Days had passed and rumours were swirling around the school on the whereabouts of Justin Foley as he hadn't been seen or heard from in a while, speculation grew that Bryce might have something to do with his disappearance since they were the best of friends. The school were not that much bothered as they hadn't reported him missing to the police, I had filled in Officer Ashley on the whereabouts of Justin and she had got in contact with the local police force to keep an eye on them for witness protection

Clay and I went to City Gym for a workout session since we had nothing to do early Saturday morning, we decided to do a weights workout and go straight for the bench press machine since it was quiet in here. I adjusted the right weight on the bar and laid down on the bench with my hands on the bar, Clay stood behind the machine and was ready to catch it if my arms buckled under the weight….

During my last set of reps on the bench press I was distracted by Clay not paying attention to what was happening, slowing down my reps I called out to Clay who dropped his gaze downwards towards me

'What's up Mason?' he asked kindly

'You seem distracted Clay, what's on your mind'

'This whole thing with Justin and the rumours surround him, do you think they are true'

'What are Clay?'

'Well you know that he came forward to the police and gave his statement, saying what really happened and now no one has seen him for days. The rumour being that Bryce has something to do with it'

'Bryce hasn't done anything to Justin they are the best of friends'

'That statement must have twisted Bryce up the wrong way' he stated. 'It's not going to do him much good in court when it is referred to him'

'He may be capable of a lot of things but Bryce wouldn't get his hands dirty and commit murder'

'But how do you know for sure'

'Because I know where Justin is hiding at the minute Clay'

'What! How do you know for sure Mason'

'I helped him leave this town the other day, he's safe right now so you don't have to worry where he is or how he is doing'

'You guys hate each other so why did you help him leave'

'We both knew once that statement got to Bryce, he would make sure Justin couldn't attend the trail to answer any questions when asked on the stand'

'Justin will be back in time for the trail won't he? Wherever he is hiding'

'Officer Ashley has organised witness protection for him and his mom so he'll be back for the trail'

'Must be lonely where they are staying right now with no one to talk to other than each other'

'That's why I took the liberty of giving him a replacement phone so he can talk to me if he gets bored of his mom'

'I know I didn't really talk to him much during Liberty but you can give him my number if you like so he's got another person to talk to'

'Yeah well thanks Clay, I'll give him a message later about it'

Clay and I swapped places on the bench press and adjusted the weights on the bar, keeping watch over him I readied myself just in case Clay dropped the bar under him, counting the number of reps together as we went through his sets Clay wanted to complete….

Moving onto the weights I stood in front of the mirrored wall and picked up some dumbbells, after his water break Clay grabbed a small set of dumbbells and joined my side. Feeling the workout wasnt hard enough I changed the weight to a heavier set

'Everything ok Mason? You look kinda tensed up' Clay proclaimed

'I'm fine Clay nothing to worry about'

'I'm always here for you buddy if you want to talk about anything serious'

'I know Clay but it's this god damn trail that's coming up'

'What about the trail'

'I've been in one before back home in Nevada and I know how they go. The waiting game and the character asasination on the stand, I'm worried they'll break Hannah and Jessica quiet easily'

'Hannah has told me she's nervous about the trail as well, afraid that she might have a panic attack about stepping into that courtroom'

'I know the feeling all too well Clay' I admitted. 'I'll speak to Hannah when I get home'

'She hasn't really talked much about it at all, I think Hannah will speak about anything just to avoid the topic of it'

'Something must be bothering Hannah'

'I'd just be happy if she is talking to someone on how she feels instead of bottling it up'

'And how are you feeling about the trail Clay'

'I haven't been called in or anything for a statement by the police and I ain't got much to say to them' he exclaimed. 'I wasn't there when Jessica or Hannah got raped so I'm not much use as a witness'

'Well I doubt you might be called up Clay to the stand but you never know for sure'

'Did Officer Ashley say when the trail would start for sure Mason' he asked

'She hasn't said anything to me or the girls yet but it will be soon judging by the statements she's collected from the jocks and cheerleaders'

'The moment Bryce is placed behind bars for good then only then this town can finally move on from him'

'No truer words were ever spoken Clay'

Not much was spoken after that as we continued with our workout session, the distraction was much needed for the hour we were here for the both of us. I wasn't going to let my mind be reminded of the trail twenty four seven till it actually started in the new year…..

