Broken then Mended Part 26

Ian woke me up, shaking my shoulder. "Whalafut?" I sat up and blinked. I was in a plane. "How did I get in a plane?" Ian brought me a bottle of water and the memories of what happened before I fell asleep. I choked up the water that I was swallowing. "Oh my god! I need to call Nita!" I jumped off the couch and started looking frantically around for my phone. "I need to tell her that we have evidence, that it's going to be okay..." Ian pinned my arms down and looked at me.
"Bri, stop. I didn't wake you up to panic. Look, there is a shower in the back of the plane, with a hundred gallon reserve. We have an hour until we land. I thought you should get ready."
I stopped freaking out about the possibility of Nita and Dad going to jail and took a deep breath. Nodding, I turned around and headed for the back of the plane. I'd shaved before I went to the club yesterday, so that saved me time. I used the little sample shampoo and conditioner on my hair, and washed myself with the vanilla scented soap. I took a total of a ten minute shower, which was extremely fast in my book. I hopped out and wrapped one of the towels around me. There was a call button that read, COCKPIT, underneath it. I pressed it and the pilot said, "How may I help you, Ms. Jenkins?"
"Are there cameras in the back of the plane?"
"No, Ms. Jenkins, why do you ask?"
"I just took a shower-privacy."
"I assure you that your activities while in the back bathroom are confidential. There are only cameras inside the main area."
"Thank you."
"My pleasure." I released the button and let the towel slip off of me. I flipped my hair and wrapped the towel around it. It would towel dry until I'd straighten it. There was a white robe folded in the closet. I put it on and tied the sash, then walked out into the cabin. Ian already had my suitcase open on the table; he knew I'd need to get some of my clothes, make-up and stuff. He was reading a newspaper and held out his hand when I walked in. I grabbed it, and held onto it as long as I could, then walked away towards my suitcase. Of course, I packed nothing descent--not even descent underwear. Eh, what can you do. I had no idea what Nita was getting for me, so I went safe. A skin-colored th0ng, and a matching skin-colored strapless bra. I grabbed those, as well as my hair dryer, straightener and makeup bag. When I was back in the bathroom I put on my undergarments and plugged in my hair dryer. t only took a couple minutes to dry my hair, so when that was done, I unplugged it and replaced the cord with my straightener. I then started on my makeup. I was going to court, so nothing too dramatic. Considering I have no idea my outfit color, I went neutral. Kind of a brown smoky eye, but not like a major smoky eye. Enough to tell it was there and make my eyes look pretty, but not so much that's it all, "Whoa, dude, take it down a notch."
My makeup was done and looking good, so I started on my hair. Ian knocked on the door and said, "Half an hour. You need to get dressed."
"Kay." I set the straightener down and went out to the cabin. I picked out my white booty shorts I'd worn last night and a tight neon green tank top. Best things I have. I can't wear sweats when I get off the plane because they'll be harder to take off in the back seat of a car. I threw on the clothes and went back to do my hair.

"We will be landing now, so please take your seats and put on your seat belts," the pilot announced. Whew, good thing I was quick. My hair was straight and looking great. I sat down and waited to land.

I tipped the pilot fifty dollars cash before I got off the plane. I kept my flip flops on, but ended up taking them off and running through the airport barefooted. We got out to the main lobby and I checked my phone. Four thirty. Half an hour. We would make it. Ian carrying my bag, even though I said I would, we hurried out side. Darren was waiting right outside the doors, leaning against his parents' car. I jumped into his arms and he hugged me tightly.
"God, Bri I missed you."
"I missed you do." It was true, as much as I loved being with Ian, I missed it here. This was where I needed to be. I tapped his shoulders, signaling to let me down. "As much as I'd like to sit and talk, we need to go."
Darren opened the back door where my clothes were waiting, and Ian climbed in the front seat. I was stripping before the car was started. Good thing all of the Mercedes' windows had a dark tint.
Like in limos, Darren's parents had a glass pane installed to separate the front and back seats. Also like limos, it was like a window and rolled up and down. Darren began rolling it up once the car was started.
