Bittersweet Goodbyes

Chapter 6

‘Mom, Dad, I’m sorry I killed her. Rain was never meant to be mine. You know why? Because I wasn’t able to sacrifice myself for her. ’

‘Rain so tell us, what actually happened.’ Edward asks me.

‘I’m sorry mom… I’m so sorry…’

‘Emma you have got to keep control of yourself and let people know of your crime.’ Edward demands.

‘I… I was in my room when all of this started to happen. I was on my laptop finishing up my assignment when I heard this creaking noise from downstairs. Someone was coming up the stairs. I went to Rain’s room to see what she was doing, ignoring the sound. I thought it’s probably the windows due to the wind. We have this closet room type thing in Rain’s room so I went it there to get a blanket as Rain had fallen asleep on the floor while coloring. There was this man standing in the room holding Rain while I was looking for a blanket. He started talking.’

‘Rain, Rain, Rain honey. Your dad took something I treasured a lot, now it’s my turn to take away his treasure.’ The Man announced

‘I turn around as I heard him talking and saw …’

I take a deep breath and look at my mom one last time. Her lips curled to the sweetest smile I’d ever seen and then she nods.

‘My Dad, Jack Miller standing there. He slowly took a gun out of his back pocket as his lips curved into a devilish grin. I was scared. I was terrified. I was happy that dad was here but to do that? My heart dropped and my feet weren’t moving. As if they were welded to the floor. I wasn’t able to say anything either. As if my tongue was tied up and the words in my mouth were locked away. The voice in my head repeatedly reminded me, Emma if Rain… ends up dying, you are going to regret this for the rest of your life Emma but I was afraid to be… killed by my own father. I didn’t want my dad to be my killer and in that moment, a gunshot was heard and I was vulnerable. Due to my own mental disputes, Rain had been inhumanly killed. My dad left through the window the second the trigger was pulled. I came out and saw Rain lying there hopelessly, covered in blood. I couldn’t take it. I ran out of the room and went and called Mom.’

I breathe. i breathe as if am short of oxygen and just ran a marathon.

‘Emma honey, it’s not you who killed her, your father did. Stop blaming yourself. You did very well Emma. You can go back now.’Judge Judy gently states.

I feel like the world around me is spinning. I’m sobbing. The silent murmurs in the court turn to massive uproars. My mom runs out of the court. My stepdad has his mouth covered with his hands from screaming as tears are constantly rushing down his face. The lawyers look at each other with guilt as Lowell walks towards me and carries me down the witness stand. So whose victory is this? Mom or step-Dad?

‘Order! Order! Order! Mr. Lowell please request Mrs. Rena to proceed back into the courtroom. An announcement regarding the verdict has to be made.’ Judge Judy declares.

My mom comes back and sits beside me silently. Her eyes, swollen from all the crying. She looks at me and gives a pitiable smile.

‘You did good honey.’

‘This case is not closed yet. We would like Jack Miller to be asked to be the witness as a part of Mr. Gray’s section as he has terminated the law to lie in court regarding Mrs. Rena about her drinking problem and the false reports plus the recordings and pictures. Mr. Gray will be charged with $70,000 for that. Mr. Edward, your practicing certificate will be suspended for six months for supporting Mr. Gray for his detestable falsehood. Doctor John will be jailed for a year for lying about his profession and breaking the law. The bail is set for five thousand. Additionally, he will also be suspended to work from that hospital with the hospital being charged a small amount of money as they are unaware of their employee’s Fraud. After hearing what Jack miller has to say, the verdict will announce which part of the court is in victor. The penalties are announced but the verdict isn’t decided yet. The court wants Jack Miller to present himself in two hours and after his inquisition and hence a verdict will be declared. The court is now dismissed.’ 

My Mom grabs my hand and we both walk out of the court.

‘I’m sorry ma. I shouldn’t have said anything. Now both my dads are going to be in jail for sure.’

‘Oh honey I’m so happy you spoke the truth. I’m so proud of you. I’m so happy that you are my daughter. I think I would have been more devastated if you died. I love you so much darling.’

These words, a feeling of ecstasy enrolls within me.

‘Rena!’

I see my step-dad running towards us.

‘Look Rena , I’m real-’

‘Mr. Gray, my lawyer will speak to you soon. The divorce papers will be ready by next week. I’ll see you in court.’

My mom leaves his jaw hanging open.

‘Mom, are you going to be alright?’

‘Emma, that’s the best decision I’ve made in years.’ My mom responds to me flatly.

‘Let’s go have lunch mom, I’m hungry.’

‘OK dear.’

Continuation in the next chapter..