The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as our group gathered in the local cafe. Jeremy, proposed a questionable plan to convince football players to assist us, offering them free booze as an incentive. Rachael immediately shot down the idea, concerned about the consequences of underage drinking. Ethan, known for his laid-back nature, playfully called Rachael a buzzkill, provoking a sharp retort from her.
Amidst the banter, we knew convincing Rachael was an uphill battle. She had distanced herself from most people, preparing for the impending college transition. Our chances of success seemed slim, but Jeremy remained optimistic, while I quietly observed, skeptical of our chances.
Shifting the conversation, Jeremy mentioned Theo's unexpected return to school. Rachael expressed her unease, sensing something unsettling about him. I, however, empathized with Theo, considering the challenges he faced upon his return. Jeremy dismissed my sympathy, claiming Theo seemed unaffected by his past or the recent tragedy of his house burning down.
Ethan added a somber note, sharing disturbing news about Theo's severely burned mother, who was still in the hospital. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on us, particularly the pain endured by Theo's family, especially his younger sister.
Attempting to lighten the mood, Jeremy introduced a topic of gossip surrounding the cause of the fire. Rachael cautioned against speculating, but Jeremy persisted, assuring us that nobody could overhear our conversation. Ethan mentioned a popular theory about a careless chef leaving a turkey in the oven for too long, causing the blaze.
However, Jeremy hinted at a more sinister explanation, capturing our attention. The atmosphere grew charged as he prepared to reveal the darker rumor that had been circulating.
YOU ARE READING
New Hope
RomanceA short story designed for Snapchat stories i wrote, about a gay teen trying to discover his own sexuality.
