CHAPTER TWO : FRAGMENTS OF PAST

I held the bouquet of blue roses waist high just as my stylist instructed. He walked back and forth just to see if everything’s in its right place. “Perfect!” He smiled and gave me a two thumbs up gesturing his excitement. “That gown graces your body with sophistication that could put a royalty to shame,” he added.

Turning to the full body mirror,  I smiled as I saw my reflection in it. Indeed the off-shoulder bridal gown graced my body with sophistication. The myriad of glass beads and crystals lavishly adorned the ecru bodice, matching the pair of luscious diamond earrings that I’m wearing right now.

My hair was flecked with tiny glittering diamonds and styled in a loose French twist with a few tendrils. I specifically requested it. The make-up artist was about to do some final touches on me when a three-year old flower girl dressed in a blue chiffon dress flounced her way into the room, running into my side with arms flailing in the air.

“Our little princess is here.” Greeted by my stylist with a noticeable fondness in his tone. “I think I should leave the two of you.” Then he excuses himself.

“My Princess looks prettier than the bride,” I said as I pinched the little girl's chin.

Annie quietly climbed to my lap as soon as the door's closed. Her small hands slowly reached my face. Those tiny fingers started to trace around my cheeks as if she was connecting invisible dots. I intercepted those small hands and kissed each of the tiny fingers. “I'm sorry,” I whispered through thin air. 

A tear rolled down my cheek which Annie immediately wiped dry. “Momma,” Annie whispered back, her eyes looking puzzled. She kissed my cheeks and gave me the sweetest smile. I gazed down at my daughter's necklace, that sapphire blue cashmere pendant that shaped like a star was strung together with a small red silk pouch that I gave her since the day she was born.

I closed my eyes and gently rested my chin on Annie's head when suddenly a loud noise rang in my ears. 

8 years ago.

I was led by four lady prison guards as I entered the court with my head bowed down in shame. I walked through an infuriated crowd which was mostly friends and relatives of the kidnap victim, Nick Smith. I was greeted by non-stop flashes of cameras, I tried hard to cover my face. I was led to the right side of the room and was instructed to sit behind the row where a group of men were waiting for their sentencing too. One of them peeked over his shoulder giving me an accusing look, the look that means- why the hell did I betrayed them, I just ignored him and just avoided his eyes.

My lawyer whispered into my ears about the probabilities of me getting an acquittal but I was quick to shut him out. I can't really think straight right now. All I could hear was a rough voice mumbling some inaudible words. I remained looking at the floor with my head bowed low. It was clear to me what I really wanted even at the point when my mind had already drifted away. I just want this trial over and done. And give Nick the justice he deserves. 

A soft tap on my  shoulder made me lift my head. A gray-haired man holding a wooden cane in one hand stared at me with a pair of sympathetic eyes. “Good luck,” he whispered in which I responded with a single nod before bowing my head again. I heard him talk to my lawyer saying, “You should help her in all possible ways.”

“I will do my very best,” the lawyer answered by assuring the elderly not to worry.

Everyone quieted down the moment the Judge entered the courtroom. My lawyer asked me to rise as I was not at my right self right now. I did what I was told to. Right after the Judge told everyone to be seated, the Lawyer started with his monologue. I can't understand any of it as my mind went blank already.

It didn't take long before I realized that the court clerk was about to announce the verdict.

“Court of Justice. Criminal case no. 101001-2013

Plaintiffs versus

Kevin Peters

Ryan Peters

Joseph Oliver

Henry Fowler

Greg Brown

And

Hailey Greene

Defendants

This court finds the evidence and the testimonies from the witnesses sufficient enough to establish the circumstances that led to the crime committed on the night of February 14, 2013 against Nick Smith. Wherefore judgement is hereby rendered in criminal case number 101001-2013, finding the accused, Kevin Peters, Ryan Peters, Joseph Oliver, Henry Fowler, Greg Brown and Hailey Greene - all Guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of kidnapping Mr. Nick Smith.

This court hereby sentenced each of the accused to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment under the Penal Code No. 267. All sentences which are to be served immediately.”

And just like that, all my dreams are gone. And most of all the love of my life. I took a peek at Nick's face, he was very much relieved after hearing the verdict. Our eyes met, and it was evident that all he has for me is pure hatred. I can't blame him though. I'm a complete mess.

“Miss Greene, are you ready?” a loud voice asked as loud knocks on the door came through, that brought back my attention. Right, it's my wedding day. I looked at my daughter and she just smiled.

“Just a minute,” I answered then pecked a kiss at my daughter's cheek. “Come on, honey. It's time.” I stood up as I held my daughter’s hand.

It will all be okay Hailey. It will all be okay. I said to myself.