Ruining Fame (Girl X Girl)

Chapter 40 / Choosing To Want.

A/N: Hey guys, it's been about a month or a month and a half since I lost published a chapter. I wanted to explain myself or I wanted to apologize to you readers. I've been reading your comments and I'm so sorry. Recently I just got back to college and it's been a hard knock life for me, I'm continuously struggling mentally and it's so hard for me to function nowadays. I know that writing stories should help me relieve stress and relieve pain but sometimes I'm just too tired to function and I need downtime, sometimes downtime takes about a day, a week, two weeks, or a month even . . . I just hope you guys understand. xxJess.

Don't forget to VOTE & COMMENT.

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Word of the Day:

Cynefin (n.): A place where a person or an animal feels it ought to live and belong; it is where nature around you feels right and welcoming.

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Chapter 40 / Olive's P.O.V

I sit there in a daze, my body numb, as if I'm floating in water with rain pouring down. Memories of Dustin and me flash through my mind, making it feel like my life is slipping away. It's as if I'm on a pedestal, under a spotlight, because my brother is gone even though he's technically alive. Am I really fine? Inside, I'm terrified to move, breathe, or even touch myself. If Dustin were fully gone, I don't think I would survive.

"Miss Mencher, Miss Mencher!" The judge's raised voice snaps me back to reality. I blink a few times, trying to regain my composure as my emotions bubble up.

"Y-yes, your honor. I apologize. What was the question again?" I glance towards the lawyer representing my family.

We've been in court for an hour, and my thirty minutes of questioning are almost up. She's trying to prove that I don't have Dustin's will and that my parents were unaware of its existence.

She sighs, clearly annoyed by my daze.

"Do you have any evidence that Dustin's will was tampered with? How exactly do you know he wanted to be taken off life support?" She crosses her arms and steps forward as I sit next to the judge.

I gulp and glance at Lydia before returning my gaze to the lawyer.

"Dustin specifically gave his will to me. It clearly stated that he didn't want to be kept in a vegetative state. The original will did not mention life support, which my mother or father clearly tampered with when I confronted them. Your honor, I know it doesn't seem like much, but I know he wouldn't want this."

The lawyer just looks at me and nods. I avert my eyes, avoiding contact with anyone. She purses her lips and turns towards the judge.

"No further questions," she states.

"We will take a quick recess and reconvene in ten minutes," the judge announces, slamming his gavel once before leaving the podium.

I get off the stand, my legs shaky and wobbly from fear and nervousness. I stumble down the steps but catch myself before falling. A familiar scent reaches me, and I look up to see Lydia staring at me with concern. I wave her off and walk out of the courtroom, my breathing quickening as I push through the double doors. I walk outside into the cool air, leaning against the courthouse wall. My vision blurs as I slide my back against the rough surface, feeling its discomfort. The double doors open, and I hear the clicking of heels approaching.

I close my eyes, trying to dispel the idea that all of this is happening in real life. Finally, I catch my breath. Sitting on the ground, I tuck my knees to my chest and lean my head on my arms. When I feel someone touch my shoulder, I flinch. I look up to see Lydia looking at me with concern once again. I look away and lean my head back down on my arms.