Trial of a Giantess p2

Trial of a Giantess p2

Sarah watched the stars twinkle above her. “What am I going to do?” She closed her eyes and tried to force herself to sleep, but the day’s events danced around in her mind. Tears formed in her eyes as the fight between her and Carien played through her mind once more. “Does she even want to be with me anymore? After all, we have been through, why would she do this now?”

Sarah sat up, her elbow knocking over a nearby tree. “Ugh fuck this. I am never going to be able to sleep. Between worrying about Carien and that damnable trial tomorrow.”

She slammed her hand down. “How am I supposed to even think about sleep. My life is on the line.” She formed her hands into fists and looked up at the moon. “How is this fair? How! I have been through so much, and what do I get? More and more strife. In the books, the protagonist is supposed to have a happy ending. Why can’t that be true of real life.”

The cold nighttime silence answered her, and Sarah looked at the ground. “I didn’t know what I was expecting. Ever since I met Fredrick in that stupid gas station store, my life has been on a big rollercoaster. But now it seems like the ride is about to come to an end.” She wiped the tears from her eyes. “I... I don’t know what I am supposed to do. I can’t win this trial. These people aren’t going to believe someone of my size. I... I am going to lose the only home I know. I am going to lose Carien.”

***

Sarah sighed as she looked down at the courthouse, her feet like lead. “I guess I should just get this over with.”

As she walked forward, multiple officers rushed forward to greet her. “Sarah Collinsworth?”

She slowly nodded her head. “Yes. I am here for the trial.”

A young man waved to her. “So as not to cause any further damage, we have set up a place for you. This way.”

Sarah sighed as she looked down at the ground. “Ok. The last thing I want to do is hurt anyone else.” She followed them behind the courthouse to where a massive television screen had been erected. “What is this?”

The young officer tapped at his baton. “This is so you can talk during the trial without having to worm inside the building and cause distress. To find impartial jurors, they all have no idea of your “aheam” peculiar size issues, so you bursting into the courtroom might cause a panic.”

Sarah looked at the ground. “I understand.”

“Good.” He motioned to the others to leave. “Then I will handle all of this for you, so this process moves as quickly and painlessly as possible.”

“Thank you, umm. . .”

“Ohh.” The young officer adjusted his blue jacket. “Barry. Nice to meet you, miss.”

“Umm, hi, Barry. So, when is this whole thing supposed to start?” Sarah tugged at her arm. “I am not really feeling good about this.”

Barry smiled. “Hey, now. I am sure it can’t be that bad. Some guy thinks you attacked his property. I have seen so much worse come through here.”

“They want to outlaw my size, Barry.” She crossed her arms. “I... I can’t let that happen.”

“So, what if it doesn’t go your way, and you have to shrink back down. From what I understand, you aren’t always that size. Right?” Sarah stared out across the small town she called home. “Right?”

“I just need to focus on the trial, ok. I have to convince these people that this nonsense can’t continue.”

“Well, good thing.” He pointed a small device at the monitor. “The trial is starting.” The screen flared to life, and Sarah could see the courtroom, which she had nearly torn apart the day before. The judge sat in his chair while Matt smirked in his spot. Once he noticed Sarah’s television link went live, he made sure to turn his head and sneer at her.

The judge slammed his gavel down. “Stop that. I won’t have that kind of behavior in my court.” Matt snapped his head back towards the front of the room. “Now then, since we are all in attendance, we can start.” The judge took a moment and then pointed at Sarah’s monitor. “I hope everyone will excuse our accused being shown virtually. Due to the nature of this case, she cannot be present in this courtroom for the reason that I am going to show now.” Sarah then had to watch the very scene that had played out yesterday, where she had attacked the courthouse trying to get out of the hearing. As a tear formed in her eye, she looked away from the screen.

After the short film was done playing, the judge sighed. “So due to the extreme size of the accused, she will not be attending in person.”

Matt rolled his eyes. “Well, when the sentence comes down, she better get what’s coming to her. Cut her down to size as quickly as you can. She is a menace, after all.”

“Quiet.” He slammed his gavel down. “You will get your turn to speak.” The judge snorted. “This is a place of law, not some novelty television court where you just get to slander a fifty-foot woman on television.” He turned his eyes to the cameras entering the courtroom. “What the? I didn’t say we were going to allow you parasites in.”

