Secrets

8

August

Sitting in the courtroom, I waited for Alei to show up along with this sentencing to beginning.

Its been two days since she basically ended things and shit been all the way fucked up.

Aside from not speaking to me, I wasn't able to see Gabe or Amirah. When I went by her aunt's place yesterday, she told me she had left and went back to the condo.

"Good morning?"

Looking up, Alei came through the little door way and sat.

"Morning baybeh."

Cutting her eyes at me, she looked at our lawyer.

"Good morning Ms. Edwards." He nodded.

"Is there anything we should know or expect for today?" She asked.

"Aside from jail time, y'all will be awarded with what the court feels is just where pain and suffering is concerned as well as all medical and funeral costs."

"Ok. And what's the maximum time he could get?" She asked again.

"Each count runs on a five to fifteen jail time and as its three counts, the maximum time he can get is forty five years."

"And the minimum?" I asked.

"Fifteen."

"And what you think?"

"I think they'll go easy on him to be honest."

"Why?" I asked annoyed.

"Its his first offense. So they would most likely give him the minimum time and possible parole."

"You gotta be fucking kidding me?" I shook my head.

"The main thing is y'all won the case August. His sentence is his to worry about."

"Still, fifteen years isn't enough for me."

"And I understand that but let's just wait and see."

Nodding, I took my seat next to Alei. I tried speaking to her but she completely ignored me.

As we did on the other court days before, we stood and welcomed the judge. Sentencing was shorted than anything else.

"Please stand Mr. Rogers."

Looking over at them, both him and his lawyer stood.

"Now this entire case was just so sad and unfortunate. Not only did you take away a child from their family, but you proceeded to taunt and terrorize the mother mainly to have your way."

Putting my attention on Alei, she sat with her head down.

"Because of your selfishness and lack of care for anyone, you drove highly under the influence and brought this upon yourself."

Anyone in the room could tell the judge was angry.

"As of this day, not only do I revoke your driving license, I revoke your license to practice medicine. You are also here by ordered to pay the plaintiff a sum of five hundred thousand dollars for both medical, hospital and funeral expenses as well as pain and suffering and is sentenced to twenty years incarceration at the account of all three charges. This case is close!" He knocked his gavel.

At this point, I was somewhat OK with the sentencing awarded. As we got up to leave, the defendant decided speak.

I didn't want to hear what he had to say, but Alei stopped.

"I'm genuinely sorry for all my actions." He apologized. "I know my words can't and won't bring back your child but please know that I'm truly sorry for all of this and the way I went about it."

"I pray you find peace within yourself for all of this." Alei spoke before walking off.

I didn't bother to say anything. I simply left as well. After agreeing to meet my lawyer once the defense attorney meets with him, I looked over at Alei who sat waiting.

"Ms. Edwards?" Our lawyer called.

"Yes." She stood up and smiled a bit.

"I know this isn't going to give you the justification for losing your daughter, but I hope it gives you some peace of mind."

"I hope so too." She agreed. "As much as I'm happy that we got justice,none of this is right and could have been prevented."

"Very true. I hope you two get some rest and August I'll see you soon."

"Yea man."

Fixing her purse on her shoulder, Alei walked off. Heading to my car, I got something and jogged over to her.

"Alei wait!" I stopped her.

"What is it?"

"I got you a new phone. I know you're still without one and I owe you this." I handed her the new iPhone.

"Thanks." She took it, placing it on the passenger seat. "Can I leave now?"

"I just want to see him." I admitted.

"Why?" She put her attention on me. "You already don't think he is yours so why do you want to see him?"

"I know he is mines baybeh. I was just so angry I spoke to hurt you and it was wrong of me. I miss you and Amirah and Gabriel."

"Whatever August? I have to get to work so if you don't mind."

Not bothering to fight her, I stepped aside and allowed her to drive off. Once she was out of sight, I got in my car and left.

My personal life at this point was just falling apart and I needed to fix it. I allowed what that bitch in New York said get to me after all and seeing that photo added to it but I'll be damn if I let that shit break up my family.

Alei

Pulling into my parking spot at the daycare, I got out and got my things before walking in.

I had dropped of Gabe earlier and was only collecting him to head back home.

"Hey boss, how did it go?" Michelle approached me.

"He got twenty years and has to pay us."

"Oh wow!"

"Yea. Plus the judge revoked his licenses and basically shamed him for his actions."

"And you don't seem to happy."

"What is there to be happy about exactly? None of this is going to bring back my child. No amount of money is going to have her in my arms and he's just going to sit in jail and have three meals a day off tax payers money."

Not knowing what to say, Michelle didn't say anything. Handing me my son, I kissed his chubby cheeks before saying my goodbyes and leaving.

I had taken a couple days off so I could just get some rest and focus on my children.

"How about we go to the zoo today bub?" I strapped him in.

Smiling he just looked me in my eyes. The way he stared at me was just how Aug would when we had one of our moments.

I still couldn't believe that he would question them but what can I say. It was what it was.

"Then after we get your sister, we can go to the aquarium." I kissed his cheek before closing the door.

Going around to my side, I got in and left. I was at a point where I was just numb to everything.