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It had been two days. Two days and the trial was already taking place. To some people, it may have seemed too soon, but to Winston, it felt long overdue. Deputy Standall had called Winston early in the morning to tell him that the trial would take place that day.

Winston, who hadn't been able to sleep anyway, immediately drove to the courthouse. He met up with his mom, who told him that the trial would happen in a few hours. He tried to ask more questions and get more answers about it, but his mom didn't think it would be a good idea for him to know.

When his mom left to go prepare for the upcoming trial, Winston texted Diego and Estela and told them what was going on. Diego responded that he was on his way. Estela had to wait until her parents left the house, which Winston assumed was going to be a long time.

The news had gotten around town that Monty was alive and it was all anybody was talking about. Monty and Estela's parents of course found out. Estela didn't like talking about it, but she told Winston and Diego that she'd never seen her dad more angry.

Diego arrived quickly and saw Winston sitting alone in the main hall of the courthouse. They talked for a little while, before Diego stood up, announcing that he needed to stretch his legs.

When Diego left, Winston pulled out a Polaroid picture from his pocket. He stared at it, admiring the way Monty looked. He almost looked happy, a small smile was planted on his face as he laid in Winston's bed. Winston could look at the picture all day and not just because it alibied Monty. The date in the bottom right corner proved his innocence.

"Winston?" A voice called from close by, but Winston didn't hear it. He was too caught up in his mind, letting his thoughts race back and forth.

If Monty ends up going to prison again, when will he get out? Would he ever get out? Is he going to be okay? Would he forget about me? Would he still want to be with me after he got out? Would he-

"Winston!" The voice called again.

Winston heard it this time and looked up, shoving the picture back into his pocket. Diego was standing in front of him, trying to get his attention by waving his hand in front of his face.

"Sorry. I kinda spaced out for a second." Winston apologized.

"It's all good. I was just gonna go get a snack, do you want anything?" Diego motioned to the row of vending machines behind him.

Winston shook his head, "I don't think I'd be able to keep any food down right now."

Diego frowned, but nodded. Deciding that food wasn't as important as comforting Winston, he sat down next to him.

"I know how intense this all is. It's stuff we shouldn't even have to think about at this age, but we have to. For Monty." Diego said.

"I know." Winston stared down at his hands, "I'd do anything for him."

Diego turned to look at Winston, "Do you love him?"

Winston didn't say anything for a moment, but then slowly nodded, "Yeah, I think I do."

At Diego's silence, Winston laughed nervously, "That probably sounds crazy, since I've only known him for-"

"It's not crazy." Diego cut him off. "And with the way he looks at you when you're not looking, I'd say he loves you too." Diego said and nudged Winston in the shoulder.

Winston smiled, "Thanks."

Diego grinned back, but then suddenly thought of something, "What were you looking at before I came over here?"

Winston debated on whether or not to show Diego the Polaroid, since it seemed sort of private. But then he remembered that soon an entire courtroom was going to see it. He pulled the picture back out and handed it to Diego.

Diego's eyes widened, "You took this the night Bryce died?"

Winston nodded as Diego studied the picture, "I've never seen him like this. He looks... peaceful."

Winston grinned, "Yeah, he does."

Diego gave the picture back to Winston after a moment, then leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes.

Winston only stopped staring at the picture when Estela came over to both of them.

"Hey guys." She greeted them, solemnly.

Diego immediately stood up, "Where are they?"

Estela knew who he was asking about and pointed to the entrance of the courtroom, "They just went inside. Mom's been crying since she woke up." Estela lowered her voice, "Dad just looks pissed."

"They went in there?" Winston asked. "That must mean the trial's about to start."

As if on cue, Sheriff Diaz walked out the courtroom, "The trial will begin in a few minutes." He walked back inside.

Everyone who was waiting in the hall made their way into the courtroom, as Estela, Diego, and Winston looked between each other.

Winston turned to Estela, "Are you ready?"

"I think I should be asking you that, since you're a witness and all." Estela said quietly.

