Hollow Creek /Finney Blake X Male Oc/

Chapter Six: A Glimmer of hope

Chapter 6

Morning, August 13, 1978, 7:00 AM

Ethan woke to the soft patter of Whiskers' paws on his chest. The cat was a daily alarm clock, nuzzling against him as if to say it was time to get up. He stretched, feeling the warmth of his cozy blankets and the lingering dream of adventure still clinging to his mind.

"Alright, alright," he murmured, pushing the cat off gently. "Time to rise and shine."

After a quick shower, Ethan grabbed his toothbrush and squeezed a generous amount of paste onto it, scrubbing away the remnants of sleep. He dressed in a blue t-shirt and his favorite pair of jeans, checking the time as he hurriedly laced his shoes.

"Okay, I'm gonna take the bus today," he decided, remembering how excited he felt riding it with Finney the other day.

He rushed downstairs, glancing at the clock again.

"C'mon, Ethan! You can't be late!" he muttered, grabbing his backpack and slinging it over his shoulder.

His mom was in the kitchen, the scent of fresh coffee and pancakes wafting through the air. "Ethan, breakfast is ready!" she called, but he barely heard her.

"I can't, I'm gonna miss the bus!" he shouted back, barely pausing as he dashed for the door.

"Don't forget your lunch!" she reminded him, but he was already out the door, heart racing as he sprinted toward the bus stop.

7:10 AM

As he rounded the corner, Ethan spotted the bus pulling up, the bright yellow vehicle contrasting against the crisp morning sky. He picked up speed, legs pumping hard, and just as the doors were about to close, he leaped forward.

"Wait!" he shouted, barely making it through the doors before they snapped shut behind him.

The bus driver, an older man with a thick mustache, raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Ethan plopped down in an empty seat near the back. He took a moment to catch his breath, a mixture of adrenaline and embarrassment flushing his cheeks.

Later, at Hollows Creek School

The bus rattled and bumped along the road, and Ethan glanced out the window, watching the familiar sights of his neighborhood whiz by. He felt a wave of anticipation wash over him; today would be another chance to explore, to make new memories.

When they arrived at school, Ethan disembarked and headed toward the entrance, ready to face the day.

Ethan pushed through the double doors of North Denver Middle School, the familiar buzz of chatter enveloping him. He felt a surge of confidence as he navigated the hallway, scanning for Finney. Spotting him near the lockers, Ethan made his way over.

"Hey, you made it!" Finney grinned, his baseball cap pulled low over his brow. "Ready for round two?"

"Absolutely," Ethan replied, his excitement bubbling over. "I almost missed the bus, though. It was a close call."

"Man, you gotta set your alarm earlier," Finney teased as they headed to their first class together.

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Meanwhile, at Home...

Morning, August 13, 1978

Sarah Carter stood in her kitchen, surrounded by flour and sugar, the enticing aroma of cinnamon filling the air. Today was the day she planned to officially launch her home baking business. After years of experimenting and perfecting recipes, she was finally ready to share her creations with the world.