Wake Me Up When the Sun Rises, chapter 6
"Tori? My dad wants to talk to you," said Joey, startling me from my thoughts. I smiled at him and told him I'd be down in a minute. I looked back outside from the window ledge I was sitting on, thoroughly grateful Joey and his dad had found me before my own dad had the chance too. I stifled a cry of pain as I stood up and wretched pain shot up my bruised back. Composing myself I walked down the stairs, still in loaned PJ's, of the Armstrong house and greeted Billie Joe, who was sitting at the table and drinking coffee.
"Morning," I yawned, sitting down across from him. He smiled at me and passed me a steaming mug of coffee.
"Good morning. You sleep ok?" he asked. I shrugged with a slight smile on my face.
"I was a little paranoid, but I managed to get a couple of winks," he nodded.
"Well, after we're done talking, you can try to get a few more."
"That's okay. I'm already up but I'll probably sleep better tonight. Thanks anyway." He nodded again and took a thoughtful sip of his coffee. Then, he set it down and leaned closer to me, pulling his chair in with him.
"The police stopped here, last night after you were asleep. Don't worry, I called them." He said, noting the scared look on my face. "You can't go back with you dad. Two reason's why: I absolutely won't allow it and he's been arrested. They called this morning, the police that is, and told me they had caught him. He had crashed his car into a ditch. Don't worry he's alright, just a couple of scratches," he added as a bitter afterthought. "They also informed me that your going to have to go to a hearing and testify the beatings," he said gravely. My heart pounded faster when he said this. 'He'll kill me' was all I could think. Billie Joe seemed to sense my thoughts and reached across the table, taking my hand. "Don't worry, me, Joey, Adie, the guys. We're all going to be there for you. Tori, you have to do it. You can't let your father continue doing this to people. Next time he might kill someone," he finished. I felt a tear roll down my cheek and nodded.
"When?" I asked. He sighed and released my hand, running it through his jet black hair.
"It's scheduled for tomorrow. Yeah I know it's really soon, but you can do it." He said, smiling reassuringly. I smiled back and wiped the tear away.
"My clothes? I have nothing. Not fancy for a court hearing anyways and not much in the way of everyday clothes either!" I said, blushing. He rolled his eyes at me and laughed softly.
"That is why Adie is taking you shopping today. And me and Joey, Mike and Tre are going to get the rest of your stuff from your house. Got a house key?" My eyes widened at the thought of him walking into my piece of shit house.
"I can't let you go to my house! It's a piece of shit! And I don't want you spending all your money on me!" I said all in one breath. He laughed again and I looked at him, puzzled.
"Tori, when I was young I lived in a shitty house just like yours. So really, its no big deal. And I'm fucking made of money! I'm famous. Duh!" he said, playfully rapping his knuckles against my forehead. I laughed and shrugged my shoulders. Then my face fell again. "What?"
"Billie, what's going to happen to me? I'm old enough to emancipate myself, but I have no place to go! My dad is an only child, both his parents dead. I haven't been in contact with my mom in over six years. I mean what the fuck is going to happen to me?" I asked biting my lip and a little panicky. "I can't even get a fucking job because I can't get working papers since I don't go to school," Billie Joe smiled at me. He got up and walked around the table. I stood up to meet him and he wrapped comforting arms around my shoulders. I hugged him back and looked into his face, my eyes streaked with tears.
"We'll figure it out kiddo."
*NEXT DAY: DAY OF THE HEARING*
I fiddled with the hem of my new skirt. It was black with a revolting pink top. My hair was sleek and straight, pulled half up and half down. I was lacking my heavy black eyeliner but had brown on instead with revolting pink eye shadow to match the top. I couldn't possibly hide the black eye cut lip and various bruises on my legs and arms and to top it all off; I was nervous as hell.
Joey wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we stood outside of the court house. I stood in a tiny knot of people including the entire Armstrong family plus Tre and Mike. "Nervous?" he asked. I hit him on the chest lightly because I knew he was being a smart ass. I bit my heavily glossed lip and spit disgustedly as some of it got onto my tongue.
"Is it time yet?" I asked. I was getting impatient and standing around wasn't helping any. Billie Joe nodded. Adie swooped in and hugged me tightly.
