Ch. 4

Jack is in court. He tried for two weeks to settle the matter with the manuscript out of court. But the accused is not aware of any guilt. In the meantime the press has noticed that he is Mr. Freilicht's lawyer. He and Summer have been reported on for days. The case itself is completely uninteresting right now. Even so, the hall is full of people with cameras in their hands.

Appropriately, everyone stands up when the judge enters the room. The indictment is read out. Now the accused can defend himself. As foreseen, the publishing company dropped him. Nobody but his defense lawyer believes him anymore. His client has several friends who testify as witnesses. In the end, he brings the heavy evidence to the table. The judge has no other option than to sentence the employee.

After every witness has testified and the taking of evidence is closed, the judge consults with the lay judges. Now it's time to wait. Not much can go wrong, but if there is a disagreement the conviction can be adjourned.

After a few minutes you will be back in the courtroom. Everyone stands up briefly. “After the accused ignored the warning and did not pay a fine or signed a declaration of consent, he is now being convicted on the basis of the evidence provided. He has to serve a three-year prison sentence which can be changed to a suspended sentence after two years of good conduct. In addition, the accused must pay the accused the amount of money he has earned so far. The costs of the proceedings are also borne by the accused. ”The judge looks in the eyes. "Any questions? Comments? ”, Both parties say no. "Then the negotiation is over."

Of course, all the reporters now come whizzing out of the corners to tease out a statement from someone. “What are you going to do now? Will your book stay on sale? ”, But his client keeps his mouth shut, as he advised. Suddenly they turn around and he has the microphones in front of his face. "Jack! How's it going with Summer? Will you toast your success with her? Or is it over? Is there already a crisis in Paradise? ”That is none of her business. He tries not to move a face and paves his way with his client through the dense masses.

Outside the building, they say goodbye quickly. Tomorrow he'll come back to the office and they'll work out the legal fees together. In addition, he continues to look after him until the money has been transferred from the defendant.

Back in the office, he can expect working amounts. Everyone buzzes from one corner to the other. “What's going on?” He asks a secretary. “The boss from the boss is coming to visit. Inspection visit. Once a year the time has come. Salary increases are distributed. “, Gerd grins. “You have to look busy. They all thought you were him. ”In fact, some of them slow down and fit seamlessly into their groups. Talks will continue. "How did your case go? Actually nothing could go wrong. ”“ Yes, I won the case. The accused is going to prison for three years. ”Gerd nods. "Well done.", Jack goes into his office, satisfied. There silence awaits him. Silence that he enjoys and takes deep breaths. You don't notice it, but he was so nervous. The first day alone in court, without someone to control him. His knees were shaking, his stoner wanted to rattle and his head thought a couple of times to play dizzy to him. Fortunately, it hasn't been scrutinized closely.

All the adrenaline rushing through his body makes him jittery. He cannot sit still. Jack paces back and forth excitedly until the murmuring on the floor stops. A sure sign that someone has entered the room again. The silence goes down in pipes and laughs. He steps out of his office interested. There, surrounded by all of his colleagues, stands Summer with a cake in his hand. She grins at us trying to break free from the crowd.

Jack takes a few steps happily and gives his girlfriend a kiss. There is loud cheering while Summer whispers to him: “I stood in the kitchen especially last night. I wanted to surprise you with it after your appointment. Unfortunately, I can't stay long. There's a conference call coming up. ”His joy is dampened. Well, at least she was thinking of him. "Come to the office with us for a minute and leave the cake here so everyone can stare at it." A free smile spreads across his face.

She carefully places the apple crumble cake on a desk. In the office he takes her tightly in his arms. Jack is still trying to find out if he and Summer have made the right decision. Now he has her in his arms and doesn't feel the need to kiss her hair or never let go of her. Jack feels no passion and there is no urge to sit down on his table and forget yourself for a while, quiet of course.

There is only a faint crackling sound that has almost gone out. Why? A few weeks ago he was on fire for her. His mind was so sure that it would fit perfectly into his life. Where did it all go? What happened to them Frustrated, he pushes her away from him. “Thanks for your visit and the cake. That's why my colleagues will envy me all day. ”“ That was my thought when I was stirring the dough, ”she remarks, amused. “Then I have to go again. I'm sorry, Jack. And congratulations on your first closed case. “, Summer gives him one last look over his shoulder, then she leaves. Without another word. She no longer feels the fire either! Or? But why?

 #

"Why do you ask me? It's your decision! “, Tina sits in front of her and makes a pouting face. "I want to hear your opinion on it.", Mia is not sure whether Tina should move out yet. She has lived independently for the past few months. Shopped and looked after her child. Her parents would take her in because they think they didn't say it out loud, but her body language clearly showed that they believe only antisocial and orphans live in such homes. At home she will be toddled again, maybe lose her independence.

