You Make it Real {A Harry Styles Fan Fiction}
Chapter 57
JAMES’ P.O.V.
I knew they wouldn’t find any hard proof. I was careful this time; I cleaned up after. I wasn’t going to make the same mistake as before. None of this would have even happened if Ashlee hadn’t decided she was a fucking lesbian. I was getting bored of her anyway. I wasn’t used to keeping it up with one girl that long.
“Okay, how would the plaintiff’s attorney like to proceed?”
The judge looked over to Piper’s side of the room and I followed her gaze. Of course they gave us a goddamned woman for a judge. I could tell she was already taking Piper’s side. They always take the girl’s side. Piper’s lawyer stood up and approached the judge.
“I would like to call Ms. Piper Nielsen to the stand.”
I stared at Piper, ignoring Harry’s hateful glare. Piper stood up and pushed her hair away from her face nervously before stepping around Harry and approaching the stand. She stood in front of the swearing officer and he spoke loud and clearly.
“Ms. Nielsen, do you solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
“Yes.”
Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat before walking up the steps and sitting next to
the judge.
“Ms. Nielsen, can you tell us what happened on the evening of the fourth of October, 2013?”
Piper’s eyes searched the room and seemed to settle on her parents. Her mom smiled and nodded encouragingly.
“I had James over to study with me for Psychology. We drank some wine, but I spilled my first glass half-way through. James got me a new one and about a half an hour after I drank it, I slowly faded and lost any control or consciousness. The last thing I remember is being unable to move and James stood over me, telling me to go to sleep, and then he-“
She choked and wiped under her eyes.
“He was laying on my bed and kissing me. I couldn’t stop him or speak or anything.”
She was crying and looked absolutely pathetic.
“Thank you, Piper. You can step down.”
She nodded and walked back to her seat. Harry placed his hand on her shoulder and whispered something to her. She nodded to him and seemed to be assuring him that she was okay. I physically had to stop myself from laughing at her.
“I would like to now call Ms. Riley Furst to the stand.”
Piper’s stupid blonde friend stood up and slowly made her way up to the front of the courtroom. She tugged at her tight skirt and I could tell she was nervous. I’m good at noticing when a girl is vulnerable. She stepped up and sat behind the wooden stand, eyes nervously shifting around. They landed on me and she glared with glassy eyes. I smirked and turned my gaze back to Piper. She really was careless to bring Harry with her.
“Ms. Furst, do you solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
“Yes, I do.”
The officer stepped aside and Riley adjusted her sitting position, looking at Piper’s attorney with a ready stare.
“Ms. Furst, where were you on the evening of October the fourth, 2013?”
“I was at a restaurant down the street from my dorm with Cory Nielsen.”
“Piper’s brother, correct?”
“Yes.”
“And the three of you share a dorm, am I right?”
“Yes, sir.”
The lawyer nods confidently.
“And what did you do after you ate?”
“Cory and I went straight home.”
“Was anyone at the dorm when you got there?”
“Yes, Piper and James were there studying for a class. When we walked in James was frantically trying to get paper towels, to clean up a mess, I suppose.”
“Did you have any reason to believe Piper was in danger?”
Riley’s voice became weaker and she cleared her throat.
“No, I didn’t. I never liked James, but I never had reason to believe he would hurt her.”
I didn’t hurt her. She asked for it; she led me on for months.
“What happened when you saw James in the kitchen?”
“Nothing. No one said anything and Cory and I went to his room to... talk.”
“And you stayed in that room the entire night?”
RIley shifted in her seat and looked out at the small crowd sitting in front of her.
“Not for a long time. I eventually went to my room to sleep, but I didn’t hear or see anyone. The lights were off in the living room.”
She looked over my way but passed over my face as if I wasn’t there.
“I have no further questions for Ms. Furst, your honor.”
“Thank you, do you have any witnesses at this time?”
“No, your honor.”
