Sebastian Hernandez's Point of View:

It was the day of the trial and I was running around getting ready so I could go over to Ria's house. Because of the sensitivity of the case, the judge ruled to have a private hearing so the number of persons who would be permitted to attend was cut short.

Because Mr. Hernandez and I were the ones to report the matter we were allowed in and Carlos made sure that Ria would be able to attend to get some kind of closure.

As I adjusted the collar of my dress shirt I ran a hand through my hair and arranged it so it wasn't in my face. Grabbing my phone and my wallet I ran down the stairs.

Mom was in the living room and grinned when she saw me, "Awe don't you look cute"

"I'm going to a courtroom mom I should look fierce, not cute"

She simply shook her head and grabbed my keys from the tray throwing them at me. I guess she didn't like my statement much.

"It sucks that they made it a private hearing," Dad spoke as he walked into the room.

"Yeah I would have loved to go and see the look on that kid's face," mom smirked.

I sighed as I checked the time I had to leave now if I was going to arrive at Ria's house in time.

"Well I gotta go guys," I kissed mom on the cheek and gave dad a manly hug to which mom scrunched up her face.

Walking out the door I walked over to my car which was thankfully outside and not in the garage and quickly got in. Starting the car I pulled out of the driveway and headed to the Rodriguez's. As soon as I pulled up I could see the front door open and Mr. Rodriguez stepped out.

"Olivia will be using my car today cause hers is in the shop," he told me "you okay with us talking yours?"

"Yeah, of course, it's no problem"

"Great I'll drive"

Okay then. I shut off the car and hopped out.

"Anna we're going to be late if we wait any longer," he shouted as he got into the car.

"I'm coming jeez," she grumbled as she stumbled out of the house wearing a knee-length black dress and nude heels. She had a purse and her phone in her hands. She smiled when she saw me.

"Hey," she grinned "I didn't know you were here"

"I literally just arrived," opening the door for her I allowed her to get in and got in after her.

Mr. Rodriguez immediately pulled out of the driveway and headed for the courthouse. Jules was asked to be there half an hour earlier so that they could brief her on what would happen. From what Ria told us Jules was more than happy to testify against Jeremy.

She wasn't afraid to speak up against him and refused to be silent like all the other girls. If she had known he was doing this to multiple people and that they were falling for it she would've said something a lot sooner. I'm just glad that she agreed to do this.

When we pulled up to the courthouse I was surprised to find our family and friends were outside the building. Did I just leave mom and dad at home? They were dressed the same so I was sure I wasn't hallucinating.

"What are you guys doing here?" Ria asked as I was still at a loss for words.

"We wanted to support you guys," Olivia spoke for everyone "we might not be able to go into the courtroom with you guys but we can hang around"

"Thank you guys," Ria grew teary-eyed at her explanation

"Group hug" mom yelled as she pulled Ria to her.

Everyone filed in for one of the biggest hugs ever. I wouldn't trade these people for anything in the world.

Jacob was the first to pull away.

"Incoming to our six," he mumbled loud enough for us to hear.

I turned sharply to see Jeremy and his parents walking up the steps. For a guy facing a lot of charges he sure looks smug. My hands itched with the need to punch him in the face.

I clenched my fists in the hopes that I could control my anger. His dad still looked as furious as the night he was arrested and his mom looked embarrassed to even be here. I feel for the poor woman having a son so stupid.

"Nice to see the gangs all here," he taunted us "Where's the blonde one? Back to whoring?"

Hearing him speak about Sarah like that Jacob took a threatening step forward forcing him to take a step back.

"Jeremy!" his father admonished him while his mother looked as if she were about to pass out from having eyes on her.

Jeremy smirked at the furious look on our faces and slowly walked away.

"I'm so sorry," his mom quietly spoke and then hurried after her husband.

"Wow," Katy mumbled.

"I feel for the poor woman," mom puffed out a breath.

"What?"

"Why?"

Matt and Michael asked at the same time.

"Her only son turned out to be a pervert," Olivia supplied.

"Aren't you guys going to be late?" Rex spoke suddenly.

"Oh yeah let's go kids"

Ria huffed at being called a kid and I merely laughed it off. We walked into the courthouse and were immediately met with Jack who was standing off to the side waiting for us.

"Hey everyone," he greeted us and we said hello in turn.

"Follow me," he started walking "the hearing will start in ten minutes"

He brought us up to a door where two security guards were stood "Don't speak out of turn and try not to upset the judge, or you could be kicked out"

"Understand?"

"We understand," Mr. Rodriguez answered for us.

"Good," he gestured for one of the guards to open the door and we silently walked in.

I could see the jury seats off to the side. There would be persons who were actually interested in the case and others who didn't even want to be here. It'd be intriguing to see who walks in. There were 5 rows of benches on each side. We chose to sit in the 2nd row so we could see everything closely without being too close to the front.

As we sat and waited a door off the side opened and the district attorney walked in with another lawyer by her side. She took her seat and then another door opened and Jeremy walked out with his lawyers.

Ria reached out and grabbed my hand gripping it tightly as she kept her eyes trained on him. I used my other hand to rub soothing circles into her skin. It seemed to be working until Jeremy looked up and made eye contact with her and smirked as if he already won.

Ria looked at me and her dad with wide eyes, "did you see the look on his face like he knows something we don't?"

"Everything is going to be okay," I told her.

"Just remain calm Anna," Carlos spoke "look the jury is coming in"

We looked and saw that the jury had taken their seats and was now waiting for the hearing to begin. Just then the bailiff walked in and stood just in front of the first row. It was then that I noticed that Jules was sitting there. She didn't see us but I was relieved to see her there.

"All rise"

We all stood to our feet and waited for further instructions, "the court is now in session, Honorable Judge Hudson presiding"

Immediately after he said that the judge came out in her black robe and took her seat.

"All except the jury may be seated"

"Mr. Carter please swear in the jury"

After the jury was sworn in the judge went on to explain the responsibility of the prosecution, Jeremy's lawyer, and the jury.

She rearranged some files on her desk before asking, "Mr. Carter what is today's case?"

"Your honor, today's case is the state of California versus Jeremy Wilson"

"Is the prosecution ready," Judge Hudson asked.

The DA stood up and answered yes. The judge went on to ask if the defense was ready. Jeremy's lawyer stood and said yes. The DA/prosecution introduced herself and explain what she hoped would happen today, which was having Jeremy being found guilty.

"Prosecution you may call your first witness"

And just like that, the hearing started.