Loving Charley

by Casey Peeler

  “Is it too much? I want to look professional.”

  “I think it’s perfect,” she says. We make our way to the truck, and I send Cash a text.

  Me: We’re on our way. I love you 4ever & ever

  Cash: We r 2! I love you 4ever & ever & ever

  As I put my phone into my purse, I try my best not to think about the shrinking distance between our farm and the courthouse, but before I have much time to process it, Dad is parking. Tessa squeezes my hand, and I smile at her.

  Dad cuts off the engine and speaks before opening the door, “Whatever happens in there today, remember why we are here, and that we are a family. We will get through whatever is thrown our way. I’m proud of you, Charley. One thing I want you to realize is that they might not get to Cash’s case today. It’s up after Dylan’s, but they have to get a jury and everything. Just be prepared that this could go on for a while.”

  He opens the door, and we all follow. Mama puts her arm around my shoulder and gives me a squeeze as I step toward the curb, and Tessa takes my hand as we make our way up the courthouse steps.

  As we enter the courthouse, we are met by a large metal detector and an officer. Dad empties his pockets, and we all follow in line, making it through with no problems. We walk down the hallway to the courtroom.

  An officer opens the door for us, and an eerie feeling sweeps over my body. I see Dylan’s family seated behind the defendant’s side. They don’t smile or look my way. Dustin looks at Tessa and waves to her. Today he has to stay by his brother’s side, and she knows it.

  We walk and sit behind the prosecutor’s table, and I do everything I can to keep my mind off what is about to occur. The clock on the wall reads eight forty-five, and I know I have fifteen minutes until my case begins.

  Bouncing my leg up and down, I’m brought to an abrupt halt when Cash places his hand on my shoulder. “It’s gonna be aight. I have to go back there and wait until it’s my turn, but I’m right here,” he says, pointing to my heart. He kisses my cheek before the officer guides him out of the courtroom and into the holding area.

  As quickly as Cash vanishes, the door opens, and Dylan appears. He is dressed in a charcoal suit with a white dress shirt and pale pink paisley tie. Not one tattoo is showing, and his hair is combed neatly in place. Even though he looks well put together, something is different. The swag that he usually possesses isn’t there; instead, I see a scared little boy who looks at me with pleading eyes.

  Refusing to look at him, I turn toward Tessa. She looks at Dylan with a go to hell look and squeezes my hand tighter. I can’t help but feel sorry for Dylan. I know he’s an ass, but he has totally fucked up his life because of one mistake. Thinking back to when we were younger, he was the kid on the swim team everyone looked up to. He’s always got what he wants and been the best at everything. I guess that’s why he did what he did. It doesn’t make it right, and I hope he has to pay one helluva price. I just wish the Dylan I used to spend hours at the pool with when we were nine was still around. He was a good person, and I’m not sure what happened. He’s the perfect example of a kid with a great family, support, and everything going for him, but one choice cost it all.

  Dylan walks by and takes his seat by his lawyer. His dad places his hand on his shoulder for comfort, and we all sit and wait. The clock seems to be frozen in time.

  At exactly nine, a petite African American woman walks proudly into the courtroom. We stand as she enters and then take our seats. She announces the case, and my stomach is full of butterflies. One by one, people are called and questioned at the stand. Slowly but surely, the twelve jurors are chosen, and we take a ten-minute recess before it’s show time.

  I don’t leave the courtroom; I stay seated, waiting anxiously. I have no idea how quickly my name will be called. Checking my phone, I look for something from Cash, but who am I kidding? They probably confiscated his phone.

  As I drop my phone into my purse, I hear voices that warm my soul, the Kluft girls. “Girl, you look all pro-fess-ion-al!” Hayden states. Only she would make light of this situation, but I love her for it. I stand and turn to face them as Georgia embraces me, and everyone else follows suit.

  “Thank y’all for comin’,” I say.

  “There’s no way we weren’t,” Tori states. “You are a part of us, and we are here for you.”

  Glancing at the clock, I don’t have much time before the trial starts. The girls take a seat, and I get ready to testify against Dylan.

