Torn [J.Barber]

[17] GIRLFRIEND

"Court. All rise." The woman calls out, everyone standing up, Jacob particularly excited. "Hear ye, hear ye, here ye. The Honorable Judge French presiding. This court's now open. Please be seated." May took back her seat beside her mother, forcing herself not to smile.

She had heard the news that Leonard Patz had written a confession note to her and her family, which they had all read through early that morning. Dan was furious, not believing that it was really Leonard, so he had once again decided to bail on court.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, at 8:00 a.m. this morning, the Commonwealth filed a nolle prosequi announcing its decision to drop the charges against the defendant, Jacob Barber." He announces.

"This is a response to recent developments in the case you, no doubt, will be learning of shortly. The defendant will please rise." He instructs.

Jacob stands up. "Young man, I'm sure you're anxious to get out of here. So let me be the first to say to you the words you and your family are, no doubt, longing to hear. Jacob Barber, you are now a free man." He hits down his gravel.

The court claps, smiling. May sighs of relief, though keeps a straight face so her mother wouldn't see. "Jacob Owen Barber, in the matter of indictment 08-44-07, it is ordered by the court that you are discharged of this indictment and go without day." A woman reads out.

"Bail posted shall be returned to the surety. Case dismissed." Jacob turns around to look at May, sending her a quick smile, then looking away before anyone could notice.

Both of his parents pull him into a tight hug, relieved.

***

A few days later Dan still hadn't returned home, and May and Joan were growing worried. Finally, though both parties were hesitant, Andy, Laurie, and Joan allowed their kids to meet up, completely unaware of their previous meets.

"No, May, that's not how you do it." Jacob laughs as the girl struggles to play the video game on his television. "Okay, Jake, this is hard. Cut me some slack here." May sighs. Noticing her stress, Jacob furrows his eyebrows, then pauses the game.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asks, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's my dad. He hasn't come back." May explains. "I—W—Why?" Jacob asks.

"How would I know. He left as soon as he found out you were innocent. He doesn't believe Patz wrote it. The letter." She adds. "I believe you, though, Jake. I don't think you did it." She smiles up at him.

Jacob smiles back. "Im okay, though. I think." She sniffles. "It's okay to not be okay, May." Jacob assures, causing her to chuckle a little bit.

Since when are you so motivational?" She jokes, wiping away her tears. "Only for you." He laughs.

"You are so weird." May shakes her head with a smile. "It's my specialty." Jacob grins. "Hey, I'm so happy we get to hang out now without hiding. Now that means you don't have to fall down my tree every time." Jacob smirks.

"Woah, Woah. You've got it twisted here. I only fell once!" She argues. He raises his eyebrows. "Okay, two—"

"May." He glares at her. "Okay, like three— four times. Jeez, why do you have to be such a bully." She playfully rolls her eyes.

"Because it's fun." Jacob laughs, leaning in, though she jokingly pushes his face away. "Hey, not if you don't take it back." She pouts her lip.

"Can't put them truth back in the box." He shrugs. "Very funny." May remarks sarcastically. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Happy?" He responds.

"Hm. Maybe... or maybe not." She trails off. Before she could say anything else, Jacob leans forward, connecting their lips.

He rests one of his hands on her waist as the other one holds him up since he had to lean over the bean bag he was sat on.

"May! Your mother's here!" Andy calls from downstairs, causing the two to break off their kiss. "Alright, I have to go." She frowns, standing up, turning around.

"Wait, before you go." Jacob grabs her wrist. "I have something to ask you." He smiles, looking down at his wrist. He was still wearing the bracelet.

"So, Uh, I just really wanna say thank you for forgiving me whenever I messed up big time, cause.. no one else would have done that. You let me explain myself and I.. I really appreciate that." He says.

"Of course, Jake." She nods. "So.. I, Uh, I was wondering if you maybe wanted to, Uh." He scratches the back of his neck. "Do you maybe wanna be my girlfriend, May?" He finally spits out.

May pauses for a moment, then blushes, looking down at the floor, then back up at the boy. "I'd love to." She nods.

It goes silent, until the both of them laugh due to the awkwardness. "May, sweetie!" Laurie calls out. "I'm coming, Mrs. Barber!"

"Okay, So, Uh...Bye." May pulls Jacob into a short hug, then waves him goodbye, running off downstairs.

As soon as she's gone, Jacob silently cheers to himself, jumping in happiness.