"Under false pretenses, I somehow never predicted that this is what could happen to me. I already had enough to deal with. And eventually it could catch up to me. I was more alone and vulnerable than ever. And I'm sure within the years go by, it could get worse."

(The notebook is closed by the defendant who moves it upwards while the judge and the jury are quiet then it's the judge's turn to speak up)

Judge: So it would seem.

Former executioner: She spoke pretty explicitly about the state of what was really going on behind closed doors. Give or take a few.

Judge: And when you read it?

Former executioner: I never thought most of it half the time.

Judge: Cordelle was going through a hard time and had to grow up quick at such a young age so it would appear. But we're not here to talk about theories. Mr. Vahmori? (The lawyer)

Cross examine your witness.

Mr. Vahmori: Yes your honor.

(He gets up and goes up to the witness)

Mr. Vahmori: What else could you tell us about Ms. Godiva?

Former executioner: Other than the obvious, I'm sure you could imagine.

Mr. Vahmori: That's not an answer.

Former executioner: That's not a question.

Mr. Vahmori: How many people did you kill during that time?

Prosecutor: Objection!

Judge: Sustained! Go ahead.

Former executioner: You have to understand. Back then was very chaotic. We had to do what must have been done.

Mr. Vahmori: Still have that mindset? Think that what you did was good?

Former executioner: I refrain from that question.

(He smirks at the lawyer who scowls at him)

[Salem Massachusetts 1689]

(Carlton Godiva works hard at his job as the Blacksmith of Salem. He has brown eyes like Cordelle, brown hair, and stands at least over 6 feet tall. After his job is over for now the boss is about to give some news)

Blacksmith Boss: Unfortunately, because of hard times right now, you will not be getting paid.

(Everybody murmurs disappointed at the news)

I know, I know. But in times like this, we'll figure something out.

Carlton: But sir. Its my daughter's birthday today. I was going to use that money to get her something special.

Boss: I understand Carlton. And I'm sorry but as of now, we cannot pay you. Give us a few days and we'll conduct what is really going on. I can't go into further detail but hopefully you understand. Thanks for your cooperation.

(The boss steps down and Carlton leaves all upset and distraught he goes over to a street vending cart and goes up to the cart worker and sees something he could give his daughter with a little bit of money he has)

Worker: Hello. What could I get you?

Carlton: I'll take the teddy bear. The small brown one.

Worker: Great. That will be 10 coins.

(Carlton hands him the coins in exchange for the teddy bear and the worker hands it to him)

Carlton: Thanks.

Worker: Have a good day.

(Carlton goes on home to their little beautiful former house. He opens the door and sees a girl sitting at the table nearly done with her schoolwork)

Carlton: Cordelle.

(He smiles at her lightly and she gets up from her work)

Cordelle: Papa! You're back!

(She goes over to him to hug him by his waist. He hugs her back. Cordelle is 14 and has medium length brown hair and stands at five feet tall at that age)

Carlton: Look what I got you.

(He takes out his hands to reveal the teddy bear for Cordelle)

happy birthday darling.

(She smiles and gets all happy)

Cordelle: Oh my goodness! He's so cute I love him so much! Thank you Papa! This is the greatest gift ever.

(He smiles weakly at her)

Carlton: I'm happy.

(His smile fades and Cordelle gives him a sad look)

Cordelle: What's wrong,papa?

Carlton: Oh nothing. Just work stuff.

Cordelle: Its okay. You can tell me. I'm a good listener.

(She sets the teddy bear down on the table and has him sit down on the couch next to her)

Carlton: I didn't get my bonus today for everything I've worked hard for. And in turn, I couldn't get you a real gift for your birthday.

Cordelle: Aww. I'm sorry, Papa. That doesn't sound good.

Carlton: Yeah. I just wish I could have given you a good gift.

Cordelle: No, Papa. Don't say that nonsense. I love that bear you got me. It's okay, dad. You don't have to explain. I understand.

Carlton: (He smiles) How did I get so lucky to have such a charismatic daughter such as yourself?

(Cordelle smiles)

Cordelle: I learn from the best. Thank you so much for the bear. I absolutely love it.

Carlton: Well at least theres something good to come home to.

[A few days later]

(Cordelle is seen walking back to her house when one of the girls comes over to her to tell her something)

Cordelle: I don't understand.

Girl: I'm sorry. It's not you. It's my parents. They found out your father is a blacksmith and they don't want me associating with the blacksmith's daughter.

Cordelle: We're not bad people. Why would your parents do that?

Girl: Look I cannot say more. Just don't follow me around anymore okay?

(She walks away and Cordelle leaves in tears turning the opposite direction. She hears the other teenagers talking about her)

Girl 2: I told you not to hang around her. Who knows if her dad is associated with bad people. Making their weapons and stuff.

