All Is Love and War | Maxley |

➳ 11

Sorry that this chapter has taken so long to come out, I've been renovating my bathroom and it's taking up all my free time. Plus, I wasn't sure where I wanted to take this story, but I've figured it out. Hope you like this chapter!

CHAPTER 11

Bradley

I had so many feelings rush through me as I held Max between my arms. I felt safety, warmth, and a tint of a feeling I'd hope would go away soon. My statement still rang true from before, the silence was nice. However, I'd also admit I missed hearing Max's voice. I guess we could continue to have both; the chatter and silence. As long as we were close, I would be okay. He was an amazing friend.

"We're almost at the police station," he said, his voice fading into a big blur. I nervously rubbed my palms on my pants. My breathing hitched, and I was feeling heavy. I leaned forward in the car, trying to stabilize myself. "Shit, Bradley, are you going to throw up?"

The car jerked to a quick stop. "I'm not throwing up," I mumbled, stepping out of the car. Max rounded the car's front.

He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. I stayed silent, maybe hoping he'd drop everything, but his eyes stayed glued to mine. "Penny for your thoughts?"

"I've contacted my brothers. They agreed to come forward about the abuse we've faced. I'm just," I paused, losing the gap between my chin and fingers. I pressed one slender finger to my jaw. "I'm just drowning in regret. If I would have come forward sooner, I could have saved my brothers and mother from the beatings from my father."

Max fiddled with his fingers. "It's not your fault, Bradley. He put you in a situation with impossible choices."

I sighed, "still, I'm surprised my family speaks to me. I was my fathers favorite son, if anyone could have saved them sooner, it was me."

"You're saving them all now," Max replied quickly. "Don't beat yourself up about it." He smiled goofily at me, his toothy smile growing from ear to ear. I couldn't help myself, a small grin appeared on my lips. "I saw that beautiful smile, Bradley. It looks like I'm good for two things now," he laughed softly.

"Just two?"

Max looked at me, the empty road displayed in front of us. "It could be three if someone would let me show my abilities," he rasped into my ear.

"Are you flirting with me?"

Max grinned, "it depends if it's working or not."

I snorted, "definitely not working. Cut it out."

Max laughed again, his usual too loud laugh. "Noted." I mumbled, I'm serious, to which he replied, "Sorry, Angel."

Angel? He wasn't taking me seriously after all. "Whatever, let's get back in the car."

The rest of the car ride was silent, I chose not to speak to Max. How could he have taken my "definitely not working," as a reason to keep doing it? Perhaps it showed on my face the small enjoyment of his casual flirting.

We arrived at the police station. The old building is being torn apart as the days go on. Max and I walked inside. "I'll be right here when you get out," Max reassured me. "Go on." I smiled lightly.

My brothers and I walked up to the older looking woman behind the front desk. The plastic wall separated us from her. "What brings you to Spoonerville police station?"

My older brother stepped forward. "We have to report a case of abuse against our father."

She typed away at her computer, the noises of her keyboard circulating around my head. "What is his name?"

"Bradley Uppercrust II."

"Perfect, thank you." She speedily typed his name into her computer. "May I have all of your names as well, eventually all of you will speak to one of our police officers."

My older brother placed a calm hand on his chest, saying his name. When I spoke, my breathing was shaky and uneven. I caught a glimpse of Max in the corner of my eye, and it helped smooth over my nerves. Eventually, she had jotted all of our names down and we took a seat in their uncomfortable arm chairs. There was a clock hung up loosely on the wall, it wasn't centered correctly. The arms moved slowly, making a quiet clicking sound when they did. Max was sitting next to me, his hand again, placed on my shoulder. It almost felt like he should be holding my hand too, like when a kid does something challenging for once. "You're being so brave right now, Bradley," he whispered to me. Thank god he was here.