Into You
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Twilight characters or anything Twilight related.
Alright, time to see what's in store for our favorite player and with everything going on in his life now.
Chapter 24 – Take A Stand
You can try and read my lyrics off of this paper before I lay 'em
But you won't take the sting out these words before I say 'em
'Cause ain't no way I'ma let you stop me from causin' mayhem
When I say I'm a do somethin', I do it
I don't give a damn what you think
I'm doin' this for me, so fuck the world, feed it beans
It's gassed up, if it thinks it's stoppin' me
I'ma be what I set out to be, without a doubt, undoubtedly
And all those who look down on me, I'm tearin' down your balcony
No if, ands or buts, don't try to ask him why or how can he
From "Infinite" down to the last "Relapse" album he's still shittin'
Whether he's on salary, paid hourly, until he bows out or he shits his bowels out of him
Whichever comes first, for better or worse
He's married to the game, like a fuck you for Christmas
His gift is a curse, forget the Earth, he's got the urge to pull his dick from the dirt
And fuck the whole universe
I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
To take a stand (to take a stand)
Everybody (everybody)
Come take my hand come (come take my hand)
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just lettin' you know that you're not alone
Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road
~ Eminem
Edward's POV
The last few weeks have been nothing but eventful since I got back to school with everyone acting all different, trying to make amends with me by giving me gifts, special treatments, offering to do things for me such as my homework, pay for my lunch, even beating themselves up etc., all for how they felt bad in believing in Laurent's article that I cheated on Bella with my cousin. And yet, there is no catch to it. They don't care about me introducing them to Bella and her famous friends. They just want to make things right with me to show their sincerity of regret. Seriously, can't everyone just drop it? What happened to the people of Forks where every day it's just one thing to talk about and then move on to the next like literally yesterday's news? Now it's only one thing they can talk about and that's just me and making sure I'm the happiest man in the city. Don't take this the wrong way, I am the happiest man on earth all because I have Bella as my one true love. But it just that people need to stop acting this way towards someone. Once you act this way to them, there's no turning back. The damage to the relationship is beyond repair. So everything they've done for me, they can kiss my ass. I don't care how sorry they are. That's why I just take what they offer but give them a polite cold shoulder. Near the end of the month, I reached my breaking point and told everyone that there was no need to treat me any different nor should they be doing things for me to make up for the bad treatment I got from them or for what has happened to me. It's all water under the bridge.
Eventually, everyone in school slowly accepted it and went on with their lives. Yeah, their lives leading to their futures. My future is unclear since my acceptance to UW got rescinded and I'm now blacklisted by all colleges and their football programs for unknown reasons meaning my NFL dreams are out of the question. I'll be lucky to be graduating this year, but after that, I don't know. I could at least go far after high school by going to a community college, but that's it. Bella and I did talked before suggesting that I come live with her in L.A. That, I'm certain about. Maybe once I moved there, I will find what the future holds there. But for now, I have to focus on my recovery and getting through.
I'm still in my crutches but I will be off of these soon along with the casts. Then I will start my physical therapy on the road to recovery. I just wish it was now. These things are a major pain in my ass. Not to mention that sometimes the one on my leg itches.
"Sucks for Tyler and Lauren that they broke up. I mean we all knew it was doomed from the start." Jessica said as we all pulled up at the driveway of my house after school where I was given a ride home.
"Did we?" Alec asked. "Everyone in this city knew it was going to be a complete shitshow and yet Lauren just went on and agreed to be Tyler's girlfriend, despite that he has nothing that shows quality boyfriend material in her books. And we're not talking about his shitty skills on the field."
"Yeah, I didn't think Tyler was Lauren's… type." Seth said. "What did she ever see in that idiot?"
"Besides his "flashy" dance moves, I don't know." Angela said.
"Well she's been desperate after that incident where she stupidly got scammed by some guy who claims to be a modeling agent and robbed her of five grand of pictures taken and never heard from them again. That, or she has no brain cells." Heidi said as I was being assisted out of the car before standing on my crutches.
"You mean like Demetri?" Jane smirked causing us, minus Demetri, who frowned, to laugh.
"Okay, why does every conversation we have, ends up making fun of me?" Demetri asked in annoyance.
"You're the joker of our group, so it's only fair that we make fun of you as entertainment." Ben chuckled.
"I've said it millions of times, and I will continue saying it. I'm the double-alpha of this group, plus man-candy." Demetri proudly stated as he pulled Heidi to his side.
"And that's what gets your candy ass whooped on the football field." I chuckled causing Demetri to glare at me.
"You're lucky that you're in those crutches you son of a bitch." He said as we all entered into my home. We just entered the living room where I was surprised to see who is with my dad.
"Hello everyone." Charlie smiled.
"Charlie!" I said in surprised as my friends and I greeted him. "I wasn't expecting a visit from you."
"Oh you know, I have business here, and I figured I dropped by and say hello." Charlie shrugged as I was curious about what business he's talking about.
"Bella and the others aren't here?" Jane asked.
"No, they are all pretty busy with their careers back in L.A., so they're unable to come." Charlie answered with an unfortunate look causing me to be sad that Bella's here. "Actually," I looked up when I heard Charlie sighed. "Almost all. Bella hasn't really been doing anything since we got back. She and Jacob were supposed to be back into filming for the To All The Boys sequel but… well, you know." I understood why as did my friends. Bella seems to have meant it about quitting acting and singing since people have been trolling me online for being the boyfriend of Bella Swan and still believing that I cheated on her. In other words, they're all being like Renee thinking about who should be dating who based on standards and where they come from, plus how they worked well together.
"Man, these fuckers just can't give you a goddamn break." Demetri said to me.
"Anyway, there's another reason why Charlie is here." Carlisle said, causing us to look at them curiously. "The date has been settled on the case of Laurent's article and his sidekick James's incident with you. Edward, you are to be present in court to help testify against them for what they did to you."
"Oh, right." I said. I completely forgotten all about that Laurent is getting sued by me, well, my family, for the false article about me. "Why do they want me in court for?"
"Oh they're just going to question you about what went down between you and your cousin." Charlie explained and looked at me from head to toe. "And since you're still in the state of your injury, it might give us an edge to put those two in their places once and for all when the jury sees the result of their actions."
"He's right," Ben said and turned to me while explaining. "Injury related cases does generally raises to a civil tort claim or a criminal prosecution. Of course, what Laurent did to you wasn't what you called injury, but he failed his research about you and your cousin in that article and everyone unleashed hell on you all over the internet until they all realized they fucked up when he confessed, thus counts as a slander lawsuit, and his partner was the one who got you into that accident. So that is a case on a liability of injuries."
"Um, can you say it in words that we know, please?" Jessica asked.
Ben sighed. "They all brought damages on Edward which is enough for him to sue them in court, owing him for what they did."
"Thank you!" Jessica smiled causing Ben to roll his eyes.
"Facts aside, if you have all the evidence to back your claim about what happened since that article came out leading to that car accident, in your current state, the court will no doubt see who's the guilty party and what Laurent confessed on the news wasn't just words believing he was forced to say it." Angela said.
"Yes, plus, it wouldn't hurt for you to cry in front of the jury if they need some convincing." Jane suggested.
"Jane, those things only work on TV shows." Heidi pointed out.
"Hey, I learned a long time ago when I get to be a lawyer is when you're four feet eight, and eye level with every guy's crotch, that's where you punch." Jane said, causing me, Demetri and Ben, to gulp since we value our balls.
"I wander that's the only thing she would do from that eye level." Demetri muttered to Ben, making them both snigger but it was only short when Jane stomped her foot on the floor loudly. "Zoinks!" He cried, jumping into Alec's arm who just stood there and did it effortlessly.
"I don't have to punch it, you know." Jane said to him with a death glare while Seth chuckled and wrapped his arm around her, kissing the top of her head.