“Are you kidding? This is the biggest thing of the century. You can’t very well keep us out.”

Sarah shook her head. “The entire nation is going to know about me now. How can this get worse?”

The judge sighed. “Ughh, let’s just get this started.” He pointed at Matt. “State your case.” He narrowed his eyes as Matt slowly stood up. “Chop, chop.

We don’t have all day here.”

Matt rushed into the center of the courtroom and into the witness booth. “Ok, well, I have been advised to keep this brief and only state what happened. But I had been out of the night, helping a friend and such. When I get back, my roof is torn asunder, and there are gigantic footprints in my yard.” He wiped away a tear. “I couldn’t get the insurance company to pay, and I nearly lost the house.” He pointed at Sarah. “That gigantic witch ruined my life because. . .”

The judge slammed his gavel down. “Ok, ok. That is enough. Thank you for telling us why we are here in court today.”

“But. . .”

“That is all for now! Please step down and present your witnesses and evidence.”

Sarah gently tapped on the monitor. “Umm, when do I get to present my side of the case, sir?”

The judge narrowed his eyes. “After the prosecution is done. Now please don’t do that again.” He looked at the jurors, who were holding their hands over their heads. “Unless you want to pop our eardrums.”

Sarah gulped and sat back. “I’m sorry.”

Matt smiled. “Well, I will call my first witness then. Gregory.”

Sarah gulped.  Oh no. How did Matt get in touch with that slimeball?

Gregory walked into the courtroom. “Hello, there, my lordship.” He bowed. “How may I be of service.”

The judge sneered. “Just get into the witness box and answer some questions about the defendant, will you?”

As Gregory did as he was told, he looked at Sarah. “Oh my, if it isn’t my old hard worker. Are you still getting up to size-changing shenanigans?”

The judge tapped his fingers on the side of his robe. “So, you know she can change in size?”

Gregory laughed. “Why, of course. I found out about it when she shrank down working in my department store.” He smiled. “Those were the days. Having a young employee who could change in size and bring in business. I remember this one time I had her grow and stand on the side of the highway advertising for my business.”

“You slime. That was the definition of worker harassment.” Sarah slammed her hand on the side of the pavement. “Why the hell am I on trial when he came close to having me grow into a giantess and strip on the side of the highway. How the hell is this fair?”

The judge gripped his fingers around the gavel. “If you can’t keep your temper, I will have extreme measures taken, Ms. Collinsworth. Do you understand?”

Sarah gulped. “I understand.”

The judge sighed and looked at Gregory. “Now, sir. We thank you for your testimony.”

Gregory sat up. “Do you want to hear any more stories? I have loads. . .”

The judge shook his head. “No, no. Please.” He waved for the bailiff. “Can we have the next witness, please?”

Gregory stood up. “But I am more than willing to talk here. There is one time.”

“Bailiff, escort this man out. Now!”

Sarah scratched at her forehead as Gregory was dragged out of the courtroom. “Hey, what is the meaning of this. I am just trying to say that Sarah Collinsworth is a catch, and anyone who has them in their employ would be so ever lucky to use them to their heart’s content.”

“You really know just what to say, don’t you, Gregory.” Sarah leaned back against the building behind her. “Really happy I am no longer working for you.”

The judge sighed. “Well, can we please move this whole thing along?” He looked at Matt. “If you would call your next witness and please.” He closed his eyes. “Please do try and call someone who has some semblance of sanity this time.”

Matt smiled. “Of course. Of course. My next witness is Maxwell.”

Sarah’s eyes widened. “Oh no. Carien’s brother! Where did Matt fish that jerk out from?”

A jittery thin man walked into the courtroom. “Ummm. . .”

The judge narrowed his eyes at Maxwell. “Take your seat in the witness booth, please.”

Maxwell slowly walked across the room. “Are you sure I’m not in any trouble?”

The judge rolled his eyes. “For god’s sake. We are here about Sarah Collingsworth, not you. Now just tell us what you know and be done with it. Now get into the booth!”

Maxwell gulped and slid into the seat. “Ok, ok.” He took a deep breath. “I didn’t exactly know why I got the summons and was just a bit worried, ok. I’m happy it doesn’t have anything to do with me.”

