A/N: THIS CHAPTER IS GOING TO SHOW THE TRIAL, BUT I'M JUST LETTING YOU KNOW THAT I AM SORRY IF ANY PROCEDURE THAT I WRITE IS INCORRECT. I DID DO RESEARCH ON THE STEPS TAKEN DURING A TRIAL AND HAVE DECIDED TO SKIP SOME STEPS SO THE ENTIRE TRIAL WILL NOT BE WRITTEN. AGAIN I'M SORRY FOR ANY MISTAKES... ENJOY THE CHAPTER :)
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Feel free to point out any spelling, grammar, or spacing errors. I would really appreciate it and will fix them right away :)
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Read the author's note at the end if the chapter!!
Ch35:About Ninety-four Percent
"They declare Ms. Abrelle Luoise innocent of the charges of second-degree murder."
They declare Ms. Abrelle Luoise innocent of the charges of second-degree murder.
The words play over and over again and I can't believe its true.
Innocent.
Me innocent.
"Abrelle,"Â Noah hugs me. "You're innocent. You're innocent."
I'm innocent.
"I'm innocent," I laugh. "I'm innocent Noah. You did it! "
"Order," the judge yells slamming his gavel down.
Everyone in the room goes silent and we all sit down again.
"We are ordering the immediate arrest of Alisson Louise and Samuel Beckett," the judge says and I immediately turn back to see Sam.
"We didn't do anything," Alisson yells as two guards take a hold of her. "We're innocent."
"Alisson shut up," Sam rolls his eyes, allowing two other guards to grab him.
"I'm innocent," Alisson keeps yelling as they take her into the door I walked out of. After her they take in Sam who doesn't even try to struggle or fight.
"Now," the judge takes a deep breath. "We have declared Abrelle Louise guilty in the falsification of documents and she has been sentenced to one year in jail."
"What?" Noah exclaims. "That's unfair, the circumstances pushed her to do so."
"That doesn't make it legal," Jason comments.
"Its okay Noah," I place my hand on his shoulder. "I can handle a year,"
Truth was, I didn't think I could handle another minute locked away. Especially not with Bull always around the corner.
"Where's Elliot?" Lisa asks and I turn around to look for him.
"He was standing in front of the door," I say desperately looking around the room and I realize that his dad and Macy are gone as well.
"Maybe he just went outside to talk," Jason says also looking around the room.
"He left," Aria says walking towards us. "My father convinced him to take the job offer."
"That's a lie," I growl. "Elliot promised he wasn't going to take that job."
"Well he did," Aria smiles "and he took Macy with him."
***
Day 365
Dear Journal,
Today's my last day locked away here.
It's been six months since Elliot left and just like Aria said he went to England. I saw the grand opening of the new Stone company branch on T.V and their he was with Macy besides him.
I can still remember the conversation we had when I first confronted him about the job offer.
"It's an amazing opportunity," I frown "to get to go to England and run the new company branch. Why would you let something like that go?"
"I'm letting that opportunity go," he smiles "because I have an even better one here."
"Really?" I ask surprised.
"Yeah," he nods "I have the opportunity to have a life with you and I think I'd be crazy to let that go."
"So you're not leaving?" I ask a slight crack in my voice.
"No," he shakes his head "I'm not leaving."
I realize now how silly it was to believe him. Of course he wouldn't deny such an offer especially not for someone who was sentenced to a year in prison.
Although, I'm being released six months early for good behavior. Or at least that's what they said, but I think their letting me out because they don't want Bull to kill me.
"I heard you're being released today," A voice says and I look up to see Scarlett.
"I am," I smile putting my journal down. "I just hope Bull doesn't do anything to interfere.
"She's locked away in solitary," Scarlett smiles. "I don't think they're going to allow her to interfere. "
"Its time," A guard yells.
"Thank you for everything Scarlett," I stand up and hug her. "You defended me from Bull countless of times and it almost got you killed."
"Don't get all emotional on me," she hugs me back. "Just promise me one thing."
