Chrissa exchanged glances with Miley. She held her breath and clenched her fists as she wondered what the next witness would say.

The next witness came up and told everyone that Justin had killed the man in self-defense.

Chrissa let out the breath she'd been holding and sent Miley a triumphant smile.

Miley felt a rush of excitement, after the next witness spoke in favor of Justin. She gave Chrissa an excited hug. The next thing to happen was great. Justin's lawyer gave the judge evicdence that Justin ws actually protecting someone in the military and the man's death was his own fault. THe judge called for recess to go over the evidence.

Chrissa couldn't restrain a small squeal that escaped her. She hugged Miley back, feeling very happy and hopeful. So far, things were going fairly well for Justin.

The judge reviewed the evidence and said, "Okay. After reading the evidence, I conclude that Justin was doing an honorable thing by saving the lives of two men-one in the military and one who was in our military. Justin Thomas is innocent on the count of the stabbing of the man who tried to attack our soldiers. Case is closed."

This time Chrissa bit her lip and managed to keep the squeal from escaping. She threw her arms around Miley, silently thanking God over and over.

Miley giggled and hugged Chrissa back, thanking God that he rborther will be safe. "I say we should celebrate!"

Peter could barely contain himself. He clung to Justin in a tight hugtackle and was thrilled his cousin wasn't going to jail or die. He felt teh excitement when his cousin hugged him back.

Justin felt a surge of excitement that he gets to walk out a free man. He laughed when Peter hugtackled him and said to MMiley, "I guess that means we can go to the batting cages and go shopping!"

Chrissa giggled and gave Miley another hug. Then she realized that she had promised to text Kayla. Kayla had been unable to come to the trial because her family had some activity planned for the day or something. So Chrissa had promised to text Kayla and let her know the results as soon as the trial was over.

Chrissa pulled out her cell phone and texted Kayla, her fingers flying over the keys: The judge said justin is innocent!!!

Then she turned off her cell phone and put it back in her pocket, still grinning with excitement.

Ryan came up behind Miley and gave her a hug. "Isn't this wonderful? What a relief that the judge said Justin was innocent!"

Miley felt Ryan's warm caress around her and her heart melted like chocolate in the sun over his voice. "It is. I am so glad my brother doesn't have to go to jail or die. Peter sure is full of energy isn't he?"

Peter looked up at Justin, then realized he was almost Justin's height. "Hey! I'm almost as tall as you!"
Justin laughed, "Now let's see if you can be as good at the batting cages as me."

When they got there, Peter was first, becuase his excitement would not allow him to sit or stand still. He wacked every ball, as if he were swordfighting.

Meanwhile, Kayla received Chrissa's text message. She jumped up and down and squealed until her mother looked at her in irritation and surprise. "Kayla, what on earth are you doing?" she said.

"Never mind," Kayla said, calming down and dialing Chrissa's number. She had to hear all the details.

Chrissa's cell rang, and with a sigh she got it out and flipped the phone open. Ah, it was Kayla. Chrissa said out loud, "Kayla?"

"This is awesome!" Kayla practically screamed into the phone. Chrissa jerked her cell phone away from her ear, because Kayla's voice was so loud.

Ryan was standing a foot away from her and cringed. "What is that noise?" he asked.

"Kayla was getting overexcited," Chrissa said, supressing a grin at Kayla's enthusiasm. "Calm down," she said into the phone.

"Tell me everything. What did the judge say?" Kayla pressed.

Chrissa told Kayla all about the trial. "I'm so glad that he said Justin was innocent."

It was Monday at school, and Peter was scanning the list, to find whether or not he made the soccer team. He was thrilled to see that he made the soccer team! Even better, Zach was going to be on the team with hm! HE turned to Zach, "Hey! We both made it!"

"Whoo," replied Zach, the opposite of Peter, who was wheeling around excitedly. He nodded at his friend. "I heard the jury decided innocent, huh?"

Peter felt a rush of excitement, as the adrenaline went to his head. "Yeah! We celebrated afterwords! What did you do this weekend?"

Kayla saw Jen that morning at school. She waved to her and walked over. "So, what's up? I heard about Justin! I'm so excited about it."

At school, Nicole saw Kayla talking with Jen, chattering away with a bright smile on her face. She felt a burst of jealousy, frowned, and walked farther away.

Jen giggled, curls bouncing to her elbows, as she hugged Kayla. Me too! I was so afraid he was going to have to go to jail or die becaus eof his one witness who was lying. You should have seen the other witness that was agaisnt him! He was mentally off!"

Kayla burst into a giggle. "Mentally off?! What are you talking about?" she asked, her lips curving into a smile as her eyes sparkled with laughter.