You're Family Now

Part 40 (Final)

Gems pov-

The next morning was a blur. I woke up in my hospital bed and proceeded to get dressed in the formal clothing that Alesa had gotten for me from the house. My makeup was light and I purposely made my eyes look wider and rounder to give the appearance of innocence to the jury. Last night before bed, I died my hair back to its natural shade of brown, cutting off the split ends as I dried it.

It's nine-forty in the morning and my heart's beating like a snare drum. I stand in court beside Mitch as the judge enters the room. I refused to enter the room if I couldn't be beside Mitch, and let's just say they couldn't argue with a much needed witness.

My sister glared at me from across the room, her face a reflection of my own hate for her.

Mitch's hand rested on my shoulder for reasurence, calming me ever so slightly. We could tell from the look in each other eyes that we were terrified of why may result from my decision today.

"Gemma..." Mitchs voice trailed to me as jury members filed into the room.

I look up at him, my breathing jagged and everything in my being telling me to run.

"I don't know if I want you to do this. I don't want to lose you," Mitch's voice sounds frail and it's heartbreaking "nobody wants to lose you."

My mouth opens to answer and I'm blatantly interuppted by the introduction of the Judge.

"ALL RISE FOR JUDGE GREEN."

My heart thuds in my chest as the robed man enters and gestures for everyone to take their seats.

I watch Mitch and follow his lead as we sit down.

I take a short gasp, holding my breath hoping to calm my nerves so that I may get all of the information out that I want to.

"Court is now in session." The Judge spoke clearly and firm, giving everyone a CLEAR indication that this was his courtroom and he is not to be tested. "Today we continue case number four, zero, two, two, six. Hughes versus Rainer, in the case of custody for Gemma Rosalin Hughes as a abuse case against Ms.Rainer has yes to be determined necessary."

I stood there, body shaking in anticipation. Once all formal bases were covered I was to come up to the stand and give testimony as well as present my proposition.

Everything seemed to be a blur. Voices were non-existent, yet somehow, all topics were discussed from the past hearings and now... it's my time

"Would Gemma Rosalin Hughes please take the stand." Mitch's and my lawyer asks, carefully as not to scare me.

I glanced at Mitch as he gives a pitiful, scared smile. I swallow air before stepping up to the podium and taking a seat.

"Please place your left hand on the bible and raise your right hand." A man instructs and I do as I'm told. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

I give a weary sigh. "I do."

My lawyer approaches me, and smiles warmly attempting to comfort me.

"Miss Hughes... May I call you Hughes or do you prefer Rainer?" She asks and I give a thankful smile. I see exactly what she is doing.

"Please, Hughes. I'd prefer that any day over Rainer." I answer, trying to give emphasis on my preference between my brother and her.

The lawyer for my so-called sister asks me to take the bench and I comply.

"Miss Rainer-"

I cut him off, clearly unhappy with his choice of words. "Miss Hughes is just fine please."