Chapter 11

Disclaimer: I don't know much about what happens in courts or in jail. I researched as much as I could, but it's most likely not going to be exact. I really did the best I could, and sorry if anything is wrong. As always, thanks for reading!

Hanna looked at herself in her full length mirror, she had on black flats, a black pencil skirt that went down to her knees that she had borrowed from Spencer and a dark pink blouse. She had some simple diamond earrings on and her hair was down. She looked put-together and not like she hadn't eaten since yesterday morning because of a giant knot in her stomach. This was the day she'd be testifying against Wilden.

Ashley peeked in the door, "You look beautiful, Hanna," she said.

"Thanks, but I feel stuffy. And like I'm about to throw up."

"Well, if it helps, Veronica said that the case is won already, the trial is just for looks."

"I'm not worried about the trail, Mom, I don't want to face Wilden." Hanna said.

"I know, honey. But you won't even have to speak to him. Everything will be fine," Ashley comforted her.

Hanna nodded, she couldn't stop thinking about that call. She hadn't told anyone about it and she didn't know why. Something was just holding her back.

Her mom went downstairs to call Veronica, leaving Hanna alone with her thoughts.

Her phone beeped, and she reached over to her nightstand to get it.

Good luck at the trial today, Hannakins.

Make me proud, I'll be watching.

-A

Hanna felt nauseous. She ran into the bathroom and threw up what little was in her stomach. She felt a hand pulling back her hair. She wiped her mouth then stood up. It was Caleb in his suit and tie. She hugged him and he squeezed her into his chest.

She was glad Caleb was there, this whole time he had been amazing; she really didn't know what she would do without him. He was also testifying today, and it felt good knowing he had her back if Wilden tried anything. Her friends would be there too, and also her dad, that she was a little nervous for but she was glad he was coming for her.

The drive to the court-house was long, and it didn't help that Hanna felt as if everything was going in slow motion. The whole car was silent, everyone had given up on trying to make conversation.

When they arrived, Hanna could already see her friends and their families standing outside the court-house. The court-house was this big brick building with white columns and a white roof. She drove past it many times, but had never actually been in it. After she had hugged everyone they all walked in the looming building.

Hanna took her seat with Mrs. Hastings at the plaintiff table. After a while, an officer brought in a handcuffed Wilden and sat him down next to his attorney.

A man with short brown hair and green eyes said, "All rise, the honorable Judge Sterling presiding,'' Hanna stood and caught a glimpse of Wilden staring at her. She turned away.

Judge Sterling sat down and said something, but Hanna didn't hear him, she was too busy feeling the burn of Wilden's gaze.

The next thing she heard was the Judge saying, "Darren Wilden, you are charged with the rape of Hanna Marin, a minor. How do you plead, guilty, or not guilty?"

"Not guilty,'' Wilden says.

Veronica leans over and whispers to her, "His case is weak. Everyone knows he's guilty."

Hanna nods.

"Hanna Marin, will you please stand,"

She did, she could feel her legs and hands shaking, and many eyes trained on her.

The same man who introduced the Judge addressed her, "Hanna Marin, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

"Yes," Hanna answered.

"Proceed,''

"A couple of months ago, I was getting ready to go to school. My mom had already gone to work. I heard a knock on my back door, it was Detective Wilden. He forced his way in and pushed me down on my counter top. He was kissing me and he started to unbutton my shirt. I couldn't get away because he had me pinned down, I struggled, but he would just yank my wrist. Then he got a phone call and had to leave, but he told me he would be back. I was scared, I called my boyfriend, Caleb Rivers, and told him everything. Then when my friends came to my house after school, I told them everything too.

A few days later, I got called down to the office, the vice-principal told me that someone was here to question me about Garrett Reynolds. I went into the office and there was Wilden. He pushed me against a wall and he kissed me. I could smell alcohol on his breath. He threatened me and my family and friends if I told my mom or the police. Then-"

The Judge interjected, ''What did he threaten you with?"

"He just said that he would hurt them, and that what he was doing would keep happening," Hanna answered.

It wasn't technically a lie, exposing their secrets would hurt them. Hanna knew she probably shouldn't have lied, but what was she supposed to do?

"Okay, continue," said the Judge.

"Anyway, I didn't hear from him in a week. I was just getting fine with being alone. Caleb and all my friends were busy, and my mom left for a conference at 5:30 pm. At around 6, I heard my back door swing open and the sound of footsteps. I was scared, I ran up to my room wanting to get my phone, but Wilden backed me into a corner. He pinned me to the wall, I screamed but I knew nobody would hear me. He told me that we could be so happy together if I wouldn't fight it. he threw me to the ground and I hit my head really hard. I felt dizzy and I could see black spots, everything was a blur. He kept hitting me and at some point-" she cut off. She got choked up and could feel that lump in her throat.

Hanna took a deep breath, "At some point he had ripped my clothes off and his too. He raped me and I blacked out. I don't know what happened after I lost consciousness; the next thing I remember was waking up in a hospital." she sat down, recounting it all made her feel ill.

Veronica stood up, ''I would now like to call Caleb Rivers up to the witness stand.''