I Object!

Kelly walked into the courthouse, briefcase in hand and head held high. Today was the day. She felt like a grown-up for the first time, her mind swimming with every detail of the case, and her heart pounding to the rhythm of justice. She was so prepared she felt like a million pieces of information could bust out of her at any moment. Looking around as she proceeded through security, she didn’t see her client. That’s ok, it was still early, incredibly early in fact. She took a deep breath and continued on in search of Room 212B.

Kelly thought back to when she first decided to become a lawyer. She was always so determined and hardworking, yet her goal had seemed so far away, like a ship on the horizon, distant and seemingly unattainable. And yet here she was, at last.

As she strolled along, she could feel her pantsuit bunch and pull, not quite fitting her curvy form. No matter. Once she became a high-powered attorney, she’d be able to afford a professional wardrobe that fit her properly. Her sale rack purchase would have to suffice for today.

Ah, there it was, Room 212B. She smiled as she placed her hand on the door and pushed toward her destiny. As she walked down the aisle of the empty room, she spotted the judge enter from a side door. Kelly presented a warm smile on the outside as her stomach did a flip flop.

“Excuse me, Miss, you’ll have to leave.”

It took her a moment to realize that his stern voice was directed at her.

“But I’m…” “You’ll have to wait in the hall for your lawyer like the sign says.”

His glaring irritation was paralyzing. The fact that she was the lawyer was on the tip of her tongue, but shock and disbelief seemed to prevent her mouth from working. When she remained frozen, he simply pointed to the door until she scurried back out into the hall, heartbroken and humiliated.

Tears threatened to spill. Her life preserver of self-assurance seemed to deflate in seconds. How could she defend her case to him now? Her very first client had trusted her to right a wrong, to restore an injustice. She was in uncharted waters, unsure where to turn. Luckily, she found a lady’s room and fled for cover as tears dropped like bombs.

Did that really just happen? That man took one look at her dark skin and inexpensive outfit and judged her. Yes, he’s a judge, but he did so without a shred of information. All her confidence had jumped ship and all she wanted to do was hear her Mother’s voice. With shaky hands, she clicked to connect.

“Hi Ben,” Kelly choked, “Is my Mom there?”

Unable to hold back any longer, a sob escaped her lips.

“Kelly? Is that you? Your Mom’s not here, are you ok?”

She started to panic but could hear the concern in his voice, which was of some comfort.

“No, I’m a mess. The judge wouldn’t let me into the courtroom early and treated me like a criminal. I’m so mortified. How will I plead my case now?”

She wiped at the steady stream of tears within the privacy of her bathroom stall.

“Wait, so he didn’t ask who you were, just assumed you weren’t supposed to be there?”

She felt better that her usually calm and cool Stepdad seemed as appalled as she felt.

“Yes! He pointed at the door for me to leave as if I was a defiant toddler.”

Without any wind left in her sails, she was stunned to hear a low chuckle emerge from the other end of the line. What the hell? Was he laughing? This was the worst possible beginning to her career. She never thought of her and Ben as particularly close, but this was ridiculous.

“Is this funny?” she cried.

“Haha, oh this guy is so screwed.”

She was so confused.

“What are you talking about?”

Her emotions were unable to find their bearing.

“This judge. The guy who has completely underestimated Ms. Kelly Jackson, top of her class, debate team champion, and fierce protector of the mistreated. He is going to feel so stupid when he realizes his mistake.”

She had no words. Was he right? It was the judge who made the mistake, not her.

“You think?” she managed to squeak out.

“Absolutely. You are the strongest, smartest person I know, Kelly. Don’t let this ass hat put you down. I’m sure you’ll figure out a way to use this to the advantage of your case.”

Wow. Ben had always been a man of few words, so this was unexpected. She was the smartest person he knew? His encouragement splashed about her consciousness.

A shimmer of inspiration started deep in her gut just then. He was so right. Her case was about prejudice and completely unfounded assumptions made about her client, much like what had just transpired.

“Ben, you have been immensely helpful. Thanks.” Now tears were threatening for a different reason. The winds seemed to keep changing today.

“Any time sweetie. Go get ‘em!”

She smiled as she ended the call. Anchors aweigh.

It’s funny how people surprise you. One wouldn’t expect a well-educated courtroom judge to harbor such racial biases, but also unexpected is the unwavering support offered from a small town, ginger-haired plumber who happened to marry your Mom.

Kelly giggled from her enlightened perspective and refocused. The Notorious RBG would say to rework your opening statement and get back out there with your head held high. But Elle Woods would say to fix your face first. So, Kelly readjusted her uncomfortable big girl pants, reapplied her mascara, and got to it. She was certain it would be smooth sailing from here.