but holds a brown tint and his face seems to already be in a scowl. Shortly after, one police enters from the left side and I do not recognize the man following behind him, another police enters behind the man who's name I do not know. He walks with a limp and he goes very slowly.