My shorts were off, and now my shirt was off, too. "Oh, please. You've both seen me naked, deal with it." Darren has seen me naked many times, mostly when I'm changing in his car or him walking in on my changing, and in Florida... Yeah, not going there. And well Ian... Nobody knew about that, though. Before Darren could voice his question, I said, "Don't ask. Just drive." I slipped on the black silk stockings that Nita gave me, then the black skirt. After that came the white tank top and finally the black blazer. I fixed my hair as we were pulling into the courthouse. Ian opened my car door and put his arm around my shoulders. The second I looked at the scene I was angry--why did reporters need to be everywhere we were? This is NOT their place to be. I suppressed my anger as Darren stood on the other side of me and we walked up the stone steps to the white doors. I ignored the people completely, until a certain question caught my attention. While Darren and Ian opened the doors, exposing the people waiting to be allowed into the courtroom to the reporters, and making us visible to them, I turned around and addressed the man.
"What did you just say?"
He held out his microphone. "I said, were you aware that your father, supposedly being a law-enforcing and justice-giving lawyer, was lying to you about the abduction of that girl for nearly a year? Have there been other abductions that we don't know about? What is going on in that courtroom?"
This pissed me off. I didn't care what ramifications were included, but I spoke my mind anyways. "Listen here, my dad hasn't been lying, he didn't take that girl, and there are definitely no more. And what's going on in that courtroom? I'll tell you what's going on in that courtroom. Our personal lives, events that you don't need to know about. What's going on in there is none of your damm business, and neither is any part of my life that you people have destroyed over the past year and a half. Now if you don't mind, go and fvck up somebody else's life, because I'm not telling you nosy little weasels anything. And neither will anybody else in that courtroom. Well, there may be two people ready to demonize all of us. Harass them all you want, just leave me and my family alone." Without another word I strode into the courthouse, my hair swinging behind me. I walked into the little front area before the courtroom. Everybody was quiet. I could tell that they were all ranting about the reporters before we'd arrived. I decided to break the tension.
"What? Those stupid reporters were getting on my nerves." Still nobody moved. "Oh, come on. Like you all weren't thinking the same thing." People started laughing a little bit. "Now, where's the amazing woman who tore me away from my much-needed vacation?"
Nita came bursting out of the courtroom--she must have already been in there. "Bri, you made it!" She hugged me so hard that I stopped breathing for a minute. I hit her on the back. When she released me I answered.
"Of course I made it--I told you I'd pay for a private jet to get here, which is what I did."
My dad came walking out of the courtroom to greet me as well. "I'm happy you're here, but please don't tell me how much that cost." I hugged him, letting him know it would be okay. Court was beginning, so we started filing in. Nita was right next to me as we waited for everybody to file in.
"Oh my god, Bri, your hair! When did you dye it? I like it."
Everybody was now in the courtroom. "I did it just after I left to avoid attention. Come on, we have a case to win." We strode into the courtroom when everybody was seated. All eyes were on us--not only did we look great, but we held ourselves with the utmost confidence; it radiated from us. I flipped my long now-blond hair and looked at Nita's biological parents. They must have saw I meant trouble, because their cocky smiles faded when I looked at them. I raised my eyebrows and took my seat in the front row, just behind the table where Nita and my Dad were sitting. I was on the edge, sitting next to Ian. He whispered to me, "When will Jason get here?"
I shook my head. "I know when. He's probably outside the closed doors right now, waiting for my cue."
"What is your cue?"
"When the judge is ready to give the verdict, he will ask for any additional evidence. Just trust me. It will work out."
I kept my eyes forward on the judge. From my last court hearing, Judges try to intimidate you, and know the people they can chew up easily. Eye contact lets them know you mean business. The judge looked away first, with a small smirk on his face. I knew I'd done it right.
He slammed the gavel and said, "Order in the court." All whispering halted immediately. "We are resuming the case of Contrail Price. Plaintiffs--the biological parents, Mr. and Mrs. Price, charging the Defendants with child abduction. Defendants--the biological sister Juanita Miller and Brian Jenkins, who wishes to adopt and claiming abandonment of the child by her biological parents. Are these circumstances correct?"
Both my dad and the other lawyer stood up and said, "Yes, your Honor."
The Judge nodded and continued. "Before we dismissed court, I was ready to award custody back to Mr. and Mrs. Price, and sentence Ms. Miller and Mr. Jenkins to prison for kidnapping. Ms. Miller, have you acquired the witnesses that I've required to leave this case open?"
Nita stood tall, proud. "Yes, your Honor. All three witnesses are present."
