Page 81 of The Final Straw

I meet their gazes with a narrowed stare, feeling Ollie beside me, her presence a steadying force. Her wicked little smile in their direction almost makes me chuckle. My girl is fierce, no doubt about it.

The jury files in, the air crackling with anticipation, every eye in the courtroom fixed on them. As the foreman, a middle-aged man with a stern face, rises from his seat, a piece of paper clutched in his hand, the room collectively holds its breath, the tension palpable.

"Your Honor," he begins. "We, the jury, have reached a unanimous verdict."

The judge, an imposing figure in his black robe, nods gravely. "Please proceed, Mr. Foreman."

The foreman takes a deep breath, his eyes sweeping across the silent courtroom, settling briefly on the defendant before returning to the judge. "On the charge of first-degree rape," he announces. “We find the defendant guilty."

The words hang in the air for a fraction of a second before the courtroom explodes into chaos. Jessica and Barbi shriek, their voices echoing in the large room. Jessica clutches her chest, her face a mask of disbelief and horror, while Barbi's anguished cries pierce the air.

"Order in the court!" the judge barks as he tries to restore order to the courtroom.

Slowly, the noise subsides, leaving only the muffled sobs of Barbi and Jessica. The foreman, looking slightly pale but composed, hands the verdict paper to the bailiff, who then presents it to the judge.

"Thank you, Mr. Foreman," the judge says. He glances at the paper, confirming the verdict, before addressing the courtroom. "Ladies and gentlemen, I understand emotions are running high, but I must insist on decorum."

Turning to the defendant, his expression stoic and his tone remains resolute. "Miss Johnson, you have been found guilty by a jury of your peers. You have the right to appeal this verdict."

“Your honor.” Barbi’s attorney stands. “I’d like to move to have the sentencing held in a week’s time.”

“Overruled. I’m ready for sentencing now.”

Barbi slumps in her chair, her face drained of color. Her attorney places a comforting hand on her shoulder, whispering words that seem to fall on deaf ears.

The judge's gaze then shifts back to the jury. "Members of the jury, your duty here is done. You have served your community with diligence and integrity. You are now dismissed with the court's gratitude."

As the jurors file out, the foreman lingers for a moment, his eyes lingering on Van, offering what I can only imagine is a silent apology. He then turns and follows his fellow jurors out of the courtroom.

"Young lady," the judge addresses Barbi, his tone severe. "What you did was a heinous crime. You hurt that young man more than you can imagine. And to make it seem like he can't be assaulted or that you can't be a perpetrator is disgusting. It raises concerns about how many other young men have been in Mr. Michaels' shoes and not been brave enough to come forward. Therefore, I’m going to make an example of you. You have no previous offenses, and I will take that into consideration. So it is my decision that you will serve the minimum sentence of fifteen years, with the chance of parole, and you will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of your natural life."

Barbi starts bawling as the bailiff handcuffs Barbi and drags her out of the courtroom while Jessica screams, “We’ll appeal the decision, baby. This won’t stand!”

Judge Williams stands, signaling the end of the proceedings. "Court is adjourned," he declares, his gavel striking one final time.

Van stands as the DA shakes his hand. He turns to us, and Ollie wraps her arms around him, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so happy for you. This is the best outcome."

Kipp and I clap him on the back, and I notice Kipp's eyes are glossy with unshed tears. "Come on, babe," I murmur, pulling him toward the door.

"We'll meet you in the hall," I tell Van and Ollie. She nods, understanding.

We head to the bathroom, and I lock the door behind us. "Talk to me, Kipp."

He wipes his eyes, struggling to keep his composure. "I'm glad Van got justice. I really am. But that's still my daughter that was just sentenced to fifteen years in prison. It's harder than I thought it would be. I just can't believe this has happened. I can't believe my child is a sex offender."

"It's gonna be okay, baby," I reassure him, pulling him into my arms. "We'll figure it out. We can visit her if you want or send letters. Just because she's a shit person doesn't mean your love for her vanishes. She is still part of you, part of your heart. That doesn't change. Ollie and Van will understand that. You just need to talk with them."

"I know," he mumbles. "It's just a lot, you know."

"I do," I whisper, kissing his lips gently. "I'm here. No judgment from me, you know that."

A knock on the door interrupts us, and we hear Ollie's voice. "It's me. Are you two in there?"

I look at Kipp, and he nods. I open the door. "Yeah, we’re ready. Sorry, we just needed a moment."

Ollie pushes past me and wraps her arms around Kipp. "I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how you must feel. I know you wanted her to serve her time and learn a lesson, but it still can't be easy to watch her get taken away and know she's going to be locked up for over a decade."

"It's harder than I expected," he admits.

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