That was it? He asked Riley some vague questions and sat down? Sure, her answers put me in a compromising situation, but I had something they didn’t. The power of persuasion. If my plan worked, I’d have the jury in my hands like putty. I nudged my attorney with my elbow and he stood, approaching the judge’s stand.
“I would like to call the defendant to the stand.”
I stood up on cue and the judge nodded as Riley stepped down and walked past me angrily. If we weren’t in the courthouse, surely she would have slapped me.
“Do you, Mr. Kamp, solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
“I do.”
God wasn’t going to help me, whether I told the truth or not.
“Mr. Kamp, where were you on the evening of October the fourth, 2013?”
“I was studying with my friend, Piper.”
I looked over to her and Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably, shaking his head in disapproval.
“And what happened?”
“We were drinking some wine and she just kept drinking and drinking. She was so drunk by the end of it all that I told her she should just go to bed. She even spilled it on herself; I had to get paper towels to clean it up.”
“What else happened?”
“Well, I feel a bit ashamed saying this in front of her family, but she insisted that I stay. She practically begged me to have sex with her.”
Piper gasped in shock and Harry’s fist hit the table. I raised my eyebrows matter-of-factly and looked back at my attorney. I was only exaggerating. She’s wanted me from the day we met.
“Mr. Kamp, my records state that Ms. Nielsen claims to have drank one and a half glasses of
wine. There is no way she was as drunk as you say.”
“She’s mistaken, your honor. She drank much more than that.”
I shrugged and looked directly at the judge. I could tell she didn’t know who to believe. My attorney cleared his throat and nodded to me.
“You can step down, Mr. Kamp. Thank you for your testimony.”
I stood up and glided back to my seat opposite the judge and looked over to Piper once more. Her jaw was dropped in shock and disgust. I simply smirked and waited for my favorite part of the day.
“Your honor, I would like to call Harry Styles to the stand.”
I chuckled under my breath as everyone started to mutter quietly.
“I don’t see him on my list of witnesses.”
“Trust me, it pertains to the case.”
HARRY’S P.O.V.
The sight of him was sickening, but nothing wretched my stomach more than my name being called to the stand. There was only one reason I would be questioned and by the looks of it, I had to play my cards right. James was already lying through his teeth and if I were to simply ask to wait until my lawyer was present, it could sway the jury in James’ favor. No, I had to just man up.
I stood as tall as I could and strode over to the stand, standing before the officer before sitting in the spot Piper, Riley, and James had already occupied. I watched Piper as the officer asked me the same question, staring at her to remind myself why I was there and why I was going through with this. I loved her so goddamn much and anyone who hurt her deserves a lifetime of punishment, even though I knew James wouldn’t get everything I thought he deserved.
“Do you, Mr. Styles, solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but
the truth, so help you God?”
Piper’s eyes met mine and I grinned reassuringly.
“I do.”
The officer stepped away and I adjusted my jacket as I sat down.
“Mr. Styles, where were you on the evening of the sixth of October, 2013?”
“After accompanying my girlfriend, Piper, to the police station to file an official report against
James, we went back to her dorm and went to bed-“
The asshole of an attorney cut me off, trying to make me seem like I was hiding something.
“So, you were sleeping all night?”
“You didn’t let me finish,” I wasn’t afraid to show my aggravation, “I couldn’t sleep, so I went for a walk. I was upset and angry and just needed some fresh air. While I was walking, I passed by the Starbucks James works at. I didn’t even know he worked there, but when I saw him going about his business as if he hadn’t hurt a fly, I snapped.”
I watched Piper give me pleading eyes. She didn’t want me to continue, but I winked
inconspicuously and looked back at James. He didn’t know what to do with himself, shifting back and forth in his seat. It was safe to say that no one expected me to do this.
“I waited for him outside and when he walked out the back door, I attacked him. I know that I shouldn’t have and you can charge me with whatever you’d like, but you should know that I only did it out of love for Piper. Just thinking about what he did to her infuriated me.”