"Anyway, I'm going to be with you, Edward." Charlie said. "I know you have your uncle to help you out on this case along with your dad's friend, but trust me when I tell you that my lawyer knows his stuff. He's got all the tools he needs to help you win this case and hopefully, get your life back on track."
"You really think so?" I asked.
"Well we will find out based on what we have against Laurent and be ready for what he throws at us." Charlie said.
"Okay." I said, feeling a bit assured that things will be okay. It would be a lot easier if Bella were here. "When's the trial?"
"About next week." Carlisle answered. "I already talked to Aro and he's giving you a few days off from school so you can attend there."
"How come he gets days off from school?" Demetri complained causing Heidi and me to roll our eyes.
"Because you're not the one in crutches, dumbass." Alec said.
"But I can make that happen for you if you like." Jane smirked.
"Oh look at the time!" Demetri suddenly said, looking at his watch… which he doesn't even have on him. "I got some homework to do! See ya!" And with that, he took off at jet speed, out the door where we heard him drove off in his car.
Heidi sighed. "Guess I need a ride home." She said and Jessica offered her a ride before they and the rest of my friends went home after saying goodbye.
"Well then," Carlisle chuckled. "Let me go get your guest room straighten out, Charlie. Make yourself at home." Charlie nodded his head in thanks before my father left the room leaving me and Charlie alone.
"Oh Edward, can I ask you something?" Charlie asked and I looked at him with curiosity. "If you're going to talk to Bella tonight, could you maybe… I don't know, talk to her about… her career?" I was confused as he sighed. "I know it's not my business for what my daughter does with her life choices, and I'd much prefer that she were to live her life like a normal person, but… I've seen how she has been lately since we came back to L.A., and although she's happy that you two are still together, she's hasn't been herself. Every time anyone mentions about work or projects, I saw the look in her eyes of how sad she is. Thankfully, the producer for her movie was willing to give her time off, but things will be even more difficult if Bella leaves.
Yes, she's being serious about quitting, but I can tell she's regretting it. She doesn't show it, but the way she's been handling things, Bella really wants to continue acting and singing. All she has to know is that she shouldn't be making choices based on what people say online about you. I mean, I didn't let those trolls get to me why I married Renee and here I am, still acting and up until today, my marriage lasted this long."
Charlie took a deep breath and looked me right in the eye. "Just talk to Bella and see if you could get her to at least think about what she is doing is what she wants."
"I'll do what I can." I said.
Honestly, I've been meaning to talk to Bella about it. I just never got around it when she was here, but I figured it wasn't a good time since I just got out of the hospital. Bella quitting on Hollywood would do more bad than good. I mean, what if her fans will blame me for being the reason why she quitted? That would just make them possibly hate me even more for all I know. I hate for Bella to sacrifice her life just for my sake. Would that mean we get to spend more time together? Absolutely! Is it worth having the media all up on my ass for what Bella's doing? Well, I'd rather have the trolling than being the most hated man on earth on why Bella left Hollywood. Well… I kind of am because of that article but you get what I mean.
"Good," Charlie said. "And one more thing," He then grabbed my shoulder and pulled me where our heads almost hit each other and he looked really annoyed about something. "Did you have to tell Bella about what happened at the hospital?" He hissed.
I held a laugh seeing Charlie got busted about his interaction with Sue on that day I left the hospital.
"It wasn't my fault everyone was clueless about it except for me." I chuckled.
"Yeah well thanks to you, she and her friends were up on my ass really grilling me about me and Sue." Charlie said.
"Not my fault she went on and told them." I said causing Charlie to grumble as he let go of my shoulder.
"Just don't tell anyone else about this." He said. "At least for now. I'm still going through the process with this divorce and I don't want Renee to add fire into the fuel if word got out." And with that, he left the room and headed upstairs. Not before I hear him complain, "We're not even dating yet."
I chuckled while shaking my head. Well, now for the main obstacle to face next week. But first, there's one thing that needs to be dealt with.
"That book's closed."
Yep, just as I expected from someone as stubborn as my girlfriend. I thought as I was sitting in my room that same night, video chatting with Bella via Skype.
"Listen love, I'm just trying to level with you on your decision on quitting." I said.
Bella sighed. "Look, it was my choice to quit. I've had it with this fame."
"I get why you wanted to do this, but don't you think it was a bit rash? I mean, you were pretty much threatening your fans to knock it off and went with it." I said.
"Well that's their fault. They shouldn't have been so cruel to you." Bella huffed. "It's one thing to say bad things about you, but to go as far saying that you deserved to die in that car accident, is unforgivable!"
"Okay, yes, they were unkind towards me, and pretty much don't like me immediately, but it's not like they can do anything to me such as stalking me and make my life hell. I mean, they're just words. You know, all talk but no action." I said.
"Still, it doesn't excuse them for how they think my life should be and how I should live it." Bella said. "I'm not some sort of entertainer that does things to benefit only for what the people want, I'm an entertainer who is a human being like them. I deserve to have happiness. I deserve to love who I should be with. Not them because it's not their life, it's mine."
"And I get that." I said to her gently. "But Bella, don't you think that you're only acting like this towards your fans and everyone because of how they act like… your mother? I mean, they are acting a bit similar towards me and you quitting is pretty much like how you fired Renee. Not that I'm saying you should talk to her or anything, but that's not the point. As awful as your fans were being about me and our relationship, I don't think you should've overreacted and did what you did. I mean I'm not talking about what they want, but is this really what you want? Maybe it's not how it is, but didn't you enjoy acting and singing?"
Bella was silent as stared at me. There, I saw that she was thinking about what I said. Perhaps even considering my thoughts on the matter. It reminded me how when we first went out together, the night we confessed our feelings to one another, Bella and I talked about if she ever thought about stepping away from the spotlight. Maybe the outcome of that would be similar to what we're talking about now.
Finally, she sighed. "You're right." She said. "I do love acting and I enjoy making music, not because of the fans or because of Renee putting me up to it, but because it actually made me happy apart from you. Plus, if it weren't for my career, I wouldn't have met amazing people I got to work with, including my friends. But most of all, it led me to you." Bella smiled as I saw the love in her eyes, then same way I have right now. "I just… I just hate what everyone is saying about you and us. Maybe that's why I told the world I would quit."
"I understand," I said. "But maybe, you should… I don't know… ignore them? I mean, those that talk badly of me are just… haters. Maybe there are some fans or people out there that do support us."
"Not that the way I saw it." Bella scoffed.
"When was the last time you've seen the media from your fans about us?" I asked.
"Um…," Bella looked embarrassed and then sighed. "Not since I made that video last year. After I posted it, I deleted all my social media apps on my phone, never logging in since."
I pulled out my new phone I gotten to replace the one that got destroyed in the car accident and decided to go on Twitter to see any updates about us. The minute I opened the app however, the first thing I saw surprised me.
"Bella, you might want to hop on Twitter, right now." I said as I was scrolling through what I'm seeing. As I did, Bella let out a small gasp as I looked up to see her on the phone and she was completely shocked.
"I don't believe this." She said. "Is this for real?"
"I don't see how this is not." I said.
"Everyone's… apologizing?" Bella said.
"It looks like it." I said. There in the trending hashtags sitting at number one was a hash tag that reads, "We're Sorry Bella." And underneath it, there are over thousand tweets, if not millions, with that hashtag. I tapped on the hashtag and saw a huge ass list of tweets, all from fans of Bella who are apologizing.
I'm sorry Bella! Please don't leave! I promise to be more respectful to your boyfriend!
I'm truly sorry Bella!
Please forgive us all! We do love you!
Don't leave! You're my idol! I'm sorry for not approving your boyfriend! I was wrong after finding out Laurent lied to us all!
