Dad left to meet his client, but he should be back by tomorrow evening.
This time, I didn't even tell Ave and Abby about the letter. I don't know how they would have reacted, but I don't wish them to be tensed because of me.
Ethan tried to contact me multiple times after that day. I didn't pick up once. I don't believe Jason would have given him my number, but knowing his status, it would have been peanuts for him.
I can't understand why he's trying to contact me though. It's not like high and mighty Ethan Reyes, would give a damn to what a teenaged girl thinks.
Jason was concerned after I left his house without a word. Good thing is that convincing him wasn't hard. I didn't tell him the whole story, as the brief details were enough to cool him down.
I texted Jason a few hours ago to know if Ethan has cancelled the plan, but Jason assured me that Ethan hasn't mentioned anything like cancellation. This means, I still will be having a journey of three hours with a person whom I utterly hate.
Next morning I got ready to go.
I wore a high waist jeans with crop-top and denim jacket. I completed my look with a double Dutch braid.
Shortly after I was done, a Pagani Huayra stopped outside my house. Surely, it was Ethan. He might not be a great person, but he has got taste...
I locked my house, went to the car and sat inside without saying anything.
As expected, Ethan didn't start the engine at once.
He didn't face me but started the conversation,
" You still mad at me?"
Oh you bet I am!
I had decided it long ago, that I won't answer his questions until they were dripping with sarcasm.
" Grace, how many times do I have to tell you that I'm sorry... I really am."
I still didn't answer and kept looking outside the window.
" You want this to be a silent trip? Fine! Then that's what you'll get.."
He said and then finally started to drive.
Ethan kept looking at me for any signs of cooling down, but I didn't gave any.
It has hardly been five minutes of drive when Ethan spoke again,
" I've got something for you."
He passed to me a box, which was kept on the dashboard, beautifully wrapped in turquoise.
I didn't take the box from him and kept looking outside.
" Grace, either you take it, or I'll keep holding it like this. And just in case you need to know, it isn't easy to drive with a single arm."
I rolled my eyes but took the box from him.
" Now stop acting so stubborn and open it, please."
I opened the box with a scorn, but after watching what was inside it, I was filled with delight.
It was my mom's scarf which I tied around Ethan's wound that day.
Ethan must have noticed the bliss all over my face, so he asked with a smile,
" I see you haven't thrown it outside yet. Does this mean I'm forgiven?"
" Mr. Reyes, are you trying to convince me by gifting me something which already belongs to me?"
I said and finally turned to face him, and damm, this guy has charm..
He wore casual clothes. A white T-shirt with denims, which made me notice his build up body for the first time.
I hope I wasn't staring too long.
" I thought we were okay with first name access."
Ethan said as he focused back on the road.
" I don't remember giving you the permission."
" Does this really matters that much, Grace?"
" It matters Mr. Reyes. It matters who are the people I consider closer to me."
" And where do I stand?"
He said, we both turned around at the same time, and that was it...
His eyes. They weren't cold and egoistic like earlier. They were kind and genuine, like, he's finally opening up, and I'll get to see the real Ethan. His eyes held a warm feeling in them which can make anyone feel safe. His earthy brown eyes kept staring at my green ones and we had no idea how much time has passed.
We looked back at the road when we were interrupted by the loud horn of a trolley directly approaching us. Ethan made a sharp turn, burning tyres, and I could listen to my heart beating.
" We better keep our eyes on the road."
I said and we both nodded in agreement.
Two third of our journey was over, but it took longer than it should have. Ethan was taking all his time, with no hurry to reach our destination. We just took one pitstop to refill our fuel, but were still running two hours late.
" Aren't you in a hurry?"
I asked him a bit desperately.
" No, I'm good. Why do you ask?"
" Well, I don't know about you, but I have to reach there soon or I'll miss the match."
" Then I'll hurry. We won't want our plans to be spoiled would we?"
" We? You are coming to the game too? I thought you had some business to attend."
" It got cancelled a few days ago. But rest of my schedule was packed, so I thought I could use a break."
" So you'll relax yourself by supporting your brother during his match?"
I said with a tiny smile.
" Something like that."
" Isn't it too late to get a pass now?"
" That's not a problem."
" Oh sorry.. I forgot about the 'Reyes Reputation'"
He gave me a confused look and said,
" Your parents are quite famous as well. Aren't you used to it by now?"
