Chapter 45 #2
“I’m sorry, are you a certified therapist and a lawyer?” Sarah asks.
“Well, no,” he says.
“I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself, then. Trauma doesn’t have a timeframe or schedule, and everyone is unique in their trauma responses. Summer has made wonderful progress, and I hope she continues to do so, but she is still dealing with the effects of the accident.”
“In your professional opinion, how long does one typically require therapy after such a trauma?”
“As I just stated, everyone is different. I have patients who have needed therapy for a couple of years, and others who have been in therapy since their trauma occurred decades ago.”
“Do you believe Summer will require decades of therapy?”
“I’m not a fortune teller, so I cannot answer you.”
“You are an expert, though, so give me an educated guess,” he replies.
“An educated guess so you can calculate how much money she will need for therapy and try to swindle the rest away from her? No, I don’t think so.
That young woman died on the operating table twice and lost her entire existence.
That kind of trauma fundamentally changes a person.
She will deal with the effects of that accident for her entire life.
As an expert,” she emphasizes, “I’ve seen this type of trauma affect every aspect of a persons life, from schooling to college, the ability to hold a job, their physical heath, fertility, parenting choices, and the ability to have healthy relationships; to name a few things.
There is no way to calculate how much money someone will need during their life to deal with the effects of their trauma. ”
“Surely you would agree the trauma a father experiences at the loss of a daughter would deserve financial support, too?”
“Absolutely. If you are insinuating Mr. Bancroft is such a father, however, you are mistaken. Mr. Bancroft has no emotional, mental, or spiritual connection to the child in question. Other than sperm, he contributed nothing to the child. Mr. Bancroft is an alcoholic and gambling addict who failed as a parent. He chose his vices over his son time and time again and refused treatment. Mr. Bancroft was found drunk in a bar the day his son drugged, kidnapped, and sexually assaulted Summer. He didn’t even bother to show up at his son’s trial.
Mr. Bancroft needs intensive rehabilitation and long-term therapy. ”
“Both cost money,” Mr. Donaldson explains to justify his client’s inaction.
“Incorrect,” Sarah responds. “Charleston has several resources available, including free therapy with qualified psychologists for individuals who cannot afford to pay, and free rehabilitation centers. All that is required is some paperwork to be filled out. I’d be happy to help Mr. Bancroft file the forms. Unfortunately, no one can help those who do not want to change.
Mr. Bancroft has a proven track record of refusing treatment and therapy already. ”
As Sarah leaves the witness stand, I want to high-five her. She's a badass. She leaves the courtroom, then Mr. MacLeod calls me to testify.
Sarah’s testimony sidetracked me, but my nerves instantly start back up. As I’m sworn in, a cold sweat breaks out over my body. I look out to see Zander and the guys as Seb gives me a thumbs up.
After stating my name, I summarize what I’ve been through in my own words with prompts from Mr. MacLeod.
He asks what effects I’m still dealing with from the accident.
I explain the nightmares, the scars, the bullying, my touch aversion, and therapy.
When he tells me to explain why I didn’t get Lily bee’s DNA samples, I start to cry.
“I couldn’t go to the house. I haven’t been able to even drive by my home since the accident.
Belinda and Ray have taken care of it for me.
I haven’t seen Belinda since the accident, and I didn’t know she was at the hospital or had tried to foster me.
When I had to identify Lily bee’s things, I cried a lot and had an emergency therapy session after.
Memories of them, any memories, even good ones, are still hard. ”
Mr. MacLeod hands me my tissues before continuing. We go over my knowledge of Mr. Bancroft and the birth certificate issue. How I’ve used the money and what I plan on using it for in the future, showing how responsible I have been with it.
Mr. Donaldson stands up for his cross examination.
He starts out trying to ask about my failing grades and running away from the foster homes first, but Mr. MacLeod is on top of it and puts a stop to that line of questioning.
Next, he tries the promiscuity angle, but again, my lawyer steps in.
Then he asks if I loved my family so much, how could I not care about Lily’s father?
“Why would I care about someone who didn’t exist in my world?
” I ask angrily. I’m so over this stupid trial.
“He wasn’t there when Lily bee was born and didn’t spend every day with her.
He didn’t know her favorite cartoon, or favorite stuffed animal, or how she loved to draw.
