More Than Friends

Chapter 33

❃Max's POV❃

Today is Ray's sentencing. I'm extremely nervous, I'm almost shaking. Before today, I was informed of his charges, and how many years he could receive. The idea of him being away for as long as they told me, brings me heavy anxiety. He's been charged with voluntary manslaughter and drug possesion. I knew about the drugs, but I never knew a damn thing about the killings. Deep down inside, I don't want to believe it, only cause there is nothing about Ray that tells me he's a murderer. We've known each other our whole lives, and he's barely a fighter. He only fights when he has too.

None of this makes sense to me.

"Do you know what you wanna say?" My mother asked me, as she patted my back.

Right now, we were back at the FBI station. They had moved Ray here, because his case was much more than they anticipated.

"Not really, but I know I have to speak my truth." I said, feeling numb. Ray's mother was sitting across from us. I could tell she was trying not to cry. She just looked so broken, but at least she has her husband to get her through this. I feel so alone.

We waited a while longer, before an officer told me I could go speak with him before the case before us ends. I stood up, flipped my hair off my shoulder only cause it was making me panic even more. He led me down a long hallway, with other private rooms. When we got to where they were holding Ray, the officer unlocked the door for me and I walked inside. I immediately saw Ray sitting at the end of the table. His head picked up when the door opened, so we made eye contact. He was in an orange jumpsuit, with his hands cuffed behind the chair.

"Alright, I'll give you about twenty minutes, depending on whenever the first case finishes. Then, I'll come back and get you Miss." The officer told me. I nodded at his words, then heard him shut the door.

My first reaction was to embrace him, and ball my eyes out. But I just sat in the chair facing him, inhaling deeply. We never broke eye contact.

"So I suppose they told you what I'm charged with." He said lowly. It was meant as a joke, to cool the air, but nobody bothered to laugh.

"...Yeah, they told me a few days ago." I answered softly.

He nodded, licking his chapped lips. I cleared my throat, and opened my mouth to speak.

"Ray, they wanted me to try an-"

"Whatever they told you, isn't true."

"What?"

"I said, whatever they told you about me isn't true. I never took drugs, and I never killed anybody."

I let out a sarcastic chuckle.

"And how am I supposed to believe you?"

"Whatchu' mean, how are you supposed to believe me?" His tone of voice hardened. "I'm your fucking husband, you're supposed to be on my side. I'm telling you the truth and the truth is I never killed anybody and I never took any drugs."

I was confused at why he was yelling at me like I was a child. I know he's upset, but I didn't come here to argue.

"Ray, I am on your side. I've always been on your side, ever since we were kids, so don't ever accuse me of not being on your goddamn side! I was on your side when you went against my wishes and got caught up in all this illegal shit! I only stayed because I love you." I sneered.

"If you really loved me, you wouldn't be here right now."

"What are you talking about?! How can I leave you at a time like this?!"