Chapter 10

The Trial

JPOV

I was kinda worried about how the trial was going to affect Bella. She has been doing really well. We have fooled around a lot lately and although I wish I could make love to her again, I understand that she is terrified. I still sometimes blame myself, but the support group is helping. Of course I have to edit my stories. I cant very well say that I think it Is my fault because I imprinted on Bella and that I am werewolf. I would committed rather than going to support group meetings. I just said that it was love at first sight for us and she left Mike for me. It worked and it helps me understand what Bella is going through, which is what this is all about anyway.

The trial was tomorrow at 10am. Mike was going to plead insanity, but when the District Attorney's psychiatrist evaluated him he found that Mike definitely knew the difference between right and wrong. So now he was pleading not guilty and Bella would have to testify. Kim turned state's evidence and plead to second degree kidnapping so she didn't have an actual trial, but was testifying today. She was sentenced to ten years with the possibility of parole after six years. Mike was being charged with kidnapping in the first degree, rape in the second degree and assault in the first degree. That asshole will never see the light of day again.

I got to Bella's around 8am so we could go to the court house. I could tell how stressed she was. She didn't want to testify, but knew she had to since there was no one else witness to the actual rape. Jake and I were testifying to how we found her when we got to the warehouse. Sam and the rest of the pack were coming to get us out of there incase we couldn't control ourselves. I didn't want to phase in the courtroom, but I knew that the defense was going to go at her full force. Emily met us outside and said the guys would be here momentarily.

They escorted Mike into the court room and I could swear he smirked at Bella as he walked by. This was going to be harder than I thought. I wanted to kill that ass. Kim was at the front in handcuffs and her pretty orange suit. She turned around to look at me and gave this I'm sorry look, but I just ignored her and concentrated on Bella. Did she really think that after what she did I was just going to forgive and forget. The elders of the tribe already agreed that when she got of prison she was to move far away from La Push and never come back.

The trial started off kinda slow. They read the charges and asked Mike how he plead. Asked if he understood the charges that were being brought against him and he nodded. The doctor testified first as to the condition Bella was in when she got there and what was done to treat her. To my surprise the defense didn't cross examine. Jake testified next and then it was my turn. That defense attorney was an asshole.

DA- Mr. Larson please explain what happened before you found Miss Swan at the warehouse.

Me - I had noticed that Bella, I mean Miss Swan had not shown up at my house. She was there everyday at 4 and she was an hour late. Chief Swan called me an hour later to tell me he was not too happy that Miss Swan spent the night and could he please send her home. I then told him that Miss Swan left my house at 11pm the evening prior. It was then that Chief Swan and I realized that something was wrong. About two hours later I was coming out of Mr. Uley's house when Miss Connors ran up to me screaming that Miss Swan had been kidnapped. I of course asked her how she knew and she confessed that she and Mr. Newton grabbed her from her house. Miss Connors told me that she left when Mr. Newton was talking about raping Miss Swan after he had hit her three times. Miss Connors told us where we could find Miss Swan. We called Chief Swan to tell him what we knew and took off to the warehouse to rescue Miss Swan.

DA - Could you please tell us what you found?

Me - When we got to the warehouse I called for Miss Swan and we saw that Mr. Newton was trying to run. Mr. Uley found him and held him until Chief Swan arrived outside. Mr. Black ran up to Miss Swan, I was in too much shock at Miss Swan laying on the floor naked and bruised to do anything. Mr. Black wrapped her in a towel and then took of his shirt to cover her. I will admit I threatened Mr. Newton, but would you do if you found your girlfriend naked in a warehouse? We brought Miss Swan out of the warehouse and into the ambulance, as Chief Swan arrested Mr. Newton.

DA - Thank you Mr. Larson. No further questions.

Now it was the defense's turn. Mr. Jackson, Mike's attorney got up and walked over to the stand and started his line of questioning.