I feel like part of me died that you want to leave and I am sorry for what we said about your boyfriend. He actually didn't deserve it and neither did his little sister. No one deserves to die.
Please, I'm sorry! I'll donate a kidney or leg, whatever your boyfriend needs to recover from his accident! I'm just sorry for being a jealous dick.
I'm sorry on behalf of this fanbase! I'm truly embarrassed to see them act this way towards Edward. Just know you have my full support!
After hearing Laurent confessed that he took things out of context in the photo and finding out more about this Edward, I wanted to say sorry for how I acted. Edward didn't deserve it and I hope he gets his life back on track.
I'm sorry for how I've been towards your boyfriend. I hope he gets better soon and hope people treat him right.
I'm still not happy that Bella didn't end up dating Jacob… but after hearing how upset she is for how hurt she was, I realized I hate for her to leave us more than anything. So if Bella is happy with this Edward… then I'm happy too.
More tweets were read and they were positive with apologies and wishing both Bella and I happiness. I was just as stunned as Bella is. If I thought what happened with the students at school was weird, this here is even crazier. Maybe things won't be as bad it looks. Besides our friends and family, minus Renee, if there are indeed some people who are supportive of my relationship with Bella, then maybe our future together is still bright. I just can't believe how many people are being very genuine, apologizing for how they acted towards me being Bella's boyfriend and for criticizing on who they believed is the right guy for Bella.
"I just can't believe how everyone feels really bad about how they acted towards us." Bella said as a smile crept on her face. "And now they're giving us all their best wishes."
"So…" I smiled.
Bella let out a sigh as she rolled her eyes. "I'm not going anywhere. Time to finish where I left off, starting with finishing To All The Boys series." She smiled.
I'm glad she's not giving up her career. Now that we know that there are some fans out there who support our relationship and don't have anything against me at first sight, I feel like the tensions have been lifted. First, I've seen how everyone at school is trying make amends with me of their actions, now I see the media while trying to understand the case about me, fans around the world are atoning for what they said online and expressing their support, not just for Bella, but for me as well.
Apart from focusing on school these last few days, I've also been spending my time being ready for the lawsuit against Laurent for slandering me with his article. Charlie filled me in on what's going to happened there. Even though Laurent said to have taken the photo out of context at a press conference, there's going to be the case where Laurent and his team will be defending his actions to make it sound like what happened in the photo of me and Tanya were indeed true and that I have been cheating on Bella, which is complete bullshit. Why defend those who lie when it's so obvious? But I guess that's how it goes in court. One says the other is guilty while the other says otherwise, no matter who is right. That means the bad guys will get away with it while the good guys could suffer in silence may say and live through a lie if it comes to it. No wonder a lot of celebrities' lives went downhill in their careers because of Laurent while he gets to live off enjoying the luxury that is paid off based on what he writes to ruin others.
I hope things won't end badly for me. I've already been through enough shit and to be known as the most hated man on earth for cheating on America's Princess. Now Laurent's trying to defend his action and make me the guilty one? Well I've already lost my dreams to be in the NFL so it's not like my future could get any worse if I get charged for assaulting him. Well I know there's prison but still. I'm not taking anything that will make Laurent and his team get away with it. Not even if I should take a plea bargain of admitting a false accusation on Laurent and for James's case, speeding charge and being the cause of the accident by reckless driving to what Caius told me when he was in contact with Laurent's team. If I accept it, I'd take a fine, spend a night in jail and have my driver's license suspended.
Hell to the fucking no! I thought. Like I'd accept that bullshit.
Charlie explained to me what was going to happen while my uncle Eleazar and Caius guided me through on what to do when I'm on the stands. Apparently, my family will be there obviously but also because my sister will be on the trial as part of the case since she was involved according to Caius. I'm worried if Renesmee will be able to handle it, but I am confident that Caius will be there every step of the way. Meanwhile, J. Jenks, who is a lawyer friend of Charlie's and apparently the best in the business, prepared me for when I'm being questioned by Laurent's team as they will try to weasel out a way to take what I say out of context like they did in that article to make me look bad and give themselves an edge to win. No way I'm letting that happen. After that, J. said to leave the rest to him in the end. I don't know what he's planning but I hope it's good so I'll leave it at that. Charlie hired him for this case so I trust him.
I just wish Bella was here to attend the court session with me. Her presence would help make the tension a little bit at ease. Though I understand with how she giving herself time away from acting and now she must make up for it, they could've at least given Bella a little more for this occasion. At least Bella wished me luck before the day came. I'll need all the luck I can get.
Here I am sitting in the court room on a Friday afternoon where it is filled with people who are present apart from the jury and some of the crowd who were allowed to come watch the trial. I am sitting up front with my uncle and Caius along with J. while my family and Charlie sat behind us. As J. was going through his notes while Caius and Eleazar were whispering to each other, I looked to my left to see the table across from us was none other than the owner of Eclipse, Laurent Dubois who is all dressed up in his grey suit and showing off a gold watch, and the guy sitting next to him with long blonde hair tied to the back in a ponytail was James Hunter, Laurent's trusted photographer to go stalking people such as myself and my sister and the reason for putting me in that hospital. If we weren't in this courthouse, I would beat his ass to the floor! He's lucky though I'm still in the crutches and got the cast on my arm. At least the neck brace he's wearing is doing him favors. He looks really uncomfortable as he grimace every times he moves his head.
"You're okay, son?" Carlisle asked and I turned my head to see him looking at me with concern.
"I'm fine, just a little nervous." I admitted. After all, this all comes down to getting Laurent and his team to pay the consequences for their actions, not just to me, but to others.
"It'll be alright, sweetheart." Esme assured me as she planted a hand on my shoulder. "We're all with you. All of us and your friends including Bella, have your support." Yeah, just wish she was here though. I thought.
"Yes, in a few hours' time, that little –," My father looked at Renesmee who was clutching the stuff wolf Jacob got her and then back at me. "Vile excuse of a human being, will get what's coming to him." He said as I nodded my head.
"We got everything all under control here on our part." J. Jenks said as he patted his briefcase. "We just have to follow the system before we throw in the evidence that we have against them."
"Don't let them get to you." Eleazar said to me abruptly. "They'll no doubt use that as an advantage. Be calm, keep your head low and stick to the facts. Only speak when asked." I nodded my head.
"The law is on your side." Caius said. "No matter what they claim, all the evidence is inevitable without any resources to that article they made and for the accident. We'll make sure that you'll win this case."
"Give these guys more credit than you expect." Charlie said to me. "You'll need all the fire power you can get like how a quarterback needs all the offensive weapon he needs." He does bring up a good point. Just the thought of it made me wish I could play football ever again with how it got taken away.
"Hey Charlie, who's that?" Carlisle asked when someone entered the courtroom and I looked to see who he was talking about and saw a man in a black suit with white hair coming over and sat where Laurent and James are as he pulled out his files from the briefcase and looked over them.
Charlie turned his head and based on his reaction, it doesn't look good. "Oh damn!" He muttered, causing us to be confused. "It's Sheppard Wilde, aka The Bull Dog."
"You know him?" Esme asked in surprised.
"It's our bad luck they put him on trial." Charlie whispered and turned to us. "That's why I had to bring J. into this case to help you guys out. Sheppard is Laurent's lawyer and he's known for pretty much twisting the law to his advantage so that Laurent will win no doubt regardless if the victim shows proof of what he wrote were all lies and such. He's been enabling Laurent for years, never lost a case."
Fuck! I thought. So that's why all the celebrities who Laurent wrote in his article failed to sue him in court for defamation and all the lies he made about them. Should've expected that from someone like him to have the power and pay someone big money to assist him in getting away with it. I bet this Sheppard lawyer guy is living the luxurious life because of him. Well hopefully, not anymore.
