"I feel bad for the people who never go crazy."
Trepidation (n): a feeling
of fear or
agitation
about
something
that may happen.
%
Athena Williams is a quiet and hardworking girl wit...
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JAKE ABBEY SAT perfectly still behind the witness stand. His face stoic, his eyes only danced around the room. He studied the jury, from the older woman sitting in the front with too much blush and grey hair that was visibly awry-to the much younger man who seemed visibly uptight with his shirt buttoned all the way up to his neck...
Jake wasn't even paying attention to the situation he was currently in, as his eyes suddenly landed on his Athena. She held such poise even in her simple black dress. She was still so demure. Her freckles on full display, her brown eyes framed by those thick black lashes. Her lips, oh her lips...Jake's eyes focused on her lips for what seemed like ages. He wanted to kiss her. Tell her how sorry he was for all of this. He just wanted to hold her tight in their living room while their favorite song was playing in the background. How scenic it would be-
"-Mr. Abbey? Are you alright?"
Jake blinked harshly a few times, his blue eyes seeming to gloss over as Ford crossed his arms behind his back. His smug features annoyed The Whitman's, their eyes boring into Jake as they hoped he'd follow their advice when answering Ford's questions. Be precise. Yes or no. Give specific dates. Give specific times. Don't meddle.
"I'm fine."
"Let me ask you again. Where you always a native of Ike, Arizona?"
Jake folded his hands, squeezing slightly as he took a brief look at an awaiting Ford and then to his attorneys. With a slight nod from Renee, he answered.
"No."
"So you didn't grow up there?"
"No."
"Could you please elaborate Mr. Abbey? Where did you grow up then?"
"Minnesota. Minneola to be exact."
"Aah. You're a Minnesota boy. What made you and your folks move halfway across the country?"
"I don't know, but we did."
Ford walks around for a moment, pondering his next question.
"How was high school, Jake? You play any sports? Any clubs?"
Jake shook his head, seeing Ford's persistence as annoying.
"I wasn't athletic. I kept to myself."
"We're you bullied?"
Silence enveloped the room as Jakes jaw tightened. He knew the answers to his questions, yet he still asked. That's what was pushing Jake over the edge.
"Yes."
"Did you feel the need to retaliate in any form? Against these bullies-"
"-objection! Argumentative-" Micheal shouts as the court stirs, Judge Bender acknowledgment the objection as he asks Ford to move on.
