"I remember it like it was yesterday. Clearly this is something that will forever be in my mind. I wish I could erase what happened. I was walking home from a friends house and it was getting dark, I knew I shouldn't have been walking at night. I just didn't want to bother anyone for a ride home. I decided to take a short cut, because it was a little chilly and I just wanted to be home. I walked down an alley on Grant St. the one next to Joe's Hardware store. I had a feeling that I was being watched but I didn't think anything of it. I put my head phones on and started listening to some music. I was half way down the alley when the feeling that I was being watched got stronger. I looked around the make sure I wasn't being followed. I didn't see anyone so I let the feeling go. I finally made it to the end of the alley and was about to turn the corner when someone came up behind me and covered my eyes. This person forced me back into the alley and slammed me against the brick building. I thought I was going to black out, because he slammed me so hard-" I was cut off by Quintell's lawyer.

"Objection! How did you know that this person was a man if it was dark?" I tried my best not to roll my eyes.

"Sit down Kirkland!" Judge Walters boasted.

"Go ahead Miss Burke". I nodded my head.

"To answer your question Mr. Kirkland, the person was stronger than a woman and his hands were bigger. I was scared and worried about what was going to happen to me. The man was at least 6'5, he was wearing a baseball cap and he had really bad breath. I instantly recognized him because of his piercing brown eyes and the scare over his left eye. It may have been dark but the alley had a little light from one of the buildings sign. The man stared rubbing his hands all over my body and kissing my neck. I felt so dirty and ashamed that I didn't fight back. I wanted to fight back, but he was stepping on my feet so I wouldn't go anywhere. He stopped his roaming hands and forced both of my arms above my head. He tried to kiss my lips but I couldn't keep my head still. That made him mad, so he growled and slapped me across my face". I took a deep breath. I know I was being brave for telling my story, but telling it in front of a bunch of people is not how I wanted to do this. I wiped the tears from my face and continued talking.

"He put his mouth near my ear and whispered 'want to know what it feels like to be with a real man? You've been teasing me for way too long. Now I'm going to get what belongs to me'. I gasped and he took the opportunity to force his tongue in my mouth". I let out a shaky breath and looked at my parents and siblings. My mom and Damaris were crying, while my dad and brothers were ready to jump over the barrier and beat Quintell up. I looked over at Quintell and he had a smirk on his face. It was as if he got fulfillment out of me telling this story. It was like he was happy that everyone was hearing this story.

"I tried to move my hands but he was too strong for me. The next thing I knew he was moving one hand up my leg towards-" I started to violently shed tears. I couldn't do this. I don't know what made me think I was strong enough to do this.

"It's alright Miss Burke, take your time, We know this is hard". I looked at the judge and nodded my head. I looked over at the jury and some had tears in their eyes. The others looked bored and could've cared less. I took a deep breath while taking some tissues from the bailiff.

"He was moving his hand towards my private areas and he pushed my underwear aside and started touching me. I made the mistake of wearing a skirt that day and I regret it greatly. I tried squeezing my legs shut but that just made him even more angry. He removed his feet from mine and threw me on the ground. I screamed but that just caused him to kick me in my side. He got on top of me and started beating me in the face and ripping my clothes off. I felt so violated and worthless. He pulled my underwear down and took his stuff out of his pants. He at least had the decency to put a condom on. He slammed himself into me and he raped me. I cried while he got enjoyment. I was being taken advantage of and he didn't even care! After what felt like hours he got up, zipped up his pants took my clothes, ipod, head phones, and wallet. He left me in the alley with nothing but my underwear and bra. He took my dignity and self esteem. Before he left he said 'thanks for the ass, but I've had better'. He took everything from me and I want him locked up!"

"Objection!" Kirkland yelled.

"On what grounds?" My lawyer yelled back. I liked Roger Evans. He was the cool dude next door. He was a shark and he won every case.

"Over ruled! Now sit down or else I'm holding you in contempt. Evans I suggest you sit down as well! You two are acting like little kids!" Kirkland and Evans mumbled words under their breath as they took their seats.

Kirkland got up from his seat and walked over towards me. He kind of scared me, because he looked like he needed to be in a boxing ring instead of a court room. He was at least 6'2, light skinned, muscles for days. He was dressed in a black Versace suit with black alligator skinned shoes. He sharp, but he was still scary.