Coming through the front door of the house I found Hannah curled up on the couch all alone, she was watching an episode of Judge Judy and the intimidating woman delivered her verdict on the case she was presiding. Sitting down on the couch next to Hannah I drank from my water bottle and watched what was happening on the screen

'You know this doesn't happen in a real courtroom' I stated

'What doesn't?' she asked, raising a brow

'I mean the case on the show is real but everything else is just fake, it's meant to be entertaining this show'

'I know that Mason I thought I might prepare myself for what kind of questions the defence team will throw out at me'

'You'll be fine on the stand and Mrs Jensen said she will help and guide you how everything will happen in court'

'Did you have anyone to help you when you went on the stand back In Nevada'

'Everything happened just so damn fast Hannah and before I even knew it the trail was over and my dad was sentenced'

'This trail could last for weeks and weeks and that's even before a jury has gone away to make a decision' she huffed

'Clay told me something down the gym, he said that you were worried about the trail and you were keeping things to yourself'

'No I'm not Mason I just don't feel like talking about it'

'He's worried about you Hannah and so am I'

'Don't worry I'm not going to go and do something that I might reject'

'I didn't say that you would Hannah but I know this will be a stressful time for you and I just want to help'

'I'm not a little girl and I don't need you to watch my every step Mason'

'Well you know where I am if you want me'

Taking another swig from my water bottle I got up from the couch and collected my belongings from the floor, leaving past Hannah as I was making my way to my bedroom to relax from a tiring morning. The small whimper of Hannah's voice stopped me in my tracks as I turned back around to her

'Don't go Mason' she whispered softly, keeping her gaze to the ground

'Then open up to me if you don't feel comfortable to do so in front of someone else' I replied, sitting back down next to her

'I'm sorry for shutting you and Clay out' Hannah teared uncontrollably. 'I thought if I kept how I was feeling about the trail to myself then I wouldn't be bothering you, Clay or Jessica further'

'You're never a bother to anyone and especially not to me Hannah' I assured. 'So what is on your mind'

'I've just got this feeling that I won't be believed on the stand when I say I was raped and identify it was Bryce'

'You won't be the only person on the stand, Jessica will have to tell her side of the story when she was raped. The jury won't just dismiss you straight away'

'That's just it, it is me and Jessica versus one of the most popular jocks at the school' she replied. 'It's a no contest'

'What has Mrs Jensen said about the trail?'

'There's no much evidence to go with the trail and it's just accusations against each other, it would help if we had more evidence to boost our claims'

I couldn't help but think about all of the other women that have come forward to me and told me about their experiences with Bryce. It was common knowledge amongst the town folk about what was happening with the trail, surely the others would have summoned up the courage to make a statement and help this case

Guess I would have to call a meeting together of all the womens and explain the situation to them, hoping one of them would step forward and swing the case in our favour of victory

'I'm sure something will turn up to effect the trail'

'Like what Mason' Hannah questioned

'I don't know Hannah but I got a feeling it will, maybe not today but just before the trial starts'

'I just hope for mine and Jessica's sake it does' she exclaimed. 'Can I have a hug'

I nodded my head and wrapped my arms around my little sister tightly as she settled down onto my chest, burying her face in the crook of my neck whilst I patted Hannah's arm gently and comforted her. Whispering that everything would be ok after the trail and she would have a normal life again with nothing to fear…

Later on in the evening I was at Rosie's Diner with Jessica and we had decided to have a date night together, with everything going on this could be a much needed distraction for the two of us to focus on each other

Ordering a simple meal of a hamburger, fries and a shake for the both of us we waited patiently for our order to be made. Taking each others hands I stroked my thumb over Jessica's knuckles and drew her attention to me

'What are you thinking about?' I asked

'The summer' she informed me

'Why the summer may I ask'

'That is my favourite season and all I can think about is how much I miss the sand and the ocean sea instead of what is happening in the new year'

'We should go to the beach for our summer vacation'

'What just the two of us all alone' she smiled, raising a brow suggestively

'I wouldn't mind that at all but we could invite some friends as well if you like'

'Rent out a beach house for a week or two'

'Sounds like the perfect dream Jess'

