The Bitter Truth

Chapter 9

"This is your first offense, Mr. Jackson. Therefore, you will face the penalty of paying the sum of 1,000$ and doing prison for six months. Is there anything you would wish to add Mr. Jackson before I seal my sentence and dismiss court?"

Keith Jackson smirked devilishly. He indeed had a last request.

"In fact, I would. How about I negotiate my six months of prison for twelve months of partial community service?"

"Now Mr. Jackson, I'm sure you are an intelligent young man..."

"Thank you. If I weren't under oath, I'd return the compliment." The people in the room either gasped or chuckled.

"As I was to say, Mr. Jackson, in a court, there is no deals. I hope you understand this is nothing like your drug deals. Anything else before we proceed?" The judge impatiently asked.

Keith simply winked.

"Please make your answers oral Mr. Jackson."

Second wink.

"Court is adjourned." The loud wooden gavel hit the desk, making it final.

-----------------------------------------------------------

April P.O.V

The hallways that had been full of assholes only yesterday, but today, it had never felt so empty. Every beginning class made me think of William's presence on the chair beside me, torturing me sweetly in the dark. Every end of class, made me think Leo would be waiting at the door with a bouquet of roses. Every person that bumped into me made me think that perhaps it was Keith reaching out for me in an embrace to make Natalia Clark jealous.

On the contrary, I would never run in them today. William was in New York for suspicious reasons. Leo despised me. Keith was in prison because of me.

"Hey there."

I turned around to see a short, blond girl, smiling brightly at me. She was in my nursing classes.

"I never officially introduced myself, but I know you are April."

"umm... hey. And you are?"

"Myriam" She smiled even harder, making me worried for her stretched lips.

"Hi, Myriam. Nice to meet you. Umm. I'm sorry but I must be on my way." I smiled awkwardly before slowly turning around and walking away.

"Don't let me keep you! See you around?" She raised her happy voice for it to follow me down the hallways.

"Sure!" I yelled above the noise.

Hopefully not.

As soon as the day came to an end, I rushed and pushed past people. I couldn't wait to be home with Jenna and forget about the lonely and horrible day I had gone through.

The sight of my red car, Vanessa, encouraged my tired legs to walk faster. Opening the back door I literally threw my books, not caring at all.

"Tonight is the art session, or had you forgot about that too."

I froze. I turned around slowly, taking in the sight of Leo Sanchez, too heartbroken to be angry at me. I said nothing because nothing I would say could fix this. I slowly took a step forth and hugged him.

--------------------------------------------------------

"Turn your head slightly to the right, shoulders back, your eyes looking straight ahead."

I listened carefully and followed diligently every instruction. When Leo looked down on his draft to professionally shape my face with his pen, I slightly looked around. Leo's house was his studio. It was exactly what I expected it to be: messy but beautiful. Brushes, paint, paintings, rough drafts, and crushed papers were thrown around the place. His studio gave in he was an artist with no doubt.