I sat in the cafeteria with Amy, surrounded by the lunchtime bustle. We chatted about our classes, but my mind wandered to Ethan. Our encounter had left me with more questions than answers.
Amy noticed my distraction. "Ava, what's going on? You've been distant lately."
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just stressed with schoolwork," I said, avoiding eye contact.
Amy's piercing gaze told me she didn't buy it. "Ava, I know you. Something's bothering you."
I fidgeted with my napkin, torn between loyalty to Ethan and trust in Amy. We'd been friends since freshman year, sharing secrets and laughter.
"Amy, I..." I started, then stopped.
Jessie and Mimi joined us, chattering about the upcoming school dance. I welcomed the distraction.
"Hey, Ava! Are you going to the dance?" Jessie asked.
"I don't know," I replied, shrugging.
Mimi jumped in. "Come on, Ava! It'll be fun! We can dress up together."
Amy watched me, her expression thoughtful. "Ava, we can talk about this later, okay?"
I nodded, grateful for her understanding.
As we finished lunch, I scanned the cafeteria, searching for Ethan. He sat across the room, his eyes locked onto mine. I felt a shiver run down my spine.
After lunch, I headed to my locker, lost in thought. Ethan's words echoed in my mind: "Don't tell anyone."
What was he hiding?
As I switched books, Amy caught up with me.
"Ava, seriously, what's going on?" she pressed.
I sighed, weighing my options. "Amy, I'll tell you later, okay? Just...just trust me."
Amy's expression softened. "I trust you, Ava. But if something's wrong, I'm here for you."
I smiled, feeling grateful for her loyalty.
Little did I know, Ethan was watching us from across the hallway, his eyes narrowing.
Oh no I'm in trouble.
I'm sitting in the class and i see him walking to my desk, my heart pounding.
He leans in and whispers, " Meet me outside, little one," he said and i shivered—Ethan's grip on my hand was like a vice. His eyes blazed with anger, his jaw clenched.
"What did I tell you, Ava?" he hissed, his voice low and menacing.
Tears sprang to my eyes as I tried to pull away. "Ethan, please...let me go."
His fingers tightened, making me wince. "You promised not to tell anyone."
"I didn't, I swear!" I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice.
Amy's concerned expression flashed in my mind. I had confided in her, breaking my promise.
Ethan's face twisted in disgust. "You lied to me."
I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. "Ethan, please...don't hurt me."
His gaze faltered, and for an instant, I saw something else – pain, vulnerability.
But it vanished, replaced by anger.
"Who did you tell?" he demanded, his grip unyielding.
I trembled, fearing what might happen if I revealed Amy's involvement.
"No one," I lied, trying to convince him.
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Don't play games with me, Ava."
" Please i didn't. Let me go," i say.
" Let's do this, since you did tell. You are going do whatever i tell you. You are going to be mine. Follow all rules as your punishment. Attempt to murder is murder, Chiquita," he says and i shake my head.
I can't become his, I'm scared of him.
He might just use me.
" No. Leave me alone," i say as i try to pull away from him.
" Tsk tsk tsk, Ava. My Little Ava. Mi Chiquita," he says as he smiles and i see dimples. They look nice.
He walks away and I'm left standing there my hands grab my hem of skirt.
What have I gotten myself into...