A waitress walked by our booth which stopped our conversation momentarily, bringing our food on a tray with her and then placed them down on the table, we said our thank you to the young female waitress as she told us to have a good night

'So where were we?' I exclaimed

'Talking about summer Mason, it can't come soon enough' She informed me. 'What is your favourite season'

'Mine is autumn with all the leaves changing colour and it becomes sweatshirts season with literally pumpkin added to very time of food'

'You in a sweatshirt? I could never imagine it'

'Why is that so hard for you to believe Jess, I do wear other clothes than my workout gear or jock jacket'

'Well I need the proof Mason so you better show me your collection soon'

'Oh no I know you'll be after one of my sweatshirts to keep'

'That is the law for every girl to enforce upon their boyfriends'

'How about I just buy a new for you, you can choice the colour and design'

'But I want one of yours Slick'

There was no getting out of this even if I had bought one for Jessica for a christmas present, the next time I brought her back to my bedroom she would be sifting through my wardrobe for a sweatshirt to call her own. A loud calls of shouts outside of Rosie gained mine and Jessica's attention, seeing Monty, Oscar and Scott running down the road coming from Liberty High

'Wonder what that is all about?' Jessica proclaimed

'Up to mischief again no doubt Jess'

'I feel sorry for the poor person they have just humiliated just now'

'You don't know that for sure babe'

'What other reason have they got running away from the school, they must have been caught in the act'

'Forget about them Jess tonight is our night' I pleaded. 'Let the idiots entertain themselves'

A small vibration shook inside the pocket of my jeans whilst I retrieved my phone, seeing that Zach was calling me on the caller id, Jessica nodded her head that I could take the phone call when I would have pressed the ignore button

'Hello Zach'

'Hi mate I'm not disturbing you am I'

'Make it quick Zach you're disturbing my date night with Jess'

'Will you come down to the hospital I got something I want to give you'

'Can't it wait till school and you can give it to me then'

'I wouldn't have called if it wasn't urgent so can you please meet me'

'I'll be as quick as I can'

Ending the phone call I dropped my phone down on the table and picked a few fries, it would be another date night that would end abruptly instead of the way I would want it to. Jessica reached over and stole a couple of fries from my plate

'Who was that Slick?'

leaning my hand over I stole a couple of fries back from her plate. 'It's Zach'

'What did he want from you now'

'Apparently he wants to give me something and said to meet him at the hospital'

'Can't it wait till monday surely it can't be that important'

'That is what I said to him but he sounded adamant that I meet him right now'

'Well come on then, let's finish up and go see him before he calls again'

Tucking into the rest of our meals we finished off the burger and fries in no time at all, calling the waitress over I asked for our milkshakes to be poured into a to go cup. Moments later she placed the two cups on the tabe as I paid for the meals and left her a generous tip….

Arriving at the hospital fifteen minutes later and finally getting a room number for Zach from the receptionist we made our way up the hospital building. Knocking on the door of the room I entered first, seeing Zach sat up in the bed with his mom and little sister at his side, his right side of his face was covered in bruises whilst he had a fractured nose guard on

'Sorry is this a bad time' I asked kindly

'No not at all Mason, come on in' he greeted, waving us in

'We'll leave you guys alone honey' Mrs Dempsey replied

Zach's mom and his little sister got up from their chairs and left the three of us alone, taking up the empty seats near the bed I waited a few moments to make sure no one would be coming into the room so I could ask what was the matter

'What the hell happened to you' I enquired

'I was jumped at the clubhouse by Monty, Oscar and Scott'

'We saw them running down the road past Rosie's Diner earlier' Jessica informed him

'Probably making themselves scarce from the clubhouse'

'Why would they do this to you Zach? It's not like you have publicly turned against Bryce and insulted one of them'

'I went back to the clubhouse this evening and retrieved something I hid away weeks back before the rest had a chance to clean up after Bryce told them too when he was arrested'

'Ok but that's nothing to beat you up over, you did nothing wrong' Jessica interjected

'Monty wanted what I had hidden away at the clubhouse and now I want you to take care of them for me'

'Why me'

'Because it will help Jessica and Hannah in the trail when it is submitted as evidence'

'No one was there when I was raped Zach or for Hannah, Bryce took his chance when we were both alone' Jessica exclaimed

