The Absolute Panic

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.

What shall he do? How can he think of what to do when his mind can't even function for the sheer shock it brought to him?

His mind is floating, wandering as if he doesn't have a problem at hand. Where are his brain cells when he needs it? Please come back.

He nearly screamed in frustration! Why is he always getting surprised with things? And why do these things all occur on the same loop of startling news?

He just dealt with Lily for catching him living with one hot Timothee and now, a trial? It's not that he doesn't want to, not that he wants to prolong his parents' agony.

But because he doesn't have a lawyer! His parents don't have a lawyer even though probably they still think their lawyer is still Meyers. Oh my god. He needs that Attorney now. He needs to find that lawyer now. Now!

He grabbed his phone at the bedside table and dialled Lily's number.

"Your highness?"

"Trial's next week" he quickly informed.

There was a frantic rustle on the other side and he's guessing she's still on bed like him. "WHAT?!"

"Trial" he repeated.

"What?! Ren, we don't know where Atty. Elroy is!" Lily let out a heavy breathe and Darren was pretty sure she's already palming her face. "Who told you by the way?"

"Meyers"

"Is he gonna be your lawyer again?"

He gasped, "No way!"

"I'm quite amazed how you're treating this right now. You don't have a lawyer, another trial's next week and yet, you're still picky."

"At this rate, you will get nowhere" Lily judged, sharp tone visible.

"I know you can find him. Find him. I promised you your Elroy Golds, didn't I?" Darren changed the subject because he didn't call Lily to listen to her ramblings. He needs to know both of his friends are doing the best they can to put an end to this hide and go seek situation.

"We need to look for another one" she contradicted.

"No, no. Find him. Use all of your time, day and night. Find him"

Lily's breathing was the only thing he can hear for a few seconds and he knows exactly what it is.

He just woken up a monster.

"Are you out of your mind?! Why are you still pushing to find that lawyer?! You are having another trial next week, Darren! Do you really wanna waste all these important time for a lawyer who cannot be found?! HE'S WON'T ACCEPT THE CASE EVEN IF HE'S FOUND! HE IS ON VACATION REN!"

Ah. There it is. His pet dragon.

"We wouldn't know maybe he's not in the country anymore! Lee's exhausted trying so hard to track him down despite the few connection he has! He's not even getting full 8 hours of sleep just for your demanding ass!"

"FORGET THE ELROY GOLDS! LOOK FOR ANOTHER LAWYER!"

Darren nibbled his lip gently and though unsure, he opened his mouth to speak.

"Lils, I need that lawyer. He's the one you had told me can win our case. You told me he's winning cases after cases. You told me he's the best and I need the best. I need him so he could win the case and put the people who are really responsible for this in jail"

"I cannot risk someone like Meyers again who will only do the talk and won't do the action. My parents are suffering in jail, behind bars and in order for them to get out, is to get the best"

He tried to convince. As he had said before, he cannot risk it again. He should really have the best lawyer to release them as it must be a torture on them to sleep on uncomfortable bed, dirty walls and maybe with some dangerous inmates.

He needs a lawyer that can stand and reveal the truth.

It doesn't matter how expensive his services may be, Darren just knows he needs that lawyer.

"Alright. We'll keep looking until a day before the trial."

Darren nodded unknowingly.

"But I will hire our family lawyer for you just in case we cannot find him"

Darren thought for a second, that's fine. Despite how emotional Lily's family lawyer can be, she's still a good one.

"Fine"

"We'll call you from time to time. Bye"

Darren ended the call after that and sighed deeply. He needs to reign in the panic that's creeping up inside him. Overthinking wouldn't do any good. He needs to relax because he knows the truth will eventually come out.

How did his parents end up in jail with him under house arrest? Remand. That's what Darren can remember Meyers had told him. They are put on remand while awaiting trials, hearings, and further investigation.

And if Meyers actually did his job last hearing, then his parents are probably back to normal and enjoying the life they should be having. But no, it's in Meyers' nature to ruin all things. Those promises were never cherished and fulfilled.

Darren is fuming and pressured and panicking and everything.

What will happen if Atty. Elroy's not found? What will happen if Lily's family lawyer take the spot? What will happen if they're found guilty? What will happen if his house arrest is not lifted off? Will he stay at their house for years? Will he not see the outside world for years?

It's scary. It's terrifying Darren to the fullest. He knows they are innocent. The Chu name did not commit any crime. They were blamed. They were sabotaged. He can feel it.

But how can he prove it when he's restrained to one place? To be honest, he doesn't know what to do because it was all sudden, he didn't expect.

He knew it to himself they didn't do anything wrong. They were just living their lives but sometimes, innocent people are blamed for things. Innocent people are confined in places they don't deserve.

He sighed.

Things will get better. He hopes for it.