Boy: they should leave Salem and go somewhere else. Its obvious they don't belong here.

Boy 2: She lives in a nice home but has no friends. What a loser.

Girl 3: Oh here she comes. Shh.

(She walks past and pretends she doesn't hear them talking about her. She goes back to her house and closes the door)

Cordelle: Maybe...they're right...

**********

Carlton: Alright. Mr. Wheeler invited us to this party tonight.

Astora: But honey. They never invite us anywhere else. Why to this? And why last minute?

Carlton: Maybe everyone got a late notice? Maybe theres someone important coming into town.

Cordelle: Listen, I don't know. Maybe we shouldn't go. Half the town already doesn't like us.

Carlton: Cordelle this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We can't back out. Who knows? Maybe we'll meet some good people. Let's go tonight. Do it for me? Both of you? Please?

(Astora rolls her eyes)

Astora: Alright fine. You win.

Cordelle: If you say so.

Carlton: Great. Let's get dressed then.

[9:00 PM]

(Carlton is wearing a tuxedo, Astora is wearing a red event dress,and Cordelle is wearing a long baby blue dress with black heels)

Carlton: My, don't both of you look great for the event. Let's go.

(When they get there they are greeted by someone who Carlton knows but Astora and Cordelle don't know them at all)

Man: Ah, Carlton. So happy you could make it. And who might these two beautiful girls be?

Carlton: This is my wife.

(He holds her by her waist)

and this one with the blue dress Is my lovely daughter Cordelle. Astora, Cordelle this is Mr. Beckham Wheeler. A business man and someone who I was familiar with a long time ago.

Beckham: Very pleased to meet you, Astora, Cordelle. You both look wonderful tonight.

Astora: Ain't you sweet?

Beckham: I almost forgot.

(He grabs a young man's shoulders and makes him stand in front of him)

Beckham: This is my son. Nigel Wheeler. Nigel this is my old colleague, Carlton, his wife Astora and their beautiful daughter Cordelle.

(Nigel smiles at Cordelle's appearance and she smiles at him too out of nervousness)

Nigel: I'm very happy to meet you.

(He shakes her hand she shakes his hand back)

Cordelle: Likewise.

(Nigel has slim back brown hair and brown eyes and stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall he appears to be in his late teens; Seventeen. Three years older than Cordelle)

Beckham: How about you two get to know each other. Me and carlton and Astora have alot of catching up to do.

Nigel: Sure. Is that okay with you Cordelle?

Cordelle: Yeah of course.

(Nigel offers her his arm and she takes it)

Nigel: Its pretty loud. You wanna hang out someplace private?

Cordelle: Sure.

(So they go in the backyard. Nigel sits in the grass)

Nigel: Don't be shy. Sit down.

(She holds the hems of her dress and sits down in the grass across from him)

Cordelle: Sure is a beautiful night.

Nigel: I'll say.

(She nods)

perfect weather.

Cordelle: Yeah. Sure looks that way.

Nigel: So how's school?

Cordelle: Its good.

(She smiles)

Nigel: Making new friends?

Cordelle: Mmm-hmm.

(She lies to him)

You?

Nigel: Ehh. Can't complain.

(She looks at the grass)

Cordelle: So what brings you to Salem?

Nigel: We move everywhere in the states. My father thought it was time to come home.

Cordelle: Oh. So you were born in Salem?

Nigel: of course.

(He chuckles)

Cordelle: What kind of job does your dad do?

Nigel: He travels alot. Does work in different states. What he does is very important.

Cordelle: Sounds important.

Nigel: I haven't kept in touch with friends since I moved back. So who knows, maybe we could be friends.

(She looks at him then blushes)

Cordelle: Yeah. Maybe...

(she shrugs then it's all quiet. Its Nigel's turn to speak up)

Nigel: You know, I know I barely just met you. But you're very gorgeous. You know that?

Cordelle: Not really. But thanks.

(She gets all flustered at that)

Nigel: No but you are. You seem... very sweet and smart for your age.

Cordelle: You think so?

Nigel: I know so.

(She smiles)

Cordelle: Thanks. So do you.

(He shrugs)

(a couple days go by, and Cordelle and Nigel are seen hanging out together)

Cordelle: Wow really?

Nigel: Yeah I've been to Rome.

Cordelle: It must have been so beautiful. Wish I could go there someday.

Nigel: Maybe next time you could come with us.

Cordelle: I don't know. I don't think my dad would allow it.

Nigel: He just might. You never know.

Cordelle: Kind of doubt it.

(He begins to move her hair out of her face and touches her cheek. She smiles and looks at him. Before she knows it, Nigel gives her a kiss on her lips. And she accepts and kisses him back. Then stops abruptly)

Nigel: I'm sorry. I don't know where that came from.

