Identical (COMPLETED)

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

I stay in my seat as police officers walk in and escort him out of the room as he glares daggers at everyone who looks at him. I don't move as people start to leave the room, some with somber expressions, some with relief, others anger. It's mixed emotions all around. We won, but why doesn't it feel like it?

Ollie sighs beside me. "Fucking bastard," he hisses under his breathe. "Gets away with just three months? And they let him have the rest of the year free? What a fucking joke."

I say nothing, but I feel anger and anguish fill me as I see Sarah cry into her mom's arms, as Jasmine yells in frustration while her girlfriend tries calming her, as Dana lets Link, who I didn't even know was here, comfort her, as Mr. Townes speaks with his mother in irritation, and as Trent sits alone with his head in his hands.

"I'm sorry Cali. I really thought he'd be sentenced for much longer than that, especially with some of the evidence we had. I know it fucking sucks, but this is the reality of these courtrooms unfortunately. Even if everyone agrees with you and everyone wants to see justice be served, it doesn't always happen. All I can really say now is that he'll suffer even if he's only in there for three months. This all will kick him in the ass, if not the time in jail, the probation, or the public backlash. His reputation is ruined and I know this isn't what you want to hear. I know you wanted to see more justice be served, but sometimes this job really fucking sucks," Ollie finishes with a frown.

"It's not your fault," I tell him in a whisper.

Ollie shakes his head. "I know, but I can't help but feel like I could've done more."

I place a hand on his arm in comfort. "You did more than enough Ollie and I can't thank you enough for representing me today. I mean I know Trent paid you too, but you could've said no," I tell him quietly.

He eyes me with a curious look. "You're going to be really good for Trent. Here you are comforting me when this outcome will affect you much more than me."

I smile sadly about to tell him that I doubt there will be a future with Trent and I, when Dana approaches us. Link lingers behind her with a worried look on his face and I watch as Genie and Sarah walk out with their heads hung.

"Hey Cal, want to go for a walk?" She asks in a quiet voice that doesn't at all sound like the Dana I've come to know and love.

I look back to Ollie and he gives me a smile. "Go on, I'm going to go talk to Trent," he says while looking back at his friend who is still in the same position with his head in his hands.

I want to talk to Trent too, but now that this is all over I don't know where we stand. I know he was supportive today, but I don't know if that was just because of the circumstances. I have no idea how he's feeling now, so I'm going to continue to give him the space he asked for. I may have just realized I loved him this morning, but I don't know what he feels.

I stand and hook my arm in Dana's like we had this morning, but the determination and confidence we held just hours ago is replaced with a disheartened feeling. I eye Link who still stands staring at us. "Link just go home," Dana tells him. He hesitates for a moment looking uncertain before listening to her request.

I see Mr. Townes walking out just ahead of him with an angered expression, Trent's grandparents look at me before following him and I don't miss the pitiful look his grandmother shoots me. Jasmine and her girlfriend Lindsay give us sad smiles before leaving as well. Only Trent, Ollie, Dana, and I remained.

Dana tugged at my arm, as I stand frozen watching Ollie approach Trent, who finally lifts his head when Ollie says something. I start walking, but freeze again when Trent meets my gaze. His green eyes hold so many different emotions that I find myself trapped trying to figure out which ones exactly. I can spot anger and sadness, but there's something else there that I can't figure out.