D-Day. Everyone arrived on time. From the Stenfields and the Purcells to the Richards and some of the big and famous families from Seattle. The day was similar to those before it and those that would come after it, but to some perception, it was really unique on its own. Christmas had passed and so did the New Year. Celebrations were all over the world, in the minds and hearts of many. It was a new year, after all, one filled with hopes and anticipated with resolutions; where people opted to correct themselves for the previous years' mistakes and even make a better of themselves in the new one.
Seven days into the New Year, two families had a lot on their plates and it wasn't a festive season to them, rather something to distract them from what they were going through. The first trial was in the eyes of many and the days had passed so quickly to the defendants while the victims seemed like it had taken quite an eternity to reach here. Each family stood for its own truth and would defend its dignity in the eyes of God and men.
The Purcells' festive season was a blow-off. Nothing major happened. Ingrid locked herself in her room for the better part of the days and wasn't easily seen by her family. Paul on the other hand had taken some trips down to the station to talk to Ethan in matters regarding the case that they were facing. The trips were frequent this time as he seemed interested to save his son at the eleventh hour. Layla still tried to hold the family together despite her busy schedule back at work. She would find it easy for her to converse with her than she did with her father, and no matter how hard she tried to reconcile the two, she would just end up regretting the decision in the end.
The Stanfields, on the other hand, were pretty confident in themselves. Sure enough, Christmas and New Year celebrations weren't that jovial as they had been the previous years, but they tried to be happy either way; they had a case to win and they were confident in themselves that even a second trial wouldn't be needed. Elena had spent most of her time hiding away in her home and would rarely leave her house to go venture outside. Different eyes were always on her. Her father had also returned back from overseas to celebrate the season with them as well as support his family in regards to the upcoming trial. He had arrived two days after the incident- that's how serious the situation was to him.
On the far front, sat the judge: Cole Freeman and his clerk, Mrs. June Greenwood on his right-hand side on some desk. His scarlet robe with grey silk facings and bench wig made him look all superior from up there, all eyes would be on him at the end of the trial; no matter how long it was going to take. The District Attorney (DA), Mrs. Kenya Shelmith, sat in tow with Stenfield's family attorney, Mrs. Weiss at the prosecutor's desk. To their right sat Paul Purcell, Ethan Purcell, and Mr. Gray on the defense stand, and the jury were stationed at their adjacent. About two hundred people were present in the public gallery including the Stenfields in exception of Caroline who was staying at a neighbor for the day. Ingrid and Layla, Lance, Mike and Myles, the preacher's daughter was there too, as well as some friends of Elena and Ethan from their graduation class and curious people who were intrigued with this case including the media. There were however no individuals below the age of eighteen at courtroom number 6A in King County District Court.
Elena sat on the second bench with her family, seeming somehow scared that this was happening and she was in the middle of it all. She would occasionally look at Ethan who was to her one o'clock, only catching the back of his head. The thought that she would have to face him in the eyes of the many sent chills down her spine. She looked confident from the outside though, but deep down inside, fear knew no bounds. Her stomach felt sick with the whole zoo in it.
Ethan sat so numbly, avoiding unnecessary attention, in that orange jumpsuit of his as he faced the judge. If he would take a moment to turn around, he would see what was happening behind him; angry looks and gestures from the people who had been affiliated with the event in one way or another. The whispers and murmurs continued for a while before the court was in session. Some prayer was said and everything was set in motion.
"So, Ethan Purcell… you stand accused of sexual assault in case number 1717CF005844D against Elena Stenfield. You can wish to plead guilty or not guilty at any time of your trial. So, do you plead guilty or not guilty?" Asked Judge Freeman, going straight to the point, in that heavy sore voice of his. Time was catching up with him.
Ethan leaned over to the small microphone in front of him. "Not guilty, your honor." He answered confidently and looked over to his father beside him who gave him a slight nod with a weak smile. There was a change of plans! Knowing that the judge was on their side, Paul needed to defend his son so that the prosecutor would have to prove her claim. The DA, Mrs. Kenya Shelmith, took the attention of the people. She was a mixed-race woman, of African American and American, and forty years of age. She presented herself so formally; decent in looks and behavior. She looked serious and couldn't afford a smile that easily.
She stepped forth and gave her opening statement, "Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the court. I am District Attorney Kenya Shelmith and I will be representing Elena Stenfield in this very important case. On the night of 22nd December 2016, my client was sexually assaulted in a home of a friend, and the incident has left her sexually, physically, and emotionally traumatized. She had been attending a party when the defendant forced himself on her at his home. You will hear testimonies from neighbors and friends of my client and see the hard concrete evidence against the perpetrator including DNA samples and items found at the scene. Ladies, gents… this case is about rape. Rape of an innocent woman at the hands of a man she trusted. I ask for the jury to examine the evidence keenly and help me find justice for this young woman. By the end of this trial, I'm confident you'll agree that the defendant is guilty of his charges. Thank you for your time." She turned to the judge.
"Your honor, the prosecution would like to call its first witness," DA Kenya called out. "Elena Stenfield." The prosecutors were given the green light.
Elena froze. A sudden electric rush raced through her body in light-year speed. She couldn't believe that the time had arrived. She wasn't ready for this and no psychological exercise could have ever prepared her for what she was about to do. She gave out a sigh after three seconds, got up from her seat, and headed towards the witness stand. She was dressed in a long dark blue skirt that went way past her knees with a white blouse on top and flat white shoes on her feet. She had tied her hair to a ponytail and avoided any makeup whatsoever. She still looked beautiful as the scars that were once present on her face had disappeared over time. She walked patiently towards the stand, confident on the outside- so bold and brave. She was walking fine today, seeming to have healed past the pain that was there one and a half weeks ago. She reached the witness stand and faced the public gallery. Those eyes! They were so many! They spoke out, 'That's the girl who was raped. Is it true that she was… Oh, poor woman…' She turned and faced the judge, shame already clouded her eyes.
Elena was handed a bible, rested her left hand on it and suspended the other in the air, and told to repeat some words. She did so. "I do swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God."
"So, Elena Stenfield. Tell us how you know Ethan Purcell and what happened the night of 22nd December 2016." DA. Kenya spoke out, standing sentry before the court.