“Where should I start?” I asked the judge.

  The judge’s eyes bore into me, “Azure, you better be careful. Just because I give you the opportunity to speak does not mean that you are innocent. It also does not mean you can say whatever you want.” The judge gave me a stern warning.

  But, “I already knew that. Where should I start?” I repeated myself, and I felt the strength from my own words.

  “Why don’t you start with explaining your clothes. There should be a reason why you appeared in court like this, correct?” The judge began. He likely already picked up on several clues which lead to that question.

  “Yes, you are correct. I was arrested ten days ago, during that time I was extremely mistreated. I wasn’t fed the first day, and was only given a single meal a day for the other nine. These meals only consisted of two pieces of bread and an orange. Additionally, during my time at the police department I was harassed in interrogation, the officers that gave testimony against me only asked questions that incriminated me. They even threatened me with violence, and cursing…

  Besides going to the interrogation room I was not allowed out of my cell. I even got sick and was denied medicine…

  Any request I had was denied. I was not given a chance at bail or a phone call. I only found out about the trial this Tuesday. And I only met my attorney 15 minutes before we met here. My clothes are filthy because these are the same clothes I wore when I was arrested and I wasn’t given a change of clothes or even allowed to shower.” I conveniently added on all my mistreatment in the past ten days. The judge only asked for the reason for my clothes condition, but I would be damned if I didn’t take this opportunity to reveal the truth.

  The reaction was horrid. I could see the fury in the eyes of the judge, and some of the jury shared that sentiment. However some looked confused, and some were still looking at me with disgusted eyes. Understandable, why would you worry about how a person you think committed rape was treated.

  It just meant that I would have to prove myself innocent.

  The two officers were starting to sweat, and Greta was starting to look nervous as well.

  “An investigation will be made and charges pressed after this trial.” The judge said to the two officers. I got the feeling that the judge was helping me too much. However I would accept it.

  “Can we move on?” I asked the judge.

  “Yes, it is now time to try and prove your innocence, unless you have anything else?” The judge continued with an authority similar to a ruler.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “First of all I would like to mention that before the day of my arrest I had never seen, talked to, or even heard of Greta Dardy. Additionally I had no information of the case before the testimonies we just watched together. And I assume that I am right in the fact that the only evidence of my said crime is their testimony.” I began to speak with an unstoppable momentum.

  “You are right to assume that the only evidence brought against you is their testimony. As for the others, that is what you have to try and prove.” The judge said, and I could see the very edges of his lips lift slightly.

  “Let's start then.” I said.

  “First, at the time of the crime I was alone at my own house. There might be cameras to prove it, however I want to finish this today.” I spoke with ease, not at all affected by the pressure in the room.

  “Then how will you prove yourself?” The judge asked slightly curious.

  “Because I can see through people.” I spoke arrogantly, the judge did not seem to like this.

  “And what do you mean by that?” He said with his deep black eyes staring at me.

  “Exactly what I said. Would you call Greta up to the bench?” I asked, not backing down in the slightest.

  “Sure, but remember you only have one chance.” The judge said before calling Greta up.

  She was standing before the two of us.

  “Can you hand over your phone?” I asked Greta with serious eyes.

  “No, why should I?” She replied.

  “Hmm, first of all, for a supposed victim of rape, she is not scarred of the said perpetrator of said crime.” I said.

  “That does not prove anything, remember Azure, just because the police treated you badly, does not mean you are innocent.” The judge decided to push me along.

  “Don’t worry I know my innocence better than anyone. As for the phone, if you don’t have anything to hide why not show it?” I spoke normally, like we were not a framer and a framed.

  “You do not have to hand over your phone if you do not want to.” The judge said in his authoritative voice.

  “Then, I won’t.” Greta said in response. To which the judge nodded.

  “Fine, it will only make things slightly harder to prove.” I said lazily.

  “Listen up, I will now explain everything that is going on, so please be quiet until the end of the story.”

  “This entire thing was orchestrated by a boy named Johnny Jewel. I got in the way of him chasing a girl, then things got heated between us. He convinced the entire school that I am a murderer. I stood up against him, and then he hired Greta here to accuse me of rape.” I finished my short story simply. Everybody was shocked by this, the jury just stood there with their mouths agape.

  “And the evidence of this?” the judge asked.

  “First of all, if you are worried about the murder thing. Think, if I really did murder somebody, I wouldn’t be here, our government usually isn’t that bad. Secondly, on her phone are the records of the transaction.” I spoke leaving more for later.

  “There is still no qualitative evidence.” the judge said.

  “Will you give over your phone now or make it even worse?” I asked Greta.

  “No, you are making shit up.” Greta replied.

  I let out a deep sigh, “I didn’t want to break you.” I spoke under my breath, but I didn’t know if the judge heard it or not.