How To Save A Life

Chapter 19: i dont know how court proceedings work and it shows

Race POV

All of us newsies stood in a group as far away from Samson and his lawyers as possible.
None of us were really talking that much but every once and a while a joke was thrown out to lighten the mood.

I stood next to Albert listening to his dumb story and trying to block out my anxiety.

The doors opened and in came Diem's little group, Bradford and Milo leading the way followed by Katherine and Diem.

The stood against one of the other walls waiting.
Quickly I headed across the room taking Diem's hand and murmuring "Everythins gonna be okay."

She squeezed my hand in responce.
I turned to Bradford "How long 'ave we got?"
"Not too long now."

I nodded and took note of how Diem carefully held her arms closer to herself.
"'S a pretty dress, looks nice on you."
She sighed and let go of my hand to sign 'you always say that'

"Well dats cause it's true."
'Not with these showing'
I barely cast a glance at the scars on her arms before responding in sign 'you are beautiful, I love you scars and all'

'I love you too' she signed before taking my hand again as Samson moved across the room towards us.

I ran my thumb over her knuckles as he spoke "I'd like to have a talk with my sister before this starts."

Katherine who had stopped him said "Actually you can't."
"Actually I can. It is well within my rights."

Bradford stepped forward "Legally you cannot Mr. Glaspy, not until this trial decides otherwise."

"Why would I try something right before a trial that I am going to win?"
Bradford sighed as Milo said "Actually it would be up to Diem."

Samson turned toward us, "So, Diem care for a little chat?"

I could feel her hand start to shake slightly.
She glanced up at me.

If it were up to me I wouldn't want her too but she already began to sign 'yeah, i'll do it'
"She says she'll-" I started.

"I know sign language you dolt. Who do you think taught her?"

Diem gave my hand one more squeeze before following her brother into another room.
The door shut behind them and all my anxiety came back at once.

"Hey, she'll be okay. He wouldn't try anything with the trial minutes away." Katherine said.

"I know." I muttered, tugging the cigar out of my pocket and tucking it into my mouth.
Albert showed up at my side a moment later "Dude, chill out."
"Yeah, yeah I get it."

He patted my shoulder "What's da woist dat could happen?"
I started to open my mouth to say something but he cut me off "I didn't ask fer da list."

Spot sauntered over "Seriously Racer, long as she ain't as stupid as youse she'll be fine."
"An' youse pretty stupid so I doubt she could match dat level." Albert added.

"Well I ain't half as stupid as da two a youse." I joked back.

We continued to joke for a few minutes before the doors opened and everyone began to head into the courtroom.

Bradford knocked on the door Samson and Diem had disappeared behind calling "Alrighty Glaspy, times up!"

The door opened but before I could go to Diem Katherine grabbed my arm and dragged me along with the rest of the boys. "You can kiss her when we win." She muttered before taking a seat next to Sarah.