  As Judge Reeves calls the court into session, she reads the charges to the courtroom. “The State charges Dylan Randall Sloan with second-degree forcible rape. What is your plea?”

  “Not guilty,” Dylan states with little emotion.

  The State begins with their evidence against Dylan. After they lay everything out on the table, the judge asks if there is anyone they would like to call to the stand. This is my cue. When my name is called, I stand confidently, even though I’m a train wreck inside. I straighten my dress and walk with my head held high. Placing my hand on the Bible, I swear to tell the whole truth, and then I’m asked what happened that night in July.

  “Miss Rice, can you tell us what happened on July 20, 2012?” the District Attorney questions.

  “Yes, sir.” Taking a deep breath, I begin to tell my side of the story. “My parents were out of town, and I was going to a party with Dylan, my boyfriend at the time. Nothing was out of the ordinary until we were on our way home. I became very incoherent and realized that something was off about Dylan. We had to leave early because of my responsibilities at the farm. When we got to the house, my sister wasn’t there. Dylan took me to my room and raped me. I told him no several times, but it was like my body couldn’t move.”

  As the DA paces the floor meticulously choosing his next question, I try to hold back the emotion from my voice. I want to be strong, but I’m unsure as he asks his next question.

  “I have no further questions, your Honor,” he says as he takes his seat.

  When the State is finished with my questioning, I know that I’m now going to be put under fire with Dylan’s lawyer, who is looking directly at me. He stands and walks slyly toward the stand as my body begins to quiver.

  “Miss Rice, you said that Dylan drugged you. Is there any physical evidence to prove that? How did you know that happened?”

  “I didn’t feel right, and there was evidence of Dylan discussing those drugs on tape. I’m sure you’re aware of those as well.”

  Pacing the floor, he turns to look at me. “I am aware, but aren’t they from the same young man who beat my client?”

  “Objection, your Honor!” the State yells.

  “Objection sustained,” Judge Reeves states.

  Dylan’s lawyer doesn’t say anything to that. Instead, he pulls another stab at me. “Was Mr. Sloan not your boyfriend?”

  “Yes, I believe I’ve already confirmed that,” I say with fire in my voice.

  “Why didn’t you report this earlier?” he asks with a crooked grin that I’d love to slap off his face.

  “I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t think people would believe me, but then I thought he might do this to someone else. I can’t let that happen.”

  “Did you not try to take this into your own hands?”

  “Yes, sir. I knew I needed proof to go to the police.”

  “In doing that, you put my client in harm’s way, did you not?”

  The State comes in with another disapproval. “Objection, Miss Rice isn’t on trial.”

  “Rephrase your question or move on,” the judge says with annoyance in her voice.

  “No further questions, your Honor.”

  “Miss Rice, you may leave the stand,” she says and relief washes over my body.

  Over the next hour, the two attorneys battle out the evidence, give theories, and provide their final arguments. Is Dylan not going to give his side? Seriously, is he that much of a pansy? As I glance toward him, I’m shocked that he doesn’t want t
o have the final word as usual.

  Judge Reeves dismisses the jury for deliberation while the audience waits talkatively. After forty-five long minutes, the jury returns. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. The spokesperson for the jury stands and hands the verdict to the bailiff who passes it to Judge Reeves. She gives no indication of her feelings about the verdict. She has one helluva poker face.

  The spokesperson stands, and when asked, he reads the verdict. I feel the air still as I wait for the words. “The jury finds Dylan Randall Sloan guilty of second-degree forcible rape.” He then takes a seat.

  All the air expels from lungs, and relief washes over me. Tears begin to fall from my eyes. He’s going to pay for what he did, but now, the question is for how long? Judge Reeves calls for order in the courtroom and gives her verdict. Dylan stands with his head hung low as he waits for his future.

  “Mr. Sloan, I see that you have no prior crimes, but due to the nature of your crime, I’m sentencing you to one hundred and twenty months in prison. Your sentence is effective immediately.” The bailiff walks to Dylan as he turns to look at his parents. Mrs. Sloan is a complete mess, and I lose it completely, too. As much as I hate what Dylan did, I hate to see his family suffer. My sister is in love with his brother, and they will always be a part of my life, but I can’t help but wonder, what will happen when Dylan is released?

