The next day, I'm in court. I stand up and give my statement.
Me: I just wanted to say that I honestly think you are just pathetic. You are so good looking, but you are just this monster who abuses girls. I wish I never met you. You caused me so much suffering and heartache and ruined my first year of high school. You ruined lots of other people's lives with the stuff you did from hurting other girls to all the kids who got arrested for underage drinking at the party last august. You would have done to Rachel what you did to me and who knows how many people you could have hurt once you went off to college. Needless to say, I forgive you because what you did to me helped me grow in a way I would never have, but I will never forget everything I WENT THROUGH BECAUSE OF YOU.
As I walk back to my seat Mom and Dad give me that "Atta Girl" look on their faces. Nicole and the lacrosse girls give me a thumbs up.
Judge Williams: Sentence is set and court is adjourned.
He bangs his gavel.
As we head out the door and the Beast is escorted out there are reporters taking pictures of me, the people on my side and the beast.
It's a warm day but it feels like the sun is shining more for me.
The next morning, the pictures and tales from the trial are in the papers.
I play tennis with Dad in the morning, have pizza with David at lunchtime and play tennis with Nicole in the noon. I spend the whole next day at the lake hanging out with Ivy and the Art Club.