"Yeah? Well, neither have I!" Eleazar said as he cracked his knuckles.
"I've heard many stories about him." Caius said as he looked at Sheppard with such disproval. "There was a rumor how he and Laurent used hush money on some of the victims whenever they were close to being exposed. There's also the tampering stories I keep hearing." He looked at Charlie. "It's a good thing you warned us about him, Charlie." Charlie nodded his head while I felt offended that I was out of the loop. I thought this case was about me.
"I've waited a long time for this." J. said, having a determined look on his face. "I personally despise that man! It's understandable when a lawyer is defending the person responsible for their crimes but to make them get away freely by twisting the laws is completely unprofessional! Not to mention he will get the pleasure of having a taste of fame every time he wins the case. It's time I put that man in his place."
"I'm sure you will with what we got." Caius said to him. Okay, what do they know that I don't? Ah fuck it. I'll let them do it if it means I will win.
That's when the doors from the front opened and the judge arrived causing all of us to rise at his presence. We sat down when he did. Once the bailiff gone through with the jury with the oath, the judge took his turn to speak.
"Bailiff, what is today's case?" The judge asked.
"Today's case is Edward Cullen versus the media company of Eclipse magazine in which Edward is filing against Laurent Dubois for defamation in an article written about him and against James Hunter for reckless driving that led to the car accident."
"Very well," The judge turned to where I am sitting. "Mr. Denali, your opening statement, if you please."
"Thank you, your honor." Eleazar said as he stood up and walked up to the front of the court and faced the jury. "I would first like to thank the ladies and gentlemen of the jury for taking time out of their busy schedules to be a part of this proceedings.
Now, today we are all here to discuss a case that involves my client Edward Cullen, who is well known in the city of Forks, Washington as being one of high school's most talented quarterbacks of all time. But we're not here to talk about football, no. We're here to discuss a topic that he became even more known than he is, and that is being known as the boyfriend of the famous singer and songwriter Bella Swan. As you all know, Edward and Bella's relationship is all what the media has been talking about since their relationship has been found out. Of course that led to many fans online to question about who Edward is since the whole world doesn't know who he is. But that also made him a target to the media, the paparazzi to be precise.
Last year in the end of November, an article was released about Edward. And at that time, the whole world turned on him when it shows a photo of him and another girl leading to the assumption that Edward is cheating on Bella. That article was written by none other than Laurent. However, Mr. Dubois failed one thing as a writer." Eleazar said as he faced the table where Laurent, James and Sheppard are sitting. "He failed to gather resources of the photo that was taken and decided to take it upon himself to write it out of context to make Mr. Cullen look bad to the public in hopes they believe in what he wrote. Just like how he does it to many other celebrities, thus damaging their careers, and their lives.
Which also led to that same day when Edward was being pursued in a car chase by James Hunter here, that led him and his little sister in a car accident that almost took their lives away. I guess being famous does come with a price, especially when it's not wanted and can attract ways that could turn your whole world upside down. I hope after hearing everything from both sides, you all will make the right choice and see who speaks the truth." Eleazar finished and went back to his seat with us.
"Thank you Mr. Denali for your opening statement." The judge said. "Mr. Wilde?"
Oh boy, here it goes. I thought as Mr. Wilde stood up and confidently walked towards the stands. I'm already wanting to punch that smug look on that bastard's face.
"Hello everyone!" He boasted on his introduction. "I'm Sheppard Wilde, you know who I am and I could go on about my many accomplishments and accolades I won, but that would be a waste of time, especially on this case.
Now, I'm sure you're all confused with what has happened regards to America's Princess where she was cheated on by this boy here, due to when Laurent made a statement at a press conference about the article he wrote about Edward was untrue. I assure that this is only the beginning of this case for Mr. Cullen to cover up his actions." A lot of mutters came out as my hands clenched into a fists at his snakelike words calling me a liar.
"I mean haven't we all seen the scenarios where when someone is exposed of their actions to the public and they attempt to cover it up making some excuse of what is going on? And are you really going to be sway by someone who is not even as famous as Ms. Swan? Because all the evidence point straight to the facts no matter the explanation as seen for those who are… not as recognizable to the public eye, who would only date a celebrity due to their title, their fame and of course, the fortune. Now I hope you all see that no matter the person, no matter how they met, everything about them will be the same. Thank you." Sheppard finished as he confidently walks back to his table and sat down with a smirk on his face like he has already won this case. Just as I saw Laurent and James bumped fists underneath their tables. Bastards.
"I am this close to punching that rat bastard's face right here and now." Caius said, seething. Guess I'm not the only one.
"Save it for the court." Eleazar warned him. "Just stick to what we have worked on and they'll be eating their words." He then got up as he called for Laurent to come up to the stands.
"Mr. Dubois, you published an article about Edward Cullen last November after Thanksgiving, correct?" My uncle asked him.
"Yes, I made that article about that boy that he cheated on Bella Swan." Laurent confirmed.
"And how were you able to get this photo of Edward and that girl?" Eleazar asked him, pointing at the photo on the white board of Tanya and I that everyone saw.
"My friend here, James, took it and sent it to me and I did my work." Laurent answered.
"I see," Eleazar said, looking at Laurent closely like a hawk. "And you just… published this photo in that article claiming that Edward is seeing another girl behind Bella's back, just like that? Where did you get these facts that Edward did such things?"
"James confirmed it to me himself." Laurent said. "I mean, it's clear that Edward is having an affair with that girl the way she kissed him and he allowed it."
"That's all? You didn't bother to look her up or know what was going on?" Eleazar said with a raised eyebrow.
"As an editor and owner of the company, I can pretty much identify an affair when I see one in the photographs. My company Eclipse is all about uncovering the truth and to show the world what goes on that involves a celebrities' life. With Mr. Cullen's relationship with Bella, I believe we have rights to know what goes on in his life. If we see him with another woman, then the world needs to know." Laurent stated as if he has done the right thing. Unfuckingbelievable. I thought.
"You also do know that as a writer, you are to gather intel when it comes to taking photographs. Did James even hear what was going on? Where was he exactly to believe there was something going on between him and the girl he was with? Or were you more interested in twisting things around just to make Edward here the supposed bad guy so that the whole world would turn on him and bring misfortune on him just to make a few extra bucks?" Eleazar said with a very hard stone face look.
Laurent just stared at my uncle. For a second, he looked like he was about to break for being caught but he recovered in an instant, remaining confident. "It's just as I said, it is as what we claim to see that Edward is cheating on Bella. I find your use of "twisting" as a way to believe I take things out of context as an insult as a writer." He said.
"So you stand by your belief that Edward is cheating on Bella and despite the public announcement you made, you have no reason to write a retraction for that article?" Eleazar asked.
"That is correct." Laurent said. Fucking shithead. I thought.
"Thank you, no more questions." Eleazar said and Laurent went back to his table just as Sheppard leaned towards him and whispers something. I wonder what they got going on.
"I'll let Caius take over." Eleazar said and swap places with Caius. He then called James to the stands. This oughta be good.
"Mr. Hunter, how long you've been working with Laurent and the company Eclipse?" Caius asked.
"Oh I say about fifteen years or so. Laurent and I go way back since college, hence how we started Eclipse." James answered.
"You're a photographer for the company, correct?"
"That is correct."
"That's what you call yourself, yes? You don't think of yourself as a… paparazzi or… a stalker?" Caius asked with a hard stone glare that look like it could penetrate easily.
James gave out a snort like laugh. "What, I'm not allow to follow people around to know what's going on and who they're with? I'm just doing my job. What's wrong with that?"
Caius just ignored that last one as he continues with his questions. "You took this photograph of Edward and this girl, correct?"
"Yes I did, and may I say he has an unusual taste in woman." James said as if he was proud. "I mean from brunette to blondes, and might I say damn on this girl since she's quite the looker!" He went on.