"Anything."
"You'll write me once in a while," she says "and answer my calls."
"Look who's getting emotional now," I laugh.
"Shut up," she pushes me.
"I promise," I nod.
***
I walk out from behind the two large metal doors towards the street and see a familiar figure waiting for me.
"Noah," I run towards him and throw myself at him.
I'm finally completely free.
"Elle," he laughs swinging me around.
"I'm out," I laugh. "I'm finally out of that hell."
"Yes you are," he puts me down.
"Let's get out of here," I smile. "I want to go to my apartment."
"Are you sure?" he asks and I frown.
I need to go back to that apartment.
I need to say goodbye to Lydia.
To everything.
"Yes," I answer. "I love that apartment and I think I need some kind of closure."
"Closure with Elliot?" he asks and I shake my head.
I do need closure with him, but that apartment isn't going to give it to me.
"I need closure with what was my life for three years," I answer "and that apartment was my home. I have a certain love for it."
"Okay," he smiles placing his hand on my cheek.
"Thank you," I nod.
***
"Abrelle," Jason smiles as soon as we arrive to the apartment building.
"Hi J," I say a bit coldly.
I don't have any bad feelings towards him or Lisa, but I haven't seen either of them since they sentenced me. They claim to have been hurt by the fact that I lied to them, but I don't think that excuses not visiting me for six months.
"I didn't know you were being released," he says.
"I was today," I reply.
"We'll see you later," Noah comments beginning to walk towards the elevator, but I stop him.
"I want to do this alone," I tell him.
"Okay," Noah smiles "I'll be down here with Jason if you need anything."
"Thanks," I smile back before making my way towards the elevator. Suddenly the memories of every single time I went up this elevator begin replaying in my head, but only one specific one comes clearly.
"Is this thing even safe?" He asks as the elevator opens letting out a loud scratching sound.
"No clue," I tell him as I walk inside and he follows.
I press the sixth floor and the elevator abruptly moves up before coming to a harsh stop. I don't flinch at the sudden movements anymore, but Elliot jumps both times. It's amusing to watch someone who believes themselves to be a bad ass jump when an elevator moves.
As soon as the elevator opens I walk inside and push the button for the sixth floor. The elevator only takes a few minutes to arrive and I make my way towards my apartment.
"I didn't come to fight," my stepfather says "I want to talk to you."
"Leave," I glare at him "I have nothing to talk to you about."
"Sweetheart," he smiles, but I cut him off.
"That's not my name," I say coldly " Stephan I'm not sure what it is you want and I don't care. I want you out of my life. I made that clear."
"You did," he frowns "but I thought that with time you could forgive me."
"Forgive you?" I laugh bitterly "Never. You destroyed everything. I can never forgive you for what you did. I hate you so much and no matter how much time goes by I will always hate you."
Pushing away the memory I walk into my apartment and I'm immediately greeted with the familiarity that was my home. I walk towards the dinner table and pick up three empty bottles of beer that Elliot must have left behind.
"I bought breakfast," he grins.
"Thanks," I take the bag and put it on the table "what you buy?"
"For you," he walkes towards me "I got a bowl with chicken, brown rice, black beans, cheese, guacamole and sour cream."
"Thank you," I grab silverware and cups "what did you get?"
"For me," he pulls out a bottle of apple juice from the fridge "I ordered a bowl with chicken, pinto beans, white rice, sour cream, guacamole, and cheese."
I throw away the empty beer bottles before sitting down on the dinner table facing towards the couch.
"Lets get rid of this," he realses my hair letting it fall freely.
His hot heavy breath lingers on my lips and it sends shivers down my back.
I see him looking down at my lips and I know what he's going to do.
"I'm sick," I murmur looking directly into his eyes.
"So," he says placing his hands on either side of me trapping me so I have nowhere to run.
I'm still looking into his eyes and I realize I want him to kiss me.
It's why I hate him because I don't hate him.
My thoughts are interrupted the minute I feel his soft wet lips on mine and I close my eyes wanting to savor the moment, but stomach begins twisting and turning.