I glanced over to the jury and saw a few men and women looking pleased with me. James’ attorney seemed frantic and unsure of what to do next.
“Your honor, we have a surveillance video to relay the brutality of this attack to all those present.”
The judge rolled her eyes and slammed her gavel against the wood in front of her.
“Irrelevant. I don’t care what Mr. Styles did in response to his girlfriends being raped. Mr. Kamp
is here and seems fine to me, so can we move on?”
“Your honor, he was hospitalized-“
“If there are discrepancies with hospital bills, it can be handled separately and I’m sure Mr.
Styles wouldn’t mind paying those dues.”
I grinned solemnly and remembered something else that could help Piper’s case.
“I’d be happy to, your honor. There is something else I’d like to say, if that’s okay.”
“Granted.”
The judge seemed interested in what I had to say and waited impatiently for me to continue.
“I went to see James per his request when he was in the hospital. He threatened me that if
Piper didn’t drop the charges, he would ruin my career and press charges against me for beating him up. He mocked my relationship and made light of Piper’s sexual issues that he caused-“
“Objection! He’s lying!”
James stood and yelled, slamming his fists on the table. His face was red and he looked furious.
“Overruled! Sit down and be quiet, Mr. Kamp.”
James sat down, still in a fit. I looked over to Piper and finished my miniature speech with an uncontrollable.
“You can ask hospital security; I checked in as a visitor.”
“Thank you Mr. Styles; Unless there are any further questions or statements, I believe we’re ready for the jury to meet.”
No one spoke and the judge turned back to me.
“You may step down, Mr. Styles.”
I stood up, feeling a bit giddy. I briskly walked back to my seat next to Piper and rested my arm
on the back of her chair. She leaned over, still watching the judge, and whispered.
“That was daring, Mr. Styles.”
I whispered back quietly.
“I know, I can’t believe it worked.”
“The jury will meet privately and we will reconvene when they are done.”
The judge waited a moment for any objections and slammed her gavel down.
“All rise.”
We all stood as the judge left through a door near the grand jury. When the door shut, I pulled
Piper in my arms and hugged her tightly. The jury exited and James followed his attorney out the main double doors, followed by two officers. Piper’s parents joined us and embraced their daughter at the same time, Marie fighting tears and Charles trying to comfort them both. Riley stood next to me and Cory stayed on the bench he’d occupied the entire time.
“You did the right thing, Harry.”
I wrapped an arm around Riley’s shoulders and squeezed lightly.
“Thanks. I’m glad it worked out alright.”
Richard walked over and I extended a hand, but he surprised me by pulling me into a tight embrace.
“Thank you, son. I knew you loved my daughter, but now I’ve seen just how much. I really respect you for what you did.”
He didn’t realize how much it meant for me to hear that.
“You’re welcome, sir. I- I’d do anything for her.”
He smiled kindly and moved on to hug Riley. I approached Marie and Piper because they seemed done with their private conversation. I hugged Marie and then reached down for Piper’s hand, holding it firmly, not wanting to let go for a second. I’ve avoided touching her during the trial, just in case it came off as inappropriate.
“Harry, I don’t even know what to say, honestly.”
Marie chuckled and regained her serious expression.
“We love you, Harry. You’re more than we could have ever dreamed for our baby.”
“That means a lot.”
It really did. To have Piper’s parents displaying such thanks and respect for me was such an honor. Piper glanced nervously over to her brother and pulled her hand away.
“Excuse me, I need to talk to Cory.”
I kissed her temple and her mother and I moved aside to make room for her.
PIPER’S P.O.V.
I sat down next to Cory and he was slouched over his knees, picking at his fingernails.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
I saw a dimple on his cheek, but his smile was hidden.
“I’m glad you’re back, Piper. I missed you.”
I rested my arm over his back and leaned over to force him to look at me.
“Missed you too, Cor.”
He didn’t look at me and I sat back, stroking my hand over his back.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No, I really don’t.”
