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Chapter 15 - Days before The trial

I slept on the plane for the whole ride. I was awaken by Jonathan to tell me we already landed. Thankfully, we didn't alert any media and I came to Jeju with no media fuss. I was already tired and hungry. I already ate a brunch but I want to eat real food.

I didn't tell anyone where I was going except Eli and Jericho. Jonathan didn't ask any question when I told him where we going. He only said "As long as I can protect you. I'll be okay wherever you want me to. Allright?". I smiled genuinely thinking I have a big brother by my side to be on guard.

I went directly to Archie and it was my first time in a prison. I shot some scenes with handcuffs and prison but only in the studio. I haven't really gone to a real one. Here I am, with a glass separating me to Archie, sitting in front of me is a guy who haven't shave for days. His brown hair looks messy than usual and he was wearing a dark yellow prison uniform.

I started greeting him softly but he was a little bit out of the world. I had to knock on the glass for him to realized I was right here. "How you doin' man?" he slightly smile and said "I am fine, Aren't you supposed to be in rehearsal today?". I wasn't expecting him to be even more concern about me than himself. "Aren't you supposed to be more worried about yourself right now?" I said feeling guilty over nothing. "You know, I realized something" he said calmly. I looked at him waiting for his answer. "I made a huge mistake by asking my lawyer to get you as my accomplice. I am sorry dude. I wasn't really thinking straight at that time" he said honestly.

I breath heavily and answered "Aren't you gonna ask my why am I here?". He stared at me showing the wrinkles in his forehead. He smirked and realized what I meant. He laugh by himself like a crazy guy but stopped quickly when he realized I am not laughing.

He clears his throat and answered "If my lawyer or even the prosecutor summoned you to be a witness, just tell them the truth. I am ready to start my life after I'm done here". I look at him confused. He corrected his words and said "She's finalizing our divorce papers." he smiled slightly.

I cursed to myself thinking that if it weren't for that girl, he wouldn't be here. "She had the nerve to file the annulment of your divorce. Is she serious?" I said furiously. She really is getting on my nerve. I calm myself a little and ask "Is she gonna be a witness too?". He nodded without saying anything. Unconsciously, I blurted "That b***h".

He was quite calm when I said that and said sorry for the word. "It's okay, killing my brother made me realize what a loser I was..." he stopped and breath normally and continued "...I wasn't a good brother to Cody. I guess, he was like that because I haven't been looking out for him, you know" he said.

"I was too focused on my marriage and saving our asses with dad's bankruptcy that I forgot that I wasn't paying attention to the person who was left behind, Cody" I know what he meant because I was also there when he's dad killed himself to get away with his company's problem. His father wouldn't let me help him and he found away to stop the misery he was feeling. He didn't realize he left two sons grieving for his loss.

He took a breath his head bowed down feeling shameful "You've been a good brother and a son, Archie. No one would want to sacrifice being a 12 years old for saving a dying company but you did. you're a good person. it's just that, you met Eleanor. Things just started to go south". He nodded agreeing to every word that I'm saying.

"You're giving me lectures now, huh" he said jokingly. I laughed with him and he told me not to save him from the pit. He want me to help him face reality so that he could move on. I know, I wasn't the expert and I am only 22 but learning from the things that I've experienced myself. I know, I can give a one lesson from that. "Okay, I'll see you on your trial. Bye Archie". He waved his hand and he rested his fist on the glass asking for a fist bump. I give him that and smiled at each other.

I can say he's looking much better now in the future. That's a good news and my trip here is worth it though I've stumbled upon a bad news. There are almost 20 reporters flashing their camera into my face and I can say that most of them are not from here, considering their faces, and they are asking too many questions. Their cameras are almost hitting my face by the way they act. Thankfully, the car is already here and Jonathan helped me to get in safely.

I didn't say anything because they kept on shoving their camera to my face. I had to protect my face from getting a bruise or another headline would be a hit. Anyway, some reporters still manage to catch up and still ask a question. I can't ignore it anymore as we are near the airport already.

