"Semi-Short Stories" [ Story Collection ]

The Trial [] 3/12 []

Max is pacing back and forth in front of the courtroom doors. There are a few others loitering around, waiting for the same thing that Max and Matthew were waiting for (one more impatient than the other). Valentine is nearby, texting someone (probably Romeo) on his phone.

"No. In fact-" They laugh. It's choked. "I think it's making it worse."

"Then maybe you should...come here, let me." Matthew has taken hold of Max's arm, pulling them in for a hug. They feel smaller than usual - Max thought it would be for the best to undo any changes they'd made to themselves until the trial was over. There was no need to have it be brought to anyone's attention, after all. But boy, did they not miss having to wear a binder. They also didn't miss having to periodically re-dye their hair, as it's now mostly ginger. They decided not to dye it this time and just wait until the trial was over so they could fix it themselves.

"I want this to be over already, I changed my mind. I don't want to call her out for anything anymore, I don't want to have to give a statement, Matt-" Max is fighting to slow their breathing. Matt is rubbing their back, which gives them something to focus on, therefore helping a bit.

"Who else has to make a statement?"

"My siblings and my dad, I think. So we have to sit through eight statements, including mine." They've mostly calmed. Taking a few deep breaths, they step away and rub at their face. They're not wearing makeup, so nothing smudges. They go to say something else, but the doors they stand near swing open.

All of their anxiety comes rushing back.