"Now Miss Burke is it true that my client actually works under your father as his armor barrier?" Kirkland asked with a smirk on his face.

"Yes". I said nodding my head.

"Doesn't that mean that he is always with your father?" He asked. I was wondering where he was getting at. I mean yes, he is normally always with my father, but that is only when they are at church.

"Yes, but only when they are at church". I mentally slapped myself for having a shaky voice when I responded to him. Kirkland smiled and nodded his head.

"So, how do you know that it was actually my client if he is always with your father? I'm pretty sure your father is always at church. Doesn't that mean he would've been there as well?" I shot a look at my lawyer, but before I could say anything he stood up.

"Objection your honor! Relevance to the case? What does that have to do with the fact that my client was taken advantage of? So what the bastard is her father's armor barrier!" Judge Walters slammed down his gavel.

"Kirkland get to the point! Evans sit down! Don't make me tell you again!" I sighed and noticed that Pastor Prescott and his family was sitting in the courtroom. They were sitting behind Quintell, but not for support of him it was just because the place was full and those were the only seats left. I didn't see Chance, but I did see Rodney. He was sitting next to Roman who was sitting behind my family.

"Miss Burke, How is it that my client picked you out? What is so special about you?" I whipped my head around towards Kirkland.

"I see you have a listening problem. I said he told me that I had been teasing him. I don't see how that could be because-"

"Miss Burke, I don't need the attitude. I want to know why you just up and deicide that now after a year you would finally tell what happened to you". I took a deep breath.

"I'm finally saying something because I want justice for all the women that he took advantage of and-"

"Is it true that you told my clients nephew about what happened to you? Since he was your boyfriend and you knew he was into the drugs and violence. You probably thought that he would just take care of him for you! Didn't you?!" I gasped and looked at the Prescott's. They shook their heads. I looked over at my parents and they were staring me down. I never told them that Chance was into the same thing as Derrick. Well mom knew but clearly dad didn't because he looked like his head was about to come off.

"I didn't tell him so he could handle it for me. I told him because I didn't want any secrets between us. I told him because-" He cut me off once again. If this man cuts me off one more time, I swear we will have some serious problems.

"So, you told him because you didn't want to have any secrets? Isn't that cute! I guess your precious boyfriend didn't tell you that he was the one that planned the whole thing did he?" Everyone in the courtroom gasped. My jaw dropped, but I knew it was a lie. I didn't know this guy could stoop so low, and accuse Chance of something. He may not be perfect, but he would never do something like that. Judge Walters slammed give gavel down and stood up.

"Quiet in the court! Jury disregard what was just said by this lawyer! 10 minute recess! Kirkland my chambers now!" I was so happy for this recess, I felt like I was about to die of thirst.

I walked over to my family and my mom hugged me tightly. We have gotten closer since I decided to tell everyone what happened. My dad looked at me and shook his head. He left the courtroom to get some air. I felt bad for not telling him, but I thought Chance and I were going to last long enough for me to tell him. Derrick and De'Shawn hugged me and then left along with Damaris. I looked over and the Prescott's and they looked sympathetic. I walked over to them, but my lawyer stopped me.

"Delaney, you can't talk to the until after the hearing. I know they are on your side, but they are still a risk. I'm sorry". I nodded my head and sat down with my mom.

"You're doing fine baby. I'm proud of you for doing this. You're more brave than I am. I love you". I hugged my mom and kissed her cheek.

"I love you too mom". The recess went by quickly and Judge Walters was returning with Kirkland.

"Alright everyone, I hope you are all rested. Let's get back to the hearing so we can all go home and put this behind us. Delaney please take the stand. Kirkland remember what I said". I walked back to the stand and waited for the questions to begin.

"Miss Burke, I would like to apologize to you for before. I was out of line. With that said I'll begin. Why do you think that my client would say that you teased him?" I thought about the question for some time.

"I honestly don't know. I haven't done anything wrong and I barely talk to him. He scares me and I don't want to be associated with him". I said honestly.

"I have no further questions your honor". Kirkland said as he took his seat.

"I have no questions for this witness your honor". My lawyer said.

