5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 8

Since Mr. Jones had time to prepare for Santana to testify, he'd prepared questions for her which he added to during her testimony, given her responses. "Miss Lopez, may I ask who contacted you about testifying here today?"

"The district attorney's office contacted me." Santana replied, keeping in mind what she'd been told previously, not to expand her answer much beyond the question asked.

"Do you know how you were put on their radar?" Mr. Jones inquired.

"Mr. Smythe mentioned me to them, along with a couple of other people."

"Yet you're the only one here today, why is that?"

"You'd have to ask Miss Strauss that question, as I don't have the answer to that."

"Are you close to Mr. Karofsky?"

"We're friendly, yet have never been overly close." Santana told him.

"If that's the case, how you are qualified to speak about how or why he reached out to Mr. Smythe?" Mr. Jones asked, as Kurt looked on.

"While we might not have been overly close, we bonded over our experiences." She replied. "We have a unique understanding of one another, as not everyone goes through what we did."

"When was the last time you spoke with Mr. Karofsky?"

"Over Christmas, we were each in town visiting our families."

"Care to give us an overview regarding what was discussed." Mr. Jones asked, and waited to see if Judge Watkins would allow him this leniency, which he did.

"We caught up regarding what's going on in our lives, I introduced him to my girlfriend and, we discussed the whirlwind which was Blaine's rise to fame." Santana said happily.

"Did you discuss anything else regarding Blaine Anderson-Smythe?" Mr. Jones inquired.

"We did. Dave asked if Blaine and Sebastian are as ridiculously happy as they seem in pictures, which they are. He also asked how they were dealing with all the crap they were having to deal with."

"Could you be more specific regarding the latter part of your statement?"

"He asked how they were dealing with the paparazzi, since that's initially how Blaine's fans learned he was gay. We also talked about how Blaine and Sebastian are handling the situation with Kurt, and if it was hindering their relationship."

"What did you tell him regarding the situation with my client?"

"The truth. While it's an annoyance to them, it's also happened to bringing them closer together, strange as that may sound."

"How so?"

"For starters, the only person Blaine's truly opened up to regarding everything he went through with Kurt, is Sebastian, so he understands why things affect him the way they do. Sebastian's really the only person Blaine feels comfortable confiding in regarding anything related to his ex-husband." Santana told him. "As infuriating as this situation has made Sebastian, he's held it together because he doesn't want to cause Blaine any more pain."

"That's an interesting response Miss Lopez, did you share this with Mr. Karofsky."

"I did, as Dave knows Sebastian has a bit of a mouth and was curious if he'd given Kurt a piece of his mind."

"Sebastian Anderson-Smythe has had words with my client."

"I'm not denying that he has, yet for the most part Sebastian has refrained as he didn't want to make matters worse."

"Did you go into details regarding the restraining order with Mr. Karofsky?"

"No, as I'm not privy to the details of the order. The only thing I know is that Kurt has to stay over a hundred yards away from them and isn't supposed to talk negatively about them."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, as neither Blaine nor Sebastian talk much about it given the emotional baggage that goes along with the situation."

"Isn't that stretching it a bit Miss Lopez?"

"No, as I've personally seen Blaine shutdown when he's been confronted by his ex-husband. Initially I was confused by it, yet once I found out what happened during their farce of a marriage, it all made sense."

"Your honor, will you please instruct Miss Lopez to stick to fact and not speculate."

"Miss Lopez, try and stick to things you know are indeed true."

"Your honor, I am." She said as she turned to look at him. "I'm sorry if he doesn't care for me calling that marriage a farce, but it was. Kurt abused Blaine, yet tried to play it off to everyone else in one of two ways. Either everything was fine, or Blaine was being unreasonable or was possibly cheating, though in actuality, he was rehearsing."

"It's hearsay your honor, she's basing her testimony solely on what Blaine Anderson-Smythe told her." Mr. Jones stated.

"Mr. Jones, I was there that first night when Kurt saw that Blaine and Sebastian were together." She told him. "After a few nasty words were exchange, he went to hit Blaine and would've succeeded if Hunter hadn't stopped him. And I'm sorry, the way Blaine turned once Kurt raised his hand, isn't normal, it's the reaction of an abuse victim."

"Your honor."

