Page 75 of The Final Straw

“Yes, sir.”

“And did you see her put anything in it?”

“No. I sat down and she left to get it from somewhere outside of the room.”

He continues to ask questions about how the night proceeded, having me replay the events of the night and the details of my sexual assault. I had to pause several times, and it was hard not to bow my head in shame, but I did it.

At the end, the DA enters the video Barbi sent out and the recording Bre managed to get into evidence.

“See, he wanted it. He wasn’t raped. He just didn’t want his precious girlfriend to be pissed at him.” Barbi attempts to whisper to her attorney, but she’s so loud the whole courtroom hears it.

“Order in my court!” the judge shouts as he bangs his gavel. “There will be no more outbursts. The jury is to disregard the plaintiff’s comments. Mr. Baume, please proceed.”

“I have no further questions, your honor.”

That was the easy part. Now I have to be questioned by her attorney, and I know he’s not going to hold back any punches.

“Very well. Mr. Chevaux, do you wish to cross-examine the witness?”

He stands from his table and I catch a glimpse of the smug look on Barbi’s face.

Clearing his throat, he steps out from behind the table and moves closer toward the jury.

“Mr. Michaels, isn't it true that you’ve actually been in love with Barbi for years? That on the night you met them you were actually there for Barbi but Olivia interfered?” he questions and my mouth drops in disbelief.

“That’s all false. Not a word of it is true. My heart is and will always be for Olivia,” I protest.

“So you want the honored members of the jury to believe that you didn’t see that as a chance to sew your wild oats while your so-called girlfriend was out of town? What better chance than to meet Miss Johnson at a party and finally have the woman you wanted? Then when it’s over cry rape.”

“Objection, your honor, he’s badgering my witness.”

“Sustained. Stick to the facts, council.”

“Of course, your honor.”

“Mr. Michaels, let me rephrase. Your girlfriend was out of town and you finally acted on your desires for the plaintiff, Miss Johnson, but you felt guilty when your girlfriend found out.”

“That’s absolutely not true. I love my girlfriend and would never cheat on her. I love Olivia and I intend to marry her.” A loud harrumph comes from Barbi and all eyes turn to her.

“You want us to believe that the mere sliver of a woman sitting at that table raped you? You’re more than double her size and you weren’t able to fight her off.”

“I do, and it’s the truth. I was under the influence of whatever drug was placed into my drink, and in that state, I thought I was with Olivia.”

“Why didn't you go to the police right away? In fact, why did you still talk to Miss Johnson and invite her on dates after the incident?”

“Objection,” my attorney barks.

“Overruled. Please answer the question.”

“I did go to the police, and I was laughed at. It took all the courage I had to go after a good friend encouraged me to, and I was ridiculed. I knew I needed proof, a verbal confession, and that’s the only reason I continued to see her.”

I keep my eyes on Olivia the whole time, grounding myself. It’s the only way I’m making it through this. Her smile lightens my heart.

“No more questions, your honor,” her attorney announces and I stand and make my way back to my seat.

“The prosecution rests at this time, your honor.”

“Does the defense wish to call any witnesses?” the judge asks.

---