The next time we are in court, I get called up to the stand by Dr Castro. I basically tell him what happened that day in the closet. One by one, Nicole and the lacrosse team tell their sides of the story of that day.

Dr Castro then faces the Jury.

Dr Castro: Alright ladies and gentleman of the jury, it is time for you to make a decision, the state urges you to find this defendant guilty. This young man is a predator with absolutely no respect for women or understanding or regard for consent. He is dangerous and should be branded as such.

Beasts lawyer: I have no argument.

The Jury is sent to deliberate.

I soon sit there waiting for what seems like decades. What if they say not guilty? I learned to speak up and this is the justice I get? What punishment will he get? Will he be punished?

Mom: Don't be worried dear I'm sure they will convict him.

Dad: yeah his lawyer didn't put up much of a defense. Hard to when the evidence is so stacked against you.

Dr Suárez: if the jury takes a while in there, it is good news for Evans.

Uniformed court guy: the Jury has returned with a decision.

Dr Suárez: Already? it's only been nine minutes. That is very Bad news for Evans.

My heart starts pounding. As the beast is escorted into the courtroom, I noticed the fear-guilt look on his face and his lawyer looking like this is a lost cause.

Judge Williams: all rise for the verdict.

We all rise.

Judge Williams: Madame forewoman, has the jury reached its verdict?

Middle aged woman: yes, we the jury find Andrew Evans….

I feel my chest stopping.

Middle aged woman: Guilty on all charges.

I feel like a rocket that's about to shoot up out of the earth to the next galaxy. Mom, Dad, Nicole and everyone on my side look happy.

The lawyer of the beast looked defeated, his siblings looked Down and slapped their heads, his parents looked embarrassed and the beast.

Well I will love that look forever. The beast looked like he was going to cry. I wish I had my camera.

Judge Williams: Stand for sentencing.

The beast stands

Judge Williams: as per a first time arrest guidelines , defendant Evans is sentenced to four years of house arrest and is to be registered as a level 3 sex offender. Furthermore, he is to stay away from Ms Sordino at all times and is mandated to sex offender treatment during his house arrest. Court is adjourned until tomorrow for a victim impact statement.

My mind feels like to erupt in anger and confusion. He is NOT going to Jail? All he gets is house arrest and is made to register as a sex offender. I have to give a statement ?

I look at mom and Dad. They have the same looks I have.

Dr Suárez: We were expecting and hoping for Prison but this is still a first time arrest so….

Melinda: victim impact statement? I have to give an impact statement?

Dr Suárez: yes you do

Mom: come on Melinda, you can do this

Dad: We believe in you.

I smile.