"Hi, I am Ga Young from Korean News Highlight (KNH), I would like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind". She started while still running to catch up to my fast pace. I slowed down and look at her. She looks like she is at her early 20's because she looks young. I look at her and put my sunglasses down "Fire away but first, you need to breath" I joked and she laughed. She took a big sigh and stand up straight.

"You good?" I asked. She then nodded and asked why am I in a prison?, Ain't I supposed to be in China?, Am I here to be a witness in a murder case?. I raised a brow for her questions. "Well, what should I answer first, uhm... I am here to see my friend for a very important matter and I am going back to China to continue my Tour which I already started and finally, yes, I am attending the trial but I still don't know if I'll be called in as a witness. Thank you" she just nodded and she thanked me and said "Sorry, If I made you stay even longer. Have a nice flight" she bowed down like every Korean greeting and turned their camera off.

I am about to board the plane when she asked me if I could take a picture with her for personal reasons. I looked back and said "Not yours to keep?" she shyly said "No. it's my friend's. She is a very big fan of yours". I looked at her and said "I'll take one shot but just if you keep it". My charms always works with girls but I don't know, she just close-lip smile and ready to leave. I stopped her by holding her wrist, she turned around and she has this startled reaction. "I was just joking. Don't take it to heart". We took a photo and she bid her goodbye and I am off to China.

I will have to go back here Five days from now for the trial, if ever. I have three days in China then to Taipei. If I have to attend Archie's trial, I have to fly as soon as my concert is done in Taipei. As soon as I entered the plane, I fall asleep and woke up feeling very dizzy but thanks to Jona he kept my medicine bag in case of emergency.

Yes, there is an emergency medicine for me to take if I get an upset stomach, hangover, headache, or even a bruise on my face. I was able to keep my head in tact because I have a great team by my side. I was able to complete my rehearsals and even enjoyed meeting up with my friends who lives in Beijing. Some of them are my long time friends and most of them are just new acquaintances.

"You know that makes me sad when you do that. Right?" fans kept on screaming and feeling the excitement here in Beijing, I can't wait to see them again but tonight needs to end. "Let's sing one more song okay?" The screams became more louder and I smiled as I start the song.

"It pains me that you're now losing your mind

I keep thinking that I might be of help

All I ever want from you is to be happy

Likewise, you taught how to live

Without making regrets.

Now is the time to say goodbye

Don't let me see you crying

I'll be on the other side

Tell me, will you be fine alone

I'm taking my new steps

Looking for the bright tomorrow

Luckily, I met you

You brightens the darkness in me

So let me be, let me stay

Le me be your light

For I don't want to see you

Alone on the ground."

"Thank you, I'll see you soon Beijing!" I waved while walking backwards like I always do. After the Beijing tour, we drove straight to the airport for Taipei. It was hard when it comes to like this. As soon as we landed in Taipei, we had to visit the stadium and practice. Two hours of practice seems like an early dismissal but my body ain't a robot so we had to stop. When we arrived at the hotel, there ain't peace yet for fans are all over the place.

Smiling, waving, making good gestures is like a duty now. Sometimes, it feels like everything I had controls me. I may be a superstar but I am not in control of my own likes and dislikes. I was thinking that after this concert, I will take a year vacation but that'll be too long so I have to think it over. Lycen, one of our staff, came to me after setting up the luggage to my room. "What is it?" I asked him.

He rummage his pocket pants and gave me a letter. I was confused of it was something important. After handing me the envelope, he told me to read it after he leaves. I was questioning every move he makes until he left the room. I sat on the bed and open the envelope but with its style, you can tell that it isn't a simple letter. As I opened it, the first thing I read was a name. I was shocked that I dropped the letter. After recovering from the shock, I picked it again and read the name. It says "Edward Richard Grant". I let out a big sigh after I read the letter.