Through Ash and Dust (ROTB)

Chapter 12

Saphira clutched her hands together tightly while digging her nails into her skin. She was extremely nervous. Arthur had just said that they needed to talk, but she had zero clue as to why that was. At first, she thought it could be something to do with the autobots. But that would be insane! No one knows about it, so as far as she knew, there was zero possibility that Arthur knew. However, this had most likely to do with Claudia. Saphira was worried now, because she had no idea what Claudia had said. Even though Saphira had sent Arthur proof she had been in hospital. So she had no idea what was going to happen.

Arthur could see how frightened the girl was. He could see her injuries, and he felt like he was backed into a corner. Taking a deep breath, Arthur proceeded to speak. "Do you even know why I want to speak with you?" She shook her head silently, unable to get the words out of her mouth. "Well...this has to do with the incident on the weekend. We know exactly what has happened."

Saphira did not know how to respond to that. She had no idea at all. It took her a moment before she responded. "Okay...but I told you what happened. I was attacked, Arthur." She felt tears filling her eyes. "I...I learned I was used..." She sniffled a little. "So I don't know why you brought me here. Everyone's looking at me like I did something wrong."

"And you did." Saphira frowned in confusion as she had no idea what he meant by that. "I am disappointed. I thought you weren't the type to lie." What the hell is he even talking about?! Saphira felt her fear grow some more as she listened to him. "I can see you definitely been through a beating. And your hospital certificate is legit. However...I have been told a very different story."

Saphira was extremely confused by all of this. "I...I don't understand. Arthur, what were you told?" She really did not understand at all. "I'm confused...please tell me what is going on. I don't understand...you are scaring me, Arthur." She could feel herself getting dizzy, even though she has not heard the explanation with. "I...did Claudia say something?"

"Both Claudia and Dylan came to the office on Monday. They came and told me their side of the story." Both of them?! Saphira could not help but wonder what the hell they had told Arthur. "And honestly...I can't believe it." He was shaking his head slowly with a disappointed expression. "You...you lied to me. You did go to the restaurant and you enjoyed the meals that they had with Dylan."

Wait...what? What the hell?!

"Dylan said you had bruschetta, minestrone soup, a seafood spaghetti and tiramisu cake..." Those must have all been what Claudia had. Saphira shook her head as she never got to have any of that. "Don't deny it, Saphira. Dylan told me everything. Apparently, as you were about to break up with him, Claudia had entered the restaurant and spotted you both. And now, I know this is where she was wrong, she walked over and mocked you. Then she began flirting with Dylan." Saphira really wanted to argue that he was wrong, but she bit her tongue. "That was when you got angry, and stormed out without paying. The poor man had to pay for your food too."

I would never do that...this is all so ridiculous.

"He followed you to try and stop you...and Claudia followed." Saphira let tears fall from her eyes as she listened, and Arthur narrowed his eyes at her. "Saphira, don't be using tears to try and make me feel sympathy for you. It isn't going to work!" She quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks, feeling herself cower before the man she thought was her friend. Her heart was breaking, and she it was hurting so much. "Is it true that you dragged Claudia to the alley by the parking lot and began beating her up?" She shook her head immediately. "Well...Dylan had to protect the woman and so he attacked you to defend her. Which, I at least can see, was the truth. You clearly was given a worse beating than Claudia. She came in limping and crying, but she still managed to work all day."