Kathryn has found herself in a toxic relationship with a man who has manipulated her to believe that his controlling behavior is out of love for her. When he finally crosses the line she decides to leave him, which makes Jake spiral. He quickly goes...
I had been pretty much staring at myself in the mirror for the past few minutes, I've been dressed and ready for a while now but I keep staring at myself; contemplating whether I truly want to go or not
I want this all to end, I really do, but something about seeing him in any way is gut wrenching. Michael stood in my doorway, leaning on the door frame with his hands in his pockets; I could tell he was slightly concerned as he watched me stare at myself in the mirror.
"ready as I'll ever be" I mumbled
"We don't have to go" he began to walk towards me, he put his index finger under my chin to pull my gaze away from the mirror in front of me and to his eyes instead "If you would rather stay home we can do that"
"I gotta go, I need to make sure he will stop doing this to me" I turned my head to look at myself one last time in the mirror, and slightly adjusted my white blazer, turned to face Michael and smiled before taking his hand in mine
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"You're, going to be in court room 4 which is right down the hall" the kind older lady motioned towards the big wooden doors with a sign above that read IV
"Thank you ma'am" Michael thanked her for both of us, he took my hand once again and we began to walk towards the court room
I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, not necessarily faster, but louder. On the drive here I felt more nervous than anything but now I feel a tad bit of fear. I promised myself that I wouldn't show it though, I can't let him see the fear in my eyes.
Michael pulled the large door open for me, following closely behind as I slowly walked into the room. It was kind of quiet, besides some soft chattering and whispering between the lawyer and whoever else was at that table with him. I could see one of the bailiff's at the front, I'm assuming he is patiently waiting for Jake to be walked in.
Michael and I took our seats in the middle row so that I wasn't too close but also not too far to where Jake would be standing. My lawyer turned and gave me a smile, Michael was kind enough to take care of everything for me so I didn't even have to call the lawyer myself. I'm assuming that since this could be considered a minor offense there wont be need for a jury. I looked at the wall above the Judge's seat to see a large clock that read 12:55.
Almost on cue, a side door opened and out came Jake; his hands were cuffed and he wore a bright orange jumpsuit, another bailiff directly behind him. He looked over at me, making eye contact for only a split second before he was shoved down into his seat. In that second I could see anger in his eyes, while I tried to hide the fear from mine.
Michael put his hand on my thigh, in a way to try to remind me that I'm not alone. I placed my hand on top of his, gripping it a little tight in a way to remind myself that he's here. I could see Jake looking over his shoulder every once in a while through my peripheral vision, I did my best to keep my eyes away from him. At times I would look down at my hand on Michael's, others I would look towards the ceiling, or even at my shoes.
Mumbling noises were heard within the room, and then a code was spoken through a walkie talkie that the bailiff had. He stood up straight, hands behind his back and right as the door behind him opened he spoke
"All rise" he belted, everyone including Michael and I stood up "The District Court of the State of Texas is now in session. The Honorable Judge Churchill presiding" The judge took his seat and the bailiff handed him some paperwork once he was seated.
"Please be seated." the bailiff spoke as the Judge browsed through the papers and everyone took their seat
"Case against Jacob Thompson for violation of restraining order" the judge started to speak "Mister Vernon you may begin"
"Thank you sir," my lawyer stood up, a few papers in his hand "Your honor, a restraining order was written up against Jacob Thompson on March twenty first. Since that date my client has received numerous text messages stating things mister Thompson would tell her prior to the order being placed. She has seen him follow her on multiple occasions and has been mentally tormented by him. We are asking to extend this order to three years protection and for the defendant to be sent to jail for minimum of one year"
"Mister Debs you may proceed" and then Jake's lawyer stood up, my hand tightened around Michael's. I could feel my whole body stiffen up at the thought of what he was going to say
"Your honor" he started "my client Jacob Thompson was in a long term relationship with Miss Hill up until about a week before the restraining order was placed. As you can imagine his heart was and still is broken by this sudden change that was instigated by Miss Hill" I looked over at Michael, worry overcame my nerves and I know he could see it in my eyes.
"my client was in love with Miss Hill, and still is if we are being honest, his actions are an outcome of his pain and sadness. This is something that he will eventually get over but with it being so new and unexpected, he just doesn't know how to handle the situation. We believe that jail time shouldn't be required or necessary as long as the protection order is out. Thank you"
There's no way the judge can believe this crap, there's no way that Jake is going to get away with any of this. That's all a stupid excuse for his actions.
"Mister Thompson, is there anything you would like to add?" the judge directed his question to Jake
"Yes your honor" he spoke as he stood from his chair "I would like to take this moment to first apologize to Kathryn for what I have caused her. I feel nothing but love for her and I just didn't know how to handle losing her. Your honor, if you notice I do not have anything bad on my record. I have always been a wonderful member of society, this would be the first on my record and truly its because I am head over heels for Kathryn and her breaking off our engagement sent me in for a loop. Overall I apologize for this entire circumstance"
He glanced over at me before sitting back down, he's always been a good manipulator and he definitely put up a good act.
"Alright" the judge began, my grip once again tightened around Michael's hand "I have come to my decision on this case."
I took a deep breath in preparation for what was to come
"If you ask me, this is a basic case of a broken heart" just then, everything around me paused, suddenly I could feel my stomach fall to the ground and my hands getting clamy "it seems to me that this young man is no danger or threat to the community. However you did violate a restraining order and for that you will have a consequence"
I looked at Michael who looked hopeful at the sound of those words, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't myself.
"Jacob Thompson, for violating this restraining order you are sentenced to sixty days in community jail with three months probation. Abide by your probation and I will make sure the sixty days in jail won't go on your public file"
My body reacted before my mind did because as he finished his sentence I was already pushing the large wooden doors open to exit the court room