I walk towards the couch and sit down looking straight into the darkness in my T.V.
Shaking my head I open the box and inside theres a necklace with a pendant. My father's old pendant, the letter A for Acel. Taking out the necklace I see a note;
Dear Big Sister,
I know I have done nothing, but gained your distrust. I will prove to you that I am truly sorry for my actions and hope that one day you can forgive me. I know our father decided to give me his pendant, but I belive you deserve it more considering you're the one he'd be most proud of if he were alive. Once again I'm sorry and happy twenty-fourth birthday.
-N
Nathan sent me this.
Could this mean he's truly sorry?
I close my eyes and I let the tears I've been fighting back come down my face freely.
"Okay," he gives me a strange look "what happened? You're seriously scaring me."
He looks so cute when he scrunches his eyebrows together forming a small V shaped wrinkle between them.
"Why, because I'm in a good mood?"
"Yeah," he says and I roll my eyes.
"I can't help it," I smile "I had a great day."
"I didn't," he complains.
"I have an idea on how to lift your mood," I say.
"Me too," he answers and before I can say anything his lips are on mine.
I stand up from the couch and decide to sit on the floor. Maybe it will make me feel a little better.
"Thank you," I blush "I didn't think this dress was going to work and maybe my boots made me look too tall."
"No," he shakes his head "you look perfect and it helps that your boots make you taller."
"Why?"
"Cause you don't need to stand on your tiptoes when I do this," he says placing his soft warm lips on mine and I inhale surprised. He smiles at my shock and pulls me closer deepening the kiss. I feel as though electricity is running through my entire body and I begin running my hands through his hair making him groan.
"God, I love you," he kisses me and I feel my heart skip a beat at the sound of his words.
I have to tell him.
"Elliot...I...I.." I begin saying in between kisses, but a knock on the door interrupts us.
"Lydia," I hear Liz yell and I roll my eyes
I shake away the memory and stand up making my way towards the bathroom where I splash a bit of cold water on my face.
"Lyddie," he kisses my forehead "I love you and only you. I was only being polite to Liz and nothing else. Besides she's your friend she'd never do that."
"I know," I smile "I told you I was imagining things, but I just don't want to get hurt."
"I. Would. Never. Hurt. You." he says planting small kisses on my lips "You. Mean. So. Much. To. Me. Lyddie."
I have to say it. He needs to know how I feel about him, right?
"Elliot," I say.
"Yeah" he aswers kissing my cheek and slowly going down neck.
I can say it.
"I love you."
A sob escapes my lips and I turn away from the mirror and go sit on the edge of the shower.
Today I wake up to the worst day of the year. The day I dread the most.
Luis Vasquez.
Three years ago today he was murdered.
A cold blooded murder and I'm mourning in the only way I can.
I'm currently sitting in my bathtub allowing the cold water to hit my naked back.
"Lydia," Elliot exclaims "you've been showering for more than an hour."
I don't answer. He's been pressuring me for about ten minutes now.
"Lydia," he knocks harshly "I have to pee."
Rolling my eyes I decide maybe he's right. Maybe I should get out now.
Another sob escapes my lips and I walk out of the restroom and into my room where I'm immediately bombarded with memories.
What are you thinking about?" Elliot whispers in my ear startling me.
"Don't do that," I turn around to face him.
"Do what?" he asks innocently, a big grin on his face.
His smile is so heartwarming. God I'm starting to sound so cliché.
"Scare me like that," I hiss playfully before beginning to get up.
"Where do you think your going?" he pulls me back down.
"I need to get up," I giggle.
"I love that sound," he hugs me "I'd never heard it from you before."
*
"Come on," he wraps his arms around my waist "I promise I'll hug you."
"No."
"Fine," he releases me a look of pure evil on his face "you asked for it."
"What are you-" I begin asking, but he cuts me off by lifting me up.
"Put me down," I roll my eyes at him.
"As you wish," he smirks throwing me down on the bed.
