The Geek's Guide to Parenthood

Forgive Me Brother, For I Have Sinned ...

Okay, so here it is. The sequel for A Nerd Story of Love. I don't own any of this. The only thing I do own is the plot to the story and a very cool 'Geekward' mug. I'm planning on keeping the story lighthearted as can be, but there will be angsty moments. I will post warnings in the author's notes at the beginning of the chapters for fair warning.

Thanks for everyone who's faved, reviewed or read my story. I love writing SGB and Nerdella and I'm so happy that you all love them too.

Chapter Twenty-Six: Forgive Me Brother, For I Have Sinned...

EmPOV

"Mr. Cullen, you should just plead guilty. The evidence against you in insurmountable," my attorney, Peter O'Doyle said as he rifled through my huge file. "I do not feel comfortable..."

"I'm not paying you to feel comfortable," I snapped.

"You're not paying me at all, Mr. Cullen. I'm a public defender," he said dryly. "I drew the short straw when your case came into our office. Why won't you plead guilty?"

"Because, I'll look weak," I mumbled. I refused to look weak in front of my brother. He's finally grown into the man that he should have been and now, I'm the weaker Cullen. I'm the mistake.

"It takes a strong man to admit he's wrong, Mr. Cullen," Peter said quietly. "And believe me; you're very, very wrong. I mean, these charges: embezzlement, prostitution, illegal gambling, assault, attempted sexual assault, murder? Emmett, if you plead guilty the judge may give you leniency and you'll be in prison for the rest of your life. If you go through the charade of a trial, we're talking about the death penalty."

"I know," I said as I fiddled with my handcuffs.

"Anyhow, since you were once an attorney, you know what to expect in the courtroom. I don't have to go through that," Peter said. "The trial is starting at nine tomorrow morning. You will be staying here in the Cook County Jail, away from the other inmates. We do not want a repeat of your previous trial or you trying to put a hit onto your brother."

"I'm not that stupid, Peter," I growled. He looked at me, arching a brow.You put a bomb in a building that was destined for children. You killed your father. You are that stupid. "Never mind..."

"I'm going to go. I'll see you tomorrow, Emmett. Try to get a good night's rest." Peter got up and buzzed the bell. A few moments later, a large guard came and escorted my attorney out of the tiny room where we were meeting. I slumped on the stool. I know a few minutes later, the same guard was going to bring me back to my hole in the wall. Sure enough, the guard unlocked my cuffs and dragged me back to my cell. Once inside, he removed the cuffs and shoved me toward the bed. I noticed that there was a tray of food on the bed and I mumbled my thanks for my dinner.

I ate in silence, barely tasting the rubbery chicken and nasty vegetables. Finishing my dinner, I put the tray onto the floor and curled up on the thin pallet. The guys surrounding me were loud. Screaming and swearing. I just wanted quiet. I missed the silence of solitary confinement. It gave me a lot of time to think.

Rolling over to face the wall, I closed my eyes only to be greeted with the vision of my father. Of Lauren. Of her husband. My stomach churned. The last vision I had was of my brother, standing strongly over me as I was arrested, disappointment clear in his eyes. What have I done? Have I always been a monster?

I had a good life. I wanted for nothing. My parents doted on me, gave me the best of everything. Best clothes, best education, and most of all, they loved me. However, I knew I demanded their attention. I wanted them to forget my brother. But, not Alice. She was cute and adorable. Edward, on the other hand, was whiny and weak. So, I tormented him. In my mind, I tormented him because I wanted my parents to neglect my whiny baby brother and love me like I was their own only son.