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*Julia's POV*
"First question: what are these people to you?" The lawyer asked me.
"The people who raised me." I stared blankly.
"No, like what do they really mean to you?"
"Well, when I was younger, I loved them. Now I understand why I can't."
"And why is that?" He asked.
"Because they physically, verbally, and mentally abused me."
"How so?"
"My dad would slap me or hit me if I upset him. My mom neglected me and my brother just let it all happen." I explained.
I saw the jury's sympathetic faces. I looked over to Finn who was hurting too. Jack and his mom were watching with anticipation. Then I glanced at my parents, they showed no interest to my sob story, even though it could send them to jail.
"Okay, now who have you been staying with for the past few months?"
"My boyfriend and his family."
"Do they treat you well?" He questioned.
"Yes, they are very welcoming and special people."
"Do you feel comfortable living with your boyfriend?"
"Yes, he is very sweet, but I feel the need to change the scene."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I invited one of my closest friend and his mom, who are willing to take care of me. That is, if my parents are alright with it." I answered.
I saw Finn's face change and he gave me a concerning look. I mouthed the words "I'm sorry". He nodded.
"That'll be all for now." The lawyer dismissed me.
I sat back down next to Finn and took his hand into mine. They were a little sweaty, but I didn't care.
The real reason I wanted to move out was because of us.
Young love never lasts. Especially when you live with your partner. I didn't want Finn and I to have a fight or argue. I guess it was just trauma from my childhood. Still, I didn't want to risk it.
"We're going to take a five minute recess." The judge announced.
~
*Narrator*
Julia was in the women's restroom with a bag in her hands.
The bag contained a little thing of pills, a small blade, and napkins.
She had been very depressed lately, but she didn't want to accept it. She clenched the bag tightly and thought about Finn, her friends, then her family.
She opened her eyes at the memories of her family. Her dad, her mom, her brother.
She quickly locked the door and went back to the mirror and sink. She opened the bag and took out what it contained.
She took three of the painkillers and cleaned the blade. Her blouse was black, so she didn't worry about getting stained. She pulled up her sleeve and inhaled.
Once she exhaled, she pierced her inner arm with the blade. Blood began to trickle down her wrist and into the sink.
She winced and breathed harder. She bit the inside of her cheek and tried not to cry.
When she was finished, she wiped her arms with the dampened napkins. She patched it up with a bandage and washed her hands.