" Just because I'm used to it doesn't means I have to like it. I don't even remember when was the last time the three of us enjoyed a normal outing together. I'm not complaining. I love them and respect them for who they are. But it's not my fault if I wish things were a bit different then what they are."
Ethan didn't say a word and kept driving. I tried to read his face but it was impossible. He holds his business face with precision.
By now my phone started ringing uncontrollably. I just messaged everyone that I was on my way and then switched it off.
Suddenly, in the middle of nowhere, Ethan stopped the car, and got out.
Confused, I got out as well and asked,
" What's wrong?"
" Flat Tyre."
" What? Seriously?"
" Give me one good reason to joke about this."
I can't believe this! This is a disaster!
Jason will grill me alive when he'll find out about this.
Abby told me that after their match, the entire team will be asking their girlfriends to prom. And since Jason and Natalie are no longer together, he was going to ask me, as friends.
I had decided that I'll say 'yes', since Jason has been a real great person in the past few days..
But that can happen only if I reach the stadium at least, even if I miss the match.
While I was hopelessly wandering around, I noticed a small house a few feet away. It appeared to be in good condition so I expected to receive some help from there.
Persuading Ethan to check that place once was a piece of cake.
We knocked at the door and a strongly built man with a grey beard opened the door. He had a biker kind of presence, but he appeared trust worthy to me.
His name was Ralph. For some reason, he hates Ethan. He doesn't even tries to be polite to him. But he's nice with me.
He said I'm the same age as his daughter, who is studying in a different state with her aunt. He also has a son, who is older than me but younger than Ethan. His son, Felix, is a mechanic and he works in the neighbouring city, to where we were going. Ralph said that his son will be able to help us, but for that we'll have to wait till tomorrow morning.
" Tomorrow morning? We can't wait that long. Isn't there any other way?"
I asked a bit tensed.
" I'm sorry kid, but I don't see any other way."
" Do you have any useful tools which can help us Ralph?"
Ethan asked Ralph, noticing how worried I was.
Ralph laughed a little and then answered in an mocking tone,
" And do you think you do the job? Reyes?"
Ethan gritted his teeth but answered Cooley,
" I can try."
Ethan's inability satisfied Ralph more than it should have.
I took it as my cue to meddle,
" Is there any other conveyance available nearby?"
" Kid, I know what's going inside your head. You aren't the first ones here. I'm going to summarize everything to you now. There are no mechanics, hotels, car rentals, or any other human help available within twenty kilometers of this area. You may receive weak cellular network but only if you're lucky. So now, you'll stay here in my house, in my son's room. My son will repair your car in the morning by ten, so you can leave. And at last, I hope you aren't vegan as I'm making meatloaf for dinner."
Ralph didn't leave any place for questions so we simply followed his advice.
We had dinner which was great. After that I went upstairs to Ralph's son's room and Ethan followed me.
" Where do you think you are going?"
Ralph asked Ethan with a scowl.
" It's fine Ralph. He can come."
I replied as soon as possible before the conversation could go further.
Ralph just nodded and we both went upstairs.
Felix's, that is Ralph's son's, room wasn't huge but was enough. He had a couch between the door and the window and a cabinet to the other side of the window. The walls were covered with articles and posters. Believe it or not, most of the articles were on either Ethan or his company. The good thing is that the bed was big enough for two.
I picked up few pillows and put them in middle of the bed, but Ethan picked them up and threw them on the couch.
" Hey!"
I protested with a confused face.
" I can see what you are trying to do Grace, but there's no need. I'll sleep on the couch."
" In that case you should have taken the couch downstairs, just like Ralph asked you to. It was bigger than this one at least."
" Haven't you noticed? That guy will be sleeping in the room just beside this one, and I'm not leaving you alone with him.."
" Oh c'mon Ethan. Ralph is a nice man."
" I'm glad to see that you are optimistic, but too much of nothing is good. You've met him five hours ago. Is that enough to know someone's intentions?"
" You sound like my dad."
" Knowing the man your dad is, it's by far the best you've ever said to me. Even though I was expecting a better comparison."
With these words he quickly dozed off on the couch.
The games should be over by now.
I decided to switch on my phone and I luckily got signal. There were hundreds of texts and messages. Some of them were from Mom and Dad. Some were from Abby. Around twenty were from Ave. And more than sixty we're from Jason. All of them were super mad at me, especially Jason.
