A Simple Folded Paper

43

Both girls made their way inside the police station's building, hand in hand. Lauren could feel how nervous Camila was but there was no reason for less, this was the moment where they would know how the case would go, if Camila's dad was going to be charged with the accusation or if he would be released.

They were greeted by a different agent this time, Agent Galla could be read in the nametag, who would accompany them that day and would deliver them the news. Once they were all sat in a private room, Lauren squeezed lightly Camila's hand that never left hers during the way there, letting Camila know that she was there if she needed her.

"Alright, this is the deal: your dad was presented to a jury this morning and they had to decide whether or not to keep him locked up until the trial, that is, until we know how many years he's going to jail.", the agent said but Camila spoke before he could continue.

"So you're telling me that he is going to jail, for sure?"

"Yeah, the tests we sent for analysis were pretty much all it took to convince today's jury that he was guilty and the fact that he is your dad, used violence, did it several times and may or may not have affected you tremendously on a psychological level, only made it worse."

"How worse?", Lauren asked.

"Well, just for the sexual abuse he could get 3 to 9 years, but with the addition of the other factors I told you about he could get between 12 to 25 and pay a fine that could go up to 10.000$." Camila and Lauren looked at each other at the same time and smiled, neither of them expecting such great news. 

"So, what was the verdict?" Camila asked.

"He was sent home with an electronic bracelet until the trial, he can't leave the house so you don't have to worry. You'll need a lawyer, if you can't afford one the state will provide for it."

Lauren remembered that she hadn't shared something important with Camila, so she turned to her side and was met with her favorite pair of eyes. "I forgot to tell you but my dad offered to be your lawyer."

"Really? He would do that?", Camila asked, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise, endearment, and enthusiasm.

"Yeah, he said he's not having much work to do at the firm so he can spend a few hours helping you.", Lauren informed, remembering how surprised she herself was when the man suggested it when they talked the day before. Next thing she knew, Camila was hugging her - kind of awkwardly due to them being sat in chairs side by side, but hugging nevertheless - and Lauren, of course, hugged back. "I'm here to help you too, in any way I can."

"Yeah, that might not be as possible as you think.", Agent Galla said.

"What do you mean?", Camila asked.

"Well, as Agent Parker definitely told you, your dad was in a pretty bad state. He presented a charge against Miss Lauren for simple bodily offenses and, based on both of your testimonies, that was true."

Camila's eyes widened, she couldn't believe this. She got up from her chair, sending it back almost flying, and rested her palms on the table. "Are you kidding me? She was protecting me! If she hadn't done what she did, I would be so much worse!"

"Miss,", Agent Galla started, holding a hand in the air telling her to calm down, "I know all of that but I can't do nothing about it. He pressed charges and Miss Lauren, indeed, beat him pretty bad."

"Can I go to prison for that?", Lauren asked rather calmly, resting her elbows on the table and hiding her face on her hands.

"You can be sentenced with up to 2 years in jail or 180 days of community service, that will be the jury's decision in the trial."