Mr. Jackson - Mr. Larson, isn't it possible that Miss Swan had consenting sexual intercourse with Mr. Newton and that Miss Connors beat her up?

Me - There is no way that Bella, Miss Swan consented to having sex with that animal. Miss Connors was mad about the situation, but I believe her when she says she just wanted to scare Miss Swan.

Judge - Mr. Larson, you will refrain from calling the defendant names.

Me - yes sir.

Mr. Jackson - How do you know this Mr. Larson, you weren't there?

Me - Sir, I know Miss Swan. She and I are in love and she would never consent to sex with Mr. Newton. She would never, ever cheat on me. I know that in my heart. I have no doubts that Miss Swan was raped.

Mr. Jackson - How can you be so sure Mr. Larson. Miss Swan did leave Mr. Newton for you. Maybe she decided she wanted my client back in her life.

Me - That is not what happened. Miss Swan and I are committed to each other and no one else.

Mr. Jackson - No further questions.

I got down off the stand and Mike just smirked. He was a miserable excuse for a human being. Bella looked like she was going to pass out. How could they think that my Bella would ever lie about being raped. I saw how she was when I got to the warehouse.

Kim was called next and she testified that she was very jealous of mine and Bella's relationship and heartbroken that she was dumped for Bella. She admitted agreeing to Mike's plan to kidnap her, but had no intention of causing her physical harm. She stated that she witnessed Mike hit Bella three times and that when she realized that Mike was going to rape Bella she ran out while Mike was gone and raced to the reservation to get me.

The defense attorney basically accused Kim of making this all up and that it was her that beat Bella and that she was jealous that Mike still showed an interest in Bella. That it was a known fact that Mike and Kim had a sexual relationship and that she was trying to get back at Mike and Bella. Kim stayed strong and said again as she cried that she did kidnap Bella, but didn't plan on hurting her and ran when she realized Mike's intentions. He finished with his cross examination and Kim was led back to her seat.

We took a two hour recess and then it would be Bella's turn to take the stand. The defense decided that Mike would not testify. I don't know why he was stupid enough not to testify if he was pleading that he was innocent, but whatever. It made it easier with him not testifying. Bella was so nervous during the recess that I didn't think she was going to make it. Emily and I took her outside to get some air and she lost it.

"Jared I cant do this. I want to go home. I cant testify. They are going to make me look like a slut Jar-."

"Bella you can do this. We all know what a monster he is and I know you are brave enough to do this. You know that if you don't testify he will only be charged with assault and kidnapping. He will be out in ten years. You can do this baby."

"Bella. I know you can do this" Emily assured her. "You are a strong, strong woman. Lets get this over with and we can go home. You can do this."

She calmed down some, but just sat there until we were called back inside. What if she could take this and she fell back into the shell of a person she was before she started therapy. I was really worried about her.

BPOV

I was so scared I thought I would pass out. If it wasn't for Jared and the others I would have chickened out and ran. Jared was my rock. He has been amazing and I owed to myself and him to do this. It was the only way I could really get passed this and we could move on. We got back into the court room and the judge stepped back in. We resumed and I was called to the stand. The bailiff had me swear against the bible that I was telling the truth and the DA began.

DA - Miss Swan, I know this is hard for you, but please tell us what happened after you left Mr. Larson's house.

I can do this. I can do this.

Me - I got home around 11 and got out of my truck to call Jared and let him know I was home. I closed the phone shut and was grabbed from behind. A rag was put over my mouth and I lost consciousness. I'm sorry this is just very hard for me.

DA - Miss Swan we understand. Would you like a glass of water?

I couldn't hold back my tears. It was nearly impossible. I didn't even know if I would be able to speak.

Me - Yes I would like some water please.

The DA brought me some water and urged me to continue.

