A chubby man wearing a long black robe, who looked to be around fifty years of age, came to take the important seat behind the large desk. My palms were sweating and my legs began to shake, reflexively I pressed them together. I took a deep breath. In and out. Then did it again. I was so nervous, I couldn't concentrate on what was going on in front of me.
The lawyers were conversing with the judge, then each of them had their turn to speak in front of the people gathered. The defense counsel went first, arguing that Michael had taken advantage of Bethany on the night of the party. Stylishly dressed in black, a woman in her mid-thirties with a golden ponytail was speaking on behalf of the so-called victim.
I was repulsed by the skank. She was stan
This small town was growing on me. The winding streets, the sweet two-floor houses, hiding in lush trees, and the cute shops were part of its charm. The idea of Michael living here, peacefully, surrounded by true friends was warming my heart. He had to win his case, he was not guilty - just different. Then maybe I would consider again the course of my future, including this tiny city and its amazing bonfire tradition.We arrived in the town gathering and it was already dark outside. Hundreds of people were paired in groups, talking and drinking while standing near the fire on wooden benches, brought for the event. Tall wood was wrapped tightly in the clearing far from the last houses. It burned with an intense flame while illuminating with power - it was hard to look at it. The wood had changed its color to golden-orange scorching lava.On its right was a freshly moaned loan, where a cowboy was enriching the air with a cheerful country song. Young girls with lo
“Mason, please don’t!” Bethany pleaded and her lawyer had to convince her to stay calm and silent.“With whom were you talking on the phone, Mr. Scott?” Our guy asked the witness.“Stephan. Bethany’s ex. They broke up because she was having some… mental problems. He convinced her to start going to a specialist.”The room filled with gasps and rustling by the surprising news. But what would make her brother say something that would make her look bad in court?“What mental problems did Miss Scott have?” The mustache man pressed, but answers were coming swiftly, impatiently waiting to roll out of Mason’s mouth.“She was… She is feeling insecure and is constantly seeking the attention of an important man. Like a popular man in town or an attractive man who is wanted by many, and she has the need to prove something to herself by winning the
It was as if his vision was penetrating the fabric of my clothes. The intensity of his gaze making me feel uncomfortable.Why was he so intimidating? His dark gray eyes seemed unreal, a demanding sheen illuminating them. In his presence, I felt uneasy, unlike myself, like I was made of fire instead of flesh. I couldn't help but gawk at him like a fool. It was something I grew accustomed to doing when I was around him. I wondered if he ever noticed it."Alex, did you restock the yogurt we spoke about?" He asked me seriously, yet I couldn't bring myself to think about yogurt. My work in his small shop seemed insignificant when I was in his presence; enchanted by him. He kept staring at me, awaiting a response.Finally, I found my voice, "You know I do all you ever ask of me." I bit my lip, remembering how I dreamed of his exposed body last night. Under the shower, the steam concealed his broad shoulders, abs and behind. Drops of water slid down his almost jet black hair, rolling down hi
I went home that day feeling like I lost something I never had. In reality, he was never actually mine, to begin with. I mean - yeah, he was physically with me every single day, but that was for work only. He never saw how he would tease me with his good looks and gentle attitude. I had slept with him countless times in my head, but it was all just in my mind. I thought, no – I was certain that I was in love with him.I came to this town because my cousin Clarissa needed my support after she got divorced. Her husband cheated on her with his coworker just two months after their wedding. At the time, I had freshly finished college and was as free as a bird. I had no decided career path and had a bad relationship on my own which left me conflicted as far as my life was concerned. A new beginning and a close friend in the shape of my cousin was just what I needed. We kind of kept each
I showered as fast as I could, hoping that Clarissa hadn't used my phone to do something stupid. Not soon enough I rushed back to my room and relaxed as I saw that she hadn't moved from her place and my mobile was exactly where I had left it. I went to the dresser and picked out a loose green tank top and my favorite black shorts. I felt perfect in that outfit. Sexy, but comfortable.I tossed the towel on my bed and dressed myself, without a drop of shame that there was another person in the room. We were so close - Clarissa and I. Ever since we were kids we shared clothes, rooms, secrets and my best summer vacations were always with her. Here was like a second home.I looked over at her, she seemed so obsessed with her phone that I laughed. Her smart brown eyes moved only for a second to see me and go back down.
My alarm buzzed with the most annoying sound – my favorite song. I thought that it wouldn't be that bad to be woken up by something I loved. No luck there. It was irrelevant that I had a hard time falling asleep, I had to get up at 6 AM to prepare for work regardless. I still wanted to dream about him...again. I was tossing around in bed, unable to escape my dirty thoughts and I didn't know what time it was when I finally drifted away again.I got up, went to the bathroom, tied my hair in a long dark brown ponytail, but did not curl it. In the mirror, my reflection was watching me with tired red eyes."Look at that, without a night out or any drinking at all..." I pointed to myself. I used a bit more makeup, hiding behind light brown shades, mascara, and black eyeliner. I didn't use lipstick, instead, I applied lip balm, which was
It seemed like I had fallen asleep when my phone rang with a new message from Clarissa. It was dark in the room and when I looked at the screen, my eyes were not welcoming its light. I blinked a few times before I read, 'So so so sorry I am late. Will be ready in 20.'I looked at the time and it was 30 minutes after 5 PM. I got up to go to the shower, realizing how the day was not better even after I got some sleep. At least I was dream free. While I dried my hair, I tried to think of a reason why I didn't want to go to the bar tonight. Clarissa would force me, no matter what I said. She was good at convincing. Maybe I should just join them and it would be easier for me to sway her not to talk about my boss.A knock on the door startled me as Clarissa walked inside, wearing a tight brown party dress and her cu
We walked inside and picked our favorite table in the corner near the wall and close to the stage. Most tables were abandoned as people were already dancing and cheering. Oh, yes...it was a "Rock on" night! A boy band was entertaining a small crowd. People were so lost in the music and maybe already drunk, because no one cared if I had enough space to get to my chair.I tried to sit, but the only place I could reach was in front of the table, and we were three. I turned around with a frown as Clarissa found a quick solution."Oh, it's okay. You can take that, we don't need a chair because we are going to be dancing." She grinned and grabbed Ethan's hand, taking him even closer to the stage, before he could protest.I p