"Permission to speak, your honor?" Eleazar said abruptly as he stood up.
"Very well." The judge said.
"You want to repeat what you said about the girl in the photograph?" Eleazar asked James from where he stood. Uh-oh. I thought as I can see right through my uncle that he was ready to beat the living shit out of James on the comment on his daughter.
"What, her? About that chick being quite the looker?" James said as he let out a low wolf whistle. And that did it.
"You mean, my daughter?" Eleazar said. And you can tell the tension abruptly changed causing a lot of mutters in the courtroom to erupt as I saw James turn pale with a shock expression at what he just heard.
"Objection!" Sheppard said, standing up from his seat. "Mr. Denali shouldn't even be allowed to represent Mr. Cullen if he's connected to the girl of this case!"
"Overrule!" The judge said as he banged his mallet to silence the courthouse. "Mr. Russo, continue on."
"Thank you, your honor." Caius said and turned to James. "Mr. Hunter, how did you find Mr. Cullen at his school and what were you doing there?"
James scoffed. "Come on, that city is so small, I don't understand why people would want to live there. Anyway, it wasn't that hard since he's been the talk of the town besides the fact he is dating Bella Swan. Or are they since," He started to snicker. "He's busted." He said causing my temper to rise as I was gripping my crutches tightly to avoid a scene.
"So I came by and looked around at his school parking lot which was almost deserted and I thought he might already gone home when luckily I saw them both come out together. That's when I took my chance and took some pictures of them together." James said.
"And you told Laurent that you believed Edward is seeing another girl behind Bella's back?" Caius asked.
"That's right!" James said.
"Did you even hear the conversation between them that may have sounded like they are together? Anything at all that involves what couples do? Plans of a secret dinner date? No flirting and such?" Caius asked.
James was silent, and it appears Caius has got him. "Well, not exactly. They didn't say, I mean I was busy sneaking up to get some good quality photos of them." He admitted.
"So you never even hear them say anything that confirms that they are together, but you were hoping they would do something so that you would get the chance to capture it on camera and make it seem like Edward is cheating on her? Sounds to me that you were staging a moment for a chance to make good money off of Bella's boyfriend." Caius said.
"Hey that's bullshit!" James exclaimed, pointing at Caius.
"Mr. Hunter!" The judge demanded, banging his gavel to silence him.
"About fucking time." I muttered.
"Sweetheart, language." Esme scolded me in a whisper. "Plus, your sister is here."
"What, it's not like she heard that." I said to my mother. That's when I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned to see Renesmee holding out her hand towards me. God dammit. I thought as I pulled out a dollar bill and handed it to her. Women and their hearing.
"Now, you admitted to tracking down Edward Cullen and to following him at his school." Caius continued on to James. "The day that article came out, you continued to follow Edward where he drove off from Baskin Robins that ended up in a car chase thus leading to an accident, resulting not just the two of you in the hospital, but his sister as well. Who may I add is only seven years old."
"Hey, what makes you think I caused that accident?" James said loudly, ignoring the banging from the judge. I saw from the table that both Laurent and Sheppard sighed as they both palmed their foreheads. Guess James is fucking things up for them as if they have gone through this before. I thought as I held a snicker. "It was pouring down hard that day and he was the one driving fast."
"Which I assume was to get away from you for trying to find out whether to know where he's going or to find out where he lives." Caius said.
"You don't know shit!" James yelled.
"Mr. Wilde, control your client!" The judge demanded and he's looking really annoyed.
"No, I have my rights –"
"James, just shut up!" Sheppard snapped.
"Fine!" James grumbled as he slumped back in his stands.
"Should've got that on video." Charlie whispered. "Worlds' sleaziest photographer throwing a hissy fit." He said causing me and my dad to silently chuckle as James was excused to go back to his table. The minute he did, Sheppard and Laurent both leaned in and hissed at James. Probably because he was being a dumbass for speaking out of turn due to his outburst.
Caius then called a man into the stands. A witness from the car accident, who stopped James from getting away.
"Mr. Kendricks, would you tell the judge what you were doing at the location the car accident took place, and what you've witnessed that day." Caius said.
"I was doing my afternoon jog which turns out to be a bad idea as it started to rain hard midway through my jogging. I was doing my best to get through without any troubles when I saw two vehicles coming in one direction and another one coming towards them in the other lane. That vehicle wasn't harm but it almost got hit by the first vehicle which was from Edward. But because of the rain and how fast they were going, his car skidded and spun around. That's when the other car hit them thus causing the accident.
I called 911 to report the accident, the same time I saw that man, James, getting out of his vehicle and made a run for it, so I stopped him and prevented him from leaving until the cops arrived."
"That bastard tackled me and nearly choked me with his knee on my neck! I was injured from the crash!" James yelled.
"James!" Sheppard snapped at him as the banging was heard. Once Mr. Kendricks left the stands, Sheppard took his turn to make an objection. Are you fucking kidding me?
"Suffice to say that the court has no interest in Mr. Kendricks' opinion of what he witnessed, just the facts he saw. As both him and my client stated, it was pouring down hard. So who's to say that he was probably having a hard time to see what was going on as heavy rain could impair your vision?" He said. "Your honor, none of us saw the accident other than James here who was conscious the whole time when he was taken in. Not to mention that as the witness admitted that Mr. Cullen nearly hit another vehicle before the crash. This could indicate that Edward's the one at fault and not James for the cause of the crash." He finished with a smirk.
"Permission to call the next witness, your honor." Caius said to the judge, who granted him to do so. "I call the next witness, Renesmee Cullen."
There was murmuring going around as I turned with a worried look as I saw my sister slowly getting up from her seat. Both my parents gave her a hug and kiss.
"Hey," I reached out for her hand. "It's going to be okay." I said. Renesmee nodded her head before she started walking her way towards the stands.
"Just remember what we practiced, okay?" Eleazar said to her. I watched as Renesmee took a seat in the stands as I couldn't help but worry, and feeling really bad. I'm the reason why she's up there to make her statement. I dragged her into this situation. Now she's all nervous as she is up there in the stands to talk about the accident that almost killed her and me in front of the whole courtroom.
"How are you doing, Renesmee?" Caius asked her, his face softens.
"Okay." Renesmee answered quietly.
"How old are you?"
"I-I'm seven years old."
"Okay Renesmee, I'm going to ask you some questions, I want you to answer them honestly, alright?" Caius asked and my sister slowly nodded her head. Though her head was down but her eyes were up.
"Do you remember the day you went out for ice cream with Edward?"
"Y… yes." Renesmee nervously answered.
"Edward told me as he was driving, you saw a car and told your brother that someone was following you guys. Is that true?"
Renesmee was silent for a moment. "Y… no." Huh?! I thought with a confused expression as there was whispering involved. What she's talking about? Didn't she told me before she thinks there was someone following us? I remembered her telling me that as we had to go Aro's place instead of home due to the paparazzi swarming my house.
"I believe you misheard my question, Renesmee." Caius said to her kindly. "Was James the one who followed you and your brother?"
"N-No." Renesmee said, nervously.
"Renesmee, remember that you promised to be honest of your answer." Caius said to her patiently. "I'll ask you again, has James been following you two in his car?"
"I… uh…" I was confused at what was going on with my sister. I know she's nervous but why isn't she telling the truth of what happened? Though she didn't see him, she saw that he was following us. So why isn't she saying anything about it? She can't be that scared could she? But the way I see my sister's head position and crossing her legs back and forth, she looks to be.
That's when I caught her eyes looking at something. Not at Caius though. I slowly looked to my left and saw at the table that caught my attention. Not Sheppard, who is remaining calm and looking like this was pointless, or Laurent who looked nervous, but James, as he was discreetly holding out his thumb and made a face gesture as he moved his thumb over his neck… like he's slitting his own throat!