I started by calling Mom and Dad and explained them the situation. I told them that I'll be back by tomorrow afternoon. Dad didn't panicked as I wasn't alone.
After them, I had to inform my friends. Since Jason was way too angry and Abby wasn't that mad at me, I took the middle road and called Ave. She soon picked up and showered me with questions, but after that she got calm and listened patiently. She understood the reason and I'm sure she'll explain to others as well.
After I was done, I stood by the window gazing at the stars. The view is very different from what we get to see in the city. It's stunning..
My sight seeing was interrupted by some unknown number. I picked up the call and heard a familiar voice, but I couldn't recognize it. It was a male voice, and it sounded very angry.
" Why the hell weren't you in the games?"
" I'm sorry, but who's this?"
" That doesn't matters! What matters is that I planned an elaborate scheme against you and you didn't even show up! Do you realize how pissed I am?"
" Excuse me?"
" I would have excused you if you would have let me finish my plan, but no! You can't do anything right! Now , you'll have to pay. Someone's gonna die very soon Holland. Mark my words."
I was filled with sheer horror.
This guy wants to kill me!!
But then he said something even more horrific,
" And Holland? Tell your mom she's looking gorgeous in her floral outfit."
I had a conversation with Mom just a few minutes ago and she really was wearing a dress with floral print. Will he really attack my mom?
My eyes started getting glassy and my voice cracked.
" No! Please, it's between you and me right? I'll do anything you say. You want me to come to the stadium now? I'll come. Just keep my family away from this."
The voice on the other side laughed.
" Just look how pathetic you sound Holland. Beating jocks one day and crying over phone calls the other? I have to say, you disappoint me."
" How do you know about that? No one knows about Hayden's incident."
" I thought you would have understood by now. I know everything about you Holland. You want me to leave you alone? Come to the back entrance of the diner you saw during your journey."
I could imagine his venomous grin when he completed his sentence.
" I'm sure you are as eager as me to finish this all."
I've never felt this level of weakness before. I was out of options. What if this guy is actually as dangerous as he says? He has every information about me. Not only me, but also my mom who isn't even in this continent!
I sat at the corner of the bed and buried my face in my palms. I wasn't crying or sobbing. But the tears were flowing uncontrollably and I felt a heavy lump in my throat.
" Grace? Are you alright?"
Ethan said as he woke up with a worried face.
He sat beside me on the bed with concern written all over his face.
I dried my face with the back of my palms and cleared my throat. I took a few deep breaths before replying,
" I'm fine. Just not feeling that sleepy."
" Grace, I can't see you like this. Just tell me, what is wrong?"
" Ethan, it's nothing big. It's just that, it was the first time I took a decision for myself, to shift here, and it's a nightmare. I've been through so much in a month, and then.. all this extra pressure.. I'm not sure if I'm a cut for this. I'm so tired Ethan."
I couldn't keep the strong facade anymore. I broke down.
No matter how much of a powerful person you are, the mental stress you have, once you know that someone you love is in danger, kills you from inside. It's make you feel fragile and vulnerable, and that's how I felt right now.
Seeing my breakdown, Ethan hugged me around the Shoulders, and I buried my face in his chest. At that moment it didn't matter what my relation with Ethan was, I needed help and he was all I had.
I kept saying about how miserable I was feeling, and Ethan kept listening, without a word. He stroked my back to comfort me, and it helped me a lot.
The difference between the Ethan I first met, and the Ethan sitting beside me now is so much that they are two completely different persons to me. One only thinks of money, business and his reputation, while the other is sincere, caring and possibly the best company I've had in past few weeks.
I don't remember falling asleep but I woke up on bed beside Ethan. He was maintaining his distance, it was me who held his arm tightly like a teddy.
He woke up shortly after me and clearly wanted to talk about what happened last night, but he restrained himself and I'm grateful for that.
Our savior, Felix, repaired our car by ten in the morning, just like his dad said. Ethan offered Felix a job which he readily accepted. Ralph was a little taken aback by this step of Ethan's, but he couldn't help feeling happy for his son, as working for Ethan was one of Felix's dreams.
Ralph insisted us to have brunch together but we declined.
We drove back in complete silence. Yesterday's events were bugging both of us, and talking about it would have helped. But how were we supposed to even start with it?
I'm in good terms with Ethan for almost a day now, but I have very different level of faith in him. I'm not sure if faith is the correct word to describe it but he is somehow very special for me.