I could tell he wasn’t being rude, it was just a really sore subject.
“Well, you don’t have to tell me what happened, just tell me how you feel. I can tell you’re hurting.”
He finally sat up and his eyes met mine. He looked sad, but he was trying not to.
“I am, but today isn’t about me. It’s about putting that asshole away. Maybe I can stop feeling so guilty, then.”
His eyes shifted around the room and landed on Riley.
“It’s not your fault, Cory. How many times do I have to tell you that?”
“I know it isn’t my fault, but it still pains me to think I could have stopped him.”
I understood what he meant, but it was no reason to beat himself up over it.
“I’m glad Harry told the truth about beating James up. The jury seemed to like it.”
I chuckled and he grinned a bit. He was trying to change the subject and I had no right to stop him.
“Are you nervous, Piper?”
“A little. I don’t want him out there hurting someone else, but all we can do is try our best.”
“They’ll find him guilty; mark my words. He practically yelled it to everyone when Harry mentioned his visit to the hospital. I think everyone can see he’s a kook.”
I smiled and saw the excitement in his face while he spoke hopefully.
“I think so, too.”
Our conversation was interrupted by a door opening and some shuffling around as the jury returned and the bailiff stood in front of the room.
“The court will reconvene momentarily.”
That was fast, but the quickness of the jury’s decision making was promising. I kissed Cory’s forehead and stood up.
“Here goes nothing.”
He squeezed my arm gently and I walked away, rejoining Harry while everyone else returned to their spots. James walked back in nervously, sitting with his attorney at their table.
“All rise.”
Everyone stood and Harry grazed his hand against mine.
“No matter what happens, we tried.”
He whispered and I stared at the judge with knots in my stomach. I had no idea what to expect and the jury’s decision meant everything. The judge took her seat and we all followed suit.
“Have the jury come to a unanimous decision?”
“Yes, your honor.”
“Will a member of the jury please release a statement.”
A younger man stood up and held a piece of paper in his shaky hands. He couldn’t have been much older than me, but he was nicely dressed and groomed.
“The jury has found James Kamp, the defendant, guilty of second degree rape of the plaintiff, Piper Nielsen.”
Guilty. I hated that I felt such relief from his punishment, but I was glad he was getting some sort of repercussions, especially since I wasn’t the first girl he had done this to. For some reason, I felt sorry for him. He was sick and messed up. It’s awful to think that he never had a normal adult life and now, he probably never would.
“Due to your history as a minor, Mr. Kamp, you are hearby sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without option of parole. Court adjourned.”
The sound of her gavel rang through my ears, echoing loudly as my face grew hot. Harry was grinning from ear to ear, but I looked past him and saw James well up with tears as the officer turned him around and tightly locked handcuffs around his wrists. He looked shocked and mortified as they walked him toward the back doors. He looked right at me, his lips parted and his eyes completely glassed over. I remembered the first time I met him and how genuine and kind I thought he was. His eyes were soft to me then and as he walked toward his destiny, they seemed lost and helpless.
I felt tears sting my eyes and I turned to Harry, burying my face in his chest. He rested one palm on the small of my back and the other caressed my hair softly as he kissed my forehead.
“Shhh. Why are you crying?”
I fought the sobs and spoke between hiccuped breaths.
“I just hate... that I’m responsible for... 30 years of someone’s life... being gone.”
He cooed and pulled me back into a hug and I sniffled, trying to calm down. It had just been too much, too fast.
“No, Piper. He’s responsible for that, not you. Think about all the girls you might have saved and the amount of girls who never got their justice. Don’t worry about James. He’s getting what he deserves.”
I nodded and knew he was right.
“Come on, baby. Let’s take everyone to lunch.”
I knew they wouldn’t find any hard proof. I was careful this time; I cleaned up after. I wasn’t going to make the same mistake as before. None of this would have even happened if Ashlee hadn’t decided she was a fucking lesbian. I was getting bored of her anyway. I wasn’t used to keeping it up with one girl that long.
