Veiled Echoes

C H A P T E R 1 2

HANA

"So what are your guy's plans after graduation?" Ethan's mum asked, her gaze swivelling to all of us.

Ethan placed down his chopsticks. "My mentor has recommended me to some pharmaceutical companies, so after my internship, I'll be guaranteed a spot."

"Isn't that in almost a month? A week before your graduation?" I asked, turning my gaze towards Ethan.

He nodded. "Yes. He did mention applying to some companies in the US."

That earned a deafening silence, and I felt my throat work slowly at the words he just said.

His parents halted in their tasks, sharing a look amongst themselves. "The US?"

Ethan looked at his mum, his features softening upon seeing the confusion in her eyes. "I haven't decided yet."

I stared at the marinated crab blankly, blinking at the sudden news that had just dropped on us. It felt like my heart was not beating for a moment. If Ethan did move away, considering the uncertainties of our future, the chances of us meeting up would be possibly once a year.

My gaze moved to Ethan's parents, who had now placed their chopsticks on the table and stared at him in puzzlement. I couldn't imagine what was going through their heads. They were hesitant to let Ethan move out for Uni as they were afraid they would not be able to spend much time.

However, now, with him almost on the other side of the earth... I wouldn't know how to feel.

The silence was cut through by the sound of Aiden clearing his throat. "Well, I am planning to go pro."

Ethan's dad looked at him with a warm smile and asked, "That's great, son. How's it going?"

I didn't miss how his hand reached out and covered his wife's hand, his thumb tracing back and forth across her skin in a comforting gesture. I averted my gaze from the intimate moment, feeling the same ache of longing at me earlier.

Aiden's lips curled as he replied, "Coach told me I have a great shot at going pro if I keep working hard and don't let anything derail my progress."

"I better have your autograph and your jersey," his aunt said from across the table with a small smile, although the tension from earlier was still evident in the grip she had on her spoon. "After all the effort I put in to convince your mother."

I tilted my head. "Was she not supportive of volleyball?"

Aiden waved his hand. "It wasn't that she wasn't supportive of volleyball—"

"She just wasn't supportive of Aiden playing sports," Ethan's mum finished for him with a shrug. "But she had her reasons, and at the time, she believed that was right for her son's health and safety."

Well, that awfully sounds like someone here.

"What about you, darling?" She asked, directing everyone's gaze my way.

I placed my chopstick next to my bowl. "Depending on how I handle the upcoming case, my mentor said he can secure a spot for me at Scotland Yard's CSI unit," I said, excitement fluttering in my stomach at the thought of my future being closer than I had anticipated.

"Haven't you already finished your internship?" Aiden asked, and I couldn't help but smile at him, feeling a warm glow inside.

His interest in my internship was unexpected but delightful. Perhaps he was more attentive than I had initially given him credit for. 

"That's true. In some cases, a CSI unit may invite an intern to assist with a final case after their internship has finished," I explained. "This would typically be done after the intern has proven their skills and knowledge throughout the internship period, and the unit is considering them for a job."