1. Before The Party

15th July, 2027

"All rise," Says the clerk, as everyone in the court, including me, wait for the results. Once we all stand up, the judge clears his throat and says, "Mr Portman, I hereby declare you guilty on charges, assault and attempted murder. Therefore, you are submitted to seven years in prison. May God have mercy in your soul."

Once done, everyone lets out a sigh of relief, including me. I have worked so hard in this case, like I literally gave my heart and soul for this case. It's not been long since I turned into an official lawyer at Trust and co., when I was an intern; no one actually gave much heed on what my work was. All they told me to do was bring them coffee or lunch, or I had to organise their files. But one day, my boss was away and no one was there to take on his case that came except me, since I was his intern. That gave me my chance to prove my worth.

A Miss Braxton came over and filed a case on her husband, saying she wanted to divorce him, but he didn't want to. She said he was a bad man who abused and even attempted murder to their daughter but he didn't want to divorce, since he was scared the people would talk. Nobody wanted to pay heed, since my boss didn't give them the permission to. So it was left to me, his intern, much to my pleasure and the ladies displeasure. So I did what I had to. I dug into the story and found out that the man didn't want this matter to go forward, scared that it will be taken to court. So that's what I did. I was scared out of my wits at first, because the prosecutor in charge was a really skilled woman and I had a strong feeling I would loose and bring a shame to my boss. However, the husband was at too much fault, because of which the prosecutor herself could not help the case. The odds where in my favour and eventually, I won. I won because the lady herself gave a heart wrenching statement on how her husband tortured her and abused his only child for no apparent reason, but later on, it was discovered that the man lived on drugs and was an alcohol addict.

Winning the case brought a new face to my life. I was recognised as a talented lawyer in Trust and co., and they said my talents shouldn't be wasted. Within a year of my coming, I was already an official lawyer and today, I won my third case on attempted murder among two friends, since my intern years ended. This is a time for celebration! Am still so young, not that young actually, just 27 and am already so famous. Katelyn and Jocelyn, my two lifelong friends would be so glad to hear about it. And so that's what I did. I message them to meet me at the nearest café to the court house. By the time I reach the three, they are already waiting. To eager, I see.

"Well, what happened?" asks Jos, sipping her coffee. They both look at me with eager eyes as I take my seat opposite them. They want to know if I won this round too or not.

"You say." I reply casually, ordering my own drink. Kate frowns. Not the frowning one does out of frustration, but when one is thinking. Her eyebrows knit together in concentration as she says, "Imm… let me guess. You are asking us to guess which means you want to play a game. So that says you are in good mood and if you are in a good mood then that means…"

Kate trails off, looking at me for confirmation. I only smile at my coffee. "So you did win! No way! Thrice in one go? Man you got to celebrate! You are one ass lucky lawyer Rose!" Beams Jos. Jos doesn't use slang words easily. The fact that she used one right now means she's really happy.

"I know right? Hey, we have to celebrate. Let's throw a party. A party for all our friends. Like, all high school friends. How does that sound?" Kate asks, Jos already agreeing.

"Yeah right. My whole little apartment will be bombarded." I reply. Jos just shrugs and says, "You could do it at my place. My place is big; since it's a mansion, so it's going to fit. Don't you agree Rose?"

Kate lets out a loud squeal, only to earn stares from the other people. "You SHOULD say YES! You just HAVE to!" Kate says with wide eyes. I look from one two another. They really want a celebration. Even I want one. Why shouldn't I celebrate? It's my day! Jos is going to help me too.

"Roselyn?" Calls Jos, waiting for an answer. I take a sip of my coffee and let it warm up the inside of my mouth. Once it seeps in, I reply, "Alright. Let's do it."