The next day, Jacob felt his body's bones stiff, and only after stretching enough, he got out of bed and found himself unable to do anything within his desolate cell.
But just as he was about to sink into his thoughts, a guard approached and, after hitting the metal door with a strange stick, said, "Mr. Barber, your lawyer is here to see you."
"Oh, good!"
...
Minutes later, Jacob sat across from his lawyer, Mr. Anderson, in a gloomy conference room. His mind was filled with questions and anxiety about what would come next. The lawyer cleared his throat and began speaking confidently.
"Jacob, I understand that you are disappointed with the bail denial, but I want you to know that this is not a definitive situation. We still have options and legal strategies that we can explore during the upcoming trial, and this decision is not at all significant."
Jacob nodded, eagerly awaiting to hear more details about his case. But feeling a need to know what came next, he asked his lawyer, "What options do we have now, Mr. Anderson? What is the next step?"
Anderson looked at Jacob's sickly face and explained in detail, "Firstly, we will appeal the court's decision on the bail. We will present strong arguments and additional evidence to support our request. We will also look for any possible procedural errors in the detention trial. Meanwhile, we will prepare for the trial and gather all the necessary evidence to prove your innocence."
"How long will this whole process take? I feel trapped here, unable to do anything." Jacob truly felt suffocated and vulnerable in this cold place.
Understanding Jacob's words, Anderson responded immediately, "I understand your frustration, Jacob, but you must keep in mind that these legal proceedings take time. I cannot give you an exact date, but we will do our best to expedite the process and get a fair trial as soon as possible."
Jacob sighed, feeling an even greater weight on his shoulders. At least if the trial were expedited, he wouldn't spend as much time in prison, but the outcome still tormented his thoughts.
His brother, parents, and other people didn't believe in him. Every time he saw that look of distrust from his brother, it filled him with anger and tormenting regret. Would he really save his brother again if the opportunity presented itself? The answer would be no; right now, he hated his brother to the core.
"Do you believe in my innocence, Mr. Anderson? Do you think we can prove it?" Jacob exposed his insecurities to the one man who could get him out of prison.
"As your lawyer, my duty is to defend you and fight for your innocence based on evidence and facts. I believe in your innocence, Jacob, and I will do everything in my power to prove it in court. But you must understand that the legal system can be complicated and sometimes unpredictable. I cannot guarantee the outcome, but I can promise you that I will give my best to protect your rights and your reputation."
Jacob nodded, with a depression weighing on his shoulders, but appreciating the lawyer's sincerity. Although the circumstances were disheartening, his trust in Lawyer Anderson provided him with some comfort.
Ultimately, Jacob lifted his gaze and met his lawyer's eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Anderson. I appreciate your support and dedication. I just want justice to be served and my innocence to be proven."
Lawyer Anderson smiled and responded in a slightly more open manner, "I understand, Jacob. I will do everything in my power to achieve that. But you must also be strong during this process. Stay calm and trust me and the legal system. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty."
Jacob tried to maintain calm and hope, knowing that his lawyer was committed to his case. However, doubts and fears still lingered in his mind.
"What should I do in the meantime, Mr. Anderson? I feel powerless and worried about my family. I don't want this to affect them..." Jacob, although wounded and resentful towards his family, knew that didn't give him the right to hate his parents.
"It's understandable, Jacob. In the meantime, I would advise you to stay calm and follow our instructions. Don't discuss the case with anyone other than me, and avoid any behavior or activities that could harm your image. Also, maintain regular contact with your family and provide them with emotional support. Remember that we are all fighting for you."
Jacob nodded, taking note of the lawyer's instructions. He knew he needed to be cautious with every step he took, as every word and action could be used against him.
"I will keep that in mind, Mr. Anderson. I will do everything I can to stay calm and trust you and the legal system. I hope we can prove my innocence and put an end to this nightmare."
Lawyer Anderson smiled and said, "I'm with you on this, Jacob. You're not alone. We will work together to seek the truth and fight for justice. Don't give up and keep hope alive."
With these words of encouragement, Jacob stood up from his seat, feeling slightly strengthened. Although his path to justice was filled with obstacles, he knew he had a dedicated lawyer by his side. He bid farewell to Lawyer Anderson and left the office with renewed determination to face what lay ahead.
...
Jacob entered his cell, feeling the heaviness of the environment. The door closed behind him, leaving him alone with his tumultuous thoughts and emotions. Minutes later, a police officer approached again and informed him that he had a phone call.
"Barber, you have a call. Follow me."
Jacob followed the officer to the telephone area. His heart was beating rapidly, anticipating the conversation with his parents on the other end of the line. He picked up the receiver and waited for the call to connect.
Laurie on the other end of the phone spoke immediately, "Jacob, son, are you okay?"
Jacob clenched his fists tightly as he listened to his mother's voice. Anger and sadness intertwined within him, threatening to surface at any moment, and tears inevitably began streaming from his eyes.
He was afraid!
"Son, I hope you're truly okay. Remember to stay safe... Regarding your brother, I hope you don't take everything he said to heart. He was simply scared, and his statements may change for the next trial."
But organizing his emotions, he gathered strength to speak and said, "Am I okay? Seriously, Mom? Do you think I'm okay after all this?
Laurie on the other end of the phone murmured, "Jacob, darling, we only want..."
Jacob, with a cold look, raised his voice more and more, "Want what, Mom? Want me to believe that you support me? That you believe I'm innocent? It seems like everyone, including Ethan, has convinced you that I'm a monster."
"Jacob, please, listen. Ethan is going through a difficult time. You shouldn't blame him for what he said. He's your brother, always remember that."
Jacob let out a bitter laugh, filled with pain and frustration. "My brother! I've always been the invisible 'brother,' right? Ethan has always been the 'golden child,' and I'm just the problem, right? Since I can remember, I've felt like a damn burden, as if I don't belong to that family that people until recently called unique."
Andy on the other end of the phone seemed to sense Jacob's emotions spiraling out of control. After exchanging a few words with Laurie, he said, "Jacob, that's not true! We've always been there for you, we've done everything we could."
"Everything you could, Dad? What about all those times I needed support and found silence? Or when Ethan mistreated me, and you simply ignored it? No, I don't want your help anymore. I don't want anyone to defend me anymore; they can go to hell."
At that moment, a police officer entered the room and ended the call.
"Mr. Barber, it's time to return to your cell."
Jacob looked at the police officer, his gaze reflecting his frustration and pain. Looking at the phone in his hands, he spoke his final words, "I don't need anyone anymore. I can face this alone. I no longer want to be remembered as your son. I'm so sorry for ruining your perfect life and saving Ethan from those abusers."
With those resentful words, Jacob was led back to his cell. He sat on the bed, engulfed in an uncomfortable silence as he struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions. Deep down, though angry, he still longed for his family's support and understanding, but the feeling of being abandoned and judged consumed him in that moment.
"Ah!" With a frustrated cry, Jacob abruptly stood up from the bed and hit the wall three times with his right hand. He could feel the burning, numbness, and sudden pain that immediately overwhelmed his senses.
"Hoo... Hoo... Screw you, Ethan, you can go to hell... I, I don't need anyone... I don't want to be with anyone anymore, damn it."
Curled up in a corner, Jacob cried like never before as the blood from his bruised knuckles stained his clothes and the floor. Today, the little love that remained in his heart had been torn away from him.