Dissecting Edward 2
Prologue
The sound of disbelieving gasps ripple around the courtroom like a brewing tsunami. Faces are aghast, as faint murmurs can be heard from the distance from where I sit; on the witness stand very close to a very menacing looking judge and just mere feet away from people whom I know and love.
The arbiter bangs his gavel repeatedly and calls the courtroom to order, threatening to clear it if he's not abided by.
Finally, the room quiets, however the odd whisper can still be heard, as several public bystanders can be seen sharing their shock amongst one another.
All this ruckus erupted with a bombshell revelation from me.
Everyone at Lauren's trial is completely shaken, namely her and her lawyer Jane. They never anticipated the words that came out of my mouth.
I swallow hard, but the lump in my throat doesn't move. My gaze roams the front row of the courtroom where Edward's entire family sits. Their expressions are all pretty much the same; that of sadness, and concern for him.
Finally, my eyes settle on him. He remains stoic, staring blankly ahead, however from this distance I still notice the muscles in his jaw clenching repeatedly.
Please look at me. Please understand why I had to do this.
I beg silently, willing him to face me, hoping that the connection we've always shared would be enough. But he won't acknowledge me.
"I would ask the jury to disregard Dr. Swan's last remark," Jane objects tersely.
"Counselor asked the question, Your Honor, she cannot ask for the response to be stricken simply because she doesn't like it. That's not how the law works," Jake argues civilly.
"I know how the law works, Mr. Black and I agree. Ms. Volturi, the response will stand."
Jane is incensed and is suddenly huddled with Lauren discussing matters urgently, when the judge insists for questioning to continue.
"Ms. Volturi?" The judge beckons her more sternly. Jane finally pulls herself away from a protesting Lauren and acknowledges the judge by looking up.
"I apologize, Your Honor."
"Are you ready to continue?"
"Your Honor, sidebar, please?"
"Both counsels approach the bench," he replies, looking annoyed. Jake and Jane both do as instructed.
"Ms. Volutri?"
"Your Honor, I would like to treat Dr. Swan as a hostile witness."
"Under what grounds?" Jake scoffs.
"Mr. Black, the last time I checked I was the one presiding over this case."
"Apologies, Your Honor."
"Counsel?" He turns he attention back to Jane.
"Obviously, I was misled by the statement Dr. Swan just enlightened us to."
"Doesn't make it not true," Jake mumbles.
"Counselor, this is your last warning," Judge Davis, admonishes. "As for you, Ms. Volturi, I am denying your request. You're not about to turn this courtroom into a media circus with your hijinks."
"But, Your Honor–"
"Ms. Volutri, this is not the first time you've been faced with adversity. You're an intelligent attorney and a big girl, figure it out."
"Yes, You Honor, I understand, but the response from Dr. Swan was completely inappropriate and out of my knowledge!"
"You opened the door with your line of questioning, Counselor, now deal with it," Judge Davis replies.
Jane fumes, but calmly asks, "If I may, Your Honor, have a few moments to consult with my client?"
"I think that might be a good Idea."
"This is a stall tactic, I object, Your Honor!"
"Overruled, Mr. Black. We will be taking recess, court will reconvene in thirty minutes," he announces and concludes with the bang of his gavel.
The courtroom stands as instructed by the bailiff. I pray in that moment that Edward signals me in some sort of way, but he doesn't.
I hurriedly make my way down off the witness stand in his direction.
"Edward? Edward!" I callout, as the courtroom begins to empty. His cold gaze pierces me, fleetingly, before he storms out the doors into a barrage of media reporters.
I'm stunned.
"Edward!" I try again and start after him, but I'm stopped by Rose who simply shakes her head for me to just not.
"Let him go, Bella."