It was one in the afternoon after the class and Dani went to the school gate waiting for Jun. A black car suddenly revved up to the side street in front of their school. Dani shouldn't be concerned about it but when she saw the person who stepped out of the car, she couldn't help but touch her forehead as if she's having a headache. David didn't attend the school for today and looking at the person who was walking heavily towards her direction, she knew that he was aiming for her. It was Knoxx, David's oldest brother.
"Come with me." Knoxx is wearing a polo shirt and pants. His attire is so formal as if he just came out from a meeting. Surrounded by students wearing uniforms, he's too eye-catching.
"Why should I?"
"Are you in a position to say that?" After saying that, he grabbed her arm and started to drag her like he's in a hurry. Dani snatched back her arm and looked at him. The people around were watching them with intrigue. As if he read the seriousness on her face, he put his hands on his pockets before saying something.
"You're so shameless."
"I don't know what you're talking about. Shouldn't you tell me before acting like this?"
"You didn't know? You didn't really know anything? You dragged them into a mess and you're acting like this?!"
"What did you just say?!" Dani stepped closer and demanded.
"Why do you think some of your friends were absent today? They are currently in court for trial. And it's all because of you."
"What are you saying?" Dani stood dumbfounded as his words hit her like a bomb. She understood what he was saying but at the same time was not. She wanted to demand for an answer but Knoxx already turned his back. She immediately followed him, and when she got into the car, he threw some papers at her.
"Read these," he said before turning the engine on, storming down the road. She looked through the papers, trying to make sense of what they were. The important details were caught in her eye.
Preliminary Trial on March 20, 20**
Plaintiff: Jean Beckett
Defendants: Eugene Gray, David Lopez
Complaints: Aggravated Physical Assault
Serious Physical Injuries: Jaw Dislocation, Nasal Fracture, Lacerations
Medical Treatment: Jaw Surgery, Repair of Broken Facial Bones and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery.
Counterclaim: Attempted Rape, Physical Assault and Harassment.
Skimming through the papers, Dani felt the increasing difficulty in finding the right words. Her mouth opened but nothing seemed to come out. She looked up trying to calm her pounding heart.
"When I first learned about it, I really find it all unbelievable. I thought, how come my little brother could do that thing? Maybe he beat him up to some extent but he's never been an animal. So, I thought most of it might be Eugene's work because he was aggressive since he was a child. But you know what's the most interesting?! That bastard, ah, his name is Jean, right? He's been repeatedly saying the same thing like a damn broken record."
"Do you know what it is? He keep saying that it's you who did all those things to him. Of course no one believe him, and since those little friends of yours already planned everything with evidence, I'm really impressed. But I'm different though. Hearing your name coming out from that bastard was enough."
As Knoxx continued, Dani felt that there's a gnawing feeling inside of her that's slowly blowing off her consciousness. Her field of vision is getting distorted and the words she hears seem to be coming from far away.
"Hey! What is happening to you?!" Seeing her as if she will collapse, Knoxx was alarmed. He saw her gaze is clouding and then her hands started to roam her face. She keep touching her face repeatedly and Knoxx didn't know what's on her mind. He felt anxious so he was about to pull her hands but unexpectedly, Dani avoided him, creating a space.
She then waved her hand, nodding before saying, "I'm okay."
Knoxx got annoyed. He didn't know what's happening anymore. She seems more aggravated. He was pissed because his little brother got involved and now have a record. For months, he keeps imagining what would happen if it got in the media. How it could ruin his little brother's reputation as a new actor. And how he would be hated and criticized. Now that he learned the truth, these risks was all because his little brother foolishly took the blame he was not accounted for. So he said all things as if venting his frustrations.
"Seeing your reaction, I get that you didn't know that your friends took all the blame. But how can you not take any responsibilities for your actions? You almost killed him but you just left it alone?! Is that how you used to do things? I knew something's up with you, crazy bastard."
Dani didn't reply. Her face was covered by her hand so Knoxx cannot see any of her expression. She was leaned back on her seat throughout the ride. When they arrive, Dani pushed the door leading to the judge's chamber. She walks so fast as she have Adrenaline spikes. Her eyes darting around the wide central corridor.
"Tsk, it's almost finished." Knoxx said clicking his tongue.
They stood outside and Dani peek through the highly secure windows. She can see everything from panelled walls to the polished desks and tables. And above everything, her friends; Belle, Eugene and David who are well-dressed with their lawyers pleading their case. She listened intently but all she could hear was the whooshing sound of air conditioning. There was a stale air and closed room smell and she wondered if that's the thing that was making her nauseous.
When the door heavily opened at last, a group of people came out who all have a face like a wet weekend. They were covering their mouths and crying nervously with red- rimmed eyes. They saw Knoxx standing by the door, so they gathered around him, clutching their hands.
"I'm begging you, please drop the charge! We don't have that amount to pay for fines. I can't send my son to the prison either."