Party Pooper

JAMES

I left the majestic court building, pushing my way through a horde of relentless reporters once again, as I made my way towards my car. The blaring sounds of their questions echoed in my ears while I tried my best to ignore the bloodsuckers.

I felt a little better about my birthday after the day lightened up. It might not be a complete disaster like I thought.

To my immense relief, the prosecution barrister didn’t charge me with assault. However, there was to be a formal inquiry into Jenna's accidental death, a mere formality, as Judge Harris assured me. Her family asked for it, which I get, but I totally forgot about her family and what influence her death had on them.

In all the time we had spent together, I had only visited Jenna's parents' home on two occasions. They were not a tightly knit family, but Jenna's lineage held a significant influence, which explained my grandfather's infatuation with her. He valued social standing more than anything, and that was precisely why I