No. It’s to better track me, but I just nod, otherwise I look suspicious when I am just trying to be my own person.
Lastly, he orders me to arrange dates with Gabe and Blake. At least one in the next week.
“What if Blake says no?” I complain.
“He won’t.”
“I don’t like Gabe that way.”
“God will show your best choice. A date is harmless. Set them up or I will.”
Dad hugs me, and it is suffocating. Not in the tightness of his hold, but in the power he wielded to upend my life. It happened so fast and effortlessly, like his mortal hand was God’s will.
As I lay my temple on his shoulder, I have never wanted to be further from God than I do now.
I am an awful person.
I should’ve begged Daddy to drop the charges against Noel. I asked, but when he gave his first, “No way in hades,” I accepted it without a fight.
Because I want to see Jack.
The courtroom is quiet. Everything echoes in here. Something as simple as a door shutting is amplified. It’s bright and formal.
I sit beside Dad in the front row behind the attorney.
The door swings open and Jack and Noel walk in. As they pass, Noel gives me a shy smile. Jack ignores me.
I stare openly because I can.
They sit beside the public defender and the judge starts.
It’s all over my head. Lots of legal jargon between the lawyers. Topics bounce around. Noel reads a statement apologizing and swears he will never contact my family again.
Then, I hear words like minor, guardianship, public figure, responsibility, then plea deal.
The judge gives her ruling.
“Noel Killborne, I have listened to the circumstances and read the prosecutor’s plea offer, which would find you guilty of trespassing and dismiss the other charges. I accept these conditions and sentence you to pay a fifteen-hundred dollar fine and serve a hundred hours of community service in lieu of thirty days detention.”
Jack slams his fist on the table. “Fifteen-hundred dollars!”
“You can make payments,” the judge says dismissively.
There is conversation between the parties and then it’s over. Dad grumbles, but he contains his frustration.
Before anyone leaves, I tell Dad, “I need to find a restroom,” then slip out. I wait outside the doors, praying for the perfect moment to act.
When the doors open, I glance away so Daddy doesn’t see my frown. I move to follow him, but Jack appears next.
It’s the second I need.
As slyly as I can, I slip a piece of paper into his hand and walk on without a second look.
“Please God,” I whisper. “Please.”
Chapter 20
Jack
