Torn [J.Barber]

[12] SEE YOU

"You see a tragedy as enormous as this, and it makes you furious." Joanna begins. "You want someone to pay. I do too. I do." She nods.

"It's only human." She agrees. "But Jacob Barber is innocent. And I want to say that again do that there is no misunderstanding. Jacob Barber is wholly and completely innocent." She makes her way to the boy, placing her hands on his shoulders.

"When you understand what really happened that day, you'll see this case for what it is— a rush to judgement." She states. "The fingerprint, for example, that the prosecution made such a big deal about, you're going to hear how that print got there just as Jacob told the police officer who arrested him the moment that he was asked." She leans forward to the jurors, smiling to them.

"He saw his classmate lying on the ground, and he tried to help. And when he discovered that Ben was dead, saw all that blood, he panicked."

May let's out a shaky sigh, shutting her eyes for a moment. "He feared that if he told someone about the body, he'd become a suspect. After all, this was Ben Rifkin, the boy who bullied him. Everyone knew that. How would it look?" She exclaims.

"Does Jacob Barber wish he had been braver from the start and told the truth? Of course he does. It was the worst mistake he's ever made. It was a horrible, terrifying mistake. But he was a boy. And I don't give a damn how the state chooses to try him. He was a 14-year-old boy." She repeats.

"And boys make mistakes." She sighs. "But we are adults.. with a grave responsibility before us. A child is dead. Don't destroy another child's life to make up for it." She shakes her head. "That isn't Justice. That's just another tragedy."She concludes.

***

The trial was over for the day, and May and her parents were now home, sitting down in the living room. It was strange. Every time Neal spoke, May almost believed him. But as soon as Joanna would say her defense, she thought otherwise.

That is why she is so conflicted. But she knows it was not Jacob. It couldn't be. At least, that's what she had been telling herself ever since he was accused of the horrible crime.

"Alright, I'm gonna go to bed." May sighs, standing up. "Goodnight, May." Joan nods.

When May finds herself back in her room, she opens her computer, finding another news alert. Curious, she clicks on it, watching.

"The family declined making any statement when leaving the courthouse today." The reporter says, standing in front of the Barbers' home.

"And by all indications, plan to spend their night here at their home in Newton. What happens tomorrow is anyone's guess. However, opening statements suggest we could be in for an emotionally charged trial. This is Alex Wong, Channel 12 News." The man concludes.

May sighs, deciding to text Jacob.

🌺
Hey

🍃
Hey
So how was YOUR day?

🌺
Same as yours
Are you okay?
You looked really stressed out

🍃
Another kiss would help

May chuckles, blushing a little bit, then continuing to type.

🌺
Very funny
It's late
Maybe some other time

🍃
Can't wait

🌺
Just so you know, don't worry about me changing my mind
I'm sticking by your side

🍃
Thanks
I'm really glad
A lot of people aren't

🌺
Relax
Today was only the first day
It'll get better
Everything works out in the end

🍃
Yeah I sure hope so
Did you know they streamed it on TV?
I watched some of it online
They're practically exploiting us

🌺
What do you mean?

🍃
They're purposely filming it in a way that makes me look bad
And they keep panning the camera over to you and your parents just to get your tears on camera
It's sick

🌺
It's what the people want
Ignore it
Just see it how you want to see it
Not how the people see it

🍃
I wanna see YOU
Wanna FaceTime?

🌺
Okay :)

May receives the call, answering it instantly. "Hey, hey." She smiles. "Hi." He smiles back.

"You saw the news reporter outside your house, right?" May checks. "Yeah. They're leaving now, though. God, I can't wait til this is over." He groans.

"Just a few more days. And Jake, I want you to know, that I trust you, okay?" She assures. "Don't you ever change your mind? At least for a second? The arguments are just... they're so convincing." He sighs.

"It's his job. I won't lie to you, okay? Cause I know you won't lie to me. Sometimes, my perspective shifts, but then Joanna starts talking and I'm already back on your side. With the rate these things are going, you're gonna win. I promise." May grins.

"Thanks, May. I wish I could see you in real life right now." Jacob purses his lips. "Hopefully soon. Good luck tomorrow, I'm going to sleep."

"Night, May."