Cowgirl Boots: a Cinderella Story

Chapter 19

"That is all."  Mr. Stevenson told his last witness, Alicia.

She had told nothing but lies.  She claimed that I lit the fire and she had been trying to stop me from throwing myself into the burning house.  

"Mr. Daniels, please make your opening argument."  The judge told Alicia's lawyer.

I turned my head to watch him stand up.  How could he believe her?  Was he just defending her because of the money she was paying him?  Wait, what money?  Mr. Daniels swore to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  

"Alicia Thompson claims to have caught Iris Thompson lighting the house on fire and attempting suicide."  Mr. Daniels began, "My client tried to stop her from committing suicide and had held Iris Thompson from the flames until Iris Thompson had fainted from the heat.  I would like to call Iris Thompson."  

The judge nodded and I stood up.  I swore the oath again, I'm not sure why, but I did, then I sat on the hard wooden seat behind the witness stand and faced Alicia's lawyer.  Dear Lord, please give me strength, I prayed silently.  

"Iris Thompson, you are a high school student, and your at-home responsibilities include what?"  

"Cleaning the stables, exercising horses, doing laundry, preparing food for everyone, cleaning up after every meal and keeping the house tidy.  I also have a horse, named Thunder, whom I rent a stall for, from Alicia, and have to work every night after I finish my homework."  

"When does your shift start?"

"Eleven thirty pm."  

"And ends?" 

"One to two am."  

Mr. Daniels narrowed his eyes.  

"Who is your employer?"  

"Stella Harrison."  I replied, hoping I wasn't getting her in trouble.

"Can she confirm this?"  

"Yes."  I answered, hesitating to say, 'I think', then refraining from saying it altogether.  

"How often do you have mental breakdowns?"  

"Three or four times since Father died."  

"Do you know the what the causes were?"  

"Stress from my workload, sadness from loosing my Father and seeing my step-sister, Georgie, be emotionally abused, and hurt from being emotionally abused by Alicia."  I hesitated and glanced at Selena, "and Selena."  

Selena's POV:

I sucked in a breath in shock, then realized she was right.  I was mean to her and Georgie, I put my hurt on them.  I hung my head in shame and squeezed my eyelids shut, trying to stop the tears from flowing down my cheeks.  Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and I stiffened, narrowing my eyes and peeking over my shoulder.  That annoying and cute boy.  He raised an eyebrow, as if he was telling me that he wasn't scared of me.  Why wasn't he though?  Everyone is scared of me, or at least doesn't trust me.  

I flicked his hand off my shoulder and turned back to where Mr. Daniels was questioning Iris.  Was he trying to comfort me?  I asked myself, narrowing my eyes in confusion, he must be crazy.  

Iris's POV: 

"What did you do to retaliate against your step-mother and sister?"  Mr. Daniels asked, no doubt trying to make me say something to indicate that I was in depression.