If you couldn't read the part where her assault happens because it might have been triggering, read this with caution because most of it's the trial.

Just know, when you truly want success, you'll never give up on it. No matter how bad the situation may get.

-Unknown

"Are you ready?" PJ asked as he adjusted his tie in the mirror. I handed him my necklace, and then I turned around so he could help me put it on. He kissed my cheek and handed me the bag that matched my outfit.

"I am now," I said as Flower walked out of her room. She told us she was ready, and then we all went down to the lobby to wait for my parents to pick us up and take us to the courthouse.

Yesterday, ADA Jones walked me through everything I needed to know for the trial. She told me I wouldn't be allowed in the courtroom until I testified, and then she reviewed my statement I told the police, just to refresh my memory on some minor details I forgot. She also told me how the defence will probably make me upset or angry, or try to be sweet to me and make me feel like he's on my side, when he's really just make a mockery of my testimony, and told me not to fall for it. The defence is trying to play it off as consensual by saying he didn't know I had GHB in my system, which made me want to cry when she told me. After she was done explaining everything to me, she had one of her colleagues do a mock cross examination with me, and then she took me to the courthouse and showed me where everyone would be.

We had all waited in the hallway outside of the courtroom for nearly three hours before I was called in to testify. My family took a seat in the front row directly behind Alexis, while I took the stand.

First, ADA Jones questioned me. She asked me general questions about what happened that night.

What was the date?

December 31st, 2011.

What time did I leave?

Around 11 pm.

Whom did I leave with?

PJ and Flower.

What happened during, and what did I do after?

I tried to answer all of her questions to the best of my ability, but, as any normal person would, some of the small details had slipped my mind in the months since. She then started asking me about Matt. How did I know him? How long have I known him? What was our relationship like before?

"Nothing further," she said as she went back to her little table as the defence got up.

His lawyer was quite young. He looked like he couldn't be older than thirty-five. He was wearing a nice-looking-but cheap vertical pinstripe suit, which clashed horribly with his horizontal striped tie and his glen plaid shirt underneath. He was on the shorter side (I'm probably taller than him), but I think the pinstripes make him look taller.

I noticed that both Matt and his lawyer were sweating profusely. I also noticed that he kept wringing his hands while Alexis questioned me. His legs also shook while he walked up to the stand. Alexis told me that this defence attorney was the only one that would represent him. She said that he'd find a lawyer, he'd tell them the details, and they'd turn him away. The government appointed this lawyer, and I'm pretty sure he's a first timer, judging by his body language. I'm sure we're all nervous right now, but none of us look like him.

When he first spoke, his voice was shaky and weak, and he even mumbled his words, making the judge ask him to speak up. He asked me the same questions Alexis did, except with more of an attitude. Every time I answered something, he gave me a look as if everything I said was a lie.

"Is it true you were drinking that night?" he pondered, his voice still shaking slightly.

"I had two drinks throughout the entire night, yes."

"Why did you wait so long to report what allegedly happened to you?" he inquired. "You waited a few days before you said you wanted to press charges."

"I- I only-" I began before he started talk again.

"Is it because you cheated on your boyfriend and wanted to cover it up?"

"Objection, Your Honour!" Alexis said before he could finish his sentence, but it was too late. I had already started crying my eyes out.

"Withdrawn. Nothing further," he said as going back to his stupid seat.

I got up, found my seat next to PJ, and then I rested my head on his shoulder while my family consoled me for the rest of our time here.

"Has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge said as he handed a piece of paper to a police officer who then handed it to the first juror.

"We have Your Honour."

"On the account of aggravated rape, how does the jury find the defendant?"

"We find the defendant..."