The Identity Crisis

The Arrest

Chapter 12

They came at 3:42 a.m. I bolted up in my bed as soon as I heard the door open downstairs. The yelling. The struggle. The tears. I slipped out of bed and peered over the railing downstairs. Six armed officers including dad's friend Chief Parker stand downstairs. Their voices are muddled among my fear and the ringing in my ears. Three of the officers turned and stormed upstairs towards me. I retreated back into my room, peeping out of the crack in the door. I felt tears stream down my cheeks, putting a hand to my mouth to muffle the whimpers. I closed my eyes as I heard Bryan begin to scream. I pushed the door closed and took a step back. I fell back on the floor, burying my head in my hands. The world went silent. The dark besieged me. My arms shook as sweat began to pour down my face. When I finally came to my senses, the house was silent. I pushed myself up and turned the doorknob.

I pulled the door open and stood out on the landing. I started to creep downstairs. Mom and dad were locked in a furious argument, their words blurring together.

"Devin you lied! You said this family would never have to suffer!" Mom had tears streaming from her eyes.

"Kathrine, please. I'm sorry, just please calm down." Dad put his hands on her shoulders. I took a step back up the stairs, then ran up. I bolted into Bryan's bedroom and shut the door behind me. There has to be something. Something to prove his innocence. I started by ripping apart his sheets and blankets from his bed. I moved over to the closet and yanked the door open. I pulled button-up shirts off of their hangers, and grey pants out from their neatly folded stacks. I hurried back to Bryan's nightstand and began to rummage through that. Folders, books, binders, and papers flew out from the small desk. I pulled the nightstand away from the wall and looked down. Nothing but dust. I knelt down on the floor, peering under the bed. Nothing but a dark empty space. I stood up, backing up against the wall. I closed my eyes as my back thumped against the wood. I turned and looked out through the shades in the window, into the pitch black night.

I pushed myself forward and put a hand on the foggy glass. A single street lamp illuminated the street. I looked up to the top of it, a shadow sitting atop it. The owl turned its head, its eyes glowing in the dark. I took a breath and a step back. I turned and sprinted from his room and into mine, slamming the door behind me. I grabbed my phone from my dresser and started to type.

Becca, you there?

I bit my lip, my breath shaking as I stood there.

Here, what's up? -Becca

It's about Bryan...

What happened? Is he hurt? -Becca

No. I don't think so.

Well, what happened? -Becca

He got arrested.

For doing what? -Becca

I don't know... Hold on.

I tossed my phone onto my bed and ran downstairs. Mom and dad were still arguing in the living room.

"Mom... Dad what happened?" I asked. My mom turned to me, tears streaming from her eyes.

"Erica... Someone accused Bryan of being... Of being a homosexual..." She muttered. I took a step back, turning on my heels. I ran upstairs again and picked up my phone, covering my mouth to slow my breath. I opened my phone and typed back to Becca.

Nevermind. I'll tell you later.

Author's Note: Another short chapter I know. Inspiration comes when you least expect it to.