  Mr. Sloan and Dustin try to comfort Mrs. Sloan the best they can and try to remain strong for Dylan. Dylan looks at me as he exits the courtroom, mouthing the words, “I’m sorry.”

  Doing the right thing, I mouth back to him, “I forgive you.” I turn, and as a sob escapes on my sister’s shoulder, the bailiff leads him into the hallway. Why does my heart feel like it is being ripped from me again? I should feel relief, but instead, I feel pain filling my body once more.

  “Char, that has to be the most honorable thing I’ve ever seen. To tell him you forgive him? I couldn’t have done that,” Tessa says as she pulls me from her shoulder.

  Wiping the tears from my eyes, I say, “I can’t move forward without forgiving him, and neither can he. I know deep down in my heart that the good Dylan is in there somewhere. I just hope that he surfaces when he’s released. Honestly, I feel like my heart has just been ripped out again. It’s not that I love him or anything like that, but he was an important part of my life for a long time, even before we dated… it just hurts.”

  “You honestly amaze me, Char. Not many people can feel the way that you do, and I’m like you. I hope the Dylan we all used to love returns,” Tessa says. Dustin and his family approach us.

  “Charley, we are so sorry about everything. You know we love you, but he’s our child,” Mr. Sloan states with a wavering in his voice.

  “I know. I just want everything to be like it was before all of this happened. I want Tessa and Dustin to be happy without this drama,” I say confidently.

  Pausing a moment, Mr. Sloan replies, “We do, too.”

  Court is adjourned for lunch, and after this win, I’m hoping that Cash’s verdict goes in his favor, unlike Dylan’s.

  The Kluft girls are waiting outside the courthouse, and we all walk to the little café a block down the street for a quick bite to eat. Honestly, I’m not hungry, but I’ve gotta eat before this one, because if it doesn’t go well, then I’m liable to swear off food forever.

  “Charley, we’re so proud of you!” Georgia exclaims.

  “Yeah, you kicked ass up there!” Hayden says confidently, and of course, always keeping it real.

  “Thanks, I guess,” I reply, and we enter the small café.

  At lunch, I’m pretty quiet. The Kluft girls and Tessa try to make me laugh. Piper and Joe eat with us as well. I looked for them while I was on the stand, but I didn’t see them. Instead of keeping the thought to myself, I just blurt it out, “Where were y’all?” I state directly to Piper and Joe.

  “Char, we were right outside. When they called your name, I just couldn’t handle it! I couldn’t watch you relive that again. I know that makes me a terrible best friend, but I just couldn’t do it,” Piper says, dropping her head.

  “Oh, Pipe! It’s okay! You’re still my bff, and I understand. You’ve had a lot going on. It’s okay, I promise,” I say as I get up and hug her. We finish lunch and make our way back to the courthouse.

  I feel confident as I walk back inside. I just pray that Judge Reeves sees that Cash was defending me, and that he gets to leave the courthouse when we do today. I feel as if I’m experiencing déjà vu, but instead of an asshole from my past, it’s my forever on trial.

  When we enter the courtroom, everything is the same, except for fewer people on the back row waiting to see if they are chosen for the jury. We don’t sit on the right side like before; we sit on the left beside Cash’s parents. His mother has a tissue clenched in her hand and looks like she’s barely holding herself together. I know this is hard, but there is something more. I can feel it in my soul.

  Looking to Piper and Tessa, I know they will understand what I’m trying to explain without a word. Piper shrugs her shoulders, and Tessa, being the sister she is, doesn’t wait or sugar coat anything as she whispers into my ear, “Char, you don’t think…”

  As I snap my head to look at her, my eyes widen, and I gasp as my heart sinks. “He’s not!” I whisper in desperation and then look at Mrs. Montgomery. Ohmygosh! I can’t believe what I think is about to happen. As my breathing hitches, everyone around me places their hands on me in comfort, and then my knight in an F250 and Carhartts appears, but today he’s not in an F250 or Carhartts. He walks in with his head held high in a slim fit Kenneth Cole jet-black suit. His arms fit the suit perfectly, and his arm muscles hug to the fabric. His shirt is coral and it brings out his radiant eyes, and he’s paired it with a matching tie. As very inappropriate thoughts enter my mind, I realize that if someone heard them I’d be charged with undressing him in public.