That there, sent me over the edge! "Is there something you'd like to say?!" I said to him causing everyone to look at me suddenly.
"Mr. Cullen,"
"NO! HE'S MAKING THREATENING GESTURES AT MY LITTLE SISTER TO BE QUIET!" I explained to the judge as there was gasp and murmurs going off.
"YOU'RE THREATENING MY DAUGHTER?!" My dad shouted in outrage as I saw mom and Charlie hold him down from jumping out of his seat.
"I did no such thing!" James yelled over the noise as Eleazar and J. prevented me from getting up.
"ORDER! ORDER!" The judge said as he was banging his gavel before the entire courtroom went silent. He looked beyond pissed as he looked at where Laurent and the others sat. "Mr. Hunter, you will refrain from speaking unless spoken to, and you are not to make gestures of any kind to anyone! Do you hear me?" He demanded and then turned to Sheppard. "Mr. Wilde, please control your client, or I'll hold all three of you in contempt court!"
"Oh p-" Laurent covered James's mouth before he finish and Sheppard hissed into his ear. No doubt to tell him to let him do his fucking job if those are the words he would use.
Caius sighed but took a deep breath before turning to my sister. "Alright Renesmee, go ahead and tell us what happened. I promise, James will not hurt you." He assured her and Renesmee nodded her head. "Now, I'll ask you one last time, did you see James following you and Edward?"
Renesmee nodded her head. "Yes. I saw his car, and Edward tried to lose him, but he kept following us no matter where we go."
"What happened then?"
"We got into a car accident. Edward didn't wake up when we got hit. The people from the hospital got me out first before Edward. That's when I saw that man," She pointed at James with a little more confidence. "And I know who he is."
"What do you mean you knew who he is?" Caius asked.
"I saw him before." Renesmee answered. "Earlier at school. He was trying to take pictures of me and my friends tried to hide me, but he kept trying to follow us until he went away." At those words, more muttering can be heard.
Caius then turned to the jury. "Being a photographer is known to be artistic and adventurous as you explore to see the beauty of the subject and capture the moment. Doesn't matter if it's human or not. But when it comes to taking pictures, such as on a person, there are boundaries to it, especially on a minor on school grounds. Was he doing anything for like, a school event that requires a students' photo to be taken? Did he had permission to be near school grounds? If I'm not mistaken, following kids around, especially on school grounds is a big violation if they have no business here to make a person turn themselves into… a predator."
"Your honor, with all due respect, but there are no laws that makes it illegal to take photos of a minor without a parent' consent. With few exceptions, James is definitely allowed to take photos of children even though they're not his." Sheppard objected.
"And those exceptions involved being on school grounds, which no adult other than the faculty are allowed to be on unless certain activity." Caius argued.
"If I may add, your honor, but surely we couldn't consider be taking word from a minor," Sheppard said as I seething through my teeth at how he addresses my sister. "I mean she's just a kid. How are we supposed to take word from a little girl over two adults who runs a successful company where she claims that James was doing those things to her?"
"Oh, I believe I have someone here who can verify Mr. Hunter's activity." Caius said with a smirk on his face.
Sheppard scoffed. "What? You mean her little friends? What good can they do? It still wouldn't make a difference in court." He said giving out a laugh as he looked around like he's making point.
"Actually, it's not Renesmee's friends I'm talking about." Caius said. He then told Renesmee to go back to her seat and then faced the court. "I call my next witness to the stands, Maya Deans." That's when a young woman came up and slowly made her way to the stands with her head down until she got in her seat. And when she raised her head, I was surprised when I immediately recognized her.
"Who's that?" Charlie asked.
"That's the teacher who was substituting Renesmee's class, who she made them pick on her." I answered causing my mother to gasp.
"State your name, age and profession." Caius told her.
"My name is Maya Deans. I am twenty-five years old, and I'm… I was a substitute teacher at Forks Elementary School. I was subbing for Mrs. Hawkins' class for a week due to her needing to attend her ill grandmother." She answered.
"You said you were a substitute teacher. Did you took a sabbatical, or were you fired?" Caius asked.
She was silent. "I was fired."
"Why were you fired?"
"Because… because I… I encouraged the other students to pick on the young girl and her friends." She said, looking ashamed as the murmurs went off. I swore I heard my mom growl.
"And why did you allow the other students, minus Ms. Cullen's friends, to pick on young Renesmee? I mean, what did she ever do to you?" Caius asked. Yes Ms. Dean, do tell us why you thought you could get away and treat my sister that way. I thought.
Ms. Dean took a shaky breath. "Because I heard about a man trying to take photos of the girl. When I heard about it, I… initiated a move, mocking Ms. Cullen about being targeted by a paparazzi thus making the other students do the same and mistreat her badly."
I heard movement behind me and I turned to see Esme fighting my father this time from getting up from her seat trying to launch herself at the teacher.
"You know, from what we heard when we asked the school about the incident, it's odd to hear that a paparazzi would just come to a school full of little kids and go after just Renesmee, who is the younger sister of Edward, despite that he's the main storyline of what's been going on." Caius said to the jury as they all look like they are considering on what he's saying. "I mean, the paparazzi should be following him and not his sister, so why go after her? But the bigger question is how did he know who she is?" He then turned to Ms. Dean. "It's not like Forks Elementary was the only school that teaches kids from kindergarten to the sixth grade. What's even odder was that no one in the faculty was aware until Edward pointed it out, and yet you knew and kept it quiet until you were caught." He said with a raised eyebrow. "That doesn't sound like a coincidence, does it, Ms. Dean."
"It's not." She said, causing a lot of commotion as the judge was trying to silence the courtroom. I was curious at where Caius is going with all this about James being in school trying to take pictures of my sister.
"And what do you mean by that?" Caius asked her.
"Because," She took another shaky breath. "Because I called him." She said, causing me to be surprised as I now recalled that when I confronted her with the principal, I never mention anything yet about the paparazzi. "When I ran the attendance of the class, I saw Ms. Cullen's name on the list and seeing the resemblance, she was indeed Edward's sister. And hearing… at the time that he was cheating on Bella, well.. I'm a fan of her and I hate for how I thought she was treated. So though I couldn't do anything to Edward in person, I went after his sister instead by tipping off the paparazzi about her and let him do his thing."
"And who was it, may I ask?" Caius asked.
"James Hunter from Eclipse. I called the company about it." A lot of muttering erupted until it was quiet down by the judge.
"I believe you heard it straight here forks, and see who the real guilty party is and who should be at fault." Caius said, looking pleased with himself. "Thank you." He then went back to his table and sat down.
Sheppard stood up. "I would like to call Edward Cullen to the stands." He said. Here we go. I thought as I grab my crutches and I got up, slowly making my way up to the stands.
"How are you feeling today, Edward?" Sheppard asked me giving me that pleasing smile that pisses me off. "You seem to be enjoying being on those crutches. Still wearing that cast?"
I know what he was trying to do and what he's getting at. If he's trying to get a rise out of me, making everyone believe I'm faking my injury to help give him an edge for me to win, it's not fucking happening douchebag.
My face was neutral as I answered his question. "I'm doing fine. The crutches are a pain, life is challenging with this cast on my arm and leg, but I will be out of these in about a week or two. Maybe sooner, and then I will take physical therapy."
"I see," Sheppard said, looking at me. "So you dated Bella Swan for long?" One, two, and three. Deep breaths, Cullen.
"Bella and I have been together since the middle of September." I answered. "It was around November that people found out about us."
"You must be pretty good at sneaky around to keep things a secret. Like how you were sneaking around with Mr. Denali's daughter." Sheppard smirked.
