Sorry I haven't updated for a few days, was just busy with school! So I'm really eager to know your guys' thoughts on this chapter especially... Sort of a different plot than I'm used to writing, but I'm enjoying the Mr. H drama. I decided to break it into multiple parts so I could post something... xx
Trial and Error, Part 1
Miles stood in front of the mirror, fastening his tie and looking back at his reflection nervously. Today was the day-- his dad's trial. If Miles was called to testify, he would have to make the choice between defending his father or telling the truth. He knew what his mom wanted him to do, and he was sure his siblings wouldn't exactly be keen on shipping their dad off to prison. Miles himself was still conflicted. After a lot of late night tossing and turning, he'd decided that he would do whatever it was he needed to do to protect the people he loved-- even if that meant throwing his dad or himself under the bus.
Lola walked into her bathroom where Miles was getting ready. She was wearing a nice blue dress and flats-- her baby weight was still sort of there, but she'd lost some of it and was starting to look more like her old self again. She carried Hope in arms, struggling to cradle the squirmy baby against her shoulder. "Hey," she said quietly, giving Miles a peck on the cheek. "You look handsome."
Miles smiled a little and then took Hope into his arms. He held the baby close, just appreciating how tiny she was and how soft her skin felt. She really was his whole world.
"Are you sure you want to come with me today?" Miles asked Lola, rocking Hope back and forth.
Lola nodded. "Of course," she said. "My dad's going to watch Hope. And besides... I want to be there for you. I need to." She fussed over him, fixing his tie.
"You know, the press is probably going to be hounding us," Miles sighed. "But don't be intimidated by them."
Lola let go of his tie. "Can't be any worse than walking around school pregnant," she laughed. She took a deep breath. "It's going to be okay, Miles," she said gently. "I promise."
Miles smiled a tiny bit. "We've been through a hell of a lot together, haven't we?"
"No kidding," Lola said, taking the baby back in her arms.
Miles gave Lola a peck on the cheek. "I'll go start the car," he said. He gave Hope a little handshake, holding her tiny fingers. "See you soon, baby," he cooed, kissing her hand.
As soon as they arrived at the courthouse to meet they rest of the Hollingsworth family, the press swarmed them. "Miles, Miles, what can you tell me about your dad?" "Miles, do you think he's guilty?" "Lola, where's the baby at?" Miles just walked straight through, holding his arm around Lola and not making eye contact with any reporters. He was used to this.
"Hey," Frankie greeted them inside, handing Miles a coffee. Since Lola was nursing, she still couldn't have any. "You feeling okay?" she asked her brother.
Miles barely looked at his sister. "Not... not really," he admitted. He sighed. "Franks, you know I don't do drugs anymore, right?"
Frankie looked at him in confusion. "Yeah, of course," she said quietly. "But what does that have to do with anything?"
Miles just shrugged, not wanting to dump too much baggage on his younger siblings. "Nothing, just... if I get called to testify and they question my character--"
"Miles, of course I'll back you up," Frankie said right away. "We're family."
Miles gulped, knowing that the word "family" applied to his father too. "Y-yeah," he said, faking a weak smile. "Of course."
"Well, we'd better get seated," Lola piped up, checking her watch. "Proceedings are about to start."
Miles and his dad immediately locked eyes as they filed into the courtroom. Miles felt his palms get shaky as the trial began. Lola sensed his nervousness and held his hand tightly, rubbing her fingers against his reassuringly.
The judge announced the charges Mr. H was up against: embezzlement, bribery, extortion, and possession of cocaine. Frankie and Hunter looked startled at the drug relevation, as did the reporters in the room. Somehow, that bit of information hadn't been leaked to the press.
Mrs. H was called to testify first. She talked about how hard these last couple of years had been for their family-- their separation, Hunter's battle with depression, Miles' addiction struggles, and Lola and Miles having a baby. Miles frowned. He hated being used as a prop like this. Mrs. H maintained that her husband was a good man, just overwhelmed by family problems. That the financial crimes had probably been an error, that she couldn't imagine him threatening anyone, and that she had never seen him do drugs in his whole life.
"Mrs. Hollingsworth," the prosecution attorney said, "if your husband is as drug-free as you say, then why did we find nearly 5 oz in his apartment?"
Miles took a deep breath. Mrs. H gulped and looked back and forth between Mr. H and Miles. She stared directly at Miles and simply shrugged, "I'm not sure."
Miles breathed a sigh of relief. At least his mom hadn't completely thrown him under the bus.
"The defense would like to call Miles Hollingsworth the third to the stand."
Miles' heart nearly stopped. He felt like he was going to pass out, his hands and legs were shaking so much. Lola squeezed his hand reassuringly as he stood up, looking equally scared as he walked to the stand.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Hollingsworth," the attorney said. She was a tall, fair-skinned woman in her thirties or forties, sporting thick glasses and a short haircut that made her cheekbones pop out rather unflatteringly.
"Good afternoon," Miles gulped, resisting the urge to tug at his tie.