Me - When I came everything was a little blurry. As soon as I could focus I noticed that Kimberly Connors was sitting next to me and that I was handcuffed to the self behind me. I was terrified. I noticed after a minute that I was at Newton's Outfitter's warehouse. I had worked there a few summers ago and had to sometimes go to the warehouse to get overstock. I couldn't imagine that Miss Connors did this by herself, but I wasn't sure. She informed me that I knew why I was there and I didn't belong with Mr. Larson. A few minutes later Michael Newton returned with food and greeted me telling me It was nice to see my conscious. I told Mr. Newton he was crazy that Jared would be furious that he took me.

DA - Go on Miss Swan

Me - He offered me food but I refused not knowing if he poisoned it. He got mad and told me he wanted me alert and alive for what he was going to do. It made him mad that I refused and he smacked me. Miss Connors seemed appalled and was furious stating that there was never any intention on hurting me. Mr. Newton stated that she was stupid if she thought he was going to get me here and not teach me a lesson. That I needed to find out again what being with a real man was like. (At this point I was crying and shaking. This was awful and it was just the DA. The defense attorney hadn't even started.)

DA - Miss Swan continue if you can please.

Me - Um…Miss Connors got very upset and tried to talk Mr. Newton out of doing anything and even said she would drop me off in La Push and that they could run. Mr. Newton hit me again and went to the restroom. At that moment Miss Connors apologized to me and ran out of the warehouse. I couldn't believe she just left me there. A few minutes later Mr. Newton came out of the restroom.

This is where I knew I was going to completely lose it. I had to recount what happened to a room of strangers along with my friends, family, and Jared what Mike did to me. Jared and I didn't really talk about the specifics. I didn't want to talk about it and I am sure he couldn't take hearing it. I glanced at him hoping he would see how sorry I was and I saw nothing but sadness and love in his eyes. My dad showed the same thing in his eyes as did the rest of the pack.

DA - Miss Swan?

Me - Mr. Newton came back saying how much he missed me and that and that he knew I missed him too. At this time I was willing to try anything. I didn't want him touching me. I tried to convince him we could try to work things out, but he saw through me realizing I didn't mean a word I said. He accused me of trying to trick me and that he knew as soon as he released me that I would run back to Jared. He told me to get ready and started coming towards me. I tried what I could to get free but it was no use. He smacked me again and it is a wonder I didn't pass out. I thought if I focused on my Jared it wouldn't be so bad. Mr. Newton kissed me and I turned my head. It made him mad and he grabbed my throat, telling me if I was smart I would just lay there and take it. He shoved his tongue in my mouth and I thought about biting him, but was afraid what he would do.

I was crying harder now than I did when it was happening. Just the thought of reliving this was killing me.

DA - Can you go on Miss Swan?

I looked back towards Jared and he was in tears. The rest of the pack looked either disgusted or was in shock. Emily was crying as was my dad. I felt defeated, but I was almost done and damn it I was gonna help put this asshole away.

Me - Yes I can go on. Mr. Newton ripped off my clothes and grabbed my nipple in his mouth and bit down hard, as I screamed. He just laughed. He started rubbing me in between my legs and it hurt so bad I cried. He told me he knew I liked it rough and called me a bitch. He got mad when I didn't respond and he grabbed my head pulling my hair. His exact words were

"You can at least try to pretend you are not thinking about that asshole. You are with me you fucking slut. ME! Not him and after this he will never want you again after he realizes what a whore you are. Hell no one will want your skanky ass."

He spread my legs and jammed himself inside of me. It hurt and I cried out in pain. He continued to rape me until he ejaculated inside of me. When he was done he slid out of me and told me that now I knew what it was like to be with a real man again. He threw a towel at me and uncuffed me so I could clean myself off. It was then that I heard the sweetest sound. My Jared and the guys had come to find me. Mike tried to run but Sam Uley grabbed him until my dad, Chief Swan arrived. Jared was in shock and couldn't move. Jacob Black wrapped my naked body in the towel and then gave me his shirt to cover me. I walked up to Mr. Newton and spit in his face. I know it wasn't lady like, but I couldn't stop myself from doing it. I collapsed . I regained enough strength to run into Jared's arms and he carried me outside to my dad. I told my dad that Mr. Newton had raped me and they arrested him. I rode to the ambulance to the hospital.

