Can't We Just Stop?

Safe

A month later

Toni's P.O.V
I laid on the couch, cuddled into Cheryl as we watched the movie Disobedience. Cheryl wanted to watch it, just because it had a lesbian couple in there. I didn't bother making a comment, so here we are now. It has been 2 weeks since we faced, Veronica, Archie, and Reggie in court. I smiled remembering the look Veronica, Archie, and Reggie had as they walked away in handcuffs.

Flashback

As we all sat down, the Judge spoke. "Members of the jury, your duty today will be to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based only on facts and evidence provided in this case. The prosecution has the burden of proving the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. This burden remains on the prosecution through the trial. The prosecution must prove that a crime was committed and that the defendant is the person who committed the crime. However, if you are not satisfied of the defendant's guilt to that extent, then reasonable doubt exists and the defendant must be found not guilty".

I glanced at Veronica who was on the other side of the courtroom, and she was smirking at me. I quickly turned my head back to the judge. "Mr.Marshall, what is today's case?" the Judge asked the Bailiff. "Your Honor, today's case is Veronica Lodge, Archibald Andrews, and Reggie Mantle versus Antoinette Topaz" said the Bailiff. "Is the persecution ready?" the Judge asked.

Mrs.Valentine, Cheryl's personal lawyer stood up and said  "Yes Your Honor", then sat down. "Is the defense ready?" the Judge asked. Veronica, Archie and Reggie's lawyer stood up and said "Yes you honor" and sat down while looking at me. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, and looked at the judge as he continued to speak again.

Skip all the boring stuff

Everyone went back into the courtroom as the two minute recess was over. During the two minute recess, I had an anxiety attack, and surprisingly it wasn't a long one like it usually would be. Cheryl just held held me and talked to me carefully. She kissed me every now and then, which I think calmed me down the most.

"May the Defendants and Defense counsel rise" the Judge stated. Veronica, Archie, Reggie and their team stood up. The Judge looked at the Jury and asked "Members of the jury, have you reached a verdict yet". The Jury Spokesman stood and said "Yes your Honor, we have".

"Members on the jury, on the Case of Veronica Lodge, Archibald Andrews, and Reggie Mantle versus Antoinette Topaz,  what have you decided?" asked the Judge. The Jury Spokesman then said "Your Honor, the members of this Jury find the defendant GUILTY!!". I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding back and I looked behind me and saw Cheryl giving me a small thumbs up.

I gave her a smile, and then looked at the Judge as he started speaking again. The three defendants Veronica Lodge, Archie Andrews and Reggie Mantle are found.....GUILTY!!!" said the Judge. I felt like crying when I heard those words, but I decided to hold them until after it was all done....for good.

"Archie Andrews and Reggie Mantle will be sentenced to jail for 4 years each, with no bail for having inappropriate videos and pictures of the client Antoinette Topaz and her girlfriend, and threatening to share them. Veronica Lodge will be sentenced to jail for 7 years. Trial dismissed" the Judge ended by striking the gavel.

I stood up and immediately ran into Cheryl's arms. I burst out crying as soon as we made contact, and Cheryl hugged me even tighter. "It's okay TT, they're gonna be gone for a while. All that matters is that we won, and you're okay now. Right?". I nodded my head against her chest and whispered out "Thank you Cheryl". As she still hugged me, she asked "For what?".