  My breathing slows, and I focus on the most perfect man in front of me. He’s a man, not a boy. He’s willing to take life by the horns and deal with the consequences. He looks right at me and smiles that absolute smile that warms my soul. I nod and try my best to not think about the words I’m about to hear him say.

  Tessa takes my left hand and Mrs. Montgomery takes my right. At one on the dime, the bailiff announces the return of the Honorable Judge Reeves. She comes in with poise, dominance, and power.

  She takes a moment to look over the docket, and then Cash stands as the charges are read to him. “Cash Porter Montgomery, you are charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury, a class C felony. How do you plead?”

  Standing tall and proud, Cash answers confidently, “Guilty, your Honor.”

  Judge Reeves looks stunned, and his lawyer snaps his head toward him in shock. The spectators in the courtroom gasp, I bite my lip to hold back emotion, and Mrs. Montgomery begins to sob loudly. Mr. Montgomery does his best to comfort her, but is emotional as well. Cash doesn’t turn to look at me, but I can feel exactly what he is feeling. This is his way of being a man. He did something that hurt someone, but he also did it because it was the honorable thing to do. For that reason, he will not lie because he is guilty of hurting the guy that hurt his forever. Rather than cry, I begin to smile. Once again, Cash has proven to be a man worthy of my love, and today is the ultimate sacrifice.

  Judge Reeves takes a moment to gather her thoughts. “Mr. Montgomery, you do realize that you are admitting to these charges?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I do,” he says with even more assurance.

  “Council, is there anything that needs to be presented to the court before I make my ruling?” she asks as she looks at them.

  They both reply, “No, your Honor.”

  “Mr. Montgomery, is there anything you would like to say before I make my decision?” she asks with pleading eyes toward Cash.

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m guilty. I did it, but if I hadn’t, there is no telling what would have happened to Charley. You
r Honor, she’s my forever… do you have a forever?” She smiles and nods. “Wouldn’t you do what you had to do in order to protect them? That’s what I did. I know that I deserve to be punished, but Charley had been the victim for far too long.”

  “Thank you for your honesty. That doesn’t happen often enough within these walls. We will take a ten-minute recess.”

  As she leaves, Cash turns to face us. “I’m sorry, y’all, but I had to do what was right. I’m not like him, and I will not lie. I take full responsibility.”

  Mrs. Montgomery has gotten her crying under control, and as he goes to hug her, the bailiff stops him. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know I couldn’t touch them.” The bailiff nods, and Cash looks at me. “It’s gonna be okay. I know that it is; I can feel it.”

  Tessa speaks up, “Yeah, it’s gonna be okay. I think the judge is a good person. She seems fair.”

  Hayden then pipes in as usual, “Yeah, she’s got some spunk about her, but she seemed to react to you.”

  “React?” Cash questions.

  “She smiled when you talked about your forever. I think she fell in love with Cash Money at that moment,” Hayden says with a snicker.

  “Lord, only Hayden would make light of this situation, but I wouldn’t have you any other way,” I tell her and then quickly turn when Judge Reeves re-enters the courtroom.

  We sit and wait for what feels like an eternity, but when I look at the clock, it has only been one minute. Holding my breath, I wait for her to speak. Hurry up! Just spit it out! She asks for Cash to rise and takes a deep breath while crossing her hands.

  “Mr. Montgomery, this is a Class C felony. You inflicted pain on another human being regardless the reason. You have a perfectly clean record, not even a speeding ticket, but you have to pay the consequences; therefore, I hereby sentence you…” I close my eyes and hold my breath, waiting for the harshest words possible. “to twelve months unsupervised probation. Case adjourned.”

  I exhale the breath and open my eyes, and a wave of emotions hit my body like a tidal wave. As the tears begin to fall from relief, happiness, and adrenaline, Tessa pulls me to her. Knowing I can’t get to Cash Money at this moment, I look at him and fall to pieces in a good way.