I took in a breath to calm myself--I knew she'd call Taylor. I just didn't know if he'd show up or not.
"What about the witness presently in New York? I only left this case open to give them time to arrive back to the state."
"She is here, your Honor. She arrived just before five o'clock."
"Will she rise?" he asked.
I stood. "Yes, I will, your Honor."
"And your name?"
"Taylor Brianne Jenkins, sir."
He looked between me and my dad. "You are the daughter of Brian Jenkins?"
"Yes, your Honor."
"Is there proof of your being in New York?"
"Yes, yo--" I was cut off by the other lawyer.
"Objection, your Honor."
"Yes, Ms. Simmons?"
"What is the relevance of this? We are wasting precious time that Contrail could be spending with her parents. They have been separated nearly a year, so I see a quick verdict fit for this situatio--"
"Objection dismissed." The judge stopped her. "The relevance is, though, is that I refrained from giving a verdict earlier today in order to gather the witness statements. If you were in fact not in New York, then I will close this case and go with my original decision. Is there or is there not proof of your being in New York?"
"Yes, your Honor. He is sitting right here."
"Stand, please," he motioned to Ian. Ian rose, standing just as proud as me or Nita. "Name, sir?"
"Ian Joseph Somerhalder, sir."
"Why does Ms. Jenkins say you are the proof of her being in New York?"
"She was living with me, because I thought it safer than her staying alone."
"Is there proof she was with you, more than your word?"
I could tell Ian looked a little defeated. "No, sir, I don't believ--"
"Wait, your Honor." I interrupted Ian. "Yes, there is."
Ian looked at me questioningly. I grabbed his hand and looked at him. His face lit up as he understood.
"And that proof is where?" The judge asked.
"I performed at a club last night."
The judge looked at me skeptically. "Are you under the age of 21, Ms. Jenkins?"
"Yes."
"So are you saying you illegally entered a club?"
"No, your Honor, I'm not. The age requirement was only 18 years of age."
The judge nodded. "There are such places. Were you booked, or was it walk-ons welcome?"
"It was a unique situation, sir. I... I won a dancing contest, and the performers allowed me to perform with them."
"Local band, or well known?" He looked at Ms. Simmons sharply, silencing her objection with his eyes. "This is relevant because if the band was more well-known, their verification of Ms. Jenkins' being there will be taken more seriously, as they have a reputation on the line. Who was the band, Ms. Jenkins?"
"There were two--Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan." Nearly all of the heads turned to me, but I didn't flinch.
The judge removed his reading glasses and looked at me. "Are you aware, Ms. Jenkins, that you have just claimed to have performed with two very famous people? And how unlikely that is?"
"Yes, your Honor, I am aware."
"Can you give me proof? That's all I need to continue this trial." I caught Nita's eye--she looked worried that I couldn't prove it.
"Permission to use my cell phone, sir?"
"Permission granted."
"Permission to approach the Judge?"
"Permission granted," and he motioned for me to come to him. I strode towards the Judge and removed my cell phone from my pocket. "Who will you be calling, Ms. Jenkins?"
"Mr. Aldean and Mr. Bryan. They are staying together, as they are performing in clubs all over New York this week."
The judge nodded. "Sir, do I have permission to talk to him as though we are not in a court environment--I believe he will answer just as easily without the legal pressures.
"Yes, Ms. Jenkins. It think that wise for the situation."
I found his name and I connected the call. Jason picked up on the second ring.
"Is this who I think it is?"
"If you mean the best dancer you've ever seen, then yes."
"How are you Bri?"
"I'm good, Jason, what about you?"
"Tired. Me and Luke stayed out late last night. Just having a lazy day."
"I wish I could have had a lazy day."
"If you and your boyfriend wanna come chill with me and Luke at the hotel you're more than welcome." I was extremely aware of the little whispers risen at the mention of my boyfriend.
"What, you guys already miss me?"
"Aww darlin' how could we not? You were just great last night at the club. Lawrence is seriously hoping you'll take that record deal with Broken Arrow and sign him as your manager. He loved you."
"He loved me last night?" I asked, making sure the Judge was aware that I was at a club with these people last night.
"Well yeah, who didn't. Probably best talent to hit that place in years."
"Thanks for the compliment, Jason."
"So you wanna hook up around six?"
"Sorry, can't. I had to come home because of a family emergency. I was needed as a witness in court."