"Tanya and I weren't sneaking around." I said while trying my best not to snap. "She came to see me when her family came over because of her father's job,"
"Aha! She came to see you!" Sheppard said as he walked away as if he was right all along. Oh for fucks sakes! I thought. "Why did she came to see you?" He asked me.
"I wasn't aware that she came." I explained. "She surprised me with the news that her family will be living in Forks."
"She must have really surprised you if you expected that kiss from her." Sheppard said with a smirk as he pointed out the photo.
"That photo was clearly taken out of context." I said, as my temper was slowly rising by the second at the way this bastard is being. "Tanya and I have a close relationship –"
"You see? They have a close relationship, to which he admits to seeing her behind Bella's back!" Sheppard said in triumph.
"You didn't let me fucking finish!" I snapped.
"Edward!" My mom scolded.
"Mr. Cullen," The judge warned me.
"No, he's clearly twisting my words around and is trying to make me look bad!" I said.
"Words that you used to confess about your relationship!" Sheppard pointed at me.
"Your honor!" Eleazar, Caius and J. said.
"ORDER!" The judge said, banging his gavel hard that it would surely break. "Mr. Cullen, I ask you kindly to avoid speaking out of turn again. As for you, Sheppard, either you perform your task professionally and let Mr. Cullen finish his answers, or I will find another lawyer to represent your clients for the rest of this case. Do I make myself clear?"
Sheppard frown with a grumble. "Yes, your honor."
"May I explain?" I said as if I wanted to get this over with but then realized what I said. "Uh, please."
"Go ahead, Mr. Cullen." The judge said and then eye Sheppard, as if he's expecting Sheppard to dare himself to speak over me again.
"Look, I get that there has been a lot going around about me being the boyfriend of Bella Swan." I said. "People are saying things about me that are pretty much uncalled for, and also making stuff up about me just to make me look bad and such. At that time, I couldn't stand it with people pointing at me or looking at my direction wherever I walk by. Even people that I know before were acting different towards me and I just didn't like how people were treating me so different. At times, I even question myself what I ever did to deserve this, or if I'm even worth being the one for Bella.
But after what I went through in that hospital recovering from that car crash, and talking with Tanya who comforted me about my situation and gave me just a kiss for giving her a ride back to her family, I learned what really matters, and that's Bella. I love Bella Swan. She's my life. She's everything to me more than anything in the world. I don't care what everyone else says anymore.
I may not be famous, and my life will never be the same, not to mention that what happens to me in the future is unseen, and I may not be an expert on love like most people think. Sure, I have been out with some girls in the past, but Bella… I don't know how to describe it, but when I'm with her, it's different. When I officially got to sing with her at her concert, I thought it was just me being a fan of her. But… the more I got to know her and the chance to hang out with her, it was more than that. One look at her, and everything around me felt different. I felt as if… she was all that matters to me. And that's all I care about.
I mean, does backgrounds or where you come from really matters when it comes to finding love? I think as long as the love between the two people is genuine, that's real. The way I see my relationship with Bella, we just love each other, regardless of where we came from. We're just two different people with one thing in common. I love her for being down to earth and how she treats others, including myself, and she loves me, for me. She doesn't treat me more or less." I said, looking at the courtroom where I see my family and Charlie smiling at me along with Eleazar, Caius and J., while Laurent and James just sat there with no signs being moved for what I said.
Sheppard sighed. "So Edward, you claim that you are not seeing another girl behind Bella's back."
"That's exactly what I'm saying, and that's my truth." I said. And with that, I was finally excused and sat back at my table.
"Other than your outburst with Sheppard when he got under your skin, I think you had the jury swayed with what you said." Caius said to me, looking pleased about this.
"Yes, though that wasn't what we rehearsed, it did gives us a slight chance to win this case." Eleazar said as J. got up and walked towards the middle of the room. "All we have to do now is let J. do his thing and if things go accordingly, we might win."
I hope so. I thought as we all look at J. for what he has to say.
"I am here to present to you all something that should clear the air about my client, Mr. Cullen about his actions in the photo that was taken." J. began. "But before I do, I wanted to say that I'm glad that Mr. Cullen didn't mention it yet when he spoke, and here's why. As you remember, she is the daughter of Mr. Denali, but there's more to it than that.
You see, Mr. Cullen and Ms. Denali do indeed have a close relationship, but not in the way that you all think. Their families have known each other for as long as they can remember, why? Because the mothers of the two young ones are related, as sisters." Murmurs were louder than ever. "That's right, Edward's mother Esme Platt is Tanya's mother Carmen Platt's younger sister. That's one claim that can be dismissed because it sounds odd to be dating someone who is your cousin."
"Objection," Sheppard said. "Consanguinity is quite common and there's only a few states that would forbid marriages between family members."
"Overrule!" The judge said, banging his gavel as Sheppard had that disbelief look on his face that says "What?!"
"Your honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have paperwork that shows proof of the family documentations of the relationship between the Cullen family and the Denali family as well as their DNA. Along with evidence that shows of previous cases against Laurent and his team by many celebrities that were quickly dismissed and how they got away with it due… a lot of work cut out thanks to Mr. Wilde here." J. said as he passed them out to each person in the jury before handing it to the judge. "You will also find a photo of the victim of this case Tanya Denali in a photo being taken at the Cullen house by Victoria Sutherland."
Huh?! I thought in confusion, not to mention bewilderment. When did Victoria had a picture of Tanya? I looked at Charlie to see if he knows, and looked to be unsure if he wants to answer.
"Remember when you guys hung out together before Bella and her friends flew back to L.A. in September? Well, Victoria seems to find something… interesting about your cousin and took a picture of her photo and kept it in her phone." He explained causing me to be completely mortified.
…
…
…
I… don't know if I should be thanking Victoria or be completely weirded out for using her sexuality to help me clear my name in this case.
I shook my head from the disturbance I'm hearing and looked at the jury who were all looking at the proof that is in the pudding.
"This photo of the girl's picture frame shows the time taken back in September."
"Victoria is a friend of Bella Swan, correct?"
"That would mean they were probably aware about this girl."
"What about the relationship though?"
One jury looked closely at the documents. "The relationship ties with one another as they both have the same mother they were born to. Edward Cullen and Tanya Denali are indeed cousins by blood." He said, looking up.
"Your honor?" The judge looked at what he's been given until finally he set them down with a hard cold expression on his face.
"I think I've seen enough." He said and then turned to me, his face softens. "Mr. Cullen, as a servant of the court, I wish to offer you my sincere apologies for what you and your family went through by someone who ruined your good name and not to mention, trying to ruin your relationship with Ms. Swan with his kind of power."
"But your honor," Sheppard was cut off when the judge his gavel hard.
"Mr. Dubois, Mr. Hunter, please rise!" Laurent and James along with Sheppard stood up. "Mr. Wilde, it seems the wrong person has been on trial here today. And it seems that your actions today followed by all the evidence here of all your past cases you won by tampering are now in question of your career." The judge said causing Sheppard's mouth to drop. "I expect and I better receive a list of charges you intend to bring against your clients in my chambers by five o'clock today, or I will find you contempt of my court. Am I making myself clear?"
"… Yes, your honor." Sheppard slowly nodded his head.
"Mr. Hunter, you are hereby charged for reckless driving, a hit and run felony, invasion on school grounds, first degree misdemeanor charges, and attempted second degree murder," The judge said. "You will face up to thirty years in prison with no parole."
"You can't be serious!" James yelled as Sheppard tries to calm him down. "I was in that accident too and I'm hurt as well! You can't put me in jail after all the work I've done!"
The judge ignored him. "And furthermore, upon your future release, I will be marking you as a registered sex offender."
"WHAT?! For what bullshit?!"
"For attempting to take unwanted pictures of a minor and having to follow her on school grounds. Clearly, you show no remorse of the actions you caused on children and innocent people around you when you caused that car accident."
