The Secretary

Chapter thirty one

When I roll out of bed I feel sick to my stomach. Today is the trial which means I will be seeing Katrina and Mikey for the first time since they've been taken away. I shake out my hands then get in the shower. Once I'm done I put on one of my favorite suits and brush my hair into a high ponytail.

I head downstairs and Misty happily greets me. "Hi my sweet girl." She barks at me and I lead her into the backyard. She runs around before using the bathroom. Once we are back inside I give her plenty of food and water. Berlin meets me at the front door and gives me a squeeze before we leave out. "Darnell said he'll meet us there with Dontae." I nod and start the drive to the courthouse. My nerves are bad and I flinch at almost every single loud noise.

When I pull up to the courthouse the building looks like something out of a scary movie. I step out of the car and give myself a pep talk. "You got this. It's in and out." A arm slides around my shoulder and Dontae comes into view. "Don't worry little one." My stress melts away and It's met with comfort. The day after what happened between Dontae and I was pushed to the side. Neither one of us wanted it to be awkward when we hung out. Dontae is a easy person to be around and he cared about what your going through. The past couple days we've gotten close and he's definitely one of my best friends.

They follow me into the courthouse and I meet my lawyer in the private room before heading over to the judging area. The judge walks in and I look around the room, frowning when I don't see Tae anywhere. So much for always being there...

"Court is now in session." The judge bangs his gravel and I flinch. "Today we will be presenting the state vs Katrina Salgado and Mikey Johnson." The door you the side opens out walk my two Tormentors. Mikeys eyes link with mine and the crazy I see in them makes me sick to my stomach. The judge calls me up to the stand and I slowly make my way. "Me. Parker, do you recognize these two people?" I nod but then remember I have to speak. "Yes your honor." My eyes lock onto my mom and I thank the heavens. She gives me a thumbs up and I take a deep breath.

"Do you recognize any of these marks?" Pictures of the horrific scars on my body come up and I feel like I'm going to throw up. "Yes your honor." "And do you know who made the ones on your legs and arms?" I point to Katrina who had a bored look on her face. "She did." The crowd let's out a few murmurs before the gravel gets banged. "I will have peace in my court room." The room falls silent again. "Your honor I think I'm going to be sick." The judge looks at me and quickly has one of his officers lead me into the back. I run into the restroom and empty my dinner from last night into the toilet.

Once I'm finished the officer leads me back into the room. "Ms. Parker, do you feel as though the attack was premeditated?" I stare at Katrina and Mikey for a minute. "Yes your honor." The jury has sympathy written on their faces and I turn away. I don't want people to feel bad for me. "Jury, what is the vote between Ms. Salgado and the state?" I stare at her Berlin who mouths something at me. "Guilty by insanity. Ms. Salgado is bipolar and has been on medication since she was thirteen." The judges gravel bangs down again and I refrain from rolling my eyes. "Two years in st toms." Katrinas eyes turn wild and I look away.

They drag her away and it's only Mikey left. "Mr. Johnson is there anything you would like to say to Ms. Parker?" Mikeys wild eyes find mine and I feel like my soul is frozen. "Sorry I didn't rape you when I got the chance." The courtroom erupts into chaos and I feel tears in my eyes. It feels like forever before the judge got the courtroom settled. "Mr. Johnson! We will no longer need to hear what you have to say." The judge shakes his head. "Jury?" My head turns to them. "Guilty." The gravel bangs once again. "Four years in the state prison." My lungs fill with air and I can't help the happy feeling blooming inside of me.