Five Months After
At the beginning of this chapter, Diana and Jordan select twelve people who weren't personally affected by the shooting; a jury that could commit to a long trial if necessary and wouldn't worry about their home life. A group of people who had not been living and breathing the news for the past five months.
For the first time, in a long time, Alex laid in bed and didn't hurry off to work. Patrick lay beside her in bed for a short sweet moment, but than had to sneak out to work as Josie didn't know their relationship existed. He kissed her goodbye and was shortly off to work.
Josie often goes to visit Matt's grave and tells him nothing related to the trial, but she acts like he is still around.
Lacy went to a fancy store that sold men's clothing to pick out something appropriate for Peter to wear at his trial. She realizes that this could be the last time she'll ever buy Peter clothes, and Lacy becomes very emotionally in public.
Lewis goes to visit Peter for the first time since the day he was taken away. Lewis was surprised how much his son had changed. Peter now looked tougher, with a more gruff hair style and more broad shoulders. At first it was awkward to reunite, but shortly after the two shared a little laugh.
Diana and Patrick work together to discover the reason Peter Houghton had used a particular assortment of guns that day of the trial rather than just one. Later on, Drew is brought into the room for questioning. Diana asks many specific question relating to the incident. Drew is very calm until she asks, "Did you ever bully him"(352). Both Diana and Patrick know the real answer, but Drew tries to deny his behavior. After Diana and Patrick inform Drew they have evidence to provide for the court that he did bully Peter, and the consequences of lying, Drew confesses.
Josie still has a hard time coping with the loss of her boyfriend as she states, "It's just-God, Mom-What's wrong with me? It's like the worlds started spinning again for everyone else, but I can't even get back on the carousel"(354). Josie cries to her mother because she feels everyone has moved on except her.
Alex and Patrick wonder about the trial which is the next day. They both will be attending, but are nervous for the results. Alex questions Patrick, "Do you really think McAfee can get him acquitted?"(355). Patrick wonders why Josie never was shot that day, and what had saved her.
The morning of the trial, Lacy dresses nervously and has a million questions running through her head.
Jordan is ready for the day and starts off his morning ambitious.
Josie has been dreading the day and cannot hold herself together.
The Bullied Victims of America are at the top of the steps before the courthouse. As Jordan walks up the steps the crowd cheers him on. At the bottom of the steps is a different crowd. These were the residents of Sterling that had a different outlook of Jordan's choice to defend Peter.
Diana begins her presentation to the crowded audience in the courtroom. She shows a picture of Sterling High the morning of the incident. Next, she lists off all the victims that day. At the end of her speech, Diana states, "In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game. You can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist. You can fold laundry for a family of five. Or, as Peter Houghton knows... in nineteen minutes, you can bring the world to a screeching halt."
Jordan begins his defense by informing the judge and jury about the endless bullying Peter endured. Jordan continues his speech by calling on Dr. King Wah, a forensic psychiatrist. Dr. King Wah explains how Peter was suffering from an illness called post-traumatic stress disorder. A complicated medical diagnosis that children may have who can't distinguish between immediate threat and a distant threat, meaning they are extremely more sensitive than the average student. Arguments go back and forth between Jordan and Diana.
Before Lacy speaks to defend her son, she has numerous flashbacks of Peter when he was a young child.
Drew is called to the stand and confesses he bullied Peter. Drew tells the jury he didn't mean anything to happen because of it, and Peter would laugh it off. Jordan speaks to Drew, and makes him sweat because his questions are very intimidating and everyone is watching them waiting anxiously for what they have to say.
Next, Jordan questions Mr. Spears, the gym teacher. Mr. Spears had known about the bullying, but never tried to prevent it nor did he punish the students for initiating it. Jordan asks Mr. Spears to go through the teacher's policies and read to him where it tells you what to do if a teacher witnesses bullying. Mr. Spears flips through the pages to discover there is nothing about the subject written in the book.
Alex and Lacy meet outside the courtroom. Alex sympathizes for Lacy and tells her, "I'm sorry you have to go through this"(386).
Alex asks Josie about the email to her daughter that was read in court. Josie replies, "I wasn't brave enough to defend myself, I didn't want to be treated like him"(387).