“Your Honour,” one of the lawyers stands up. “Mr Graham is just trying to wash his hands of this.”
“If there is anything I have learned from my bad behaviour, it is to take responsibility, Your Honour. That is why I am here to tell this story, not to allow my lawyer to speak for me.”
I can’t help but feel guilty about how I treated him and how I tried to silence his voice.
“It was Mark who found me after those days of confusion and oblivion. Mark and Jillian, Your Honour. They took me back to rehab, paid for my treatment, and told me, lovingly but severely, that this would be the last time, and that if I didn’t make it, I would find nothing waiting for me when I returned. And then…” He puts his hand to his mouth. “And then Jillian told me she was pregnant.” Seth looks at the kids. “And it was like something suddenly woke me up, Your Honour. I wanted to be part of the family, I wanted to be a brother, a brother-in-law, an uncle. I wanted to be part of it. It was my nephew Mason,” he points to him with tears in his eyes. “To give me a reason to live again.”
I look at Mason too, his eyes filled with tears of love for Seth.
“That was my bottom. And after that… After that came rebirth. Thanks and them.” Seth points at the kids. “But after my discharge, I found Mrs McCormack ready to accuse me of being solely responsible.”
There are whispers in the courtroom.
“Mark and Jillian, however, knew the truth. They persuaded Mr McCormack not to denounce me. From then on, relations between Jillian and her family became strained.”
“Your Honour!” The lawyer stands up immediately. “These are slanderous allegations against my client!”
“I’m just telling the truth,” Seth defends himself. “I’m not accusing anyone.”
“Your Honour,” I also rise. “I believe my client has explained the matter fully.”
“I agree, Mr Kennedy. Thank you, Mr Graham, you may go.” Seth stands and walks back to his seat. “Let’s resume after a short break, I think the children need it,” the judge says before adjourning.
“Seth…” I go over to him immediately, but the kids huddling around him beat me to it. I decide to take a step back and let them have their moment without some stupid, know-it-all lawyer getting in the way.
SETH’S TESTIMONY did not impress the judge. I realised this during the reprise. His gaze was hard, his tone too; he seemed already leaning towards a decision, even if it’s not over yet. Unfortunately, I have only a few cartridges left, and I’m afraid what I’m thinking of is extreme and dangerous.
“Tell me again, why are you here and not at home with your fake family?” Paul asks, provoking my irritation.
“Are you trying to tell me that I’m in the way?”
“No, what are you saying?” Vanessa quickly intervenes. “You’re always welcome here with us.” She touches my arm and gives me an understanding smile.
“Thank you, Vanessa. I really appreciate it. You are a true friend.”
“What have I done now?” Paul complains.
“Let’s just say you’re being an idiot as usual.”
“But I haven’t even spoken!”
“Your face is enough.”
Paul looks to Vanessa for help.
“Maybe I’ll leave you two alone.” She stands up, carrying his container of takeaway food.
“That’s not necessary,” I try to stop her, but she smiles at me lovingly.
“I have work to do anyway,” she excuses herself. She gives me a kiss on the cheek, then hugs Paul from behind. “I’ll be in the office.” She kisses him briefly on the lips before disappearing into the office. Vanessa is also a lawyer. She works in Environmental Law.
“I’ll never understand what she sees in you,” I say to Paul, who replies with a grimace.
“I could say the same about your ‘client’,” he says, making a quote sign with his fingers.
“Stop it.”
“You started it.”
