10:54am
I'm nervous.
Scared and worried.
"It's okay, Jackson." Mark rubs my back gently. "I'm here with you."
I stare at the large building. The building looms over me and glowers angrily. It's angry I'm here.
No. The building isn't angry.
The people inside are the ones who are angry at me.
I'm scared.
A warm hand interlocks with my shaking hand. Calming, brown eyes stare into mine gently.
"I'm here." Mark smiles softly.
I smile weakly.
Today is my court day. Today is the day that I'll try to settle my case. Today is the day that I'll see my wretched aunt for the first time in 4 months.
I'm not ready.
Mark leads me into the courthouse with his hand firmly gripping mine.
Even after we are told to empty our pockets and walk through the metal detectors, Mark still holds my hands.
His constant comforting is helping me relax. Relaxation is much needed in this situation.
Mark and I are lead to the entrance of the courtroom. My therapist is waiting by the entrance, her lips pursed.
"Took you long enough." She snaps at me.
"Excuse you?" Mark glares at her as he steps in front of me.
My therapist glares back at Mark. They glare at each other until the large clock down the hallway dings as 12PM stricks.
My therapist clears her throat and grabs onto my arm.
"We're starting. Let's go." She yanks me into the courtroom.
I turn my head to look at Mark. He sits in the back of the full courtroom and shoots me a supportive smile.
I needed that.
I'm thrown into a chair by my therapist. A man is sitting beside me. He must be my lawyer. More officially, he's the prosecutor.
My eyes never leave the brown, wooden table.
Their eyes...
They're looking at me.
Everyone.
I catch a glimpse of my family from China. Their glares pierce through me like a spear.
I wish Mark was here with me. Right here beside me. Not in the back. I need him here...
Chains rattle as my aunt and her boyfriend enter the courtroom. I don't dare to look up; I can already feel their glares.
We all rise once the judge enters. Then we sit again.
They talk about stuff that I don't neccesarily understand. My mind drifts into its common darkness as they talk.
"Jackson Wang!" The judge slams his gavel down angrily.
I raise my head and meet his eyes.
My aunt begins to laugh.
"Why bring him here? He's not going to say much."
"Silence Ms. Wang." The judge looks at my aunt firmly. She instantly shuts her mouth.
"Jackson Wang," The judge says my name again. "come sit."
He points to the seat beside him. Or you could say below him.
