Chapter 9: Setting it Straight

Kimberly sat in Coach Schmidt's hospital room when he came to. "Kimberly?" He asked. She sat there with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Hello, Coach Schmidt," she answered.

"Where am I?"

"Miami Hospital. Took a nasty beating and apparently my daughter's boyfriend is in jail for it."

"Hannah?"

"Kylie's a little too young to be dating right about now so that would have to be the one."

He slowly sat up. "Oh yes, I remember! The boy who threatened to change coaches," he commented.

"Do you blame him? My child's health was in danger because of you," she answered.

"I was doing what was best…"

"Don't you give me that crap. You were doing what was best for you. My daughter's best interests weren't yours!"

Coach Schmidt stared at her. "You practically told me to get an abortion! You knew what kind of a person I was and still am! I could never hurt a child," she snapped.

"You threw away your future," he answered.

"Wrong, I have a better one."

She stared at him. "Do you know what I have now? I have five children who I would die for. I have a husband who I almost gave my life for. I have a family who loves me and I would do anything for them," she added.

"Are you here to gloat about all this Kimberly?" He asked.

"No, I came here to get you to change the story. To tell that court that Conner had nothing to do with your attack!"

"Why would I do that?"

"Because, sir, the reputation of your school depends on it. You don't tell the truth. I can tell the entire world of what you do to young girls who aren't perfect."

Coach Schmidt stared at her. "You will not destroy this boy's life with a pack of lies! You will tell the truth, Schmidt, or you can say goodbye to your career," she hissed. She got up and left the room.

(Court)

Kimberly sat on the bench next to Hannah, they both sat behind Conner. "I call to the stand, Coach Gunthar Schmidt," the defense attorney called. Coach Schmidt got up and went to the stand. Conner stared at Coach Schmidt in shocked.

"Great, might as well say goodbye to my freedom," he muttered.

"Coach Schmidt, would you believe that my client was capable of hurting anyone?" The defense attorney asked.

Coach Schmidt shook his head. "No, Mr. McKnight is a fine young man. Very protective of his girlfriend," he replied.

"How protective?" He asked.

"Protective enough when he saw that I was pushing his girlfriend a little too hard," he replied.

Conner looked up in disbelief. "Coach Schmidt, can you tell the jury what happened that night?" He asked. Coach Schmidt took a deep breath.

"I had come back from a practice, training one of my other girls. I was heading to my car when four big men jumped me, trying to take my money and everything. When I refused to give anything up, they started to beat me. That's when Mr. McKnight stepped in," he explained.

"So, my client had nothing to do with your beatings?" He asked.

"No sir, nothing."

"No further questions."

Conner looked over his shoulder at Hannah with a smile. "Prosecution?" The judge asked. The prosecutors glanced at Conner and then at the judge.

"No questions," he replied.

(That Afternoon)

Conner let out a sigh when the verdict was read that he was in fact acquitted. He left the courtroom with a smile. He looked over and saw Hannah there. Hannah stood up and ran over to him. "Hannah," he murmured. Conner breathed in her scent with a sigh.

"I've missed you," she told him.

"As have I."

He kissed her shoulder and looked up when he saw Coach Schmidt walking up to him. "Conner, congratulations on your win," he informed. He shook Conner's hand.

"Thanks, Coach," he answered.

Coach Schmidt nodded and looked at Hannah. "You are a talented gymnast, but I guess, this is where your heart lies," he informed. Hannah smiled and he shook her hand. "It was an honor training you," he added. Hannah nodded.

"Thank you," she answered.

Conner wrapped his arm around Hannah's waist and kissed the top of her head. "Okay, now let's go get something to eat. I'm so hungry, all they gave us was like slop," he informed. Hannah laughed as she left the courthouse with Kimberly and the others.

Author's Note: I have an announcement to make. The updates will be very, very, very slow for now. I have gotten a part in a musical and I've been too tired to write. As soon as things settle I'll start writing again.