The Photo Project (#Wattys2014)

20: The Verdict

Hey guys! I left you with a cliffhanger, I know. I'm so mean, aren't I? We'll what are you doing here, reading this?! Get onto the story!!

"All rise, the jury has made a verdict."

I looked to the jury nervously, biting my lip hard and holding Hayden's and my moms hands tightly.

I hoped this worked out in my favor..

A lady from the jury stood up and kept on a straight face. "We the jury, have decided, that Chase Dilorentez.. Is not guilty."

Everything slowed down after I heard those words. My legy turned to jelly, my ears couldn't pick up any sound, and I couldn't move.

I felt someone touch my arm, and that quickly brought my hearing back. I heard an enraged voice scream, and saw my mother being held down my guards.

"She's my baby! That bastard hurt my baby! HE IS GUILTY! Don't let him go out so he can hurt others, and my daughter! How can he not be guilty?! Put him in jail! He hurt my baby.. He hurt my baby."

My mom went limp in the guards arms as she sobbed, not able to fight anymore.

I couldn't find it in myself to cry, or care that my mother was practically lying on the ground, crying.

I slowly looked up and watched as Chase was un-cuffed. He sent me a little smirk and wink, making my stomach drop out of my ass.

He was free.

He was found not guilty..

I let out a scream and launched after him, sending him to the ground with me on top of him.

I punched him and slapped him,  letting my anger for him out.

I sobbed out as guards lifted me up from him, lifting me completely off the ground. I kicked and screamed, shaking my head around.

Hayden took me from the guards and held me to him, rocking me back and forth.

I sobbed into his chest, afraid of what this all meant. I knew he was whispering words into my ear, but I couldn't hear them. I couldn't feel the comfort that he usually brought me when he touched me..

I was just numb.

Chase got up, dusting off his shirt as he stared at me over Hayden's shoulder.

I sobbed louder, digging my face into his chest and falling limp in his hold.

"Isobel, listen to me. Can you hear me, sweetheart?"

I looked up at him, my bottom lip wobbling as I tried to keep the tears in.

I didn't want to cry over Chase anymore. I was tired of feeling weak, and helpless.

"He's not going to ever go near you again. Do you understand that, Isobel? I'm not going to let him hurt you again. I'm not going to let him near you.. You're okay. You're going to be fine, I swear. I'm here.. And we're going to take him to court again. We will get him off the streets. We will get you justice, alright?"

I nodded slowly and took deep breaths, believing everything he said.

"Can we go to your place?" I asked, wanting to get away from everything.

Hayden nodded and took my hand, pulling me with him. We stopped by my mother, and I helped her up, looking at her determinedly.

"We'll get him.. I'm going to Hayden's house, is that okay?"

She just nodded and hugged me to her for a few minutes before letting me go. She followed us out to the parking lot and drove off to our house.

I sighed and slipped on Hayden's bike, taking the helmet he offered. I numbly put it on and stared at his back as we rode to his place.