NELINA
One morning Marica called me. She wasn't in a good mood; I could tell by the tone of her voice.
"Besty, what's wrong?" I asked her.
"It's bad news."
"Tell me."
"I can't proceed with filing a case on anybody regarding the accident. The man driving the Ferrari was shot dead a day after the incident, and now the police have no lead on who could be the mastermind. It was a dead end."
"Oh, Marica, I'm sorry to hear that."
"The police just found out recently. They couldn't trace the car anymore; they suspected it was chopped and sold apart. Those bastards thoroughly clean up the mess they did."
"They are so good at doing this. Don't worry, besty, we will surely find justice in another way."
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I meant. The trial is ongoing, and we have a higher chance of winning. The sentence should be enough for them to be in prison."
"Yes, I'd love that."
"Besty, I am free for today. Well, I am always free since I don't have regular work. I want to visit you if you need someone to talk to."
"Sure. I'd appreciate that."
When I arrived at Marica's residence, Leo was there. I was glad he was there to comfort Marica. Leo was helping Marica in every struggle she's been through, and I can't help but love him to be Marie's boyfriend.
A few minutes later, Royce arrived. We decided to unwind to help each other breathe after the very stressful weeks we've been through. We went to the pool area and brought some food since the residence has vast space for outdoor activities.
We had a great time, and we let ourselves enjoy the moment as if there were nothing to worry about. At night, we drank and had barbecues that we cooked ourselves.
It wasn't good news to hear that Marica's case was dropped because of a lack of evidence. We were all devastated by the news. Our only hope was winning the lawsuit we filed against the executives.
It took us months of court trials, presenting the witnesses proving the corporations' anomaly and why the accused planned to kill my dad to prevent spreading their dark secret. There was CCTV and other documents proving Apple's statement was correct.
My parents and I went to court with our legal team and friends. We have the full moral support on the final judgment, and it felt much better.
Lexxi and her friends still weren't as friendly as they always were, but they didn't bother us. The only prominent expression on their faces was hatred. The three executives and their respective wives were silent at the same time.
Our legal team told us we had a high chance of winning since Apple's statements and evidence put the executives down. I did hope so. I kept quiet, waiting for the verdict to be read, finger crossed.
At the time of the judgment, everyone in the courtroom was silent and focused as the verdict was read. I couldn't forget the line, "the accused are guilty and will serve a life sentence." It was a relief, and I felt like a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulder.
I cried with mom and dad. I was sure it was tears of joy as they wanted victory. I hugged them tightly, sobbing.
Leo, Marica, and Royce were there for us. Royce stroked my back.
"Baby, thanks for everything; this won't happen if you weren't with us the entire time," I said as I wrapped my arms around him tightly.
"I'm happy for you and your family, baby. It was all worth it. You guys deserve this," Royce said, stroking my hair.
Leo and Marica had the same sentiment. They were in tears.
I turned to the other side of the room and saw Lexxi, Mia, and Arya crying, hugging their father. It was a sad scene, but knowing justice was served, I couldn't help but celebrate it.
God has its way of consoling our souls. It felt surreal. Everything was as fast as lightning compared to the years of hardship I had with my parents.
My parents went out of the courtroom first, and then we followed them. In the lobby, someone called out my name.
"Nelly, we have to talk," said a lady behind us. It was a demand, not a favor. She said it like I was obligated to talk to her.
I knew it was Lexxi before I even turned back.
"What do you want to talk about, Lexxi?" I asked.
Lexxi walked close to me, and Mia and Arya tailed behind her. She was fuming with so much anger, and her eyes were swollen. "Don't think that this will be the end of it all. We will fight back."
Marica snorted. "The nerve, how will you fight back? I'm sorry, but there's only one thing you could do this time: accept defeat."
"Marica, I'm not talking to you. Shut up," Lexxi shouted.
"Oh, forgive me, but I'm only giving unsolicited advice. I thought you guys needed one." Marica was obviously trying to piss them off.
"Whatever you want to fight back, Lexxi, do it. The truth is on our side; we are not afraid of anything," I said.
Lexxi laughed. "You are only brave enough to say that because you have your friends with you now. But when you are alone and vulnerable, you are powerless and can't stand on your own. You…"
"Lexxi," Royce blurted, cutting Lexxi off.
"It's okay, baby," I said. "Lexxi here might think I need to prove to her that I am strong by retaliating with the same behavior. No. I'm not gonna fall into this trap. I have nothing to prove to anybody," I said calmly. "Showing off, disrespecting people, and doing bad to them because you think you have the power to do so is what I think is weak," I added.
Lexxi rolled her eyes in disdain. "I understand you can't relate to us elites anymore, Nelly. You've been poor for years, so you have a different mindset now. You are welcome to stay in that poor mindset if you want."
"I've never been poor, Lexxi. Yeah, you may say financially, I've been poor for a time but not now. But despite that, I kept my integrity intact. And I understand why you can't relate to me because you've been savage since you were a kid. No amount of money and influence could ever change you."
"Don't be too confident you'll be having prominent status again, Nelly. You won't, I swear. We will appeal," Mia chimed in.
"That's right. And remember, there are three of us. We have alliances that can help us. Our dads' are still executives in Sunny's corporations," Arya bragged.
"Well, enjoy that; it won't last long. We will ensure my dad gets the right position that truly belongs to him. And regarding your alliances, why do you think we have this victory now? Do you think we did it alone? As I've said, the truth is on our side, and we are not backing off."
The girls were raging in anger when we left them.
Good thing Mom and dad go home first. They didn't witness Lexxi, Mia, and Arya's tantrums. They were like kids venting their feelings like we had an obligation to listen to them.
We left the court with a joyful heart knowing justice was on our side.