"Good luck honey! We're right behind you the entire time! Literally!" she added, casing me to laugh. I received hugs from everyone as they passed into the courtroom and finally, Joey. He kissed me first on each cheek then the lips. Hugging me tight, he whispered good luck and I love you in my ear. I let him lead me inside then and felt the atmosphere grow heavy.
The courtroom was huge and it held at least 30 people, not including the 12 prissy jurors sitting to one side. I took my seat nervously in front of my friends and placed my hands, uncharacteristically ladylike, on my lap. The judge came in and we all had to stand. Once seated, the judge mumbled for a bit and then called him to the stand. The doors behind us banged open and I turned, like everyone else.
My father was being ushered in by two security guards. I was slightly relieved to see shackles running in-between his hands and feet, attached by one long chain running the length of his torso and legs. He bared at me and I shuddered away from his gaze. Mostly, the judge just asked him a bunch of questions. 'Were you intoxicated last night at so and so hours,' 'Have you ever beaten your daughter so and so?', 'How much do you drink on an average day?' and so on and so forth. This went on for about half an hour and I felt myself beginning to drift to my own thoughts.
The judge finally let my father sit down. "Very well, if that is all the defense has to offer. I would like to call Ms. Victoria L. Craven to the stand," he said. I felt all eyes on me as I walked past my father and up the the stand. The judge smiled warmly at me and I returned it politely, tucking my skirt under my knees as I sat down.
"Ms. Craven, neighbors report you running away from your home at 12:53 a.m. last night. Can you tell us why?" I nodded.
"Well you see, sir," I began, hearing my own unsure voice come from my mouth, "I was running because I was frightened, terrified even."
"Oh and why was this?" I struggled with myself for a moment before answering.
"Because...my father was beating me and I had to get away somehow." My comments received scandalized whispers from the jury and crowd.
"Do you have proof of this Ms. Craven?" I thought it was stupid to ask but I stood up anyways. I showed them first my legs, arms, eye and lip. Then I turned to the judge.
"I have a fairly large bruise on my back too sir, but I'm not sure if you would find it appropriate for me to lift my shirt to show the court." He nodded and indicated me to go on and show them so I obliged. I lifted the dreaded pink shirt to reveal the livid bruise that encompassed half of my lower back. I heard gasps in the crowd and more whispering.
"She's lying!" Shouted someone in the crowd. I turned to see my father standing and the security guards looking wary.
"Mr. Craven if you don't sit down I shall have you escorted from the premises. Go on Ms. Craven," said the judge. I also showed them the cut on my hand from the bottle. "And what is this from?" I explained how I used the bottle to defend myself. "And after your father dropped you?"
"I ran to my room. I used the dresser to block my door but he broke it, part of it anyway. It has a big crack in it and part of it is missing completely. I grabbed my cell phone and jumped from my window. Then I ran to the park and I called one of my friends to get me."
"Is that so?" I nodded.
"You can check my room if you like." I said.
"Indeed we will as part of the investigation. Now who was this friend?" I pointed to Joey and Billie Joe. "Sir would you mind if we ask you and your boy some questions?" Billie Joe said he didn't mind and I was told I could sit down. I did so quickly and he called Joey up.
"State your name, boy."
"Joseph M. Armstrong." He said loudly and clearly.
"Joseph, can you tell us about this call you received?" Joey nodded.
"I had just gotten home from dropping Tori off at her house. The phone rang so I answered it. It was Tori and she asked for me. I said it was me but she sounded off. You know, upset. I asked what's wrong and all she said was can you come get me. She told me where she'd be and I rushed to get my dad. Then..."
"That's good. Is that all she said to you on the phone though?" Joey nodded. "Alright, you may sit down now. Thank you. Mr. Armstrong, will you take the stand?" Billie Joe got up and walked past his son, clapping him on the shoulder. "Name?"
"Billie Joe Armstrong."
"Mr. Armstrong, will you explain what happened after your son got you?" asked the judge.
"Sure, Joey came and got me. He told me Tori had called and sounded upset. I took my son to the park she had said she would be in. After she got in the car, I took her back to my house and let her stay in the guest bedroom."