*Cordelle laughs* 

Cordelle: Yeah. Me neither.

(Cordelle narrating in her diary): "Nigel Wheeler became my first kiss. I didn't know it at the time. But I was more desperate for a friend than I was a boyfriend back at that time, because I was lonely I don't know what came over me."

*****

Cordelle: See you later.

Nigel: Bye.

(He leaves her doorstep and she goes to her room staring up at the ceiling smiling to herself)

[Narrating]: "It was beautiful for now. But I never expected something else"

[few weeks later]

(Carlton is seen laying in bed having a weak pulse and a weak voice he appears to be getting worse)

Cordelle: Papa...

(she has tears in her eyes)

Carlton: The virus...appears to be spreading...the doctor...can't do much for me at this moment...only to...make sure...I'm comfortable.

Cordelle: No. You're gonna be okay Papa. You're gonna pull through.

Carlton: My time...has come dear. There isn't much more...to say...

Cordelle: Dad...

Carlton: You...take care...of your mother...

(she continues holding his hand until she hears him take his final breath and he stops breathing)

Cordelle: I'm so sorry, dad.

(She starts to cry laying on his bedside)

                        *********** 

Nigel: I'm so sorry about your dad.

Cordelle: Me too. Thanks.

Nigel: How is your mom?

Cordelle: I can't talk about it.

Nigel: Sorry. But hey I was wondering. Do you wanna come over to my house? Just come and hang out? Take your mind off a few things? I know it sounds sudden.

Cordelle: Uh...yeah okay. Sure.

Nigel: Great. I'll see you tonight then.

Cordells narrating: "but that's when it started when It got out of control. I made the mistake of ever coming to his house...and bonus? It was already a tough time for me. And it was only going to get worse..."

[8:00 PM]

(Cordelle knocks on the door of Nigel's house)

Beckham: Oh hi Cordelle. Nigel! You coming? I have to go! Cordelle's here!

Nigel: Coming!

(He goes down the stairs and meets Cordelle there Beckham leaves the house and leaves both of them alone)

Cordelle: Your house is really nice.

Nigel: Thanks.

Cordelle: So where's your dad going?

Nigel: He's going out to dinner tonight at some event.

Cordelle: I see.

Nigel: So what would you like to do? We can play a game of cards. We could read a book.

Cordelle: I don't know.

(Nigel closes the door and locks it)

Nigel: sorry. It's a very busy night. And people can be quite scary at night when it comes to trying to break in.

Cordelle: I understand.

[Half an hour]

Nigel: I win again.

Cordelle: You're very good at card games.

Nigel: I could teach you...if you want.

Cordelle: Um...

Nigel: Or..we could...do this...

(He kisses her on her lips and she accepts his kiss they continue kissing. They both stop for a minute and hold hands going on top of the stairs into what looks like a bedroom. Preferably his. When they continue kissing, he locks the door behind him and has Cordelle lay down on her back. With him continuing to kiss her she stops for a breather)

Cordelle: Maybe we should get back downstairs.

(She says in between kisses. Then She feels him remove something off her from the waist down...)

Cordelle: No. No. Let's just go.

Nigel: Shh.

(He goes ahead and removes the rest having Cordelle struggle with him on top of her and pinning her down. And despite her fighting back, the unexpected happens)

(He gets himself up from her having her in tears in the aftermath and with him readying himself back up putting his clothes back on. Then he hands her her dress and looks at her.

Nigel: You should go. My dad will be home soon.

(she takes her dress and leaves his bedroom getting ready in the living room and quickly heads out the door. When she goes home she feels something gushing down there and lifts up the hem of her dress and sees blood. She goes to the bathroom and removes her dress and cleans herself off of what just happened. She lays there in the tub hyperventilating silently and cries to herself holding her knees together on her stomach

Cordelle narrating: "he took advantage of me. He must have saw me as an easy target and probably knew I lacked experience especially when it came to going upstairs with him to his bedroom. After what happened, I never told anyone. He made me feel just as culpable as he did when he led me up there. But I could've said no. And maybe it wouldn't of happened. But either way, everything was gone. Especially that night...

(Courtroom in Boston)

Mr. Vahmori: Was there any evidence of Cordelle Godiva being sexually violated by Nigel Wheeler?

Former Constable: in what context? Do you mean was it heard around town? The answer is no. It was never brought up. The only thing there was was what was written in this diary. Nothing more.

Mr. Vahmori: Did you know the Wheelers well?

Former Constable: Not really. But I've heard stories about their son all rebellious and getting away with whatever. The law is always on their side because Mr. Wheeler Nigel's father was well known in Salem at the time.

Mr. Vahmori: And what became of them today?

Constable: After the Salem witch trials, they moved from Salem to Mississippi. They haven't been back since.