"Elliot," I scream before giggling.
That was actually quite fun.
"I love that sound," he climbs on top of me sustaining his weight with his elbows.
"Elliot you're not sleeping with me," I smack him playfully.
*
I wake up feeling extremely hot and realize Elliot is wrapped around me like a vine.
He's so cute when he's asleep.
Suddenly all of last nights memories hit me like a slap in the face. Me saying I love you and then us....bed....together.
Oh god.
No. No. No. No.
This can't be happening.
What did I do?
I can't belive I had sex him.
I close my eyes trying my best to keep the memories of Elliot from coming back into my mind.
"Lydia," Sam yells out as soon as he spots me. He's casually leaning against the wall his hands behind his back.
"Sammy," I smile leaning against the wall beside him.
"Close your eyes," he grins and it's the first time in a long time that I see him so happy. I want to say no because I hate surprises, but hearing and seeing him so happy makes me comply.
"What is it?" I asks closing my eyes. He doesn't answer, but rather puts a heavy cardboard box in my hands.
"Open them," he commands and I do. I look down at my hands and I see a closed bright pink box labeled chocolate cookies and cream.
Suddenly I feel as though everything inside me has blown up and I can't take all the rage I have inside me. I stand up and run to the kitchen. I then open all the cabinets and begin throwing out everything I can get my hands on.
I hate this apartment.
I hate Sam. I hate Elliot. I hate Macy. I hate Lisa.
I hate Jason. I hate Alisson. I hate Stephan. I hate Elizabeth.
I run towards the dinner table and push it over letting it slam loudly against the floor. Then I moved towards the couch and do the same throwing the pillows towards my T.V causing it to fall over and crack.
Luis is dead.
"Abrelle," I hear a voice say as the door opens, but I don't pay any attention to it. I grab a glass cup from the ground and make my way towards the restroom where I throw it at my mirror breaking it into pieces.
Sam killed Luis. Sam killed my brother. My best friend killed them.
"Abrelle," I hear the same voice again calling me, but I ignore it making my way into my room.
My sister killed Luis.
I walk towards my dresser and begin throwing out everything inside the drawers. Before removing the drawers and slamming them into the wall.
Nathan died.
I then kick my mattress causing it to fall off my bed.
My dad died.
"Abrelle," a pair of arms wraps around me and I fall to the ground not feeling anymore rage.
"They're dead," I say tears falling down my face. "Nathan, Luis, and my dad are all dead."
I suddenly can't help it anymore and I begin to sob feeling an immense amount of pain.
My dad died. Luis' died. Nathan died. Sam betrayed me. Alisson betrayed me. Elliot left.
"It's okay," the arms pulls me closer.
"The person I trusted most in the world," I scream tears streaming down my face. "He killed the love of my life and my brother."
"I know," I look up and see Noah. "Its okay."
"My own sister killed my fiancée," I continue crying.
"I know, I know," Noah hugs me.
"Elliot left me," I sob crying as hard as I can. "He left with Macy. "
"It's okay," Noah rubs my shoulder.
"I'm alone," I cry. "I'm completely alone."
"You have me," he says "I'll always be here for you Elle."
I don't want to cry anymore.
I don't want to feel pain anymore.
I don't want to be here anymore.
I want to go far away.
"I want to leave," I tell Noah. "I want to get out of here."
"Of course," he helps me up "we can go to my apartment. You can stay there a few days."
"No," I shake my head. "I want to get out of San Francisco. I want to go somewhere away from all of this."
"You sure?" Noah asks.
"About ninety-four percent," I smile as tears fall freely down my face and he smiles back.
"Okay," he nods. "We can go wherever you want."
THE END!
A/N: THAT'S IT!! Finally this book is finished and I can't tell you guys how thankful I am for all the support. I'm truly going to miss writing Girl With The Heart of Stone.
Thanks for everything everyone and I hope you enjoyed this book.
Do you want a sequel?
Let me know HERE
The next book is called Girl with the Heart Full of Revenge
Love, Pam