"I see, and how are you associated with Ms. Craven?" asked the judge. Billie Joe cocked his eyebrow and looked at me as if to say 'can I say it?' I nodded and he turned to the judge.
"She and my son are currently seeing each other. I've known her for a few months." I smiled since I knew he was lying about knowing me for months. "And have come to view her as family." He finished winking so that only I could see.
The judge nodded and told Billie Joe he could sit down. I then got called back to the stand and was asked to tell them about my entire life, beatings and all. By the end of my recount, tears had long since stained my cheeks and I noted the sympathetic looks of the jury. In the end, I couldn't go on and had to be escorted to the ladies room briefly. When I came back, I finished my story. I was told once again to sit down. Some pictures came in from my bedroom and the judge and jury looked at them.
The judge stood up after this. "Their will be a short recess while the jury comes to a verdict." I sat down and sighed; hoping and waiting they'd lock him up for good.
*45 MINUTES LATER*
I was jerked awake as the jury came marching in. None of them would look at my dad but most smiled slightly at me and I hoped this was a good sign. The judge retook his chair. "Has the jury reached a verdict?" he asked.
A short, dark woman stood up. "We have your honor. On one count of driving while intoxicated we find the defendant guilty. On numerous counts of domestic abuse we find the defendant..." I held my breath and I felt a hand squeeze my shoulder. "Guilty!" I sighed with relief and almost laughed with joy.
"Very well, sentencing trial will be held one week from today. Court is adjourned!" he said, knocking his gavel on the podium. The look of fury on my dad's face was priceless. I stood up and turned around to hug Joey but before I could, I felt cold metal wrap around my neck and jerk me back. I choked and felt my eyes begin to water. I heard screams but couldn't comprehend them. Then he, my dad, shouted in my ear.
"YOU, YOU LITTLE CUNT! BY THE LIFE OF ME I'LL SEE I KILL YOU IF I'M GOING TO PRISON!" I heard three dull cracks and thought my neck was breaking. Then the grip slackened and I was toppling over, caught by the chain. My fall was cushioned by my father's body and I thought one of the bailiff's had knocked him out cold. I was wrong.
I heard an out of place shriek and I opened my eyes to my dad's open ones. They were already beginning to get that glaze that is accustomed with the deceased. I began to shriek along with some of the others as I saw the pool of crimson panning out and pooling from the back of his head. I began to get light headed and finally passed out, falling on my father's corpse.
At least he can never touch me again.
"Morning," I yawned, sitting down across from him. He smiled at me and passed me a steaming mug of coffee.
"Good morning. You sleep ok?" he asked. I shrugged with a slight smile on my face.
"I was a little paranoid, but I managed to get a couple of winks," he nodded.
"Well, after we're done talking, you can try to get a few more."
"That's okay. I'm already up but I'll probably sleep better tonight. Thanks anyway." He nodded again and took a thoughtful sip of his coffee. Then, he set it down and leaned closer to me, pulling his chair in with him.
"The police stopped here, last night after you were asleep. Don't worry, I called them." He said, noting the scared look on my face. "You can't go back with you dad. Two reason's why: I absolutely won't allow it and he's been arrested. They called this morning, the police that is, and told me they had caught him. He had crashed his car into a ditch. Don't worry he's alright, just a couple of scratches," he added as a bitter afterthought. "They also informed me that your going to have to go to a hearing and testify the beatings," he said gravely. My heart pounded faster when he said this. 'He'll kill me' was all I could think. Billie Joe seemed to sense my thoughts and reached across the table, taking my hand. "Don't worry, me, Joey, Adie, the guys. We're all going to be there for you. Tori, you have to do it. You can't let your father continue doing this to people. Next time he might kill someone," he finished. I felt a tear roll down my cheek and nodded.
"When?" I asked. He sighed and released my hand, running it through his jet black hair.
"It's scheduled for tomorrow. Yeah I know it's really soon, but you can do it." He said, smiling reassuringly. I smiled back and wiped the tear away.
"My clothes? I have nothing. Not fancy for a court hearing anyways and not much in the way of everyday clothes either!" I said, blushing. He rolled his eyes at me and laughed softly.
"That is why Adie is taking you shopping today. And me and Joey, Mike and Tre are going to get the rest of your stuff from your house. Got a house key?" My eyes widened at the thought of him walking into my piece of shit house.