DA - How have you been holding up Miss Swan?

Me - The first month was horrible, but I have recently started therapy and a support group. If it wasn't for my family and Jared I don't know what would have happened to me.

DA - Thank you no further questions.

I sighed as I realized I was done telling everyone what happened and I could see the anger on Jared's face. Jake was crying and my dad had to leave. The defense attorney then started his round of questions.

Mr. Jackson - Miss Swan isn't is true that you broke up with Mr. Newton for Mr. Larson

Me - Yes, that is correct.

Mr. Jackson - and isn't true that you had sex with others at your school?

Me - No! Those were horrible rumors Mr. Newton started in anger. I have never had sex with anyone except for Mr. Newton when we were together and Jared Larson.

Mr. Jackson - So isn't it possible according to my client that you were bored with Mr. Larson, but Miss Connors couldn't stand to see you together and she kidnapped you and beat you. That you willingly had sex with Mr. Newton at the warehouse? That you don't want Mr. Larson to know how promiscuous you really?

Me - NO! That is not true. I would never have sex with Mr. Newton willingly now that I am with Jared. He raped and beat me. Miss Connors left when she realized what was happening. Since Jared and I have been together I have not been with anyone.

I looked back and Jared was shaking. Sam grabbed him and ran out of the court room. I broke down knowing what this was doing to Jared. Jake tried to smile at me, but it came out as more of a grimace. I could feel myself slipping.

Judge - Mr. Jackson if you don't have anymore questions, Miss Swan doesn't look so good.

Mr. Jackson - No I don't have any other questions.

The DA announced that the prosecution rests and Mr. Jackson didn't try to offer a defense. They knew it was over. I was excused and went to leave the stand and everything went black.

I woke up in a strange room realizing I was still in the court house. I looked up and saw that I was in Jared's arms and that he was relaxed.

"Jared I am so sorry."

"Bella, what are you apologizing for? I knew that today would be hard. I am so sorry I wasn't there for you."

"Jared you saved me. You save me everyday. I love you."

" I love you too honey. The jury should be back in a few minutes. Are you okay to go back?"

"Yes I just want this to be over with."

We walked back into the court room and everyone just stared at me. I felt so exposed. Mike turned around and smiled at me. That bastard had no remorse whatsoever. Please let this end please.

We sat down and the jury returned five minutes later. The judge asked the foreman to stand and asked Mike to stand with his attorney as well.

Judge - As the verdict is read there will be no outbursts. Mr. Foreman, on the count of kidnapping in the first degree how do you find the defendant?

Foreman - Guilty as charged

Judge - On the count of rape in the second degree how do you find?

Foreman - Guilty as charged your honor.

Judge - And finally on the count of assault in the first degree?

Foreman - Guilty as charged your honor.

Judge - Mr. Newton I see no reason to hold off sentencing for a later date. Miss Swan deserves to have this put behind her. Do you have anything to say for yourself before I announce your sentencing?

Mike didn't say anything he just stood there smug as always.

Judge - Mr. Newton I can see you feel no remorse. So I will show you no mercy as well. As of today you are sentenced to life in jail without the possibility of parole. You will be transferred to Seattle to the maximum security prison. Bailiff please remand the prisoner. Miss Swan I want to thank you for your bravery today. I know it had to be terrible for you. Court adjourned.

They found him guilty. Jared grabbed and ran out of the court house. We ran outside and I grabbed Jared and cried. Partially in relief that Mike was found guilty and that I could get on with my life. I looked at Jared and he was crying to.

"Let's go home Isabella. I am so proud of you."

I moved in with Jared that night and knew that we would be ok.

A/N Whew that was a long one. I just didn't want to break it into two chapters. There is another lemon in Bella and Jared's future. Thank you for all of your great reviews!! I love you all ~Lauren