Amnesia

Final Chapter

I look like a business woman; dressed very formal. 

I am sat next to Kaius and my family lawyer; his name is Joe Walker. We are waiting for them to bring in Ahren for his trial. 

I haven't been this nervous since Kaius had his accident. I remember sitting in the waiting area crying because I was so worried about him. Finding out he wasn't going to be able to see faces was hard. But we got through it together. 

I am disrupted from my thoughts when the judge slams his little wooden hammer on the desk. What is that thing called anyway?

"All rise for the trial of Ahren Mitchell." The judge says in a very deep voice. 

We obey him as the left door of the court room opens. Out walks a guard holding Ahren. He's wearing an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. 

The guard walks him over to where his lawyer sits to the right of us. 

As he walks past, he purposely holds eye contact with me while smirking. Although I find it intimidating, I don't show it. I stare back at him with confidence. 

The judge first asks Walker to state my case, listing all the things Ahren did.

I glance over at Ahren. He's leaning his chin on his hand, looking as though he has not a care in the world.

Next, the judge asks Ahren's lawyer to state their defense. 

I'm surprised to find that the lie of Ahren's 'personality disorder' is not mentioned. I thought Ahren's Father would have made sure that was included. Maybe Ahren told him not to since I know it's a lie now. Still, I would have thought Ahren might try to wriggle his way out of a long sentence. 

The judge first calls Kaius to the stand. I try listen carefully as he testifies. He is such a good speaker. So much confidence, not a hint of hesitation in his voice. His brilliant blue eyes look amazing in this lighting...I realize my mind has drifted. I wouldn't be surprised if I was drooling over him. 

Soon Kaius is done then the judge then calls for Ahren's Father to be brought in to testify. He is having to do time, same as Ahren. Only his trial isn't until next week.

Doctor Mitchell is brought in and sits on the stand. He is over all surprisingly very honest about everything that happened. Maybe he was come to his senses about the crimes he has committed.

He even admits to trying to steal my Father's research in the past. 

He says honestly that he just wanted Ahren to be happy and wasn't concerned about what he did to achieve it. He had power to cover up anything he did anyway. And he hated my family, so he helped. 

Although I appreciate his honesty, I don't really admire the way he is giving it. He is being very proud and presumptuous. 

The judge thanks him and has him taken away once again. 

He has a few other witnesses called to testify, including my fake parents hired by Ahren. But I have trouble concentrating because I am so nervous about my turn to go. 

Then the judge calls to the stand someone I am ashamed to say I had forgotten about. 

Lilly.

"My name is Lilly Mitchell." She starts, "I am Ahren's sister. I started working at my Father's hospital just a few weeks before I met Avyanna. Just helping out here and there to get some experience on my CV.  I found out, through some snooping, that Ahren was up to something, but I didn't know what. I heard that he had kidnapped someone, but I hadn't figured out who or why. Then one day, on my laundry rounds, I found a bruised boy locked up in the basement. I cared for him and spent time with him because he had no one. I got the impression that this was the boy Ahren had kidnapped, but I couldn't get him out. And in all honesty, I didn't tell anyone...because I was frightened what they would do to my brother. He is my brother after all." I see Ahren smile at her comment, "Kaius talked to me about a girl he loved, and that he was protecting her by staying here. He couldn't escape and leave her alone. When I saw Ahren and Avy together in the ER, I pretended not to know him. But when I realized who Avyanna was, I connected the dots. And now I really regret not saying anything. I disappeared because I was afraid, and ashamed of not intervening sooner. But now I know I have to help Avyanna get things righted." She smiles at me. I smile back. She always was so nice.