The Thursday a week later, after summer school, I go to court. I notice Nicole and lacrosse team also there and dressed formally.
Today the trial of the beast begins.
Nicole: We're ready to give that slimeball what he deserves.
A door opens, and I see Andy Evans come out escorted by a guard. He looked terrible compared to that day in the closet that ended with him being escorted out of the building in handcuffs, and immediately expelled. He looked unshaven, his hair dirty and unkempt and it looked like he hadn't slept since that day. He looks towards a group of people. Presumably his family. His father looks a lot like him, his mother a short stubby woman; there are two other guys and two young women with them. The women look like his mom, so I'm guessing there his sisters and the two guys are his brothers, because the oldest one looks exactly like him only better looking and more muscular. So much so, that if I were to see the older brother on the street, I would mistake him for Andy. His brothers and sisters all look angry and disappointed in him while his parents look embarrassed.
Clerk: All Rise for his Honor, Judge Andrew Williams.
The Judge, An older gentleman with glasses steps out and takes his seat.
Judge Williams: New York vs Andy Evans. Andy Evans is being charged with second degree assault and attempted rape. Mr. Prosecutor, you may call your first witness./p
Dr. Castro: state calls Melinda Sordino to the stand.
I feel like there are man eating dinosaurs running rampant inside my stomach, but I look around and see my parents and Nicole smiling at me for encouragement and the beast look scared and guilty, I rise up, get sworn in and take the witness stand.
Dr. Castro: Now Ms. Sordino, do you know the defendant Andy Evans?
Me: yes, how could I forget him?
DR Castro: when did you first meet him?
I tell the story of the party last August.
Dr. Castro: Now tell us what happened in the time leading up to the attack in the closet.
Me: well in March he became close to my former best friend Rachel Bruin and her exchange student best friend (back then) and shortly after they started dating (Rachel and Andy) I was worried he would rape her as well so I warned her. At first I mailed an anonymous note to her house but that didn't work so I told her directly in the library the day before prom which they were going to together. At first she didn't believe me, saying that I was just jealous of her, but from what I heard at the prom he started getting too close for her comfort and she left him. Then two weeks later, I was in the closet that I used as a hideaway when he barged in telling me how Rachel ditched him because I told her he raped me and that I was jealous because of him dating Rachel and that he knew what I wanted and that is when he did what he did.
Dr. Castro: thank you Ms. Sordino, cross examine counselor.
The Beasts lawyer: no questions
Judge Williams: Call your next witness Dr. Castro.
Dr. Castro: State calls Officer Sampson to the stand.
I remember him he was one of the patrol officers that arrested Andy.
Dr. Castro: good afternoon officer Sampson.
Officer Sampson: good afternoon.
Dr. Castro: Now can you tell us what happened in late May when you were called to Merryweather high School?
Officer Sampson: so that day I received a phone call from the safety officer about a senior student at that high school having attempted to rape a freshman girl in a closet. Upon arriving at the school, me and my partner officer Robert Bell went to the guidance counselor's office and we were told by the young women from the lacrosse team and the freshman girl about the incident. Furthermore, the freshman girl in question said that he actually had raped her at a party in august nine months prior in which numerous attendees were arrested for underage drinking at a property and that she was the one who called the police even though we did not know she called them at the time I can recall the party that she was referring to because I was one of the officers who responded. It took place at a farm belonging to a family called Rodgers.
Dr. Castro: Ok so for clarification who was the freshman girl in question?
Officer Sampson: Melinda Sordino
Dr. Castro: and the senior boy in question?
Officer Sampson: Andrew Evans
Judge Williams: ok since we are approaching the end of the day it is time to adjourn until tomorrow at noon.
He bangs his gavel and we leave.
As me, Mom and Dad are driving home I see Rachel walking to her house with a bored look on her face.