24 | the decision

continued..

we resumed from recess and the courtroom seemed to be fuller. like more people were sitting in the back which kinda annoyed me because everyone just wants to watch some drama.

but i didn't pay attention to them. i had other things to focus on because it was lisa's turn to cross exam me.

"mrs. rose- o'connell," she started. "thanks to mr. clark, we're all aware that mr. marino told you not to walk that night, but we weren't told why. can you explain?"

"he was upset," i started. "i had told my wife about how he treated me. so, being the overprotective woman that she is, she confronted him and told him to leave me alone."

"which caused him to threaten to make the job harder for you, right?" lisa asked.

"yes," i nodded. "his ego was hurt."

"what else happened?" she asked me.

"when the director told me i could walk anyway, luca told me that it wasn't over," i sighed. "so later that night when he had me pinned to the bed, about to assault me... um-"

"what did he say to you, leilani?"

"shut up," i said lowly. "don't think i won't kill you."

"and what else?" lisa asked.

"um," i looked down. "you tell billie to watch who she's talking to next time."

billie's eyes got wide and she furrowed her eyebrows.

"why didnt you mention that when the police asked?" lisa continued.

"billie was right next to me," i said. "and i didn't want her to know."

lisa nodded and mouthed the word "good" to me.

"no further questions your honor," she said as she walked away.

the judge sighed. "mrs. rose- o'connell, do you not have any witnesses that can testify to mr. marino's behavior?"

"um no ma-"

"yes," one girl said as she stood up from the audience in the back. "i'd like to testify."

i recognized her to be one of the models i worked with. we never talked at all but i remember her face.

"me too, your honor," another model said.

"i can too," another stood up.

and then one last girl stood up. "me too."

and it was my dear frankie.

my eyes got wide as i was in so much shock. i then looked at lisa who was also in shock. but then i looked at billie and she winked at me.

im assuming she called them up.

wow.

they all testified, giving their inappropriate experience with luca marino and how they witnessed him touch other girls inappropriately as well.

some girls even talked about how i always looked unhappy whenever he'd pull me aside.

i was so touched.

but this still means nothing.

after, the girls gave their spills and what not, it was time for the jury to start discussing what they were going to do.

we were sent to another 20 minute recess to give the jury more time and that's when i got a chance to talk to them girls.

but first, i gave billie the biggest hug.

"i could only get those 4 to come in such short notice," she said. "sorry."

"what? no don't apologize," i told her. "you just helped me! thank you!"

"well it's the least i could do," she looked down.

"billie it's not your fault," i shook my head.

"but-"

"but nothing," i assured her. "he was talking with his ego when he said that."

she just nodded.

then i went and talked to the girls. "thank you guys so much! oh my god!"

i continued to talk with them and just discuss our experiences.

"frankie i didn't know marino was like that with you too," i looked at her.

"oh he wasn't," she shook her head.

my eyes got wide.

"i'd lie my ass off before i see you go to prison for some shit that's not your fault," she told me.

i poked my lip out. "what did i ever do to deserve you?"

"be the best friend i ever met in the industry," she said. "im gonna ride for you leilani, i won't let you go down."

-

we resumed the session back in the courtroom and i stood next to lisa as i was waiting for the decision.

6 hours have never felt so torturing.

"has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge asked.

"yes your honor," a woman stood up.

"on the sole count of murder in the 3rd degree, how does the jury find?" the judge asked.

i was so nervous i could hear my own damn heart beat. but then..

my heart shattered.

i immediately fell to the floor in tears.

and so did billie.

lisa shook her head and looked at me, "im sorry."

all i could hear was yelling that i think was billie's and some of the models.

i looked over to see luca's family in so much cheer. hugging one another, smiles everywhere.

the judge then began slamming her gavel to get us all to shut up.

but everything became so faint as i passed out.

..

"hey hey," lisa kicked my foot, snapping me out of my daydream. "you good? they're about to announce the verdict."

"no im not good," i looked at her. "im terrified."

"we got this," she told me. "at least i hope we do."

i just sighed.

lisa and i then stood up to receive the decision.

"has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge asked.

"yes your honor," a woman stood up.

"on the sole count of murder in the 3rd degree, how does the jury find?" the judge asked.

i put my head down to watch my foot as it tapped like crazy.

then a large smile grew across my face. i turned to lisa and gave her the biggest hug one could give.

i looked back to the audience on my side and everyone was in tears of joy, smiling ear to ear at the outcome. i looked over to luca's family and saw them immediately exiting out of disappointment.

i kind of felt bad but i had no time to think as i was quickly turned around by billie, being embraced tightly from her joy.

i can't believe this.

..

"leilani, stand up," lisa said to me as i was zoned out once again. "it's time."

"oh uh okay," i said i stood up, grabbing lisa's hand as i was ready to piss on myself from nervousness.

"has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge asked.

"yes your honor," a woman stood up.

"on the sole count of murder in the 3rd degree, how does the jury find?" the judge asked.

"we find the defendant, leilani rose- o'connell..."

...