As Jeremy's words hung in the air, the atmosphere shifted, and we leaned in closer, eager for the chilling revelation. It was as if we were a group of children huddled around a campfire, ready to hear a spine-tingling ghost story.
"One of the nannies overheard an argument between Theo and his father," Jeremy began, his voice lowered for dramatic effect. "Apparently, Mr. Brantley was livid about Theo's grades and completely lost control."
The intensity of the Brantley family's business was notorious, and Theo seemed to struggle under the weight of their expectations. According to the rumor, he had doused the room in alcohol and set it ablaze, with his parents still inside.
Ethan's disbelief was evident as he questioned the veracity of the story, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Is that really true?" he asked, seeking confirmation.
"Who knows?" Rachael replied, her tone tinged with uncertainty. "But it does seem like something Theo would do."
I interjected, hesitant to believe such a heinous act. "He's intense, but I can't imagine him burning down his own home with his family inside," I reasoned, trying to find a more plausible explanation.
Ethan, visibly unsettled, spoke up, his voice trembling slightly. "That gives me the shivers. And I have to sit next to him in Physics too."
Jeremy, unfazed by the discomfort caused by his story, grinned mischievously. "Just a lighthearted tale to start the day," he quipped, shrugging off Rachael's comment about his increasingly peculiar behavior.
Glancing at the time, I sighed, aware that we needed to leave soon. I discreetly checked my phone, relieved to find no new messages. Blushing in front of my friends was something I desperately wanted to avoid.
Breaking the tension, I offered to pay for our drinks, adhering to our usual routine. However, Rachael surprised me by insisting that she would cover the cost, a departure from our established norm. She playfully teased me, aware that I couldn't argue without appearing ungrateful or dishonest.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, Ethan announced that we should head to school earlier than usual to meet the new student. Rachael inquired about the newcomer's name, and Ethan, preoccupied with his own concerns, confessed he hadn't paid much attention but believed it was "Eel."
Jeremy, unable to resist a witty remark, interjected, "Like the fish?" eliciting a chuckle from the rest of us.
Rachael expressed her frustration at not being allowed to conduct the tour, a responsibility that had been bestowed upon Ethan. "I wish they had let me do it," she lamented, her desire for control evident.
Ethan, eager to avoid being late, sprang up from his seat, urging us to move swiftly. With his characteristic enthusiasm, he ushered us out of The Coffee House, ready to tackle the day's adventures, leaving behind the lingering shadows of Theo's mysterious return and the disturbing rumors that surrounded him.
YOU ARE READING
New Hope
RomanceA short story designed for Snapchat stories i wrote, about a gay teen trying to discover his own sexuality.
