Adrianna Rodriguez's Point of View:

I was still reeling in shock from all that I just heard. I can't believe that Clarissa was going through so much and no one knew. I also couldn't believe that her mom laughed at her face after hearing what had happened to her.

I was starting to really hate that woman. But I hated Jeremy even more. Even now as I looked at him he looked as if he would strangle Clarissa for speaking up about this. I was itching to wring his neck.

Did he really expect that she would stay silent forever?

I can't believe I dated him. I was suddenly glad that he wasn't possessive over me or anything. He probably would've tried the same thing with me. I shuddered at the thought. I'm a strong person but I don't know if I would have been strong enough to overcome that.

"You okay Anna?"

"Yeah I'm fine dad"

"I'm going to step out for a bit," the closing arguments were next and then recess.

"Okay Dad"

He quietly got up and exited the courtroom. Clarissa was seated beside Jules who was holding her hand. I didn't know that they were friends. Shaking my head I looked to Sebastian who offered me a strained smile. I'm sure he was feeling just as terrible as I was.

"Both the prosecution and the defense have now rested their cases. The attorneys will now present their final arguments. Please remember that what the attorneys say is not evidence. However, do listen closely. They are intended to aid you in understanding the case," Judge Hudson addressed the jury.

"Prosecution, you may begin"

"Thank you, your Honor. Members of the jury, today you have heard

testimonies about the vile actions of one Jeremy Wilson. Being 18 years old he knew what he was doing. He knew that by blackmailing these innocent girls to sleep with him he was hurting them. He was tainting their souls and he liked it. How do I know that he was enjoying it? It's simple he did it over and over again. He has used and abused young girls in our society for far too long"

I for one totally agreed with what she was saying and based on the faces of some of the jurors they agreed with her as well.

"I shudder to even think of what would have happened if he hadn't been caught. Would he still be manipulating women into his bed or would he take it a step further? While I would like to believe that he wouldn't the proof is right here before us today. Ms. Clarissa Donovan didn't do anything wrong yet he abused her, Ms. Jules Francis did nothing wrong yet he tried to blackmail her, Luckily we caught him in time or Ms. Adrianna Rodriguez would've been his next victim"

Ms. Watson paused and looked around the room, "we can't afford to have more names added to the list, please find the defendant guilty of blackmail and sextortion, Thank you"

"Defense you may proceed with your closing argument"

I almost jumped to my feet and clapped for her. Everything she said was spot on and it also had me asking myself the same question she asked. What would have happened if he wasn't caught? Would more girls have to suffer at his hands? I'm so glad I don't have to worry about that. Even if he wasn't found guilty the whiplash from the hearing alone would keep girls away.

"...It was all just one big misunderstanding," I tuned in to hear the end of Mr. Oakley's closing argument.

"Did he just say that this was all a misunderstanding?" I whispered to Seb.

He nodded confirming that I did hear him right, "he must already know that he lost, he's talking madness"

I looked over to the left of the room where Jeremy was. He had his head in his hands and avoided looking at anyone. Well, his lawyer gave so it's good if he does too. We all know he's guilty.

"Please find our client Jeremy Wilson not guilty, Thank you"

"Members of the jury, you have heard the testimonies concerning this case. It's now up to you to determine the facts. You and you alone, are the judges of the fact. Once you decide what facts the evidence proves, you must then apply the law as I give it to you to

the facts as you find them"

Okay, here we go. The time has finally arrived. The jurors were about to be sent out to decide Jeremy's fate. Let's hope they choose right.

"In just a moment, the bailiff will take you to the jury room to consider your verdict. The first thing you want to do is to select a foreperson that will preside over your deliberations the way that a chairperson does at a meeting. It will be the foreperson's duty to sign the verdict form when you have agreed on a verdict"

"Whatever verdict you render must

be unanimous. That is every person must agree on the same verdict. The Bailiff will now escort you to the deliberation room"

"All rise," the jury stands as the bailiff retrieved the verdict from the judge and escorted them to the deliberation room.

"We're going to take a 30-minute recess," she slammed the gravel down and exited the room.

By the time Seb and I got up to leave Jules and Clarissa were already gone. Damn! I really wanted to apologize to her. We walked outside hand in hand to find my dad on the phone with someone. When he saw us he quickly said his goodbyes and hung up.

"So what happened?" He asked.

"Judge Hudson issued a 30-minute recess until the jurors got back"

"I hope they find him guilty," I mumbled.

"They will honey," Dad hugged me tightly "let's go see everyone in the meantime"

"Sure but can we not tell everyone about what he did to Clarissa"

They looked at each other before nodding in understanding. Though Clarissa revealed what happened to her in court it was a private hearing so there weren't as many people inside there. I didn't want anyone to hear and make him uncomfortable.

We walked over to where everyone was. They were at a park that was about five minutes' walk away from the courthouse. Mom jumped up when she saw me and pulled me into a hug.

"How was it?" She asked.

I told her about Judge Hudson and how badass she was. I told her about Clarissa showing up and completely turning the tables on Jeremy and how much of a jerk Mr. Oakley was.

"Mr. Oakley sounds like a pain in the ass," Rex spoke up.

We were so busy talking I hadn't realized how quickly the time flew by until Dad was letting us know it was time to go back in.

"Already?" I asked "time flies"

"We'll be back soon"

We walked back into the courtroom with exactly one minute to spare. Everyone rushed into the room and took their respective seats. At the 30 minute mark the side door opened and Judge Hudson walked in. We all stood and waited until she was seated to once again take our seats. The door opened again to reveal the bailiff who held the door open for the jurors to come through.

Once they were all inside and seated it was time to begin.

Judge Hudson looked over to them, "have you reached a verdict?"

The selected foreperson stood, "we have your Honor"

"Please read it aloud for the entire courtroom to hear"

"We the jury, in the case of The State of California versus Jeremy Wilson find the defendant....guilty of the charge of blackmail and sextortion"

Seb pulled me to him for a tight hug. Even though I wanted him to be found guilty I was stunned that it had happened. My face brightened with a smile when Jules and Clarissa turned around to grin at me. We had done it.

I looked over at Jeremy's mom to find her dabbing away tears as she silently stood and walked out. His dad shook his head and walked out after his wife. I felt bad for her but he got what he deserved.

Judge Hudson looked down at Clarissa with a meaningful look, "I hope you plan on pressing charges against him"

She wiped at her tears and nodded, "I definitely will"

"Thank you, Jury, for your service today. Court is adjourned," with a final slam of the gravel, it was over.