Chapter 7: The Testimony
After a short break, Lily was brought back into the courtroom with a child advocate by her side.
The advocate explained to everyone that Lily would only be asked simple, gentle questions and that she could stop anytime she wanted.
Judge Whitman spoke to Lily in a soft, kind voice.
“Lily, can you tell me what usually happens when you’re at Daddy’s house?”
Lily hugged her rabbit tightly and nodded.
“Sometimes Daddy is nice. But mostly he’s busy with work or with Jessica. Jessica gets mad a lot. When I ask about my real mommy, she tells me to shut up. If I don’t, she hits me on my arms or legs.”
She pulled up the sleeve of her cardigan to show faint bruises on her upper arm.
The courtroom reacted with gasps and murmurs.
Elena felt tears fill her eyes.
Lily continued in her small voice.
“One time, I was crying because I missed my mommy. Jessica got really mad. She grabbed my arm hard and dragged me to my room. She locked the door and told me I had to stay there until I stopped crying. I was scared because it was dark and I didn’t have Mr. Hoppy with me.”
She held up her rabbit.
“I always keep him with me now. He makes me feel safe.”
Judge Whitman’s voice was gentle but serious.
“Lily, has anyone ever told you to say bad things about Elena?”
Lily nodded.
“Jessica told me that Elena is a bad person. She said Elena doesn’t love me and that’s why she left. She said if anyone asks, I should say that Elena is mean and that I’m happy living with Daddy and Jessica.”
Elena covered her mouth with her hand.
David had been using this little girl to spread lies about her.
Judge Whitman asked one more question.
“Lily, is there anything else you want to tell us?”
Lily looked down at her rabbit, then up at the judge.
“I don’t want to live with Daddy and Jessica anymore,” she said quietly. “I want to live with someone who is nice. Maybe with Elena. She seems kind. She’s having a baby. Maybe the baby can be my brother or sister.”
The entire courtroom went silent again.
Elena felt fresh tears roll down her cheeks.
Even in her fear and pain, this little girl was still hoping for a family.
Judge Whitman’s voice was thick with emotion when she finally spoke.
“Thank you, Lily. You’ve been very brave today.”
She looked around the courtroom.
“This court will take a recess. I want Child Protective Services to begin their investigation immediately. Mr. Caldwell and Ms. Price are to have no contact with Lily until further notice.”
She banged her gavel.
As Lily was led out of the courtroom again, she looked back one more time.
This time, she looked directly at Elena and gave her a small, shy smile.
Elena smiled back through her tears.
In that moment, something shifted inside her.
May you like
She was no longer just fighting for herself and her unborn baby.
She was fighting for Lily too.