“Okay, how would the plaintiff’s attorney like to proceed?”
The judge looked over to Piper’s side of the room and I followed her gaze. Of course they gave us a goddamned woman for a judge. I could tell she was already taking Piper’s side. They always take the girl’s side. Piper’s lawyer stood up and approached the judge.
“I would like to call Ms. Piper Nielsen to the stand.”
I stared at Piper, ignoring Harry’s hateful glare. Piper stood up and pushed her hair away from her face nervously before stepping around Harry and approaching the stand. She stood in front of the swearing officer and he spoke loud and clearly.
“Ms. Nielsen, do you solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
“Yes.”
Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat before walking up the steps and sitting next to
the judge.
“Ms. Nielsen, can you tell us what happened on the evening of the fourth of October, 2013?”
Piper’s eyes searched the room and seemed to settle on her parents. Her mom smiled and nodded encouragingly.
“I had James over to study with me for Psychology. We drank some wine, but I spilled my first glass half-way through. James got me a new one and about a half an hour after I drank it, I slowly faded and lost any control or consciousness. The last thing I remember is being unable to move and James stood over me, telling me to go to sleep, and then he-“
She choked and wiped under her eyes.
“He was laying on my bed and kissing me. I couldn’t stop him or speak or anything.”
She was crying and looked absolutely pathetic.
“Thank you, Piper. You can step down.”
She nodded and walked back to her seat. Harry placed his hand on her shoulder and whispered something to her. She nodded to him and seemed to be assuring him that she was okay. I physically had to stop myself from laughing at her.
“I would like to now call Ms. Riley Furst to the stand.”
Piper’s stupid blonde friend stood up and slowly made her way up to the front of the courtroom. She tugged at her tight skirt and I could tell she was nervous. I’m good at noticing when a girl is vulnerable. She stepped up and sat behind the wooden stand, eyes nervously shifting around. They landed on me and she glared with glassy eyes. I smirked and turned my gaze back to Piper. She really was careless to bring Harry with her.
“Ms. Furst, do you solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
“Yes, I do.”
The officer stepped aside and Riley adjusted her sitting position, looking at Piper’s attorney with a ready stare.
“Ms. Furst, where were you on the evening of October the fourth, 2013?”
“I was at a restaurant down the street from my dorm with Cory Nielsen.”
“Piper’s brother, correct?”
“Yes.”
“And the three of you share a dorm, am I right?”
“Yes, sir.”
The lawyer nods confidently.
“And what did you do after you ate?”
“Cory and I went straight home.”
“Was anyone at the dorm when you got there?”
“Yes, Piper and James were there studying for a class. When we walked in James was frantically trying to get paper towels, to clean up a mess, I suppose.”
“Did you have any reason to believe Piper was in danger?”
Riley’s voice became weaker and she cleared her throat.
“No, I didn’t. I never liked James, but I never had reason to believe he would hurt her.”
I didn’t hurt her. She asked for it; she led me on for months.
“What happened when you saw James in the kitchen?”
“Nothing. No one said anything and Cory and I went to his room to... talk.”
“And you stayed in that room the entire night?”
RIley shifted in her seat and looked out at the small crowd sitting in front of her.
“Not for a long time. I eventually went to my room to sleep, but I didn’t hear or see anyone. The lights were off in the living room.”
She looked over my way but passed over my face as if I wasn’t there.
“I have no further questions for Ms. Furst, your honor.”
“Thank you, do you have any witnesses at this time?”
“No, your honor.”
That was it? He asked Riley some vague questions and sat down? Sure, her answers put me in a compromising situation, but I had something they didn’t. The power of persuasion. If my plan worked, I’d have the jury in my hands like putty. I nudged my attorney with my elbow and he stood, approaching the judge’s stand.
“I would like to call the defendant to the stand.”
I stood up on cue and the judge nodded as Riley stepped down and walked past me angrily. If we weren’t in the courthouse, surely she would have slapped me.