Winston sighed, "Just because I'm Monty's alibi doesn't mean I'm any more important to the case than either of you."

"Um, yes it does." Estela pointed out.

"It doesn't matter who's more important. Let's just all go in together, alright?" Diego reasoned. Winston and Estela agreed.

Estela grabbed hold of Diego's arm as they walked in. They saw Deputy Standall and Sheriff Diaz standing together in the corner, talking. They fell silent as soon as they saw the three of them enter.

Estela let go of Diego's arm when her father turned around. Luckily, he didn't see it.

"Estela, come over here now." He demanded, from the first row of seats on the right side. Estela gave an apologetic look to Diego and Winston as she went to sit with her parents. Winston and Diego both decided to sit together in the second row.

Beverly turned around in her seat when she heard people begin to enter the room. Her and Winston shared a glance for a split second, before she turned back around.

As minutes went on, more and more people filtered into the room. Soon, many members of Football team were there. Because Monty was eighteen, the trial was allowed to be viewed by the public.

Winston turned around just in time to see Nora Walker enter the room. She had her usual look of determination on her face. He expected her to take a seat in the front row, considering this trial was partially about who killed her son, but surprisingly she took a seat in the very back, alone.

Winston was about to tell Diego, when he was nudged in the shoulder and Diego pointed out the paranoid group walking in. Clay stood protectively next to Tyler, as Justin and Jessica walked in behind them. Zach, Ani, Charlie, and Tony all arrived separately.

"Are you scared of what Tyler's going to say during his testimony?" Diego asked Winston, almost whispering.

"Terrified." Winston replied.

Diego went to say something else, but didn't get the chance when a separate door on the side of the courtroom opened. No one said anything as Monty walked out, two guards on either side of him. Monty's eyes were faced toward the floor. He looked as if he hadn't slept at all in the past few days.

He took his seat next to Beverly, who gave him an encouraging smile that Monty was too nervous to return.

Not even five seconds later did Alex walk in and take his seat on the left side, next to a public defender. Deputy Standall didn't think it was necessary to pay for an attorney, since he was pleading guilty anyway.

Alex, surprisingly, didn't look terrible. He didn't look as if he'd been losing sleep, like Monty. In a strange way, he looked better, relieved even.

Everyone went quiet again when Judge Campbell entered the room, "All rise." Clay remembered him from Hannah's trial.

Everybody stood up, "This court is now in session." The bailiff stated.

Judge Campbell sat down, "You may be seated."

He gave a brief overview of what the case was about, before asking both sides if they were ready, to which they both said yes.

Judge Campbell flipped through pages of what looked to be Alex's file, "Alex Standall, in the case of Bryce Walker's murder, you previously plead guilty, is that correct?"

"Yes, your honor." Alex said.

"Is this how you wish to plead, now?" Judge Campbell asked him.

"Yes, your honor." Alex repeated.

"Your honor, if I may?" His defender asked.

Judge Campbell nodded at the man to continue, "Let me point out that this is Mr. Standall's first offense, one that was heavily influenced by the state of his brain injury caused by a gunshot would to the head."

Alex didn't even flinch as the word 'gunshot' was spoken.

"I would like to request that his sentence be adjusted to fit his ailment. Thank you, your honor." He sat down.

Ailment? Alex had to stop himself from rolling his eyes.

Judge Campbell nodded as he thought about what had been said, before turning to Beverly.

"Defense, you may now call your first witness."

Beverly stood up, "Thank you, your honor. I'd like to call Amorowat Achola to the stand."

Ani glanced nervously at Jessica, who was seated beside her. Jessica gave her an encouraging look, "It's going to be okay." She told her.

Ani nervously nodded and stood up. She made her way to the stand as Beverly walked up to her.

"Amorowat, is it true that you gave a testimony to Bill Standall about what you knew regarding Bryce Walker's murder?"

"Yes, that's true." Ani said.

Beverly paced in front of the stand, "Is it also true that you lied in this testimony?"

