Breaking Silence

Answers and Expectations

"I would like to call my witness, age 19, Ashelyn Summerall, to the stand."

To be honest every thing after that conversation was a blur. I paid no attention to the rest of the court room nor did I make eye contact with anyone. I felt so conflicted that I was not even aware of when my name was being called.

"I said I call Ashelyn Summerall to the stand."

"Oh that's me! Sorry."

It's my turn, my time to share my story.

I'm scared.

"I swear that the evidence that I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God. I solemnly affirm that the evidence that I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."

"Can you explain the events of the night of August 4th, 20XX?"

"So it was my birthday and my friends and I were at one of the college parties, I was old enough to go but not drink. And that's where I met him."

Yes that's exactly where I met..... him.

August 4th, 20XX

"Hey girl. why don't you drink with us?"

"I'm not old enough yet."

"Oh who cares about age?"

"Uh, I do?"

"Come on just drink, it's your birthday."

"You know what, I'll see you guys outside, okay?"

"Kay, your missing out though."

No I don't think I am. Let's just get outside and go home. Situations like these are the reason why I hate it when Helia and Daniel are busy. They always leave me by myself with these people.

"Hey cutie."

Huh? Where?

"Are you lost baby girl?"

Ewwwwwww

"Don't ever say that again."

"Fine. I won't"

"Good. Who are you?"

"The name's William. I'm from the research department."

"Oh really? What grade?"

"I'm a sophomore this year."

"Oh, I'm a freshman."

"I can tell, you've got that hopeful look in your eyes."

"Hopeful?"

"Yeah I mean, are you excited for the year?"

"I'm not. Are you?"

"Not anymore I'm not."

"So, William, why did you come over here and talk to me?"

"You're the only girl here who's not drunk out of her mind."

"Ha ha ha. Is that the only reason?"

"No it's not."

In all honesty he seems like a really nice guy, but for real, I just wanna go home!

"Hey I'm gonna go home now. Okay?"

"I'll walk you."

"Nah, I'm fine on my own."

"Ah okay. Um, here, have this."

"What's this?"

"It's my business card."

"Why are you giving me this?"

"It has my number on it. Call me."

"Okay, I will. Later."

"Okay, bye!"

"Bye!"

Present Day

"And then I went home and didn't call him until the next morning."

I hated that story. It was just another reminder of how naive I was back then, and having to tell a room full of spectators and viewers that I was dumb enough to fall for that snakes charms was the icing on the ckae. And just like that....

Snap

I struck a nerve. Badly.

"I call this court to recess."

"I need... to.... get some... fresh... air."

The words were barely escaping my mouth. It was happening. I was having a panic attack. 

Again.