Tragic

Chapter Twenty-One: Extraction Point

Hunter

After the scene that played out earlier today, Elliot decided it was best to stay in her own bed tonight. I'll admit my behavior may raise a few flags to Oliver, but I couldn't help it. I've seen first-hand what blind rage mixed with alcohol can do to a man, and I'm not about to let it happen to her.

It's just after midnight when Oliver's truck finally pulls into the driveway. A group of guys showed up hours ago to collect Judah's vehicle so I figured he would have been home a long time ago. I watch him look to the house and then turn quickly in my direction. I meet him at the door.

"Ollie, what took you so long?" I ask, pulling the door open.

He gives me a stern look and steps past me. "You were out of line today."

I let out a stunned huff of air before closing the door. "Are you joking? I'm the one who was out of line?"

Oliver turns to me and crosses his arms. "For you to insinuate that I wouldn't protect my sister is beyond ridiculous."

I shake my head and take a step toward him. "Listen, man..."

"No, you listen," he says harshly, cutting me off. "I always have Elliot's best interests in mind. There is nothing I wouldn't do for her. I know Judah. He's young and clearly upset right now, but I have no reason to believe he would physically hurt her."

My eyes widen. "Was I the only one who was here today? He had her backed against the wall out there and you did nothing to stop it."

"I was right there watching the whole thing. I stepped in when I thought he was getting a little too pushy."

I scoff. "Yeah, after I already pulled him off of her."

Oliver throws his hands up. "Why are we fighting over this? Everything is going to be okay now. We had a long talk, and once he stopped crying and sobered up, he started making some sense again."

I laugh. "Judah made sense. Really?"

He nods. "Yeah, the back and forth between them has really been getting to him. Elliot is extremely manipulative whether she intends to be or not. Some guys can't handle that."

I cover my mouth with my hand for a moment. I'm about to say something I'll regret. Oliver takes a seat on the couch and clasps his hands in his lap. "She's my sister, and I love her, but she's quite selfish. I can't say anything really because I act exactly the same way. We're cut from the same cloth." He shrugs, and I clench my fist involuntarily.

He laughs once. "This is not the first time something like this happened. Last year her and Judah broke up, and she started dating some guy from the swim team to make him jealous. After that whole ordeal the guy stalked her for weeks. It's like she doesn't realize the way her actions affect people or even cares."

My mind is completely blown right now. I can't believe that Oliver is almost defending Judah. "So, you're saying this happened because Elliot brought it on herself."

He shakes his head. "No. Listen, right or wrong, I would defend her above anyone else. I not so subtly explained to Judah that a repeat performance will not be tolerated. I'm just saying it didn't surprise me it came to this."

Honestly, it shouldn't surprise me either. After the games we played I saw firsthand how vindictive she can be. But the part Oliver is missing is the side of her you can't see. It's a front so she can protect herself from how she really feels. Not to mention her most substantial role model is a glorified playboy. That would cause anyone to have a skewed sense of what a relationship is supposed to be like.