"This is fucking bullshit! I was just trying to take pictures! I wasn't trying to hurt anyone!" James shouted as the bailiff and security had to come in to makes sure James is detained when James was about to throw a fit causing the judge to order the guards to take James back into the other room.
"As for you Mr. Laurent, you will not only be charged for slandering Mr. Cullen in a false article you've written about him, but for all the cases from others you've wrote about the same way you did to him. Expect summons from them for all the damage you've done to their lives. With that, your company Eclipse is no more! I hereby state that the company is to be shut down, immediately!"
Laurent just stood there until his eyes slowly widened for what he's hearing as his face turns to shock. "W-What? No! You can't do that!"
"I can so as well as from the list of celebrities in this petition who were fighting back against you and want you cancelled." The judge said as he show the petition and I gaped at the list that roll all the way down until it rolled out towards my table. Damn!
"No, please! Fine me if you have to, I'll even serve some jail time, but don't shut it down! I'll write a retraction for what I said about Edward!" Laurent pleaded.
"That does not make up for what you've done getting away with everything you have written and let others suffer because you ruined their names, especially to this young man here!" The judge said, pointing his gavel at me. "This man had a normal life, a bright future ahead of him, and you took that away from him! You wrote one lie about him and people easily believed you over him thus hurting him and the people around him! All just to make money without an ounce of care to others as long as you get what you want! You think I'd let you continue your company with the way you write about people? Because you clearly failed as a writer! Now you will pay the price and I mean literally, starting with paying off Mr. Cullen's medical bills for being the reason he was put there! This case is closed!"
At the sound of the gavel, which broke in two when it hit, there were cheers from my side as my family, Charlie, Eleazar, Caius, J. and I were happy to hear the news.
"I knew it!" Demetri yelled, punching air before slinging his arm around my shoulder. "There was no way that bastard and his team stood a chance against three elite lawyers!" He happily said as I chuckled.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Seth cheered.
"And that's all she wrote!" Jane said.
"Never doubted it for a second." Ben said.
"They were bound to side with you." Angela said, who looked like she might have positively faint with anxiety when all my friends came into my home hearing the news I gave them.
"There was no case against you at all." Alec said as he patted my back. "Not one thing that they could use against you."
"And with all the celebrities who are fighting back what they lost, Laurent will no doubt lose everything he has." Jessica said, looking pleased.
"Still wish we were there to see it all happened." Heidi said.
"I'm just glad it's all over." I said as I got to sit down with my friends gathering around me in the living room.
I am now home after coming back from the courthouse where not only James is guilty of the charges and will be put behind bars, but Laurent being charged for slandering me on in his article for the failed context of the photo of me and Tanya. To say what happened afterwards would be an understatement. After everyone congratulated me outside the courtroom on winning this case, there was a loud argument that nearly led to a scuffle between Laurent, James and Sheppard. It was hard to tell who was at fault, but since J. Jenks gave the summons to Laurent that informs him that he will be sued by numerous celebrities besides me for all the slandering he has put them through, everything inside Laurent snapped as he was shouting at Sheppard for failing to help him defend his case while Sheppard was blaming it on James for acting like a child with all the outburst and the threatening gestures at Renesmee during trial that cost them. All that while James was just being a bitch and complained about how no one helped him at all, saying he did nothing wrong. So yeah, you can say James is about to be someone's bitch in prison if he keeps acting this up.
After that was done, we had to be escorted back to our vehicles when the media was outside waiting to hear what happened in court. That was fine because I don't want to do these interviews right now. Once we arrived home, I called my friends on what happened and here we are now.
"Damn, now I really wish we were there to see it." Ben said after I told them the story of how it went down.
"I knew that James was such a sleazeball thinking he could get away with how he takes photos of people, but I never imagined him to be such a crybaby." Jessica commented.
"Of course with all the witness who took the stands and all the information to point out, there was no way Laurent would turn things around to save his ass." Alec said.
"How do you feel, Edward? You know, now that it is over." Heidi asked.
I took a deep breath. "Well, as soon as I get off this cast and throw these crutches out, I'll be happy to just move forward." I answered.
"I wondered how everyone feels now that they really see that Laurent was in the wrong and felt like complete dumbasses for what they said about Edward." Seth wondered.
"They just announced it today." Jessica said after looking at her laptop. Why am I not surprised? "They only talked about how Laurent was sued by you for false defamation and that all details will be revealed tomorrow."
"Oh boy, I can't wait to hear how broke-ass Laurent's going to be!" Demetri said excitedly, rubbing his hands together.
"So what now, Edward?" Angela asked me.
"Well right now, I need to call someone important." I said as I pulled out my phone since I haven't been on it after we left the courthouse. I called the number and waited until her face appeared on the screen. "Hey love!"
"Hey Edward!" Bella smiled. "So I take that you wanted to tell me something?" She giggled causing me to chuckle.
"All charges are against Laurent. But I supposed you knew about that." I said.
"Well, I didn't go on social media until I hear from you first." Bella said. "Congratulations, I'm so happy for you!"
"Thanks, but I wouldn't have won this case if it weren't for your support. And I should thank your dad since I haven't got the chance to do so when we left." I said.
"You know what I think this calls for?" Jessica said causing my friends and I to look at her. "I say this calls for a celebration!"
"Actually," Charlie entered the room with my sister on his shoulders. "Your mother is ordering pizza while your father and uncle are prepping the salad and mac and cheese and Caius went to get the beverages. So we were way ahead of it."
"Dad, you act like you knew what was going to happen in court." Bella giggled while Renesmee gave out a hello to her.
Charlie just shrugged as he sat Renesmee down. "Call it a hunch."
"Was that the old Hunter Stone catchphrase we just hear?" Jane said in a gasp.
"You can take Charlie Swan out of Jump Force, but you can't take Jump Force out of Charlie Swan." Charlie said and then turned to my phone. "But I'm just glad things worked out well for Edward. J. did his magic and the others were spectacular as well. Now all that remains is for Laurent and his company to be put to rest for good and we can move on with our lives."
"That sounds nice, Charlie." I said. "And thank you for everything, helping me with the lawsuit."
"Anytime son, you're part of this family now." Charlie smiled, patting my back.
I smiled as well before turning to Bella. "I just wish you were here to celebrate with us."
"Actually," That's when Alice popped in next to Bella. "You guys go ahead and celebrate tonight, but then when we find the time, we'll come over and hang out again so we can officially celebrate!" She said happily.
"Were you guys eavesdropping?" Bella asked Alice that sounded like a "Are you kidding me?"
"Of course!" Alice smiled causing Bella to roll her eyes while we laugh.
"So you guys are coming back?!" Jessica gasped.
"We'll let you know when once we check our schedules!" Alice announced.
"Everyone, pizzas' here!" Esme announced.
"Food!" And without warning, the boys took off in less than a second. That caused Charlie and me to chuckle while the girls rolled their eyes.
"Well, I'll let you guys go! Have a good night!" Bella said as Alice waved us goodbye.
"Talk to you tomorrow, love." I smiled as everyone else said goodbye to her before Bella hung up, ending the facetime.
"Come on son," Charlie said after assisted me up while the others went on ahead. "I'm sure you're starving as I am after today's event."
"You have no idea, Charlie." I chuckled as he and I walked together to join everyone as we celebrate today on getting my life settled and all the crazy shit I've been dealt with has been pushed aside.
Wow, that was eventful! I am just happy Laurent and everyone involved are the guilty party and that they will get their just desserts and not in a pleasant way! Happy for Edward, but still a lot to go through since it's not really over. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. This was a lot to do with all these court rules and how it goes and I'm sure some charges aren't realistic as well as how crimes goes, but I tried my best since I wanted to give karma on Laurent and his team. Anyway,
Until next time, the next is going to bring a lot of surprises! Please review.