"I can't let you go to my house! It's a piece of shit! And I don't want you spending all your money on me!" I said all in one breath. He laughed again and I looked at him, puzzled.
"Tori, when I was young I lived in a shitty house just like yours. So really, its no big deal. And I'm fucking made of money! I'm famous. Duh!" he said, playfully rapping his knuckles against my forehead. I laughed and shrugged my shoulders. Then my face fell again. "What?"
"Billie, what's going to happen to me? I'm old enough to emancipate myself, but I have no place to go! My dad is an only child, both his parents dead. I haven't been in contact with my mom in over six years. I mean what the fuck is going to happen to me?" I asked biting my lip and a little panicky. "I can't even get a fucking job because I can't get working papers since I don't go to school," Billie Joe smiled at me. He got up and walked around the table. I stood up to meet him and he wrapped comforting arms around my shoulders. I hugged him back and looked into his face, my eyes streaked with tears.
"We'll figure it out kiddo."
*NEXT DAY: DAY OF THE HEARING*
I fiddled with the hem of my new skirt. It was black with a revolting pink top. My hair was sleek and straight, pulled half up and half down. I was lacking my heavy black eyeliner but had brown on instead with revolting pink eye shadow to match the top. I couldn't possibly hide the black eye cut lip and various bruises on my legs and arms and to top it all off; I was nervous as hell.
Joey wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we stood outside of the court house. I stood in a tiny knot of people including the entire Armstrong family plus Tre and Mike. "Nervous?" he asked. I hit him on the chest lightly because I knew he was being a smart ass. I bit my heavily glossed lip and spit disgustedly as some of it got onto my tongue.
"Is it time yet?" I asked. I was getting impatient and standing around wasn't helping any. Billie Joe nodded. Adie swooped in and hugged me tightly.
"Good luck honey! We're right behind you the entire time! Literally!" she added, casing me to laugh. I received hugs from everyone as they passed into the courtroom and finally, Joey. He kissed me first on each cheek then the lips. Hugging me tight, he whispered good luck and I love you in my ear. I let him lead me inside then and felt the atmosphere grow heavy.
The courtroom was huge and it held at least 30 people, not including the 12 prissy jurors sitting to one side. I took my seat nervously in front of my friends and placed my hands, uncharacteristically ladylike, on my lap. The judge came in and we all had to stand. Once seated, the judge mumbled for a bit and then called him to the stand. The doors behind us banged open and I turned, like everyone else.
My father was being ushered in by two security guards. I was slightly relieved to see shackles running in-between his hands and feet, attached by one long chain running the length of his torso and legs. He bared at me and I shuddered away from his gaze. Mostly, the judge just asked him a bunch of questions. 'Were you intoxicated last night at so and so hours,' 'Have you ever beaten your daughter so and so?', 'How much do you drink on an average day?' and so on and so forth. This went on for about half an hour and I felt myself beginning to drift to my own thoughts.
The judge finally let my father sit down. "Very well, if that is all the defense has to offer. I would like to call Ms. Victoria L. Craven to the stand," he said. I felt all eyes on me as I walked past my father and up the the stand. The judge smiled warmly at me and I returned it politely, tucking my skirt under my knees as I sat down.
"Ms. Craven, neighbors report you running away from your home at 12:53 a.m. last night. Can you tell us why?" I nodded.
"Well you see, sir," I began, hearing my own unsure voice come from my mouth, "I was running because I was frightened, terrified even."
"Oh and why was this?" I struggled with myself for a moment before answering.
"Because...my father was beating me and I had to get away somehow." My comments received scandalized whispers from the jury and crowd.
"Do you have proof of this Ms. Craven?" I thought it was stupid to ask but I stood up anyways. I showed them first my legs, arms, eye and lip. Then I turned to the judge.
"I have a fairly large bruise on my back too sir, but I'm not sure if you would find it appropriate for me to lift my shirt to show the court." He nodded and indicated me to go on and show them so I obliged. I lifted the dreaded pink shirt to reveal the livid bruise that encompassed half of my lower back. I heard gasps in the crowd and more whispering.
"She's lying!" Shouted someone in the crowd. I turned to see my father standing and the security guards looking wary.
