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Ryan: Last Minute Pep Talk
Walking into the courthouse, an episode attempts to overtake me. I recall the first time I came here for Tommy’s first trial (when he attacked me, it was ruled a mistrial), the second trial, the press conference on the court steps…
I clutch Carter’s hand.
“You ok?” His voice is worried, but I can’t see his face because my eyes are closed.
“I need to stop.”Carter pulls me to a bench. “You guys go ahead,” he says to my folks. “Ryan needs a minute.”
I don’t hear the rest
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Dissonance and Harmony Carter: Show Time
There is a huge group of us sitting on the prosecutor side of the courtroom: Lisa, Ryan’s parents, Jake, my mom, Lucas, and all of our close friends. On Tommy’s side, there are only two people. I assume that they are his mother and brother. Ryan is astutely ignoring them. But they seem to be doing exactly the opposite. They are glaring daggers at Ryan and her family. I scoot up so that I am directly in their eyesight, glaring back and cocking my head. Tommy’s mother looks a bit embarrassed and turns away, but his brother gives an amused scoff before shaking his head at me. He eventually turns when the door to the side of the courtroom opens. In walks Tommy. I have never hated anyone so much in my entire life. The anger boils in
Dissonance and Harmony Ryan: Arguments
The only thing that is keeping me in my seat is Carter’s hand in mine and pure willpower. I can feel Tommy’s gaze from across the room and it feels like fingers running all over my skin. I really don’t hear the report from the judge, but I see my parents relax and hear Ayo and Patrick give a little cheer under their breath. “What did she say?” I whisper to Carter. He is attempting to shield me from Tommy’s gaze, but there is only so much he can do. I don’t think that Tommy has turned away from me once. “The probation department recommended the maximum sentences for both the rape and the
Dissonance and Harmony Ryan: Detriment to Society
I hadn’t heard my mother’s speech prior to now. I didn’t think that I’d be able to handle it. But I’m proud of her. Her statement was simple, but powerful and I can plainly see that it has affected the judge. As Mom walks to our row, I stand and hug her. She falls into my arms and squeezes me. “You did good, Mom. I love you.” “Thanks, baby. I love you, too.” We sit and wait for what comes next. “Mr. Shift, who has the next statement?” the judge asks. “Lisa Armstrong, the victim’s the
Dissonance and Harmony Ryan: Hate at the Surface
I know that Lisa needed to say those things. They had to be told to the judge to keep Tommy in jail. But I hate that he knows. That he knows the effect that he had on me. That he’s still having on me. It pisses me off. Fuck him. Over there, leering at me. His brother behind him laughing at each description of my pain. Fuck them both. He’s going to jail and I’m going to make sure that it is for a long, long time. “The last impact statement is from the victim, Ms. Ryan Miller,” Mr. Shift says. “Please approach, Ms. Miller,” the judge calls.
Dissonance and Harmony Carter: Just Us
“So, where are we going?” I ask once we’re in the car. “I don’t know,” Ryan says. Her face is all smiles and she is literally bouncing in her seat. “I know! The beach. Let’s go to the beach. I need to do something.” “Alright.” I put the car in gear. Ryan turns on the radio and sings along to I Need to Know, Where My Girls At?, and All Star at the top of her lungs. Though it’s chilly outside, Ryan rolls the window down and sticks her hand out of it. Once we arrive at the beach, Ryan j
Dissonance and Harmony Carter: Epilogue
June, 2000 “Carter Nathaniel Moore.” I walk across the stage, hearing my parents, Lucas, Cody, and the Millers cheering from the audience. From the stage, Patrick, Jess, and Jaime call out my name. And from the pit band, I hear Ayo, Lucy, and Ryan screaming. I walk to the principal to pick up my diploma, shaking Principal Lemar’s hand. Soon after I sit, Jess, Patrick, and Jaime take their walks across the stage. Not long after we throw our hats in the air and are officially high school graduates. ---- All of our friends and our families meet in the large banquet room at the diner. Mr. Sloan and the entire staff of the diner hav
Dissonance and Harmony Ryan: What is Happening?
It's third period. Band. My most and least favorite class. Most favorite because, well it’s fun (yes, band geek here). My least favorite because of Carter Moore. Carter and I have a love/hate relationship. I love him, he hates me. Worst part is that we both play brass instruments (me: trombone, him: baritone) and, because our high school is so small, we sit next to each other. The smell of his cologne mixes with the music everyday, but the chill temperature from him sometimes requires a winter coat. Ok, it’s not really that bad. But it feels that way to someone who has had a crush on the same guy since middle school.
Dissonance and Harmony Ryan: Total Shock
Jaime looks towards Carter and he gives her a small nod. She turns back to me. “So, hey, some of us are going to the diner today after school. Wanna come?” “Me?” I say, incredulously and pointing a finger at my chest. “Yeah, you,” Carter says, his smile nearly taking my breath away. I look quickly between the two of them. What the hell is happening? “I, um, I have a piano lesson right after school,” I say. “Oh,” Carter says, his smile toning down in wattage.
Latest chapter
- Dissonance and Harmony Carter: Epilogue
- Dissonance and Harmony Carter: Just Us
- Dissonance and Harmony Ryan: Hate at the Surface
- Dissonance and Harmony Ryan: Detriment to Society
- Dissonance and Harmony Ryan: Arguments
- Dissonance and Harmony Carter: Show Time
- Dissonance and Harmony Ryan: Last Minute Pep Talk
- Dissonance and Harmony Carter: Morning Of
- Dissonance and Harmony Carter: Coda
