Marshall

On your own

⚠️ This chapter contains topic that may trigger some readers. Please read carefully and take a break if you need it.

I woke up from a weird dream, sweating so badly. In my dream..there was the school's hallway yet it was a little different. The walls were full of vulgar, homophobic words.. I saw the janitor's closet..and his tools..and there was a young boy, close to Dorian's age.
"Ethan.."
It kept ringing in my ears. Why? I don't even know anyone with that name. I had to shake it off. I was probably frustrated and still under shock by the event earlier. I had to go out to wash my face and accidentally woke Stephan up by making noises.

- Ugh...
- Sorry..
- What's the matter..?
- Nothing. I just had a bad dream. Go back to sleep.
- Sure..but stop calling for a boy. Charlotte will be jealous.
- Huh?
- I heard you saying "You need to accept and love yourself Ethan"
- The hell..
- Who's he anyway?
- No idea..never met anyone with that name.
- Weird.

It was. I just had to forget. My insomnia was back. I couldn't fall asleep for two hours or more. And even then I kept tossing and turning. In the morning, Stephan was back to his "normal" self. He was chatty, bubbly and full of life. Me on the other hand. Who slept like 4 hours.

- Hello sunshine! Ready for classes? I have history first. What about you?
- I don't even know what day it is..
- Friday. We plan your birthday , remember? Cool.
- Oh god..

That dream...it came back in the morning. It felt realistic, sent shivers down my spine. I wasn't ready for school but ready to see my friends.
After a coffee, we headed to the campus. The principal was smoking outside. Never seen him smoking before. There were a few teachers. Mr Green, Mr Williams, Mrs Smith, Miss Kingston, Mr Grey and Mr Myers. They were together, discussion something. I could feel tension in the air. It was still early , most of students were still at home. Only the ones who stayed in dorm was already around.
Stephan was texting someone with an ear to ear smile on his face, not paying too much attention. But I did.. I got this...feeling which was ominous. I had this before but I couldn't tell when..
Out of nowhere this kid from my math class showed up in front of us. His face was pale and his voice was trembling.

- Hey Johnathan. How are you?  You look sick.
- You'd be too...
- Why?

Before he could answer, Mrs Smith waved at him, signing him to get to them. I tried to study the situation, to see the details. Mr Green was pale as well. I mean, normally he is but he looked like a ghost. 
Then it began.. I hear some murmur.. the same, calm tone. But this time, I didn't hear him clearly.
A soft breeze touched my face..like the sweep of  a pair of black wings.

- Thunder... I want to go back the dorm..
- Hm? Something wrong?
- I think ...

Finally he put his phone into his pocket. His smile disappeared. Mr Grey shook his head , we could see even from the distance.

- Why...the teachers are out ...?
- No idea..

Even the students were outside. Literally no one went into the building.. I hated this fucking feeling..the deja vu..
And this whisper. HIS whispering.. He was here. I didn't see but I felt...
Willow showed up in a few minutes. She seemed confused as hell.

- Boys..what's going on here?
- Dunno. We just arrived. Should we get inside?
- Perhaps. Did you hear anything about the things from yesterday?
- No. People are secretive. But I'm sure as hell they'll find that little douchebag and will kick him out for humiliating that kid.