"Yes, but-"

"And you did this to cover for your friend, Alex, correct?" Beverly cut her off.

"I was just trying to-"

"It's a yes or no question, Amorowat."

Ani sighed, "Yes."

"So everything you said in your testimony was all false information, is that right?"

Ani shook her head, "No, not everything."

Beverly paused, "Okay, tell the court what was true then."

"Um," Ani faltered, "Well, I told the truth about everyone's alibis."

"But didn't you also give Alex an alibi? What exactly makes you a credible source? If you lied about Alex's whereabouts, who's to say you didn't lie about everyone else's?"

"Because I was trying to protect him!" Ani had to stop herself from actually slapping her hand over her own mouth.

Beverly nodded, "No further questions."

"You may step down." Judge Campbell told Ani.

Ani gave Alex an apologetic look as she left the stand, but he shook his head to show that it didn't matter to him.

"Defense, you may now call your second witness."

"Thank you, your honor. I'd like to call to the stand, Winston Williams."

Winston went rigid in his seat, clearly nervous. Estela turned around and gave him a small encouraging smile.

"You got this, brother." Diego said from beside him. Winston nodded and stood up to walk to the stand.

Beverly never thought she'd have to see her own son in a courtroom. She pushed aside the thoughts and began to ask her questions.

"Winston, is it true that Montgomery was with you the night Bryce Walker was killed?" Beverly asked.

"Yes, he was with me that whole weekend." Winston confirmed.

"Do you have evidence to back your claim up?"

Winston nodded, "Yes, I do." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the polaroid and gave it to his mom.

Beverly handed the picture to Judge Campbell who examined it before nodding and giving it back to her.

"Winston, this is a Polaroid picture that couldn't have possibly been edited, correct?"

"If I would've edited it, you'd be able to tell. It's nearly impossible to do so."

"No further-" Beverly went to say, but was cut off by the public defender.

"Your honor, I'd like to cross examine the witness."

"I'll allow it." Judge Campbell said as Beverly rolled her eyes and sat down.

"Winston, what was the nature of you and Montgomery's relationship?"

"Uh, we're friends." Winston said, confused on where he was going with this.

"Were you ever sexually involved with Montgomery?"

Beverly stood up immediately, "Objection! Relevance?"

"Your honor, it's necessary to establish their relationship for possible motives."

"I'll allow it." Judge Campbell said.

Winston looked at Monty, who couldn't have been more mortified. His head was in his hands as he looked down at the floor.

"Yes." Winston said after a moment. He didn't want to out Monty, but he knew that he couldn't lie.

"No tendré un maricón en mi casa!" Monty's dad shouted as he stood up. Monty flinched at his father's harsh words.

"Carlos, not now." Monty's mom said quietly as she tugged on his arm for him to sit back down. Monty's dad, Carlos, huffed and crossed his arms as he sat down.

"No further questions, your honor." The public defender said, with a slight smirk. Beverly glared at his smug expression as he sat back down.

Judge Campbell wrote something down, then looked back up at the courtroom.

"After hearing both sides," He looked at Alex, "Alex Standall, I find you guilty of involuntary manslaughter."

Alex looked back at his dad, who was trying his best to hold in his tears. Sheriff Diaz, who was standing next to Deputy Standall, whispered something to him. Deputy Standall's eyes widened, but he nodded and Sheriff Diaz left the courtroom.

Alex wondered where he was going or what he was doing, but when he heard Judge Campbell begin speaking again, he turned back around.

"Because of your condition, I'm to shortening your sentence to eight months in the county jail."

"Thank you, your honor." The public defender said as he stood up. Two guards came over to where Alex was sitting and took him out of the courtroom.

Alex left willingly. He was grateful for a shorter sentence, but still felt as though he deserved more time.

Judge Campbell adjusted his glasses, "Now, Montgomery was also accused of first degree sexual assault, how does he plead?"

Beverly motioned for Monty to stand up. He looked completely terrified. Winston wanted more than anything to pull Monty into his arms and protect him from everything that was hurting him.