"Miss Lopez, I empathize with how you see things, yet you're speculating regarding Blaine Anderson-Smythe's reaction." Judge Watkins told her.

"Your honor, while Blaine hasn't admitted to the public who his abusive relationship was with, those of us close to him know who it is. Plus Kurt admitted to Rachel he hit him."

"Hearsay your honor since it was told to Miss Berry."

"Miss Lopez."

"It's not hearsay. Though he was speaking to Rachel, I was in the room, as was Thad Harwood." Mr. Jones was about to request to speak to Kurt, yet turning to see Kurt looking defeated, he refrained as his response confirmed her answer. "Did Mr. Karofsky inquire about the state of matters between my client and the Anderson-Smythes?"

"Not really. Honestly, he was still trying to wrap his head around it, though after a conversation with another classmate of ours, he realized who Kurt is now, isn't necessarily the person he knew."

"By chance do you know the name of this other classmate?"

"Azimio." The instant Santana said his name, Kurt hit the table bring all eyes to him.

"Mr. Hummel." Judge Watkins stated.

"I need to speak with my lawyer." Kurt told him, causing Judge Watkins to look at Mr. Jones.

"Make it quick."

"Yes your honor." As he headed to speak with Kurt, Wes exchanged a look with Mr. Douglass, each curious as to why Kurt reacted the way he did. Once Kurt told Mr. Jones who Santana was referring to, he realized he needed to move on as the chances were high, nothing said would paint Kurt in a good light.

"Mr. Jones, is everything alright?" Judge Watkins asked.

"Yes." He said as he turned to face Judge Watkins and Santana once again. "Miss Lopez, don't you take delight in what's happening to my client?"

"Bad as it sounds, I do."

"With that being said, how do we know you didn't tailor your testimony to ensure the worst results for him?"

"You don't, but I didn't." Santana said, surprisingly calmly. "Honestly, unless he's done something to capture my attention, I don't think about him as he's not worth my time. Regardless of what Kurt believes, the world does not revolve around him. And the reason I take delight in what's happening to him, it's a hint of poetic justice given the hell he put Blaine through."

"Your honor."

"Given the nature of your question Mr. Jones, I find no objection with her answer. Miss Lopez has made it clear her thought regarding how Mr. Hummel treated Blaine Anderson-Smythe." Judge Watkins told him. "And for the record, we're all aware of what actually occurred between them, so don't press your luck on the matter. The purpose of this hearing is not only to check on Mr. Hummel's progress, but decide if Mr. Karofsky is to be believed. It is not change Miss Lopez's thoughts/feelings regarding what has occurred between your client and Blaine Anderson-Smythe."

"My apologies your honor." Mr. Jones said to him before focusing on Santana once more. "Miss Lopez, if my client had been doing a search on Sebastian Anderson-Smythe, do you believe Mr. Karfosky would've done the same?"

"Yes."

"Even though Sebastian Anderson-Smythe was less than kind to him back in high school." Instantly Santana covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, before shaking her head. "You find this funny Miss Lopez."

"Honestly, I do." She said in response. "The fact that you're trying to drag up a situation from high school to paint Sebastian as the villain or a bad guy, says it all. Even back in high school, Sebastian was extremely confident, embracing the fact he was gay. Sure, Sebastian was rude to Dave, but Sebastian was/is unapologetic for who he is. Guys turn down, say uncomplimentary things to girls all the time and vice-versa. Yet things tend to get turned upside down in same-sex relationships, it's as though there is a different standard, but there isn't. Just because I'm a lesbian, doesn't mean I find every woman I see attractive. And I'm sure I've been rude to those that have hit on me that I'm not interested in and/or find unattractive, it happens."

"You're trying to twist the subject Miss Lopez."

"No, I'm not, I'm telling you how I see things. Also, I know for a fact Dave doesn't hold Sebastian saying something mean to him back then against him." With each sentence, the passion and emotion she was feeling became evident in Santana's voice. "The only reason your client even told you about it, is because Sebastian's less than kind comment to Dave happened around the same time he was outed to his new school. So don't try and twist what happened with Dave onto Sebastian! Unlike you Kurt, Dave doesn't latch onto moments from high school to define or defend his actions!"

"Miss Lopez, please refrain from directing your comments at Mr. Hummel."