“Do you, Mr. Kamp, solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
“I do.”
God wasn’t going to help me, whether I told the truth or not.
“Mr. Kamp, where were you on the evening of October the fourth, 2013?”
“I was studying with my friend, Piper.”
I looked over to her and Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably, shaking his head in disapproval.
“And what happened?”
“We were drinking some wine and she just kept drinking and drinking. She was so drunk by the end of it all that I told her she should just go to bed. She even spilled it on herself; I had to get paper towels to clean it up.”
“What else happened?”
“Well, I feel a bit ashamed saying this in front of her family, but she insisted that I stay. She practically begged me to have sex with her.”
Piper gasped in shock and Harry’s fist hit the table. I raised my eyebrows matter-of-factly and looked back at my attorney. I was only exaggerating. She’s wanted me from the day we met.
“Mr. Kamp, my records state that Ms. Nielsen claims to have drank one and a half glasses of
wine. There is no way she was as drunk as you say.”
“She’s mistaken, your honor. She drank much more than that.”
I shrugged and looked directly at the judge. I could tell she didn’t know who to believe. My attorney cleared his throat and nodded to me.
“You can step down, Mr. Kamp. Thank you for your testimony.”
I stood up and glided back to my seat opposite the judge and looked over to Piper once more. Her jaw was dropped in shock and disgust. I simply smirked and waited for my favorite part of the day.
“Your honor, I would like to call Harry Styles to the stand.”
I chuckled under my breath as everyone started to mutter quietly.
“I don’t see him on my list of witnesses.”
“Trust me, it pertains to the case.”
HARRY’S P.O.V.
The sight of him was sickening, but nothing wretched my stomach more than my name being called to the stand. There was only one reason I would be questioned and by the looks of it, I had to play my cards right. James was already lying through his teeth and if I were to simply ask to wait until my lawyer was present, it could sway the jury in James’ favor. No, I had to just man up.
I stood as tall as I could and strode over to the stand, standing before the officer before sitting in the spot Piper, Riley, and James had already occupied. I watched Piper as the officer asked me the same question, staring at her to remind myself why I was there and why I was going through with this. I loved her so goddamn much and anyone who hurt her deserves a lifetime of punishment, even though I knew James wouldn’t get everything I thought he deserved.
“Do you, Mr. Styles, solemnly affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but
the truth, so help you God?”
Piper’s eyes met mine and I grinned reassuringly.
“I do.”
The officer stepped away and I adjusted my jacket as I sat down.
“Mr. Styles, where were you on the evening of the sixth of October, 2013?”
“After accompanying my girlfriend, Piper, to the police station to file an official report against
James, we went back to her dorm and went to bed-“
The asshole of an attorney cut me off, trying to make me seem like I was hiding something.
“So, you were sleeping all night?”
“You didn’t let me finish,” I wasn’t afraid to show my aggravation, “I couldn’t sleep, so I went for a walk. I was upset and angry and just needed some fresh air. While I was walking, I passed by the Starbucks James works at. I didn’t even know he worked there, but when I saw him going about his business as if he hadn’t hurt a fly, I snapped.”
I watched Piper give me pleading eyes. She didn’t want me to continue, but I winked
inconspicuously and looked back at James. He didn’t know what to do with himself, shifting back and forth in his seat. It was safe to say that no one expected me to do this.
“I waited for him outside and when he walked out the back door, I attacked him. I know that I shouldn’t have and you can charge me with whatever you’d like, but you should know that I only did it out of love for Piper. Just thinking about what he did to her infuriated me.”
I glanced over to the jury and saw a few men and women looking pleased with me. James’ attorney seemed frantic and unsure of what to do next.
“Your honor, we have a surveillance video to relay the brutality of this attack to all those present.”
The judge rolled her eyes and slammed her gavel against the wood in front of her.
