The Escape that lead to Another Reason

Chapter 3: Aravis

As I am quickly jotting down some notes to review after school, I turn to look at the two most amazing people in the world. How could they not worry about school the way I did? Did they care about their future? I love them but come on. They're going to have to do something with their lives. And I say this in a jokingly, loving way of course. I wonder what Ethan thinks about in class. Whenever I turn to look at him he looks so dark and deep in thought. Then I look at Connor, who I highly believe just taught himself how to sleep with his eyes open.

Anyways, our ten year friendship anniversary was coming up and I wanted to do something amazing for Ethan. Yes I know it isn't just Ethan in the friendship. But for our five years me and him did a surprise for Connor. Now I'm planning on doing one for Ethan. I've been talking to Connor for a while now about what we could do for him. So far we have the idea of taking him camping. He's never been camping and I think it would be a great experience for the three of us. I asked my parents already and so did Connor. They said it was okay. Connor also decided to ask Ethan's parents but reminded them it was a surprise so not to say anything.

Ethan's parents are slowly getting his clothes ready in a suitcase so that once we tell him we're leaving all his stuff will be ready and we could leave that instant. This is what me and Connor have planned so far: Connor goes to pick me up at around 7 PM. We head to Ethan's house and tell him we're leaving. He gets happy, parents give him suitcase and we leave. On the way we get some pizza and head towards the woods. We already know which way we're heading and everything. We're planning on staying for around three days.

I snap out of my thoughts once the bell rings and we start to get everything ready to go to our second period. "C'mon." Connor calls out to me, who's still getting all my stuff ready. As I walk towards Connor I turn to look around. "Where's Ethan?" I ask. Connor also looks around but we can't see him through the rest of the people trying to get out of the classroom. We walk out into the hallway and see no trace of him whatsoever. "Did you see him leave? When was the last time you saw him?" Connor asked me with a worried look. I try to think really hard. Last time I saw him was in class but I swear I never noticed him leaving.

"Go check the restrooms quick" I tell him, "I'll go check the hallways and classes." Connor quickly nods and heads towards the nearest restroom. I speed walk my way down all the hallways looking around. I see no sign of him. As I'm walking to the last hallway, which is completely ignored by everyone for no reason, I hear mumbling. I walk into the dark lonely hallway and walk quietly towards the other end. There's a dark corner at the end where you can't see into unless you go all the way. As I'm walking I start to hear muffled cries and another person saying things to the person that seems to be crying.

I hear a third person behind me get closer and I jump and turn around so quickly I almost trip over myself. "Sshh, chill." It was just Connor. He puts his arm in front of me telling me to stay a little behind. As he peeks into the dark corner I go behind him and try to look at what was happening. I see Ethan pinned up against the wall by Jason, the school's football bully. Quickly Connor shoves Jason off of Ethan and knocks him to the ground. Ethan lets out a breath of relief and gets out of the corner. Then he starts to walk away looking scared. I quickly follow him while I hear Connor in the background telling Jason to fuck off and leave Ethan alone or else next time he's just going to punch the shit out of him without warning. It's weird because even when Connor gets mad he stays calm. But he gives you these eyes that looks like they hold so much secrets and hatred.

I run towards Ethan and grab him by the arm and pull him so that he is now facing me. He has tears running down his face and looks like a little child compared to the Ethan I'm used to seeing. He's shaking slightly and pulls his arm out of my grasp. "Leave me alone" he mutters and turns around to leave. I follow him, worried about him, and grab his arm once again. This time he doesn't look like he really wants to be alone. I don't know if it was just me or something but the look on his face looked as if he was yelling for help. I hug him and I can tell he feels awkward. I let go and look at him and he just looks down at the floor. Connor walks up behind us and asks Ethan if he's ok. Ethan nods his head and starts to walk to class.