There was only one place in our entire route where we could have our brunch, the diner where my secret detractor wanted me to come.
We entered the place and ordered food. There weren't too many people there. When the food arrived, I ate as slowly as possible. It was because of two reasons. First, I wasn't in a mood to eat. Second, if I finished soon, i'll have to leave without meeting this mystery man, and that might make him crazier.
Ethan was becoming more concerned with every passing minute. He couldn't take the silence and he finally asked,
" Just tell me what it is and we'll solve it together."
" I don't know what you are talking about Ethan."
" I'm talking about the reason that made you cry last night."
" It wasn't anything serious. Just some nightmares."
" You are one horrible liar Grace.."
There was silence again.
I wanted to tell Ethan everything, because I know he'll listen and he'll understand. But then again, the question is, why should I tell him? Who is he to me?
This emotional turbulence inside me about my feelings, wasn't helping me with the situation in which I am, and that was easily read by Ethan.
He put a gentle hand on mine and spoke in a reassuring manner,
" Grace, whatever you are going through, you don't have to face it alone. I'm willing to do everything I can so that you are safe."
He took a deep breath before saying the next sentence.
" Grace, what I mean to say is that I-"
He was interrupted by my phone. I slipped my hand out of his and read the message that I received.
It only said,
" I am here."
" I have to make a call."
I said and left to the place, where he has asked me to meet him.
My experience with dark, back alleys aren't the best ones but it's not like I have an option here. I waited for almost ten minutes and kept checking my phone in case he decided to change his plan, and then suddenly, everything went black.
I had a black sack like thing on my head with a rope around it's mouth, which was used by this guy to choke me. I successfully slipped my hands inside the sack and pulled it in opposite direction. It allowed me to take small gasps of air but that was it. My eyes started to water and my consciousness blurred. Keeping myself on my feet felt like a mammoth task. Every inch of my skin in touch of the rope was burning. I could feel myself loosing the battle.
But I deny going down this easily..
I removed one hand from inside the sack and dig my nails in his right hand. I could feel blood on my fingertips.
He cursed loudly and pushed me towards the wall. I hit the wall with great force and crumbled to the ground.
I was all out of energy. My mind couldn't think. I just sat their trying to breathe and waiting for his blow.
After about a minute, a hand came close to my neck, but rather than chocking me again, he removed the sack from my head.
I wasn't in my complete Senses but I could identify who it was.
Ethan.
Without any word, he picked me up bridal style and carried me to his car. I didn't complain because I would not have been able to walk.
As I sat inside the car, I immediately fell asleep. When I woke up, we had reached our city and were driving towards my house. Ethan had a grim expression on his face.
I could feel a bruise forming around my neck, so to hide it, I opened my hairs and tied my mom's scarf around my neck.
" Now you won't even tell your parents about it?"
Ethan said with boiling anger.
" It's nothing serious."
" Grace you could have died if I didn't reach there on time, and you are calling it nothing serious? Your father has a right to know and I'm sure he can find out whoever is behind all this."
" My father is a lawyer, not a detective. And as for rights, it's 'my' right to decide what I want to share with others and what not."
Ethan took a sigh of defeat.
" Do whatever you want Grace. Just don't get yourself killed in the process, please."
When we reached my house, I jumped out of the car, not wanting to deal with any of Ethan's questions, because I know he is right.
I then heard someone calling my name. I turned around to look at Ethan, but he was looking somewhere else. I followed his gaze and found the source of the voice.
A very angry Jason was walking towards me.
" Do you realize how humiliated I felt because of you?"
Jason said shortening the distance between us.
" Jason, please let me explain-"
" There's no need. Ave told us everything and I forgive you."
" You do?"
" Yeah, I mean, not totally, I have a punishment for you. You have to attend the party which is going to happen at my place tonight."
" Jason, you know I hate them."
" I'm positive I mentioned, that it's a punishment."
And then, out of nowhere, Jason hugged me tightly. First I couldn't understand why he did that, but then I saw Ethan's expression and everything was clear. His eyes were filled with envy and rage. Jason did this to get on Ethan's nerves, or worse, to show Ethan that I belonged to him.
As soon as we separated, Ethan drove away. Jason left soon too. I was about to enter my house when I noticed a car on other side of the street.
When the driver of that car found me looking in his way, he drove away. But I got a glimpse of who he was.
It was Hayden.