Chereads / The Darkness that Binds / Chapter 2 - Beneath the Surface

Chapter 2 - Beneath the Surface

Ethan had dozed off but his unease lingered, haunting his dreams. The mysterious figure's words echoed: "You're hard to miss, Ethan Walker." Who was he and why did he vanish?

Tossing and turning, Ethan struggled to shake the encounter's vividness. Eventually, he found solace, enough for him to enjoy his sleep.

Morning sunlight brought little comfort. Ethan woke up to the sound of his alarm after being throughly immersed in thought. The rain-soaked streets seemed to whisper dark secrets.

Ethan he had to prepare for school cuz he had bin late a couple of times and had to visit the Principal's office. He didn't want that again, else he would lose his scholarship.

So, Ethan quickly prepared for school and went downstairs.

Downstairs, his Mom, Ava, prepared breakfast. As Ethan walked down the stairs, his Mom noticed his eyes,"Ethan, you okay? You seemed troubled."

Ethan replied,"Just tired, Mom," forcing a smile and trying to conceal the truth.

His Dad, Michael, entered. "Big test today, huh?"

Ethan nodded. He hadn't prepared for the test, but he was confident he would fail

"Math", he said, "I've got this", assuring his Dad he would do well.

Ethan took some tea from the dining table and gulped it up. Checking his wrist watch, he decided to head to school.

School offered temporary reprieve, as his conversations in school would take him off this zone. So, Ethan grabbed his backpack, and headed straight for school.

Ravenswood High, was the name of Ethan's current school, as he looked up to read it's name. His school was ranked 100th in the world's best 500 schools, telling you that it was a blessing in disguise to go to such colleges. Ethan's parents weren't all that rich, but Ethan was born with an impeccable memory. That's what helped him pass the scholarship exam. His parents were proud of him as Ethan's sister had died three months ago, when Ethan was about to write his exam. Ethan had lost control that day, but he moved one dedicating his life to his sister but leaving everything in the past. And here gr was today, at Ravenswood High.

Ethan walked in breathing in the warm, dry air and opening his ears to the early chit chat before lessons, school was always one if the places he held dearly.

Ethan met Lena Lee at their locker. Lena was his best friend a lil too more than that, I guess,but Ethan never knew, as she always seemed to conceal some part of her feelings.

"Hey, what's up?" she asked.

Ethan hesitated, considering sharing his previous encounter. "Just stressed about the math test."

Lena nodded sympathetically. " Let me guess you didn't prepare ", she said boldly

" Yeah, kinda ", Ethan replied

" Don't worry, you'll ace it."

As they walked to class together, Lena noticed Ethan's distant gaze. "You're not yourself today," she whispered, her brow furrowed.

Ethan shrugged. "Just tired."

Lena's concern deepened. She'd known Ethan since freshman year and recognized the subtle changes in his demeanor. She definitely knew something was up.

Their teacher, Mrs. Thompson, began the lesson as they settled into class. Ethan's mind wandered, replaying the mysterious encounter.

Ethan couldn't control his thought as he zoned out.

Mrs. Thompson noticed this and asked, "Ethan, are you okay?"

Ethan, immediately snapping out, forced a smile. "Yeah, just focused on the test."

The lunch bell rang but Ethan didn't seem to notice until Mrs Thompson touched him on the shoulder.

" Ethan "

Ethan releasing what had just happened quickly stood up.

" Mrs Thompson "

" Ethan, you didn't take notes in class, what's wrong? "

She could tell cuz of his behavior, as Ethan was usually very attentive.

" Nothing Ma ", Ethan assured as he went out the door and towards the cafeteria.

Mrs Thompson had nothing to say,she couldn't force him to talk, could she?.

At lunch, Lena mentioned, "Hey, what's wrong with you. And don't say nothing or I'll bite your head off ", she smiled.

" Nothing "

"I told you not to say that"

Ethan only shrugged

" By the way, have you met Julian Styles? He's the new transfer student."

Ethan shook his head.

Just then Julian approached, his charming smile evident. "Mind if I join?"

Ethan nodded absently.

Julian's easygoing nature quickly put Lena at ease. As they discussed the upcoming school dance, Ethan found himself drawn to Julian's charisma.

However, Lena nudged him. "Ethan, what's on your mind?"

"Nothing," Ethan replied hastily.

" Looks like he saw a ghost ", Julian said laughing. Noticing Ethan's sudden glare, he stopped.

Lena's eyes narrowed. Something troubled Ethan, but she couldn't quite place a finger on it, instead she choose to observe him more closely.

After lunch, the math test loomed. Ethan's distraction earned worried glances from Lena. Luckily for Ethan, Mrs Thompson decided to cancel the test, as she had sensed Ethan's unease earlier.

Soon school ended, Ethan walked home with Lena. The silence between them was comfortable, yet Ethan's secrets simmered.

Lena broke the silence. "You were quiet today."

"Just tired like I said earlier," Ethan responded.

Lena accepted the explanation but her concern lingered.

As they parted ways, Ethan felt a gaze upon him. Julian Styles watched from across the street. As Ethan's eyes met his, Ethan shivered.