Voir Dear

Who says jury duty has to be a bore?
Cameron:
Jury duty is a complete waste of time. One, unfortunately, I have already had to endure four times in the past nine years because I am one of those lucky people who gets summoned every two years like clockwork. Do not get me wrong, I think jury duty is an important part of the judicial process which is why I am prepared to report for my fifth summons. Even if I still think it’s a waste of time. My mood isn’t improved by the dreary February weather in which I’m forced to wait, nor by someone bumping into me and sending my coffee flying. But when I turn to vent some of my frustrations on the idiot, I’m met with the biggest, bluest eyes I’ve ever seen.

Tyler:
I’m hurrying up Bryant Street outside the Hall of Justice when I get hit by the most amazing idea for my webcomic and have to write it down. Which explains why I end up blundering into the back of someone already waiting in line and sending his travel mug right into the oncoming path of a truck. My attempts to apologize only deepen my embarrassment, and I slink to the back of the line. But then we not only end up on the same jury, we end up seated right next to each other. I can’t hep but think fate is playing a role in our meeting, especially when it looks like the trial is going to end on Valentine’s Day.

Author’s Note: for the benefit of my readers who may be unfamiliar with the American jury system, the title – Voir Dear – is a play on “voir dire” which is the process by which potential jurors are questioned to determine their suitability for a particular trial. It translates to “speak the truth.”