"Whoa, court? What happened?"
"Oh, it's nothing you need to worry about. I just needed you to verify where I was last night."
"Sure thing. Need Luke to say so, too?"
"That'd be great."
"Yo, Luke! Getcho famous azz over here!" Jason yelled. I had to bite my lip to stop from laughing. Luke said to Jason, "What do you want? I'm ordering pizza?"
"What was the name of that girl last night?"
"Umm... That girl who sang with us? Taylor Jenkins--no Bri. No, both... Bri was the nickname."
"Thanks, dude. Now go get pepperoni with extra cheese. That good?"
I looked at the judge, he nodded. "Perfect. Thanks, Jason."
"Aw no worries Bri. Well damm, good luck with the case."
"Jason."
"What?"
"You can't say damm when you're in court."
"First of all, you just said it, so why can't I, and second of all, I'm not in court now am I?"
I laughed a little bit. "Bye, Jason."
"Later gorgeous." I closed my phone and walked just as confidently to where Ian still stood. I ignored the whispers, no doubt about the previous conversation, and said to the judge, "There is your proof, your honor. If you would like I could call Lawrence Mathis and the owner of Broken Arrow record label--they can verify my presence as well."
"There will be no need, for that, Ms. Jenkins. I am satisfied. May I ask how you arrived so quickly?"
"Private jets are offered to Gold Members at the airline I fly with. I paid extra to get here on time."
"You have showed the utmost determination to be here to support your father and friend, and have got into extreme detail with proof to be sure I keep this case open. May I ask why you are so determined, so confident in a position that most people would cower in?"
I kept my chin held high. "My father and my friend are innocent, and I will go to any length to see that it turns out that way officially."
The Judge gave me a challenge. "Would you lie to protect them?"
"I love them, sir, but no. I would not lie in court to protect them. Anybody who does something wrong deserves punishment, no matter who they are."
"Given your word now, and knowing you will swear in a moment, I ask you be the first official witness to what happened."
I walked to the witness's chair and sat, crossing my legs.
The bailiff approached me. "Raise your right hand, Miss."
I did so. "Now place it on the bible." I did as he asked. "Ms. Jenkins, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"
I let the pride and honesty ring in my voice when I said, "I do."
The bailiff walked away and Ms. Simmons began questioning me. "Ms. Jenkins, were you present at the event of speculation?"
"Yes, I was."
"Did Mrs. Price call you vulgar names?"
"Yes, she did."
"Did she have a good reason to insult you?"
I was taken aback. "Excuse me?"
"Did Mrs. Price have reasons to do what you claim she did?"
"In my opinion, no she did not. She was acting off of what had been going around the tabloids."
"But don't tabloids report what has been happening?"
"Yes, but their stories are not always tru--"
"DID MRS. PRICE," she continued in a loud voice, "Physically attack you?"
"Yes, she did. She slapped me."
"Did you provoke her in any way?"
"I simply stood up for Nita, and told Mrs. Price that not everything in the magazines is true."
"Did you retaliate?"
"No, I did not."
"Why did you not defend yourself?"
"Nita stepped in before I could."
"So Juanita attacked without being physically abused beforehand?"
"Are you going to ask me if we had tea before our delightful conversation or ask me something that actually matters?" I snapped.
She looked at me with a loathing look. "Give me your recollection of the day Mr. and Mrs. Price were at your house."
So I told her everything. From her calling me and Nita names to telling Nita to play God. When I was finished, the Judge asked, "Is that all?"
"Yes, sir," and she returned to her seat. He then turned to my dad.
"Do you wish to question the witness?"
My father stood. "No, your Honor. I have heard everything I need from this witness."
"Very well. Ms. Jenkins, you may sit back down." I did so, taking my seat again next to Ian. He held my hand and whispered in my ear, "You were great. There is no way they could refuse you."
"Yeah, but they can still refuse the other two."
Kellan was called to the stand; he took the oath and recounted the events, the same as I did. When he was dismissed, they called Taylor to the stand. I tensed up. Please, PLEASE, don't betray us... I didn't look at him, but looked at my skirt, listening only.
It was Ms. Simmons, first. "May I ask how you are currently related to he defendants and witnesses?"
"I'm filming a movie with Ms. Miller, Mr. Lutz and Ms. Jenkins," he replied.
"Are you romantically involved with any of the defendants or witnesses? This may complicate your honest responding."