"I'm sorry your honor, but I'm sick of Kurt trying to make Sebastian out to be the bad guy in all this. Right now the only thing Sebastian is guilty of, is loving and being loved by Blaine." She said passionately. "This hasn't been easy on them your honor, but their love for one another is what's getting them through it. And I believe that's why he can't let this go, he can't stand seeing them so happy." While she spoke, Mr. Jones looked back at Kurt who was clearly biting his tongue as he was visibly seething. "But back to the initial question, Dave would've done this regardless if Kurt was researching Blaine or Sebastian as he did what he feels is right since it's common knowledge Kurt is to stay away from the Anderson-Smythes."

After she finished, the courtroom went surprisingly quiet as Mr. Jones kept looking between Kurt and Santana. It was obvious to anyone familiar with Kurt's behavior, he wasn't going to be able to remain quiet much longer. "Mr. Jones, do you have any further questions for Miss Lopez?" Although she wasn't making it obvious, Santana was clearly pleased she'd managed to get under Kurt's skin the way she had, even if she'd lost her composure a bit.

"No your honor, no further questions." Mr. Jones replied before making his way to his table and Kurt.

"Miss Strauss, do you have any further questions for Miss Lopez?"

"No your honor."

"Very well, Miss Lopez, you are excused. You may return to your seat." Santana nodded before slowly getting up and making her way back to her seat beside Wes. "Mr. Jones, are you going to call Mr. Hummel to the stand?"

"No your honor."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes." As he spoke, Kurt didn't hide the fact he was less than pleased by the decision. Yet given what had already occurred, it was the right call, especially considering how Kurt was feeling in the moment.

"With that being the case, I'm going to render my decision." Judge Watkins stated. "Mr. Hummel, please rise." Once he and Judge Watkins stood, Santana took a deep breath to brace herself for what was about to occur. "Needless to say, I am less then pleased regarding the matters which have been presented to me today. I gave you an opportunity to prove yourself Mr. Hummel, show me you grasped the seriousness of your situation, and you failed to do so on numerous levels. From missing therapy appointments to slacking on your community service, is merely the start. Because of those short comings, we're resuming your monthly check-ins with me." Kurt was about to speak, yet Mr. Jones stopped him, knowing it wouldn't pan out well for him if he interrupted. "You managed to stay on top of things when that was the case before, proving you need to be constantly held accountable, otherwise things slide." He then clasped his hands before him.

"Now regarding the comments you made online about the Anderson-Smythes. Considering you have called Sebastian Anderson-Smythe meerkat, in this very courtroom, I'm not surprised others are familiar with the term and not just those close to the Anderson-Smythes. If memory serves me correctly, you actually called him that term during the very altercation that initially brought you before me. Given that conduct is more conducive to your divorce proceedings, I consulted with Judge Thompson about what would be appropriate. Since you've already been ordered to pay a substantial fine, one which you've barely made a dent on, we deemed an additional fine wouldn't make an impact, thus being inconsequential. Instead, we've determined we need to take a different approach, particularly considering what Mr. Karofsky witnessed you doing. Do you have a smart phone Mr. Hummel?"

"Yes your honor."

"A computer?"

"A laptop sir."

"Do you have each of these items with you in New York?"

"Only my phone your honor, as I didn't feel it necessary to bring my laptop for such a short trip."

"Do you have any other devices?"

"No your honor."

"Do you have your smart phone on you?"

"Yes."

"Good, as once we finish here you are to go directly to the probation department, along with Mr. Jones. Once there, you'll be sent to their resident computer specialist who will download a program onto your device which will essentially block you from searching for either of the Anderson-Smythes."

"Your honor, don't you think that's a bit extreme?" Mr. Jones asked.

"While it is a bit extreme, Mr. Hummel's behavior has shown it's necessary. The same program will be loaded onto his laptop upon his return to Ohio." Judge Watkins stated. "Furthermore, I'm aware that it doesn't stop Mr. Hummel from using another person's device to do the very thing we are blocking him from doing, yet it should make him think twice. Mr. Hummel, when are you going to realize that nothing good comes from you attempting to impose your presence into the Anderson-Smythes' lives?"

"I don't do it intentionally your honor."

"Yet you can't seem to stop yourself." Judge Watkins told him. "Aren't you tired of having to stand before me month after month, explaining yourself?"

"Yes, as it's taking a financial toll on me."

