Excerpt

The words The jury is in and they have a verdict rang through the dark halls of the courthouse. Those words will forever ring in my ears. What are they going to say? Do they believe me, or do they believe the defendant? These questions raged through my mind as I pulled myself together and mustered up the nerve and will to enter the courtroom; the place where I felt my future was going to be determined.

Thinking back now, I always thought of myself as a happy and strong type of person. I am a single mother and have had my fair share of challenges of everyday life. Little did I know the lengths to which my happiness and strength would be further challenged following a phone call to my mother one day from the local police department. In a nutshell, my world crashed around me.

The call was from a Sergeant Chris Long. Sgt. Long wanted to meet with my mother regarding her ex-husband, the man who had been my stepfather. My mother, of course, was curious and wondered what Sgt. Long could want from her.

What is this about, Sgt. Long? I havent seen or talked with Paul for over fifteen years, my mother, Liz, responded.

This is a matter that I would rather not discuss over the phone with you, Ms. Carole. When could we meet? Sgt. Long replied.

They both agreed to meet the next evening at 7:00. My mother and I sat that night trying to figure out what it could be. Did he do something to his wife, Betty? It wouldnt be far-fetched since Paul had a temper that was known to get out of hand. Deep down I felt I knew what it was, and the feeling in my stomach was more than I could handle. That night I didnt sleep. My mind was going crazy and fear was coming over me.

The next day, I tried hard to concentrate on my work and prepare for that evening, which was to attend school. I was glad I had a class that evening and would not have to face the police with the questions I knew they would ask.

My mother called me on my work phone. I know what the police want to talk to me about, my mother said.

What? I said.

I got a call at the office from a neighbor of Pauls. She said that Paul is being investigated for child molestation. Can you believe that? Apparently he has been doing some pretty horrible things to the children in the neighborhood.

My ears were throbbing and I could barely control myself. Thank god she was telling me this over the phone.

I told the woman that I was meeting with the police this evening but didnt know why until now. My god Elaine could Paul be capable of such a horrible crime?

I dont know, mom. Its been a lot of years so, I guess anything is possible. That was the only response I could think of to say. I felt the tears building up in my eyes and my heart had a horrible burning feeling inside.

I went to school that night not hearing a word the professor was saying. I sat in the classroom just watching the clock and wondering what was going on with my mother and the police. What was he saying? Was he asking about me? Did she think I knew anything about it?

It was time for a fifteen-minute break at school. I held my cell phone in my hand with the phone number programmed in it for what felt like forever before pushing the send button. My mother answered the phone but sounded extremely professional, as if someone was there with her. I asked how things were going, and she said fine but that Sgt. Long and she were still talking. I told her I would call her on my next break and hung up. I felt a little relief after hanging up with her. She didnt sound emotional or worked up, like she knew something.

I went back to class and continued to watch the clock until the next break. When it finally came, I called home and my mother answered the phone in a more relaxed manner.

So what did the police have to say? Was that woman correct this morning saying Paul had done some horrible things to children in the neighborhood? I asked.

Yes, apparently hes been investigated for several years. Charges were brought up against him but they never stuck, so hes gotten away with this. Listen Ill fill you in on everything when you get home. What time are you getting out tonight? asked my mother.

I will be home by 10:00. I guess I should get back to class now, so Ill see you then. I hung up. My chest felt tight, and I wanted in the worst way to leave class but wasnt sure I wanted to leave to go home.