Trainwreck |✔️

CHAPTER 24

It was cute when Ant got all defensive of Dec ^^^ 😅😍💜

This chapter has been the toughest to write, purely because of how much there was going on in one room as-well as how much dialogue there was, hope it all makes sense even though it's pretty awful.

As usual italic is the characters thoughts.

Definitions:
Plaintiff's are the opposition to the defence (the accusing side in a court case.)

The crown: is the attorney general, (the prosecuting government lawyer )

Ants PoV

When did it come to this? When did my life spiral so badly out of control that I'm a teenage criminal? I guess my teachers will be happy, they always said that is where I would end up and that that is where I belonged. Behind bars where I can't hurt anyone. On that point I think they are right, I hurt the people I get close to... or anyone I am near. Maybe everyone would be better off I wasn't here.

"So he did say he was coming?" I snapped out of my depressing thoughts and focused on Sandi, her usually bushy hair was neatly combed and she wore a smart suit. My first thought was she must have gotten that in kids sizes, she makes Dec look tall!! Suddenly realising I hadn't answered, I tried to remember the question.

"Oh um... yeah he did. We left on pretty good terms, considering." My chest glowed with warmth remembering the kiss he'd given me; the kiss that id been playing over and over in my mind, committing every detail to memory.

"Right, Good well he should really be here by now."

"He's probably just late... he's not a morning person at all."

"Okay... you know what you need to do right? Ant, this is very important, no lashing out and no sudden outbursts."

"Gotcha ya." My gaze turned to study the jury. They were a mixed bunch; from young, thin, pretty women in tight pencil shirts to oversized, middle aged men almost bursting the penultimate button of their crumb covered shirt. It was scary to think that those people were the ones who could judge me, hear my past and present and punish me accordingly. The next 10 years of my life were in their control. My future rested with them.

"All rise for Mister justice Carringdon." The room stood a bald man, nearing his 70's walked into the room, he didn't acknowledge any of us, simply took his seat at the judges bench. "You May be seated." He mumbled gruffly, probably in a bad mood from the early morning, that was hardly my fault though.

I looked around for Dec. He still hadn't arrived, my heart sunk, I knew I shouldn't be upset... he had every right not to come. But the prospect of facing this alone was terrifying and I felt sick to my stomach. I looked over to the plaintiffs, it was Mr Donnelly's boss. Dec's Dad had refused to present at the case although he was contractually obligated to give his testimony and speak against me. I swallowed thickly and with both cuffed hands reached to take a long gulp of the water I kind lady had provided for me.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and almost jumped 50ft in the air. "Hey, calm down its only me." My head turned to meet Dec's calm blue eyes shining back at me and I took a deep relieved breath. I nodded at him, trying to express how I grateful I was that he was here, he offered me a small supportive smile before pulling his hand away and moving back to his chair, I could see his silhouette out of the corner of my eye.

"Order in court!" My head snapped back to face the judge who eyed me for a moment before speaking. "We are present today for the case of Anthony David Mcpartlin on a list of charges including..." he pulled on his glasses and read through the list. "unlawful possession of a firearm, assault, theft, involvement in criminal gangs, armed kidnapping of a police officer, therefore the obstruction of justice and aiding the abduction of the defendants... boyfriend." He looked disgusted as he spoke the last word and I internally sighed, great he's homophobic too.