Chapter 04

Max sat in the back of the police car, staring blankly out the window as the city lights blurred past him. The events of the night replayed in his mind, each memory piercing like a fresh wound. Lily’s cold, dismissive voice. David’s taunts. The betrayal, public humiliation, and the stinging slap from the security guard. It all left him feeling hollow, his heart shattered beyond repair.

The silence in the car was heavy, punctuated only by the crackle of the police radio. The reality of what he’d done was beginning to settle, but he didn’t have the energy to regret it. The pain and anger had taken over, leaving him with nothing but a numb sense of loss.

When they arrived at the police station, Max barely registered the officers as they led him inside, processing him with a detached efficiency. After a brief wait, an officer sat him down and placed a form in front of him.

“Max Reid,” the officer said, looking down at the paper, “you’re being charged with assault, battery, disruption of business, and public violence. That’s quite a list.”

Max swallowed, still too overwhelmed to respond.

The officer continued, his tone neutral but firm. “You have two options, Mr. Reid. You can either pay a fine of $5,000 now, or you’ll spend three days in jail. That will go on your record, and from what I’ve read here, Harvold University doesn’t permit students with criminal records. In other words, jail time could mean expulsion.”

The weight of the officer’s words hit Max hard. Expulsion from Harvold University would shatter everything he’d worked for. His education was his one chance at a better life, his only escape from the cycle of poverty he’d been trapped in since childhood.

“You’ll get a chance to make some phone calls,” the officer added, standing up and gesturing toward the desk phone. “If you can arrange the payment, you can walk out of here tonight. Otherwise, you’ll be transferred to a holding cell.”

Max nodded numbly, his hand trembling as he reached for his phone. The screen flickered, cracked from the fight, but he managed to open his contacts list. The reality of his situation became painfully clear—he didn’t know many people, and those he did know were students as broke as he was.

After a moment of hesitation, he dialed his dorm mate, Rudd. It was late, and he could only hope his friend would answer.

“Hello?” Rudd’s voice was groggy with sleep but quickly filled with surprise. “Max? Where are you, man? I just saw the stream… are you okay?”

Max’s voice wavered. “I’m… I’m at the police station. They’re charging me. Rudd, I… I need $5,000, or they’re putting me in jail.”

Rudd’s silence spoke volumes, but after a moment, he replied, his voice steady. “Alright, hold tight, Max. I’ll get the guys. We’ll figure this out.”

A flicker of hope sparked within Max as he ended the call, his heart heavy but grateful. He knew his friends weren’t wealthy by any means, yet they were willing to help him. It was a kindness he wasn’t sure he deserved.

An hour later, Rudd arrived with Marcus, Greg, and Ethan. They looked exhausted, but the determination in their eyes lifted Max’s spirits. They handed over the gathered bills and loose change, scraping together every dollar they had.

“Here,” Rudd said, pushing the crumpled bills into Max’s hands. “We managed to get the full amount. Took all of us, but… it’s enough to get you out of here.”

Max looked at the money, his vision blurring with unshed tears. “I… I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

Marcus crossed his arms, looking at him with a mix of concern and frustration. “Max, what were you thinking, fighting David Lesley of all people?”

Max looked down, his voice barely a whisper. “I wasn’t thinking… I just couldn’t stand it. I had to know why she did it.”

Greg placed a hand on Max’s shoulder. “You didn’t have to go through this alone, man. If you’d told us what was happening, we would’ve had your back.”

“I didn’t want to drag you guys into it,” Max replied, his voice trembling. “But… I guess I didn’t have much of a plan.”

Rudd let out a sigh. “We get it, Max. But David’s powerful. You’ve got to be careful around people like him.” He paused, then added, “Still, you don’t have to go through this by yourself. We’re here for you.”

Unable to hold back his emotions, Max lowered his head and gave a deep, respectful bow to his friends. “Thank you… I owe you all so much. I’ll pay you back, every cent. I promise.”

The gesture took his friends by surprise, and they exchanged glances, some embarrassed, others touched. Marcus gave Max a reassuring pat on the back. “Just don’t get into any more trouble, okay? We can’t keep bailing you out.”

Ethan chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Yeah, man. Our wallets can’t handle another stunt like this.”

Despite the situation, Max managed a small smile. He knew he didn’t deserve friends like these, but he was grateful beyond words. They’d seen his worst night, yet they’d stood by him.

As they walked out of the station, Rudd glanced at Max, concern still evident in his eyes. “Look, Max, maybe it’s best to let this go. Lily’s not worth it, and David… he’s dangerous. You’re already on thin ice with the university. Just focus on yourself now.”

Max nodded slowly, knowing his friend was right. He had to let go of Lily, of David, of the pain and anger they’d left him with. But deep down, he knew it wouldn’t be easy. The sting of betrayal lingered, like a wound that refused to heal.

After walking a few blocks, Max stopped, taking a deep breath. “Thanks for everything, guys. Really. But… I think I need some time alone.”

Rudd hesitated, worry flickering in his eyes. “Are you sure? It’s been a rough night, Max.”

Greg nodded in agreement. “Maybe we should stick together.”

But Max shook his head, forcing a reassuring smile. “I’ll be alright. I just need to clear my head.”

Now alone, Max wandered through the quiet streets, his thoughts heavy. The night’s events had left him raw, his heart bruised and battered. The memories played on a loop in his mind, and with every step, the reality of his heartbreak settled deeper into his bones.