"Very well, Miss Burke you may step down". I left out a sigh a relief and sat down next to Evans.

"Call your next witness Kirkland". Judge Walters said.

"Your honor I call Quintell Prescott to the stand". My stomach dropped as I watched him walk towards the stand. He has shackles and handcuffs on.

"Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?" The bailiff asked while making Quintell place his right hand on the bible.

"I do". He said while staring at me. He made my skin crawl. I just want to go home, I hope this goes by quickly. Evans was the first one to question Quintell.

"Mr. Prescott, why did you commit this unthinkable crime towards my client?" The question was simple, but I didn't think he would be so forthcoming with the answer. He shocked me with his simple answer.

"Because I wanted to". Evans rolled his shoulders back as if he was ready to beat Quintell up.

"You disgust me. I have no further questions your honor." Evans said while turning on his heels and walking back towards our table. Kirkland got up and sat back down.

"Kirkland! Are you doing to ask questions?" Judge Walters asked. Kirkland shook his head and stood up again.

"Your honor I have no questions for this dirt bag. Let's be honest, we all want to see him in jail". The courtroom started buzzing and Judge Walters slammed his gavel once again to get everyone to be quiet.

"Quiet! Very well, Jury you may go and deliberate". Judge Walters excused the jury, but as soon as the last one left the room they all soon came back.

"That was quick". I whispered to Evans. He smirked and nodded his head.

"Jury how do you rule?" Judge asked.

"We the jury find Quintell Prescott guilty of all charges". The courtroom roared in applause. Judge Walters was banging his gavel. He was slamming it so much that I thought he was going to break it.

"Quiet! Mr. Prescott, you are sentenced to 25-45 years in a federal prison. I would place you in the regular penitentiary, but that would be too gracious. You sir need to get out of my sight, because you disgust me. Court dismissed!" Judge Walters slammed his gavel again. I hugged Evans and then hugged my family. I watched them lead Quintell out of the room, but I noticed that he had a smirk on his face. I got an uneasy feeling about it. It seemed like he was trying to tell me that this wasn't going to be the last time I saw him. I shook it off and thanked God that this was over.

"You were great baby!" My mom said crying and hugging the life out of me.

"Thanks mom. I can't breath though". I said trying to pry myself from her embrace. She finally let me go. I felt someone else hug me, and I figured it was Roman.

"You were great. I'm glad you did this. I'm proud of you". I hugged Roman back

"I'm glad I did it too. I'm just glad that is over and I can put it behind me". Roman smiled and walked over to my parents. I looked at Rodney and gave him a hug.

"Thanks for everything Rodney". I heard him chuckle. The vibration from his chest on my cheek and it had be feeling some type of way.

"I didn't do anything. You did it all. I was just here for moral support". He said letting go of me.

"Yeah well I could never have enough of moral support. So I guess this means I won't be seeing you too much anymore?" I asked hoping that I didn't sound stupid. Rodney laughed.

"You're cute Delaney. You can see him anytime you want to. Just text or call me". I smiled and nodded my head. I placed my hand on his arm and gave it a squeeze.

"ok, I'll keep that in mind. I'll see you around then Rodney". He stared at me and licked his lips.

"Don't wait too long to use my number. I'm interested Delaney, just keep that in mind". I stepped back and smiled.

"Trust me Rodney, I won't be waiting long". I walked away and stood next to Derrick and waited for my parents.

"Getting fresh with the cop I see". I kissed my teeth.

"I'm being friendly and since I'm single I can mingle. I'm not jumping into anything so I don't see the harm in it". Derrick laughed.

"You sure are one of a kind little sister. I'm proud of you for doing this today". I hugged Derrick and kissed him on the cheek.

"Hey don't be getting all girly on me. I just said I was proud of you". I laughed.

"I love you Derrick". I Smiling like a goof ball. The fact that Derrick said he was proud of me was something to write in the books.

"I love you too Delaney". We heard light sniffles coming from behind us. Derrick and I both turned around to see De'Shawn and Damaris acting like they were crying.

"That was so beautiful! I think I need a tissue!" Derrick and I both kissed our teeth. We all started laughing and joking around.

Yeah, my life was getting back to normal. Thank God!

*********

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