The Drama With My Drama Teacher

On With The Show

On With The Show

"But they can't do that" I protest instantly, turning towards my Dad "They're guilty, and there's evidence and they've been arrested!"

"There are so many people who have come forward" Gemma chips in, standing to her feet, balancing Matthew on her hip.

"Yes, the evidence is substantial but that's not how the system work, and their lawyers know that" Dad interjects "What is most likely to have happened is a plea bargain; now this is where the defendants agree to plead guilty to shorten the process of a trial, and in return they often get better sentences"

"How can they do that?" Chris fumes "What judge would allow that? It doesn't sound like justice to me"

"It's actually quite common. And with the severity and size of this case, everyone involved is probably looking for the fastest solution" Dad explains, and Chris shakes his head.

"It just doesn't seem fair, at all" Chris huffs, taking Matthew from Gemma and giving him a hug. He reminds me of a sulky child hugging his teddy bear.

"It's not fair" Dad agrees, sitting down on the sofa "But that's not all. Mr Howard is fully cooperating in the hopes of not getting a life sentence. He's giving evidence against the other teachers"

"That piece of-!" Chris begins, but Gemma hushes him, making a gesture to Matthew. "Sorry, sorry! Can he do that?"

"Yes, he can" Dad sighs "It's not what we want at the minute, but they won't get away with this. The women you told me about at the police station Chris, the ones that wanted to press charges right away, I've been speaking with their legal team and their going for maximum sentences"

"He's a snake. Would you expect him to be honest? If anything, I'm surprised he hasn't plead 'not guilty' and isn't trying to get out of it" I huff "Except there's too much evidence so he's decided that he's going to be sneaky and get the best deal"

"I'm sorry, Princess" Dad says, placing a hand on my shoulder "I know this isn't making it easy for you. But he is still in custody, and he can't afford bail, so at least he isn't getting out of jail any time soon"

"I know, thank you. I know how hard you're working on this" I tell him, and he gives me a smile.

"Don't be silly, Chelsea. You're my little girl, and you know I'd do anything from you. Plus, it's been so nice to spend some time at home, with my handsome grandson, my beautiful girls-!" Gemma beams at this when she realises she's included "-And... And Chris"

Gemma and I burst out laughing. Chris grumbles, but Dad gives him a grin and he's quickly forgiven. Dad takes Matthew from Chris, and heads into the kitchen, talking about making everyone some tea.

"I'll help!" Gemma offers, still smiling from ear-to-ear at being included by my Dad. She follows him happily into the kitchen.

"Chris!" I exclaim under my breath, hitting him lightly in the chest.

"Ow!" He exclaims loudly, and I hiss at him to be quiet. "What?!"

"I've got the perfect proposal for Gemma!" I tell him excitedly, a big smile on my face. "She's gonna love it, it'll be perfect, and yeah you'll need some training but-!"

"Well that's great, but I'm gonna need you to tell me what it is first" Chris says sarcastically, and I roll my eyes.

"Only if you agree to cooperate" I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

"But I don't know what it is" Chris argues, crossing his arms too.

"Look, we're running out of time here! I am your sister, and I know this would be the most perfect thing for Gemma! Okay?" I say, hitting him in the chest again lightly.