I raised my eyes to meet his. We stared at each other for a whole minute, the court room silent, waiting for his answer. Never breaking eye contact, "No, I am not romantically involved with any of the defendants or witnesses. I interact with them only at work, and nothing more." He looked away and to the lawyer.
"If you would, tell me your interpretation of what happened on the day of discussion."
My heart stopped for a millisecond--don't let him lie--as I prayed. Even on as bad of terms as we are, Taylor told the truth, supporting our story. He was then asked to return to his seat. I waited in anticipation as the Judge looked from my father, to Nita, to us, to her parents... Finally he spoke.
"I have heard all the statements I required. They are all in line with each other, and all very convincing. As I cannot decide now if the familial, current romantic, and past romantic," he looked between me and Taylor, "situations implicate the statements, I will dismiss court, and I order it to reassemble next Friday. Until then, Mr. and Mrs. Price are awarded temporary custody of Contrail Price and Brian Jenkins may not go within five hundre--" The Judge was cut off by a loud bang. A smile spread across my face. I looked back to the doors, which were now wide open. In walked Austin and Jason Bell, both smiling.
"Objection, your Honor!" said Austin in a loud voice. He held up a file and approached the Judge. The Judge smiled.
"Prosecutor Austin Bell. How are you?" They shook each other's hands--thankfully they seemed to be on good terms.
"I'm not well."
"May I ask why?"
Austin pointed to my dad and Nita. "These people are being falsely accused, and I'm here to stop it."
Nita looked at me questioningly. I just nodded towards Austin, and she looked forward again.
"What evidence have you brought me?" the Judge asked in a lighthearted tone.
Austin opened the file. "I have proof saying that the accusations of Mr. and Mrs. Price abusing Contrail Price are true."
He hesitated, waiting for the Judge's approval. "Go on, Mr. Bell."
"First, the plaintiffs have moved from jurisdiction to jurisdiction every year for the past five years; I believe this is not coincidence. Child Protective Services have been after these people for years. Contrail has entered local hospitals with hand-sized bruises, many sprained joints, and a broken arm two years ago. When she told the doctors that her parents were beating her, her parents said she was confused, and I quote, 'She acquired a concussion from falling down the stairs--she doesn't know what she's saying.' Interestingly, similar concussions have occurred every time she has been brought in. Concussions associated with a blow to the side of the head. Worried about Contrail, the doctor performed a r(a)pe and molestation search of Contrail every time she was brought in, and he performed it personally as to give evidence to Child Protective Services. She tested positive for sxxual abuse every time. He says, 'On the several unfortunate occasions I have met Contrail, she has been sxxually abused. Evidence shows that both a male AND a female performed molestation."
There was an uproar, mainly from Nita, calling out her parents, then her parents, denying it.
BOOM BOOM BOOM "Order, order!" When it was silent, "Mr. Bell, continue."
"Mr. and Mrs. Price have been in California for the past month and a half, preparing for the trials. Am I correct?"
The Judge nodded. "Their credit card records show them staying at various hotels. How does this connect to your evidence?"
"It connects to my final and most important reason to give Brian Jenkins custody of Contrail Price. Last month, in the city of Seattle, the CPS chief of the Seattle jurisdiction approved the case sent from the chief of the CPS chief from Spokane, Washington. When this case was approved and verified by the Chief, the police took action, as Mr. and Mrs. Price hadn't left the jurisdiction yet."
"Mr. Bell, what is your point?" the Judge asked.
Austin handed a folded piece of paper to the Judge. "That, dated a month ago, is the warrant for the arrest of Mr. and Mrs. Price, bearing the charges of child r(a)pe and severe abuse and neglect."
It was quiet for a moment while the Judge read the paper.
He sat up taller and said, "I have reached a decision. Mr. and Mrs. Price, you are under arrest in the court of law. Your sentenced a standard ten years for the r(a)pe and abuse of a child. Alterations will be decided at a later date. Because of this, Brian Jenkins is awarded the full legal custody of Contrail Price. All charges against Juanita Miller and Brian Jenkins are dropped. Court adjourned. BOOM BOOM BOOM The right side of the court room, the side supporting Nita and my dad, cheered in delight. I jumped up and ran to Nita. I hugged her and started crying. She was safe. Dad was safe. Contrail was safe. We'd won.