'That's the one thing you both are lacking in making your case concrete Jess, sufficient evidence' he remarked. 'Now you've got the chance'

Zach reached for his backpack at the bottom of his bed, unzipping the bag he pulled out a small box from the largest compartment and handed it to me. Before I could open the box he reached his hand out and stopped me

'Why don't you want me to look inside?' I questioned, raising a brow

'You should go through them with Hannah and Clay as well somewhere more private and alone' he instructed. 'Whatever you do Mason don't watch the dvds in there, they are pretty graphic'

'Thanks for the heads up Zach' Jessica replied

'Sorry once again Jess for ruining your night with your boyfriend'

'That's ok Zach along that you are alright yourself'

'The doctor said I'll be discharged later on tonight if not early tomorrow morning but I feel fine it's just my face that hurts a little'

'You should really make a statement to the police Zach' I encouraged

'My mom will no doubt drag me to the police station to do so tomorrow morning'

'Well if you are lucky you might end up putting Monty away as well'

'I won't need too the polaroids will do that themselves'

Zach, Jessica and I changed the subject of the trail and the contents of the box to something more light hearted, not long after his mom and little sister returned back from the cafeteria with some food in hand for Zach. Jessica and I got more acquainted with the Dempsey's as she was glad to meet some of his son's friends…..

We stayed for an hour before calling it a night at the hospital and going to the Jensen household. I knew Hannah would be there tonight as she told me she would be spending the night with Clay. Coming up the porch together I knocked on the door and waited for it to be answered, a couple of minutes later Mrs Jensen answered the door

'Hello Mason, Jessica' she greeted warmly, 'How nice of it to see you'

'Hey Mrs Jensen, are Clay and Hannah here by any chance?'

'Come on in they are upstairs in his bedroom'

Following the older woman into the house we greeted Mr Jensen who was sat on the sofa and paused the film he was watching with his wife. Making our way up the staircase I knocked on the door and entered a few seconds later after no reply

Hannah moved away from Clay and rested her head against his shoulder, both of them surprised to see us here when they expected it to be one of his parents

'Mason, Jessica what you are doing here?' Clay questioned

'Sorry to interrupt but we needed to see the both of you right now' Jessica explained

'What's on your mind guys' Hannah smiled weakly

'This'

Closing the door behind Jessica I dropped the small box down on the table and sat on the opposite sofa in the room with my girlfriend. Clay and Hannah sat on the edge of the bed intrigued by what I brought them

'What's in there Mason' Hannah enquired

'Zach gave me something down at the hospital to look after. He said to open it when the four of us were present and it might help your case with what's inside'

'Did he tell you what's in there' she asked

'Well it must be worth getting beat over to stop it getting into the hands of Monty'

Taking of the slid of the box the inside was filled with polaroids and dvds, some of the pictures were of Bryce next to some drunk and passed out girls in the clubhouse, the others were more explicit and hard to look at for a long period of time

'Zach has really pulled through for the trail' Hannah beamed

'This evidence should support our statements without fail' Jessica stated

'What are on those dvds' Clay asked, reaching over to pick one up

'I wouldn't watch them if I was you Clay, Bryce made dvds in his room in the clubhouse with whatever passed out girl he found'

'Jesus' he muttered under his breath, dropping the disc into the box again

'We should take theses to your mom babe' Hannah proclaimed

'What right now?'

'There's no point holding onto them till the morning, I don't want them in the room with us tonight'

'Sure babe'

Clay leant over and softly kissed his girlfriend before placing all of the polaroid back inside of the box. He slid the box across the table for me to present to his mom downstairs in the living room. All four of us left Clay's bedroom and made our way down the flight of steps, the movie the two adults were watching had ended and they were chatting amongst themselves. We entered the living room and stood in front of the two adults

'What's going on you guys' Mrs Jensen asked

'Um...there is no easy way of saying this Mrs Jensen but we have something for you' I proclaimed, handing over the small box to her. 'Something to help the case since you're lacking sufficient evidence'

Mrs Jensen opened up the box to take a peek inside and saw a glimpse of the polaroids, a small smile etched onto her face as Mrs Jensen placed it down beside her, wanting to know where we had gotten this from to change the tide of the trail in our favour…..