"Guilty." He said and immediately sat back down.

"Would those accused like to make an official statement?"

Monty's eyes widened and he looked at Beverly.

"Remember what you told me when we first met? You said you regretted what you did, right?" She asked Monty, who nodded.

"You have to go up there and convince the judge that, okay?"

Monty shook his head, "But, I don't have anything prepared to say."

"You do. I know you do. You're a better person than you think you are." Beverly told him.

"Okay." He let out a deep breath.

Beverly stood up, "My client would like to make a statement. Thank you, your honor."

As Monty slowly made his way to the stand, he could feel his dad's glare on him. When he finally got up there, his eyes searched for Winston, who gave him an encouraging nod.

"I'm so sorry, Tyler." Monty sobbed out. "I'm so sorry for what I did to you. I know that me saying that doesn't change anything and I know that it doesn't take away any of the pain I caused you. But if I could take back, I would. I was just angry and I let it take over." Monty shook his head, "There's no excuses for my actions, but you have to know that I am truly sorry and I will never do anything like that ever again."

Monty let his head fall onto the podium. Beverly went over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. She guided him back over where they were seated. Monty buried his head in his hands to try and hide his tears.

Behind him, his dad shook his head, "Fucking faggot." He mumbled.

"Dad..." Estela began, but stopped when she saw how mad he looked.

"Tyler Down, you filed this report, would you like to make an official statement?" Judge Campbell asked.

Everyone's eyes traveled to Tyler's shaking form. Clay was whispering something in his ear as Tony rubbed his back in an attempt to be comforting.

Tyler nodded at whatever Clay had told him and stood up. He made his way to the podium, glancing back at Deputy Standall, who nodded at him. Tyler let out a shaky breath before speaking.

"For the longest time, I hated you, Monty. I hated what you did to me and I hated how much it affected everything in my life." He looked up at Monty and made eye contact with him as he spoke in an uneven tone.

"But when I thought that you had died, my first thought wasn't 'I'm glad he's dead'. It was 'It's all my fault he's dead' and I felt sorry. I felt bad for you."

A tear fell down Monty's face, which Winston saw and desperately wanted to wipe away.

Tyler continued, "And so I believe that if given the chance, Monty will be able to get better. Same with Taylor and Kenneth. I don't think any additional time in prison will do him any good, because if you treat people like criminals, they're going to act like criminals. I do, however, think maybe anger management would do them good."

"Monty is just a broken person that no one's tried to fix." Tyler concluded his statement with a whispered 'thank you' and left the stand.

"Thank you, Mr. Down. We're going to take a quick recess at this time and when we come back we will be ready to announce the verdict." Judge Campbell stated.

Monty's breath hitched. In just a few minutes, he'd find out whether or not he'd have to go back to prison.

"Hey," Beverly said from beside him, "You did great up there."

Monty shook his head, "That doesn't matter. I'm still guilty. I'm still a fucking monster."

"You know what does matter though? Your regret. No monster regrets what they've done and believe me, I've met a lot of monsters in my career."

Monty slowly nodded, "Okay."

Monty, in need of more comfort, turned around in search of the one person he wanted to see. His eyes locked on Winston, who was talking with Diego. When Winston saw that Monty was looking at him, he quickly forgot he was in the middle of a conversation and turned all his attention to Monty.

Since they weren't able to talk to each other, Winston could only smile at him. Monty, for the first time in days, smiled back.

"This court is back in session." The bailiff announced and everyone went silent again.

Judge Campbell cleared his throat, "After hearing both sides of this story, I hereby sentence Montgomery de la Cruz to six months probation."

Beverly put her hand on Monty's shoulder, "No jail time." She said, excitedly.

"He will attend court mandated therapy and anger management classes..." Judge Campbell continued to discuss Monty's verdict, but most everyone tuned him out. They had already heard the important part, Monty was free.

Estela's face broke out into a wide smile, that she did her best to hide from her father, who was currently shaking his head, mumbling angry words to himself. Her mother's tears turned from sad ones to happy ones.