"Mr. Craven if you don't sit down I shall have you escorted from the premises. Go on Ms. Craven," said the judge. I also showed them the cut on my hand from the bottle. "And what is this from?" I explained how I used the bottle to defend myself. "And after your father dropped you?"
"I ran to my room. I used the dresser to block my door but he broke it, part of it anyway. It has a big crack in it and part of it is missing completely. I grabbed my cell phone and jumped from my window. Then I ran to the park and I called one of my friends to get me."
"Is that so?" I nodded.
"You can check my room if you like." I said.
"Indeed we will as part of the investigation. Now who was this friend?" I pointed to Joey and Billie Joe. "Sir would you mind if we ask you and your boy some questions?" Billie Joe said he didn't mind and I was told I could sit down. I did so quickly and he called Joey up.
"State your name, boy."
"Joseph M. Armstrong." He said loudly and clearly.
"Joseph, can you tell us about this call you received?" Joey nodded.
"I had just gotten home from dropping Tori off at her house. The phone rang so I answered it. It was Tori and she asked for me. I said it was me but she sounded off. You know, upset. I asked what's wrong and all she said was can you come get me. She told me where she'd be and I rushed to get my dad. Then..."
"That's good. Is that all she said to you on the phone though?" Joey nodded. "Alright, you may sit down now. Thank you. Mr. Armstrong, will you take the stand?" Billie Joe got up and walked past his son, clapping him on the shoulder. "Name?"
"Billie Joe Armstrong."
"Mr. Armstrong, will you explain what happened after your son got you?" asked the judge.
"Sure, Joey came and got me. He told me Tori had called and sounded upset. I took my son to the park she had said she would be in. After she got in the car, I took her back to my house and let her stay in the guest bedroom."
"I see, and how are you associated with Ms. Craven?" asked the judge. Billie Joe cocked his eyebrow and looked at me as if to say 'can I say it?' I nodded and he turned to the judge.
"She and my son are currently seeing each other. I've known her for a few months." I smiled since I knew he was lying about knowing me for months. "And have come to view her as family." He finished winking so that only I could see.
The judge nodded and told Billie Joe he could sit down. I then got called back to the stand and was asked to tell them about my entire life, beatings and all. By the end of my recount, tears had long since stained my cheeks and I noted the sympathetic looks of the jury. In the end, I couldn't go on and had to be escorted to the ladies room briefly. When I came back, I finished my story. I was told once again to sit down. Some pictures came in from my bedroom and the judge and jury looked at them.
The judge stood up after this. "Their will be a short recess while the jury comes to a verdict." I sat down and sighed; hoping and waiting they'd lock him up for good.
*45 MINUTES LATER*
I was jerked awake as the jury came marching in. None of them would look at my dad but most smiled slightly at me and I hoped this was a good sign. The judge retook his chair. "Has the jury reached a verdict?" he asked.
A short, dark woman stood up. "We have your honor. On one count of driving while intoxicated we find the defendant guilty. On numerous counts of domestic abuse we find the defendant..." I held my breath and I felt a hand squeeze my shoulder. "Guilty!" I sighed with relief and almost laughed with joy.
"Very well, sentencing trial will be held one week from today. Court is adjourned!" he said, knocking his gavel on the podium. The look of fury on my dad's face was priceless. I stood up and turned around to hug Joey but before I could, I felt cold metal wrap around my neck and jerk me back. I choked and felt my eyes begin to water. I heard screams but couldn't comprehend them. Then he, my dad, shouted in my ear.
"YOU, YOU LITTLE CUNT! BY THE LIFE OF ME I'LL SEE I KILL YOU IF I'M GOING TO PRISON!" I heard three dull cracks and thought my neck was breaking. Then the grip slackened and I was toppling over, caught by the chain. My fall was cushioned by my father's body and I thought one of the bailiff's had knocked him out cold. I was wrong.
I heard an out of place shriek and I opened my eyes to my dad's open ones. They were already beginning to get that glaze that is accustomed with the deceased. I began to shriek along with some of the others as I saw the pool of crimson panning out and pooling from the back of his head. I began to get light headed and finally passed out, falling on my father's corpse.
At least he can never touch me again.