Tina got an apprenticeship as a hairdresser and Mia just doesn't have a good feeling about it. "Say it straight out. Come on, I want to hear it. ”Even though her words sound sniff, her voice is calm. Mia hates such conversations. She grants everyone their own happy life without outside help, but some should wait a little longer. “You know how I am. I don't like to fool other people into their decisions ... ”“ That's why you're not fighting for Jack, but everyone realizes that you just can't hate him and still love him. ”She can't comment on that. After all, Tina is right. “Yes, that's why I have a hard time telling you that I would advise you to stay here for a while. Start your apprenticeship, clean the apartment and cook some lunch. Keep your lifestyle. “, The opposite nods satisfied. "Thank you, Mia. I have to say that my parents take me in but they also want me to get my life in order. After all, it's my own fault for my situation. ”“ You are not to blame alone. A thing like that always takes two and it's just cowardly to leave you alone. ”“ You don't have to protect me. I know what I did and I only regret picking the wrong one. I love my child. “, Mia smiles relieved. "Good, if your parents don't plan to do all the housework for you, nothing stands in the way of your moving out." "Nice that we have clarified that."

Many of the girls here are so grown up and sensible that you wonder how the hell they got into this situation.

Mia looks at the clock. Already noon! She hasn't even taken a break. Where is Sophia then? They had an appointment here an hour ago. As soon as she comes into the kitchen, she knows where Sophia has gone. She sits comfortably chatting with Mona at the bar. “Finally finished too? I'm about to die over here. Mona cooked. Do we eat here? I don't think I'll make it to a restaurant. ", Her stomach underlines the statement with a loud growl. "I'm sorry it took so long, I didn't think that I would be so busy with it.", Drained, she plops onto a chair.

Together they enjoy spaetzle with mushroom sauce. Again and again she feels the eyes of her friend resting on her. "What? Finally spit it out! “, Sophia opens her pretty mouth several times. Only after a few attempts are sentences formed. "All right then. At the party about 10 days ago ... you and Jonas looked pretty familiar. Is there something going on that I don't know about? “, Mia throws the brown-haired man an amused look. "Honest? I told you that he was just standing by me. Yes, we spend more time together. Nevertheless, this is not yet a sign of an impending relationship. We are friends. ”“ How often has this sentence been used and afterwards there were broken hearts or happy endings. ”, Sophia scratches her plate clean. “And before I forget: Jack keeps asking about you. Actually, I'd be hiding this from you, but since Max got engaged, Finn has been running amok. News comes at any time of the day or night. He wants to know if something's going on between you two. How far you've gone Whether he thinks it's serious and so on. ”She frowns. "What shoud that? He's got buzzer. Let him take care of her. It's none of his business. Is that why you asked? You know better, Sophia! ”Without words. Jack just can't let go of her, but neither does he. He had a choice and now he wants to go back to her life as what? His second girlfriend? "I am sorry. Only soon I can't either. The man drives everyone crazy. Imagine yesterday he tried Lola. ", She giggles. “It made him a snail that after that he was just a little boy who wants to be with his mommy. Delicious! “, Mia raises her eyebrows. “It's okay. Anyway, he's jealous. Almost sick. Just so that you are warned if he suddenly appears at your door. "" Will not happen. "

After their lunch break, they say goodbye. It is not the same for the next few hours. Mia is absent, unfocused and her thoughts are miles away. "Jack! Her mind revolves around this man! Does he like her after all? Has he only realized that now? Why is he still with Summer when he thinks he feels something for her? Are they still together? If he comes to her, would she get involved with him? Does she still love him? The last question is the only one she can answer.

So absorbed in her inner struggle, she doesn't notice how everyone looks at her with concern. She was doing better, murmurs in the corners. `Is she falling back into her old pattern? ´ it comes from other mouths.

 #

"Summer?" Jack just got home. Since his girlfriend was always with him more often than at home, he gave her a key. But she is not in the living room as expected. The kitchen and bathroom are also empty. Does Summer work longer? He has got used to being greeted by someone at home. Jack frowns. Why is he missing it? Earlier he found out that her blazing fire is just the embers of a fantastic campfire. Exhausted, he plops on his sofa and discovers a note: `` I cooked something for you. Stands in the fridge. Sleep in my apartment today. Good night, Jack

Does that mean that it will be over soon? Does he want that? Can he still be with Summer? Does he hurt you to the core if he draws a line?

And who the hell is this Jonas really? Are you a couple now? Does Mia love him? Is it the past again? Does Jonas have smart intentions? What if he just takes advantage of her?

His blood begins to rustle. Why do his thoughts always end with YOU? Jack takes several deep breaths. With the cellphone in hand, he types a text message to Finn. Then he remembers that he has not received any replies to his other messages and prefers to dial his friend's number. "What's up?", Finn actually lost weight. "Hey buddy! Finished my first case, as you've probably heard. "" Congratulations, man. "" Thanks. Listen, I would really like to know how Mia is doing and what about Jonas, besides ... "" Hold your breath. ", Finn almost screams. "What is this Jack? A month ago you chose Summer. Your mind won. You threw the love of Mia to the wind. You wanted Summer because you are both spirited and things don't always go smoothly. You wanted arguments and distance as well as tenderness and closeness. Now you discover that you don't like to see it when Mia is out with other guys. Bad luck! It's none of your business anymore. You forfeited your claim. Stop squeezing me out and don't even think about pitting the rest of the clique. They won't tell you anything. Jack, you are my friend, my best friend, but this time you are just going too far. If you dial my number again, I would like to receive an invitation to a beer. Without women. Bye. “, A hoot announced that he hung up.

Is it that bad? What's the matter with him? Finn is right, he decided for his mind and against his heart because he believed that it would be better for him that way, but now ... He must finally realize what he feels for each of the two women and make a decision to meet. As soon as possible.