The judge tapped his fingers on the wooden podium. “Tell us what you know about Sarah?”

He looked at Sarah on the monitor. “Oh, the giantess lady? That bitch attacked me! All I did was take a family heirloom; I swear.” He crossed his arms and looked at the ground. “I needed some quick cash, and she just freaked out. Hunted me down like some common animal.”

Sarah slammed her hand down. “That is a lie. He stole a vase from my girlfriend, and I had to get it back for her.”

Maxwell shrank down in his seat. “I’m safe, right?”

The judge nodded his head. “Yes, you are. Don’t worry.” He narrowed his eyes at Sarah. “Now, is there anything else?”

Maxwell shook his head. “No. Umm, that is all.” He looked up at the judge. “Are you sure I am not on trial, sir?”

The judge rubbed his forehead. “Ughhhh. Just leave already.”

Maxwell cheered and jumped to his feet. “Yes. First time I have been in a place of law, and I haven’t been screwed over. Best day of my life.” He danced his way out of the courtroom.

The judge sighed. “Well, do you have any more. . . interesting witnesses for us today, Matt?”

Matt sat back in his chair. “One more, sir. I call Fredrick of Fredrick’s Fancy to the stand.”

Sarah gulped.  What is going on? Why in the world would he call for that madman to come and testify. How would he. . .  Sarah shook her head.  This is becoming a nightmare.

As Fredrick walked into the room, everything went quiet. Unlike the other two witnesses, Fredrick seemed to exude a sense of calm over the courtroom as he took his place in the witness box. He adjusted his suit for a moment and then turned to the judge. “I’m ready whenever you are, my good sir.”

“Well then. What can you tell us about the defendant.”

“Well, quite a lot. She helped me jumpstart my business. I was just a person on the side of the road selling joint relief medicine before I met her.” Fredrick shrugged his shoulders. “After a successful sale with her, my business really took off, and I am where I am now.”

“But how do you know about her giantess examples?”

“Because my company has been researching it on the side, and she had agreed to help us at the start.” He narrowed his eyes. “Or well, she did until she decided to worm her way out of her contract.” Fredrick shrugged his shoulders. “It took us a very, very long time, but we eventually finished our business deal with Ms. Collinsworth, and we even got to learn a bit about what makes her tick. You see, she can no longer change in size, thankfully. But she is stuck at her current height. She is a giantess now and forever.”

The room went quiet, and Sarah gulped. This is what she had feared might happen; someone would find out that she is stuck at her current height. Whispering under her breath, she said to herself, “What am I going to do now?”

“Thank you for your testimony, Fredrick.”

Fredrick smiled and stood up. “I am happy that I could be of help.” He bowed and walked out of the room, making sure to wink at Sarah as he walked by the monitor.

The judge sighed. “Ok, well, that was very enlightening.” He looked at Matt. “Do you have any more witnesses? Maybe ones that can prove Sarah was there at the night in question to attack your house?”

Matt shook his head. “Nope. I think trying to prove she is a gigantic danger is better instead.” Sarah gripped her hands into fists. “I mean, that is the whole point, right? Show that she is a big enough danger and needs to be banished from the town?”

The judge rubbed his forehead with his index finger. “I feel like I am on some television program.” He looked at Matt. “You do realize that this entire case can be thrown out if she is not found to have been the one to have attacked your property?”

Matt laughed. “Oh, and I am sure someone else who is fifty feet tall would have tried to destroy my home. Sure.”

The judge moaned as he looked over at Sarah. “Ms. Collinsworth, do you have anyone you want to speak for you?”

Sarah looked at the ground. “I. . .”

The door to the courtroom suddenly opened. “I will speak on Sarah’s behalf.” All eyes turned to see Carien walk inside.

The judge slammed his gavel down. “Hey, now you can’t just. . .”

Carien walked into the center of the room. “I am going to say my peace, and there isn’t anything you can say about it.” Her arms were shaking as she pointed to Matt. “For almost a year now, this slime has been harassing my girlfriend, Sarah.” Matt shrunk into his chair. “He hunts her down at work, slips a potion into her drink that causes her to inflate like a balloon and ruins her chance to get a new job, and constantly threatens to take her to court.” She walked over and slammed her hands down on the table in front of him. “And do you want to know what? Sarah didn’t wreck your house. I did!” Carien started to grow.