Never Leave Me Alone

Chapter 16

"Is that the bastard that hurt yall?!" Antonio yelled. He was referring to Charles. He figured out that Charles was connected to both me and Maria. If it wasn't for the police showing up when they did, ain't no telling what would have happened.

We watched as the police put Charles and his 'friends' in the back of the police cars. Antonio stood next to me glaring Charles' way. If looks could kill, Charles would have dropped dead a long time ago.

"Excuse me but are you Ms. Sara Bates? A police officer asked my mom. She nodded hesitantly.

"I'm sorry but you are under arrest..."

I watched as the police cuffed my mama. She gave me a small smile before being placed in the back of the car with Mike as the police read hear her rights.

***

         A month and a half later.

"Ms. Anya Bates, do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?"

I looked around the courtroom. There were only a few familiar faces, the rest were complete strangers. Mr. Harper set in the front alongside Antonio, Maria, and Shalonda. They've all made their statements already. Mama caught my eyes. She nodded letting me know that it was alright to tell the truth. Right beside her was Charles but I didn't even attempt to look him in the face before swallowing the large lump in my throat. I nodded.

"Yes." Removing my hand from the bible I quickly placed both of my hands on my knees wiping off the sweat. Suddenly I became even more nervous then I was before this court session even started and I didn't think that was possible.

After setting the bible down, Mr. Adams (our lawyer) made eye contact with me before asking, " Ms. Bates, can you tell us about your relationship with your mom?"

"Um... my relationship with my mama has been strained for the last few years," I said before hesitating.

Noticing my hesitation Mr. Adams asked "Can you elaborate please?"

Taking a deep breath I began to tell him everything. From the time we all met Charles, to the night mama kicked me out, to all the recent events.

There were a few 'oohs' and gasps but not once was I interrupted. When I was done there was nothing but silence.

"Thank you Ms. Bates, that is all," Mr. Adams said.

I nodded and took my seat beside Mr. Harper. He grabbed my hands giving it a little squeeze. I looked up at him and gave him a small smile in touch he returned.

We will have a 45 minutes recess while the jury come up with their verdicts and meet back at 3:30.” said Judge Debra.

As we stood up, I felt someone wrap their arms around my waist. Knowing who it was, I leaned back into his chest.

“Come on let’s get something to eat really quick,” he whispered in my ear. I nodded and let Antonio drag me out the courtroom. We all decided to stop by a near-by bar and get a quick bite to eat.

“This was so much harder than I thought it would be,” Shalonda said staring at nothing in particular.

“I know,” I said sighing as I set down my drink. I watched as a tear fell from Shalonda’s eyes. She quickly wiped it away.

“I just hope she doesn’t get long,” she said.

“Me either,” said Maria.

I had to agree. Even though she’s done some pretty messed up things to me, she was still my mother and I still love her. And she even risked herself by setting up Charles that night we all were kidnapped. We didn’t even bother mentioning about Charles getting time because, well let’s be honest, which one of us really cared.