"The only way it's going to stop Mr. Hummel, is if you make a concerted effort to change your behavior. Then, and only then, will things change for you."

"Is there anything else your honor?" Mr. Jones asked.

"Simply a reminder to Mr. Hummel that the court is well aware of pertinent dates for the Anderson-Smythes coming up. And that we, along with the ADA's office, will be paying close attention to Mr. Hummel's behavior on those dates. Am I being clear enough for you Mr. Hummel?"

"Yes your honor."

"I hope so, otherwise you will be going back to jail, as you have left me no other option." Judge Watkins stated. "Hopefully I won't be seeing you prior to your one month update Mr. Hummel, and I expect you to resume your prior progress. Court is dismissed."

Shortly after they all rose for him to leave, no sooner did Judge Watkins disappear into chambers, did Kurt start expressing his thoughts on what had happened. "How could you not put me on the stand to defend myself after everything they said about me?"

"Easy, because if I had you would've managed to dig an even deeper hole for yourself." Mr. Jones replied. "Everything Mr. Montgomery and Miss Lopez said, has been reiterated in one form or another since this all started. And don't even get me started about you being all aghast are her implying you abused Blaine, as you admitted doing so during your divorce as well as on the stand during these proceedings."

"But I could've countered things she said."

"Kurt, I listened to what you told me about Miss Lopez, Mr. Karofsky, and Sebastian, look where it got us. Honestly, you should be grateful he didn't throw you in jail for the stunt you pulled during the recess. Yet he clearly took with Miss Strauss told him to heart, as Miss Lopez was adamant nothing you said would impact her testimony."

"That's because she already had it out for me."

"You brought that on yourself years ago." Santana said as she stood in the aisle way between the tables with Wes beside her. "I swear with everything I have, I will do everything in my power to ensure you never hurt Blaine again or Sebastian for that matter. I might not have been able to help Blaine back then, since I didn't know what you were doing to him, but now the gloves are off. I will be here anytime I'm asked and should there ever be a hearing to repeal the protection order, I'll speak against it as you should never be allowed near them."

"Don't you have anything to say Wes?"

"Not really as Santana pretty much covered it." Wes told him, before cocking his head. "Actually, I will say I'm thankful Blaine wasn't here to hear you attempt to throw Sebastian under the bus regarding what Dave went through."

"I didn't do it, my lawyer did."

"Based on what you told him." Wes replied. "Mr. Jones was doing his job with the information given him. His job is to try and discredit those opposed to you, yet you failed to take into consideration who he was going up against."

"Thank you Wes." Santana said proudly.

"You are very welcome."

"You two…"

"Kurt, stop." Mr. Jones stated as he wasn't going to let this situation spiral any further. "We need to get going us the probation office is undoubtedly waiting for us."

"They can't serious do this to me, can they?"

"They can, and they are." He replied. "Miss Lopez, Mr. Montgomery. I think it's best if you go, as nothing good will come from this conversation continuing. If you truly are looking out for the Anderson-Smythes, don't antagonize him."

"We are, so we won't." Santana told him. "What do you say we go call them Wes, as I'm sure they'll be pleased to hear what we have to say?"

"Sounds good to me. Have a nice trip back to Ohio Kurt."

Keeping true to their word, Wes and Santana headed off leaving Kurt in the courtroom with Mr. Jones. "Why did you stop us?" Kurt asked as Mr. Jones put his bag over his shoulder.

"For the very reason I stated, nothing good would've come from it. Keep in mind Kurt, Judge Watkins was just beyond that door and if things got loud, he would've come out, which wouldn't have been good for you."

"So, I'm supposed to simply take it."

"Yes, or walk away, but you engaged which simply fuels a situation. It's not much different from what happens between you and the Anderson-Smythes, though with them, you push and push till one of them reacts." Mr. Jones said as they headed out. "Your issues aren't only with the Anderson-Smythes, but with anyone who disagrees with you."

"I have the right to stand up for myself."

"Just as they have the right to opinions which differ from yours." Mr. Jones told him. "And Kurt, don't you ever put me in a situation such as the one you put me in again. You can twist a story for anyone else, but I deserve the truth in order to properly defend you. As your spin on things compared to her recollection, painted not only you poorly, but me, particularly given what I know is indeed true. Understood?"

"Understood."