“Irrelevant. I don’t care what Mr. Styles did in response to his girlfriends being raped. Mr. Kamp
is here and seems fine to me, so can we move on?”
“Your honor, he was hospitalized-“
“If there are discrepancies with hospital bills, it can be handled separately and I’m sure Mr.
Styles wouldn’t mind paying those dues.”
I grinned solemnly and remembered something else that could help Piper’s case.
“I’d be happy to, your honor. There is something else I’d like to say, if that’s okay.”
“Granted.”
The judge seemed interested in what I had to say and waited impatiently for me to continue.
“I went to see James per his request when he was in the hospital. He threatened me that if
Piper didn’t drop the charges, he would ruin my career and press charges against me for beating him up. He mocked my relationship and made light of Piper’s sexual issues that he caused-“
“Objection! He’s lying!”
James stood and yelled, slamming his fists on the table. His face was red and he looked furious.
“Overruled! Sit down and be quiet, Mr. Kamp.”
James sat down, still in a fit. I looked over to Piper and finished my miniature speech with an uncontrollable.
“You can ask hospital security; I checked in as a visitor.”
“Thank you Mr. Styles; Unless there are any further questions or statements, I believe we’re ready for the jury to meet.”
No one spoke and the judge turned back to me.
“You may step down, Mr. Styles.”
I stood up, feeling a bit giddy. I briskly walked back to my seat next to Piper and rested my arm
on the back of her chair. She leaned over, still watching the judge, and whispered.
“That was daring, Mr. Styles.”
I whispered back quietly.
“I know, I can’t believe it worked.”
“The jury will meet privately and we will reconvene when they are done.”
The judge waited a moment for any objections and slammed her gavel down.
“All rise.”
We all stood as the judge left through a door near the grand jury. When the door shut, I pulled
Piper in my arms and hugged her tightly. The jury exited and James followed his attorney out the main double doors, followed by two officers. Piper’s parents joined us and embraced their daughter at the same time, Marie fighting tears and Charles trying to comfort them both. Riley stood next to me and Cory stayed on the bench he’d occupied the entire time.
“You did the right thing, Harry.”
I wrapped an arm around Riley’s shoulders and squeezed lightly.
“Thanks. I’m glad it worked out alright.”
Richard walked over and I extended a hand, but he surprised me by pulling me into a tight embrace.
“Thank you, son. I knew you loved my daughter, but now I’ve seen just how much. I really respect you for what you did.”
He didn’t realize how much it meant for me to hear that.
“You’re welcome, sir. I- I’d do anything for her.”
He smiled kindly and moved on to hug Riley. I approached Marie and Piper because they seemed done with their private conversation. I hugged Marie and then reached down for Piper’s hand, holding it firmly, not wanting to let go for a second. I’ve avoided touching her during the trial, just in case it came off as inappropriate.
“Harry, I don’t even know what to say, honestly.”
Marie chuckled and regained her serious expression.
“We love you, Harry. You’re more than we could have ever dreamed for our baby.”
“That means a lot.”
It really did. To have Piper’s parents displaying such thanks and respect for me was such an honor. Piper glanced nervously over to her brother and pulled her hand away.
“Excuse me, I need to talk to Cory.”
I kissed her temple and her mother and I moved aside to make room for her.
PIPER’S P.O.V.
I sat down next to Cory and he was slouched over his knees, picking at his fingernails.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
I saw a dimple on his cheek, but his smile was hidden.
“I’m glad you’re back, Piper. I missed you.”
I rested my arm over his back and leaned over to force him to look at me.
“Missed you too, Cor.”
He didn’t look at me and I sat back, stroking my hand over his back.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No, I really don’t.”
I could tell he wasn’t being rude, it was just a really sore subject.
“Well, you don’t have to tell me what happened, just tell me how you feel. I can tell you’re hurting.”
He finally sat up and his eyes met mine. He looked sad, but he was trying not to.
“I am, but today isn’t about me. It’s about putting that asshole away. Maybe I can stop feeling so guilty, then.”
