Soby: An Oath of Peace and War

53: Other Side Of The Story

Bret stared at the men's badges, "Police, you're under arrest."

"For what?" Bret asked, "I haven't done anything wrong."

"You're under arrest for suspicion of abuse." Police approached Bret, "We got a tip from another officer."

Bret got up and walked towards them, cooperating with everything they said. He was taken into police custody. Skye watched in shock as her boyfriend was taken away in a police car. All she could do was cry and hold herself accountable for his arrest.

Everest looked at Damien and Frank, "How did they know he was even here?"

Frank shrugged, "We saw her walk away from this place. She must've seen him hiding?"

Damien felt shivers go down his spine, "We were at the batting cages when Bret wanted ice cream after our session had completed. All I know is Bret shows love and compassion towards Skye. Ella isn't always listening to the other side of the story."

"She just wants what's best for me." Skye sniffled, "I can't afford to lose Bret. After everything he's been through."

Frank stood from the ice cream parlor's chair, "Would Ella take Bret to court?"

Damien looked at Frank, "Why do you ask?"

Everest had a sense of realization, "To keep him away from her for good."

***

Bolt was returning home after his long shift. He set his gear on the table near the front door and sat on the couch, resting his eyes. The clock read 10:54 PM. Everyone except Skye was asleep. Bolt didn't hear the rug crunch or the floorboards creak under Skye's feet. He was lying there, exhausted, with his feet on the ottoman.

"Bolt?" A voice whispered.

Bolt flinched, "Who's there?"

"It's only me." The voice revealed herself.

"Skye... You can't do that shit." Bolt quietly groaned.

"Bolt. What if Bret is innocent?" Skye asked as she sat near her brother, "He would never harm me. Even if I were to harm him physically."

"Skye, I've already told you. Bret was suspended. What else do you want?" Bolt looks at his sister in the darkened living room, "He was reported, and that's it."

"He would never hurt me." Skye sighed. She watched as her brother began stretching and started growing tired. Skye went into a state of descending shock. She knows her boyfriend would never hurt her. Why would Ella do that to her best friend's boyfriend? To weaken their bond so she, meaning Ella, can strengthen hers and ruin everything for Skye.

"Bolt, what if Ella was lying?" Skye asked, her tone filled with worry.

"Then Bret will be released without a problem." Bolt sighed, "Why do you care? He's just some wannabe soldier."

"He's my boyfriend, Bolt. Why is Ella doing this to me?" Skye began to cry, her eyes filled with tears.

Bolt couldn't ignore the feeling that Skye was right but couldn't tell her the truth. He hugged her as she began sobbing got harder. Bolt's conscience told him Bret was innocent, but he trusted Ella more since Skye's boyfriend had hurt his trust since he returned home from Pogoren.

"I wish I knew, Skye. Listen, Ella might be telling the truth." Bolt began rubbing his sister's back.

Skye immediately rose and stormed away, "Ella's a fake friend, Bolt! I want you to realize that Bret is innocent. He wouldn't hurt me in any way. Sure, Pogoren happened, but it's over. He's home, and he's all I want. I wish you would see him the way I do. Someone who wants me in their life."