Hell's Only Angel

Five

Adeline's P.O.V

Today was the trial and I couldn't stop my heart from beating so quickly. Dad sat next to me as he held my hand in reassurance. I stared at Archie and mom who sat in front of us. I held onto Veronica's hand as well as we sat next to each other.

"All rise," We all rose from our seats to greet the judge. Once he sat, we followed along.

"Has the jury reached a verdict?" He asked them. One man stood up to speak.

"Your Honor, we haven't," The man announced. Everyone was disappointed. "We're deadlocked. Six-to-six. And it's not gonna change."

"So be it. The jury is dismissed. Thank you for your service," The judge said.

"I can't handle this anymore," I said, tears forming again.

"It's going to be alright, Adeline. Archie is going to be alright," Dad tells me.

"Your Honor, in lieu of another trial, the State is prepared to offer a deal for a lesser sentence. Instead of prison, time served plus two years in juvenile detention, if Mr. Andrews will plead guilty to the crime of manslaughter," The other lawyer said.

"Your honor," Mom said standing up to protest.

"I'll take the deal," Archie said suddenly. I let out a small gasp.

"No!"

"Archie, no! Don't do this!" I said standing up now.

"Archie, no. We have to discuss this," I heard mom tell Archie. I couldn't hear what Archie said to mom.

"Your Honor, I accept the deal."

"Son, just so I have it straight, though it's legally within your rights, you're ignoring the advice of your counsel, your own mother," The judge asked Archie.

"Archie, you're smarter than this. Don't do this," I begged.

"Yes, Your Honor. I'm guilty," Archie tells him.

"Dad, what is he doing?" I asked him as I felt tears form in my eyes.

"Mr. Andrews, the court accepts your plea of guilt. You'll be taken directly from the courthouse to the Leopold and Loeb Juvenile Detention Center, where you will serve out your sentence beginning immediately. This court is adjourned," The judge said as he hit his gable down. I started to cry as my dad held onto me. Dad and I got up as we rushed closer to Archie.

"I'm sorry, Mom," I heard Archie say.

"I love you so much," Mom sobbed.

"Look, we're gonna get you out of there, bud," Dad tells him. A cop started to handcuff Archie making me cry more.

"No. No. No. Please no. Archie," I said, trying to reach for him. My dad held onto me as I watch my brother get taken away.

"I'm so sorry, Adeline. I love you, Veronica," Archie said to the two of us.

"No, no, no. You can't take him away! He's innocent. He didn't do anything!" Veronica said.

I cried into my dad's chest as I felt my mom join into the hug. I looked over to see Archie gone making me cry harder.