His eyes shifted around the room and landed on Riley.
“It’s not your fault, Cory. How many times do I have to tell you that?”
“I know it isn’t my fault, but it still pains me to think I could have stopped him.”
I understood what he meant, but it was no reason to beat himself up over it.
“I’m glad Harry told the truth about beating James up. The jury seemed to like it.”
I chuckled and he grinned a bit. He was trying to change the subject and I had no right to stop him.
“Are you nervous, Piper?”
“A little. I don’t want him out there hurting someone else, but all we can do is try our best.”
“They’ll find him guilty; mark my words. He practically yelled it to everyone when Harry mentioned his visit to the hospital. I think everyone can see he’s a kook.”
I smiled and saw the excitement in his face while he spoke hopefully.
“I think so, too.”
Our conversation was interrupted by a door opening and some shuffling around as the jury returned and the bailiff stood in front of the room.
“The court will reconvene momentarily.”
That was fast, but the quickness of the jury’s decision making was promising. I kissed Cory’s forehead and stood up.
“Here goes nothing.”
He squeezed my arm gently and I walked away, rejoining Harry while everyone else returned to their spots. James walked back in nervously, sitting with his attorney at their table.
“All rise.”
Everyone stood and Harry grazed his hand against mine.
“No matter what happens, we tried.”
He whispered and I stared at the judge with knots in my stomach. I had no idea what to expect and the jury’s decision meant everything. The judge took her seat and we all followed suit.
“Have the jury come to a unanimous decision?”
“Yes, your honor.”
“Will a member of the jury please release a statement.”
A younger man stood up and held a piece of paper in his shaky hands. He couldn’t have been much older than me, but he was nicely dressed and groomed.
“The jury has found James Kamp, the defendant, guilty of second degree rape of the plaintiff, Piper Nielsen.”
Guilty. I hated that I felt such relief from his punishment, but I was glad he was getting some sort of repercussions, especially since I wasn’t the first girl he had done this to. For some reason, I felt sorry for him. He was sick and messed up. It’s awful to think that he never had a normal adult life and now, he probably never would.
“Due to your history as a minor, Mr. Kamp, you are hearby sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without option of parole. Court adjourned.”
The sound of her gavel rang through my ears, echoing loudly as my face grew hot. Harry was grinning from ear to ear, but I looked past him and saw James well up with tears as the officer turned him around and tightly locked handcuffs around his wrists. He looked shocked and mortified as they walked him toward the back doors. He looked right at me, his lips parted and his eyes completely glassed over. I remembered the first time I met him and how genuine and kind I thought he was. His eyes were soft to me then and as he walked toward his destiny, they seemed lost and helpless.
I felt tears sting my eyes and I turned to Harry, burying my face in his chest. He rested one palm on the small of my back and the other caressed my hair softly as he kissed my forehead.
“Shhh. Why are you crying?”
I fought the sobs and spoke between hiccuped breaths.
“I just hate... that I’m responsible for... 30 years of someone’s life... being gone.”
He cooed and pulled me back into a hug and I sniffled, trying to calm down. It had just been too much, too fast.
“No, Piper. He’s responsible for that, not you. Think about all the girls you might have saved and the amount of girls who never got their justice. Don’t worry about James. He’s getting what he deserves.”
I nodded and knew he was right.
“Come on, baby. Let’s take everyone to lunch.”
Notes
AHHHHH JAMES IS GOING TO PRISON!How do you feel about it? Did you like seeing James' POV? (Crazy bastard)
Thank you guys so much for reading <3 xx ILY. Please subscribe & rate if you haven't already! I love your comments soooo much and I can't wait to see your reaction to this chapter! :D
Here's a bunch of emotional gifs lol
@jasyjas18
awwww thank you so much! where is this awards nomination? lol I didn't know about it, but thank you so much!!!! :) I'm gonna start the sequel now ;) should be up today or tomorrow!
8/4/14