BEG FOR IT

CHAPTER 2 - Ethan

Ethan :

I never thought I would have to see a day like this. Guess what? I'm cleaning-house cleaning. For fuck's sake, how did all this happen...

A few hours ago-

"Ethan! Get over here right now!" My dad's voice echoed through the house, and I knew exactly why he was calling. He must've found out about my MBA program.

"What is it, Dad?" I replied, trying to keep my cool.

"Why didn't you tell me you were doing an MBA?" His frown was unmistakable.

"Why should I? It's not like I need to update you on every detail of my life," I shrugged.

"If you'd told me earlier, I could've gotten you into a better college. The one you're attending now is just average," he said, disappointment seeping through his words.

"I don't want to go to a better college," I shot back, irritation bubbling up.

"Ethan, I know you're just passing the time, but after your MBA, you're joining the family business. That's final."

"Why should I?" I stood up, the frustration boiling over. "I don't want anything to do with that business!"

"Why are you acting like this? That business put food on the table and gave you a good life. You don't want to support it?"

"I never asked for any of it!" I exclaimed.

"Then don't use the money and the privileges that business has earned you," he replied, his tone unyielding.

"Fine!" I clenched my fists, heart racing. "But I'm not joining, no matter what you say!"

After that argument, I couldn't stick around any longer. So, I packed up and headed to my friend's apartment. Which he hasn't used in months because he is living somewhere else.

I'm starving! I had to come to college without eating anything today. I finished all my snacks last night, and now I'm just left with my credit card. But if I whip that out, my dad will definitely give me a hard time again. Ugh, why does being broke have to be this complicated?

"Hey, Ethan! Aren't you heading to class?" Martha calls out as she walks toward me.

"Morning, Martha! Honestly, I'm thinking about skipping today," I say, waving my hand.

"Yeah, I get that, but the professor said he's dividing us into four groups for some projects," she shrugs.

"Is it really that important?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Definitely! Come on, let's go," she insists, grabbing my hand and dragging me toward the classroom. I guess I'm in for it now!

As soon as I walk into the classroom and grab a seat, everyone rushes over to chat. I'm tossing out answers left and right, but honestly, I have no clue what half of their names are. I'm terrible with names. I can only recall a few, and one of them is Martha. I remember her because she's always sitting right behind me.

"Everyone, take your seats!" The professor's voice cut through our chatter, and just like that, everyone shuffled back to their desks.

"So today, I'm going to divide you all into four-member groups for some projects that you'll need to complete in a month. Each group will tackle a different project," the professor says, scanning the room.

After some time, the professor leaves us with our group assignments.

"Hey, we're in the same group!" Martha beams, standing in front of me with Ryle, who I remember from class.

I scan the area, looking for our fourth member. "So where's the 4th person?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.

"Oh, what did the professor say her name was?" Martha glances at Ryle.

Before Ryle can respond, a voice chimes in.

"Beatrix!" A girl stands in front of us, raising her hand enthusiastically.

"Hi! I'm Beatrix, and I'm in your group!" She waves with a bright smile. It's a big smile, but something about it feels a bit off-like it's just for show and not quite reaching her eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Beatrix!" I say, trying to match her energy, "And I'm Ethan!"

"Hello!" she replies, nodding with that bright smile of hers.

"Oh, you're Annie's new friend!" Martha points at her with a grin.

"Yeah!"

Ryle and Martha introduce themselves next.

"So when do you all think we should start?" Beatrix asks, raising her eyebrows. "We need to gather data on small businesses by meeting them in person."

"Hmm..." I ponder for a second.

"What do you think, Ethan?" Martha nudges me.

"I don't know, but I think we shouldn't go today. Let's wait a few days. I'll let you guys know when I'm free."

Martha and Ryle nod, but I notice Beatrix pausing for a moment. "Okay then. Martha, give me your contact info so you can inform me when you decide to go."

She takes down only Martha's info and then flashes us one last smile before heading out of the classroom.

As she walked away. I couldn't help but feel like Beatrix was a bit... distant. It's like she was only here for the project and not really interested in us. Straight to the point, no small talk-just business.