He wasn’t there to support my mom, and he sure as hell didn’t go through the accident with us or suffer the physical and emotional pain afterwards.
He never once looked Mom up, not until he found out about the money.
He had almost seven years to find her but didn’t because he didn’t care about my family.
He wouldn’t have ever known about her if he didn’t want the money because he wouldn’t have looked. ”
Surprisingly, there are no more questions, so I get off the stand and retake my seat, trying to stop the angry tears that are still falling.
I couldn’t tell you what was said during the closing arguments.
I’m just tired. Tired of the trauma. Tired of my life being dissected and of having to live through it again.
I feel like a wounded warrior on a battlefield.
I stand as the judge and jury leave, and follow Mr. MacLeod out of the hallway and across to the room we’ve been using.
I sit down, not really paying attention to what’s going on around me.
“Everyone out, please,” I hear, looking up to see Sarah coming towards me.
“You’re still here,” I say.
She smiles and takes a seat across from me. “I had a feeling you’d be struggling after today, so I wanted to check on you before returning home.”
“You were badass on the stand.”
“That wasn't my first rodeo,” she winks. “Now, I imagine you’re just done with this whole thing?”
“Yeah. I’m angry and pissed and sad and depressed.”
“Understandable. It’s not pleasant to have to relive all that trauma, but you did well and it’s over now. I heard you put the lawyer in his place too,” she smiles.
“I guess. I’m just so over all this crap. I’m trying to move on, and things keep bringing me back.”
“There will always be reminders of your past, even outside the courtroom. There’s no avoiding that. One moment at a time, remember? You’re strong enough to handle them. Let’s pick something to work through.”
“Belinda,” I say immediately. “I didn’t know she was at the hospital, or got kicked out, or that she tried to foster me. I haven’t contacted her once since the accident, and I feel terrible. She lost people too.”
“She did, but I’m sure she understands as well. You were trying to survive and take care of yourself first. There’s nothing to feel guilty about. Perhaps if you’re ready, you can reach out to her now?”
“I think I’d like that. Seeing Jake’s dad was hard, but nice. I know he cares, but everything is superficial with him now. It’s strange.”
“He has his own trauma to work through.”
“I know. I miss him, though.” I blow my dripping nose and take a deep breath.
“Of course. He’s still here, just a little damaged now, but I’m sure he was happy to see you.”
“Yeah,” I nod.
“Are you prepared for the outcome of the trial?”
“I guess. It was never really about the money and more about the trauma for me, but I’ve learned that money is very helpful. I never appreciated it before moving here, but I think I deserve it now, and I don’t see it as blood money anymore.”
“That’s a big step, Summer. And yes, you deserve the money. You’ve been smart with it, and I’m sure you’ll continue to do so. No matter the outcome of this trial, you will be okay financially and emotionally.”
“Part of me knows that, but I’ll still be pissed if he gets the money. He’ll just waste it, and he doesn’t care about my mom or Lily bee.”
“I know, and it’s okay to be upset if that happens. Just don’t let those emotions take over. Feel them, talk it out, then let them go.”
“I’ll try. I think it’s gonna take a while to get past the trauma this trial caused, though.”
“Yes, it will, and that’s okay. This time will be a little easier for you. We can talk as often as you need, but you might experience disrupted sleep again. Lean on your friends and Zander. Work through your thoughts, but don’t stop living your life. It’s a balance.”
“I know. Thanks for staying to see me.”
“Of course. I’m happy we could meet. Now I’ve got a plane to catch, so I need to get going.”
I stand up when she does. “Can I hug you?” I ask.
Sarah smiles. “Of course, if you’re comfortable.”
“With you, I am,” I smile as she envelopes me in a warm, comforting hug.
She smells like roses. As I step back, I thank her again as we walk to the door.
Everyone is standing nearby, so I introduce all the guys, and she shakes Mr. MacLeod’s hand before leaving.
We file back into the room afterwards. “So, what now?”
“We are waiting for the jury to reach a decision,” Mr. MacLeod says.
I nod and take a seat as Zander and Seb surround me. E offers everyone granola bars and water while we wait. The guys talk about work at Finn, as I try not to get lost in memories.
I take a bathroom break accompanied by Nick and Zander, and when we get back, the bailiff tells us the jury has reached a decision. That was fast.