CHAPTER SIX | FRAMED
ARTHUR
"I can promised you officers that whoever gave you that anonymous tip is a liar and the king of all liars. I've never set my eyes on any unauthorized drugs in my life." I confidently explain to the officers.
"Just open the goddamn locker, Arthur." The bald cranky officer grumbles.
With an eye roll, I punch in the pin of my locker, knowing fully well that I have nothing to hide.
Almost the whole student body gathers in the large hallway, all watching eagerly.
I've barely even opened my locker when a tiny transparent plastic bags falls out of my locker in large quantities. The small bag contains a smooth white substance.
"What the hell," I exclaim as I bend down together with the officers to pick up the bag to examine the contents.
"It is cocaine, all right." Officer Lance says before pulling out a handcuff.
"How the hell did it get into my locker? I have no idea how it got to my locker. I swear on my life. Please, believe me. Tell them Mandy. You know me like the back of your palm. Tell them I'm a good kid.
Like always, Mandy comes through for me, not letting the officers intimidate her from speaking the truth. "He is a good kid. There's no other guy more perfect than he is in this whole fucked up school. This is obviously a set up. You can check his academic records, check his criminal records. Arthur hasn't broken a pencil the wrong way in his life."
Ignoring us completely, officer Lance cuffs my hands behind my back. "You are under arrest, Arthur King. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will 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 provided for you. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?"
Just like a bad dream, I'm dragged out of the school premises and into the cops car like a glorified criminal. I could see the faces of my schoolmates, some shocked, some confused, and some amused by my situation.
I tried convincing the officers that I'm innocent but it is as fruitful as trying to fetch water with a basket.
My mother comes over to bail me out. I don't know how they did it but the case of my apparent cocaine business was closed even before it started.
I'm guessing my father stepped into the picture because I'm sure as hell that he wouldn't let anything ruin his public reputation, especially since he is contesting for a political position.
The officers gave me a stern warning before I am released, promising to make sure I spend a long time I'm prison if I don't stop my illegal trade.
Throughout the ride back to our mansion, my mother completely ignored me. I could tell she is furious, so I just let her be. My mother could be really scary when she's angry.
The moment she's in the house, I practically jump out of the car, glad I can finally get away from the tense silence.
Ciara is waiting at the door, an evil smirk on her face. Seeing me, she slowly starts clapping, laughing like a hyena on crack as she does so. "Well look who is back from a short vacation in the best place for people like him. Tell me brother, how was jail? Were you given VIP treatment or just treated like every other criminal? Did you meet other drug lords?" She laughs harder, having to use the door to support herself so that she wouldn't fall.
The anger that resonates through my body as I watch her laugh for something I am a hundred percent sure she framed me for is so much that I dig my nails into my hands until it bleeds to restrain myself from doing something drastic to her.
Pointing an accusing shaky finger at her, my furious eyes glares at her amused ones. "You did this, you framed me. I know it."
Mockingly, she turns around, pretending like she's searching for something. "I can't find who the hell you think you're talking to."
"Was it worth it? Was it really worth it? You did all that shit to your fucking brother all because you want him to learn to stay away from a boyfriend that doesn't even want him. How much evil can you be?" I yell, my body trembling in dangerous anger.
Ciara rolls her eyes, folds her arms across her chest and rests on the pillar next to her. "As much as I'm flattered that you think I'm that diabolical, I can't take the glory for something I didn't do. I had no hand in it. Somebody obviously beat me in teaching you a lesson. I guess you have more enemies than you think."
Without waiting for my reply, she walked away, kissing our mother's cheeks and telling her she's heading for violin lessons.
I storm inside, gripping my backpack like it's the one that set me up.
I pace around the sitting room, screaming into space as often as I can.
My mother comes in after me, silently observing my mini tantrum before speaking. "Calm down Arthur. Just go in, take a shower to clean off the dirt of your body, then come back down to eat something. You must be starving."
"I didn't do it, mummy. Ciara set me up. I'm innocent, I swear." I scream, my eyes becoming teary.
"I know, baby. I know you're innocent. But I'm even more assured that Ciara didn't set you up. She might act evil but I know she's all bark and no bite. She wouldn't do something that bad to her brother."
My frustration heightens because my mother is taking Ciara's side over mine. "She did it, mother. She threatened and made sure she came true."
My mother sighs in defeat, then begins to walk away. "Let it go Arthur. She didn't do anything to you. Trust me, someone else did it and when I find them, I'll make sure they regret messing with my baby like that."
Despite my mother's belief, I know my sister set me up. She's the only one that has issues with me.
I am determined to prove she's the culprit, even if it means I'll have to play dirty too.
I am determined to bring her down at all costs. She just unleashed the beast in me.