That Pivotal Moment

Chapter 24

The Arrest

"Under arrest? For what?" This was insane. I haven't done anything.

"Roy Jeffries has pressed charges for assault."

"Assault? That's fucking bullshit!" Was he fucking joking?

Officer Berg walked towards me, pulling his handcuffs out. "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can be used against you in a court of law, you have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you."

They cuffed me and started ushering me to the squad car.

"Hayden," Gabby called out, "what do we do?"

The panic was clear in her voice. I tried to remain as calm as I could. There was only one thing to do. "Call Brad, Gabby."

"Brad?"

"Yes," I said as Officer Berg put his hand on my head to help me in the vehicle. "Call him now."

I saw her lean on her crutches as she pulled her cellphone out. Brad can help. I need his help.

Gabby

     My heart was pounding as I waited for Brad to answer.

"Hey, Gab-Gab, what's shaking?"

I internally cringed at the newest nickname Brad was calling me. There have been many. "Brad, this is serious. Hayden was just arrested!"

"WHAT THE FUCK! Why?"

I had to pull the phone away from my ear, clearly he was shocked as much as I was. "Roy is pressing charges for assault."

"That fucking asshole. I swear I'm going to go over there right now and-"

"Brad, listen to me. Hayden told me to call you immediately. He said you can help."

Brad was quiet for a minute before he let out a deep laugh. "Oh, yeah. I can help. Where are you?"

"Jenny's."

"Okay, I'm on my way to pick you up. And Gabby, don't worry. He's in good hands."

I hung up the phone and waited impatiently for Brad to arrive. Why was all this happening? But, then again, it was simple wasn't it? It was because of me. Everything that happened to him, was because he met me.

I felt a tightness in my chest at the realization. If he didn't make it out of this...

Hayden

As I stood for my mug shot, I was trying to contemplate the ways this could be worse. For one, it could be Gabby or Alex standing here. Thank God it wasn't. I really am going to beat Roy's ass. That bastard needed to pay for this.

I knew it was all revenge because of the state championship. Not only did they lose the game, but Roy spent the night in the hospital getting his nose reset.

Fucking worth it. Arrogant selfish bastard. I just hope Brad comes through. Truth was, his family came from a lot of money. A lot of money means a fancy lawyer. Brad told me repeatedly if anything like this ever happened, his lawyer would represent me. I fucking hoped so. I needed to figure a way out of this.

"Turn to the side, please."

I did as the officer told me, hoping this goes by quicker than it has. The information taking, the fingerprinting, all of it took forever. It was a shit show.