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Chapter 31: Like a skyscraper
Skies are crying,
It was the day of my hearing.
I am watching, catching teardrops in my hand.
I woke up early that morning, two hours too early.
Only silence, as it's ending, like we never had a chance.
So I took a shower, possibly my last shower at home, and sat in my balcony, looking over the view and I plugged on my earphones. Are we allowed to hear music in jail?
Do you have to make it feel like there's nothing left of me?
I read my favorite book and hugged my two favorite stuffed animal, my teddy bear from when I was younger and Piglet that Jason got me.
You can take everything I have, you can break everything I am.
True, I was sad, I was getting teary, but I was not afraid. Not anymore.
Like I'm made of glass, like I'm made of paper.
You know how when you eat chilli, it's very spicy and you can't take it? But then you eat some more and gradually you don't feel they're spicy anymore? I didn't know, but that might just be why I wasn't scared. I'd been scared and worried so much that I just didn't feel it anymore.
Go on and try to tear me down
My face was everywhere, the internet, newspapers, gossip magazines... almost the whole country was talking about my case, some scolded me, while others just analyzed the whole thing with no conclusion, only little supported me.
I will be rising from the ground
They used to bother me, the media, but they didn't anymore. I was over caring too much about what people think. I was innocent and I didn't care if no one in the world knew, as long as I knew, Cordelia knew, and God knew, it was enough, my family and friends knowing was just a bonus.
Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper
Breakfast had been eerily quiet, I could see Mom trying to hold her tears and Dad trying to look optimistic and Ashton biting his lip. Cara cried a lot when she helped me change.
As the smoke clears, I awaken and untangle you from me
As I arrived the court, I didn't feel anything. In fact, I felt relieved, like I got a piece of stone off my shoulder. The worrying, having to have a tutor to teach me, only going back to school to do tests, staying home all day were over, no matter what happened in the hearing, I wouldn't have to face that anymore. It was now or never.
Would it make you feel better to watch me while I bleed?
Genevieve and Ryan were there of course, they were Cordelia's granddaughter and son after all. Ryan gave me a smile and mouthed, good luck. We hadn't seen each other many times, but the few times were enough to make me like this jolly nice man. His daughter, however, just pursed her lips. I couldn't read anything from her, but she was probably happy to see me in this state.
All my windows still are broken, but I'm standing on my feet.
The judge was a petite woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties. Her dark skin seemed to be glowing with kindness. That was until the hearing started and thing a got serious, but she was still nice to everyone.
You can take everything I am, you can break everything I have.
The jury consisted of eleven people, five women and six men. Only two looked to be in their late-twenties. I took a deep breath as I looked at them. My fate was on their hands. I forced a smile on my face.
Like I'm made of glass, like I'm made of paper.
Luke smiled at me as I sat next to him. I was grateful I didn't have to stay in the jailbox thing, thank to Jase and his 'royal way' permission. That was probably the moment I started falling, when he said ''stop".
Go on and try to tear me down, I will be rising from the ground.
As we waited for the judge to come, I looked towards my friends who gave me thumbs-ups and smiles. We had a mini party yesterday night, the only party where my parents were invited. It was kind of a good luck / farewell party.
Like a skyscraper.
Trisha was next to my parents and she blew me a kiss. I blew one back.
Like a skyscraper.
Then I looked towards my parents. They had their hands clasped together, but both managed to give me a smile. I smiled back.
Go run run run,
Ashton was next. He gave me a goofy grin and went back to biting his lip. I laughed a little.
I'm gonna stay right here.
I saved Jason last. God knows how he managed to come to the hearing. He smiled and mouthed, love you. I mouthed it back. He gave up so much for me.
Watch you disappear, yeah.
The other lawyer was pretty convincing, I had to admit. He had like a hundred versions of one single theory on hand. If Luke argued one point, she immediately changed that point yet the theory still seemed logical.
Go run run run,
Apparently I wanted Sweets, the biggest department store in town which was owned by Cordelia, for myself, for my family, and I wanted her money and the experience unique jewelry set which Cordelia owned. So, I bribed Cordelia into leaving those things to us. Once she changed the will, I murdered her so that there would be no chances of Cordelia changing the will again.
Yeah, it's a long way down, but I'm closer to the clouds up there.
Ironically, the will was changed two weeks before Cordelia's death. However, Luke assured me during the break, it was all a theory, with no real evidence. It was, again, all up to the jury.
You can take everything I have,
"Do you solemnly, sincerely and truly swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
"I do, so help me God." I answered. Trisha gave me a crossed finger. I was then asked a lot of questions, which I tried to answer as accurate as possible, but seriously who would remember what they were doing on a particular day at a particular time?
You can break everything I am.
Ashton was up then. He was a bit nervous which was rare since he was usually really good with public speaking, and with the public. He kept repeating that I was a good girl, a loving and caring lady and the best sister He could ever ask for and that I wouldn't ever hurt a soul.
Like I'm made of glass,
It was kind of funny, the questions for the witnesses. Ashton, Dad, Cara, etc were all asked if I was their sister/ daughter/ lady etc and then told to point me out.
Like I'm made of paper.
I thought I cried in the hearing, but I wasn't sure. To be honest, I didn't remember much about the hearing. Everything I remembered were things that didn't matter, like the judge, the jury, saying the vows...
Ooh, go on and try to tear me down.
I hated the break, I was going to talk to Luke, but he was busy discussing the case with his assistant. I wanted to check out the jury and try to guess who would vote against me, but I felt like people were watching my every move. So, in the end, I told one of the guards that I had to go to toilet.
I will be rising from the ground.
"Will the jury first-person please stand? Has the jury reached an unanimous verdict?"
"Yes"
Like a skyscraper.
"The jury finds the defendant..."
Like a skyscraper.
"Not-guilty."
Like a skyscraper.
"The jury is thanked and excused. Court is adjourned."
Like a skyscraper.
I, Brianna Huntley, was free. For real.
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Author's notes
Hiiii everyone:)
This was quite a chapter, eh?
Now, a few of you asked will there be a sequel. The answer is I'm not sure, but even if there will be one, it'll be up two years later which is the time when I finally finish high school and my mom finally letting me write again.
ALSO... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SHAWN MENDES!!!!!!!!
Chapter pic: Shawn Mendes fan art (not made by me:P)
Chapter song: Skyscraper by Demi Lovato
Till next time:)
~Bethia※