Lauren Sanders has been left to start a 'new' normal life with her aunt and cousin after her family died. Everybody knows almost everything except for two things: Lauren's parents' mysterious death and her schizophrenia.
Lauren goes out on a mission...
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I sat in the wooden chair, my eyes fixed on the polished mahogany of the judge's bench as the people around me buzzed with anticipation for the continuation of the trial. Atty. Hoffman was at the podium, his stern expression a stark contrast to the anxiety that had settled in the pit of my stomach. The echoing whispers of the spectators and the clicking of cameras from the news reporters who had traveled from different states filled the room. I tried to keep my head low, not daring to meet anyone's gaze.
Then, Atty. Hoffman began his opening remarks, his voice steady and unwavering, "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today we continue with the trial of Lauren Sanders, who stands accused of the most heinous crime unimaginable, the murder of her own parents." His words hung heavy in the air, each syllable like a nail in the coffin of my future.
I clenched my fists beneath the table, fighting the urge to look around the courtroom. My eyes were fixed on the floor, and my fingers played nervously with a loose thread on my dress. It was hard to believe that just almost three years ago, I had been a regular child, with dreams and aspirations like any other. Now, I was here, accused of the unthinkable.
As Atty. Hoffman continued to outline the case, I drifted into my own world, detached from the reality unfolding before me. The night before this critical day in court had been particularly trying. Clarissa and I had gotten into a heated argument that had left me emotionally drained.
I remembered how Clarissa's voice had trembled with anger as she accused me of putting too much faith in Aaren. "Lauren, how can you trust him so blindly? He's only getting involved because of his father's position. What if this is all some ploy to manipulate us? You're playing a dangerous game."
But I couldn't help but hold on to the glimmer of hope Aaren had given me. The photos of evidence that he had shown me, the whispered conversations about my parents' case, the things he had uncovered—it had all seemed too important to ignore. My heart told me he was genuine, that he cared for me, and that he wanted justice to prevail as much as we all do.
As Atty. Hoffman's voice faded into the background, I couldn't help but replay our argument in my mind. Clarissa's words had stung, and I wondered if I was being naive. The courtroom's imposing atmosphere felt a world away from the doubts that had crept into my thoughts the night before.
Suddenly, Atty. Hoffman's voice jolted me back to the present. He was now presenting the evidence and witnesses we had prepared to challenge the prosecution's case. My pulse quickened as I realized that the trial was moving forward, and I had to focus because soon after, they'd call my name to the stand.
I glanced up briefly, catching a glimpse of Aaren sitting in the back of the courtroom, his expression filled with determination. He mouthed the words, "I believe in you," and it was as if a lifeline had been thrown to me. I felt a renewed sense of purpose, a determination to fight for the truth and clear my name.
The courtroom drama continued, and I listened intently as Atty. Hoffman dismantled the prosecution's case piece by piece. But my mind kept drifting back to that night with Clarissa, to the heated argument that had threatened to fracture our relationship. I knew I couldn't afford to let my emotions get the best of me now. I had to stay strong and resolute, for myself and for the memory of my parents.
