The Unexpected (A Gafou Fanfic)

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Lefou's POV

Two Days Later...

  Almost every villager, royal official, and member of this case is present in our slightly small courthouse here in Villeneuve. I feel like my knees are going to buckle under me though as I catch sight of the back of Gaston's head. When he turns around and makes eye contact with me, it's then that I stumble onto the ground and Stanley picks me up due to concern for my well being. "Lefou, are you going to be able to handle being here today?" I sigh. "I-I honestly don't know but I need to be here. I need to know the outcome of this trial firsthand rather than through the gossip mill at the tavern." He sighs back. "I know Lefou, I just worry about you. You're a good man and I don't want to see anything bad happen to you." I smile softly at him. "Thank you Stanley, you're a good man too." Stanley releases me and allows me to pick a set up front so I can really immerse myself in the events of the trial. 

       The judge introduces himself and the members of the jury before giving a lecture about courtroom policies. When everyone agrees to speak the truth and nothing but the truth in this trial, the judge allows us all to be seated and it begins. I listen quietly and grip the edge of my seat several times until my knuckles are white. Even the judge can tell that I'm very emotional and casts a couple of glances my way. I look down at the floor when he stares at me longer than a few seconds. I don't like it when people stare at me like that. 

        The odds aren't looking great for Gaston but he might not wind up behind bars for the rest of his life so that gives me a little hope. The members of the jury eventually leave the room to reach a verdict to feed back to the judge. I just continue to sit here and twitch due to nerves in the meantime. 

An hour and a half later...

   I lock eyes with Gaston and he mouths "I'm sorry" to me. A tear slips down my cheek as I mouth back "It's okay." I mean it's not but I want to comfort him in this moment. I can only imagine that amount of anxiety he's experiencing on his end right now.  The jury pool comes back into the courtroom along with the judge. Everyone else took a lunch break except Gaston and I. We chose to stay here and stay at each other in case it's the last time we had the chance to do so.  

     When everyone is seated, the judge motions for a member of the jury to stand up and read the verdict. A middle aged man stands up and begins reading from a piece of paper. "The jury finds Gaston to be guilty of the accused crimes." My heart breaks and a sob nearly slips out. The jury member looks directly at me. "Though guilty of his crimes, we understand the motives behind them completely, which is why we're giving Gaston a chance in this verdict despite it being a guilty one." I lean forward on the edge of my seat. My mind is spinning a thousand miles a minute. Just get on with it mister! "To avoid spending the rest of his days in prison, Gaston can either accept banishment... or enlist in a redemption program lead by Prince Adam. He would have his own living quarters at the castle as well and wouldn't be allowed to bother anyone in the village." 

       Well, this isn't the best news but at least he won't be rotting away in prison for the rest of his life. I wonder what option he'll choose. I'm currently living in the castle and would honestly love having him around there. I hope Gaston chooses to take part in the redemption program. I'd even attend it with him for comfort and moral support. The judge looks at Gaston. "Well you know the verdict, but what's your decision to finalize it?" Gaston clears his throat, takes a deep breath, and says "I'll enlist in the redemption program at the castle." I cry tears of relief rather than ones of sorrow now. Gaston's going to live in the castle, this is wonderful! Gaston gives me a small smile and that's how I know that eventually everything is going to be okay again.

I hope that you guys liked this chapter! :) -Mary