Running Away - Conor Maynard

Part 21: Epilogue

Part 21: -

Alexis’ POV

I wish I could say I’m not nervous about the trial today but I’m absolutely bricking myself about everything. I was seeing Braden again and I was dreading it. I knew he was going to mock me again. He always did that whenever he was being interviewed. It sickened me to the point where I literally wanted to throw up.  

   Waiting in the witness docks, my hands began sweating. Conor was here with me but he was being unusually quiet about the whole ordeal. However, I’m guessing that he was nervous about the outcome of today. His tour went swimmingly, each one a sell-out. Everyone was happy that Anth was there, to squash rumours that the both of them had gone their separate ways. That would never happen in a month of Sundays. I wasn’t bombarded, which I was thankful for because it gave me the chance to bond with Lauryn, and it gave Conor the chance as well. My dad was watching Lauryn while everyone else was at the court. Well, everyone except Anna and George. They were told to remain at home with dad and Lauryn. It caused a fuss but anyone under the age of sixteen is not allowed in a court.

   As Braden walked through the doors from the police cells that’s contained below the court, he flashed me a smug smile. It was his signature smirk, one that said: it’s on, bitch. I’m getting out of here without any retributions. Of course, I was hoping he’d get life for the kidnapping of a baby and plans to hold and torture me until I gave into his demands. Except, thanks to Jack, we managed to find them before that happened. In reality, Conor and I were terrified of them killing Lauryn. Especially when we thought that she was suffering with MAS.

“All rise,” A police officer spoke, breaking the almighty silence that echoed the court.

    We all rose as the judge came through from his quarters from the back. After he sat down, he instructed for us to sit back down. I just know that this trial or court day is not going to be fun whatsoever because I, for one, know that Braden will try and steer his way out of going to jail. However, since he broke his bail conditions and the injunction that my mum had in place, there was every chance that he was going back to prison.

“Braden Matthews to the dock please,” The judge aspired.

    Braden followed Judge Mathers’ instructions and stood up on the dock that you go up on to tell your side of the story. Part of me wishes that he’d fall through the floor and just splat. I know that sounds as if I’m being cruel with wishing death upon a person but he was the cruellest man I’ve ever known. Who in their right mind steals a baby, just to get back at your ex-girlfriend? Especially because you put them in jail for domestic violence? It baffled me to the point of non-existence. How does one do it? It’s impossible.  

“Repeat after me; I, Braden Matthews, hereby swear on this bible to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Any lies I tell may be contested against me and may result in my sentencing being furthered and used against me in the court of law of a much higher degree,” Judge Mathers spoke with sincere authority.

   As Braden recited the words, something in the pit of my stomach led me to believe that he was doing nothing but mocking me with every word he spoke. I was just the way he was enunciating the words he spoke. It was extra emphasis. As to why he was doing it, I have no idea because it was absolutely making a mockery of himself. He was looking like the stupid one because the jury was older people who didn’t know Conor, therefore they didn’t know he was a popstar with a number one album and many others under his belt. The judge made sure of that.

“Do you know why you’re here, Mr Matthews?” Judge Mathers asked him.

“Because I’m being accused of kidnapping Alexis’ baby?” He spoke in a questioning manner.