Chapter 11: Shadows of the Past

The next day at school, the previous night's tension buzzed in Aria's mind. She did not want to see Ryan or Ethan as she did not know how to feel about them. Avoiding Ethan wasn't possible, as it turned out. "Bennett," Ethan said when she stepped out of the cafeteria. He caught up to her although his usual smug expression had changed to one of concern. "Can we not do this right now?Ethan moved in front of her as Aria said tiredly, "Aye." "Too bad," he said. You appear like one who didn't sleep. What's going on?""She let out a breath, checking to see if anyone heard. Ryan came to my home yesterday night. You were there. "I saw him.""Yeah, but after I left I didn't stick around to hear what he said," Ethan said, arms crossed. "Did he reach you?""No," Aria said firmly. Ethan raised an eyebrow. "But you showing up didn't help." You're welcome, by the way. For what?Ethan said "For making sure you are not making a mistake and letting him back in." His tone was teasing but his eye was serious. Aria opened her mouth to refute him when a flicker in his eye caught her. A brief hint of something before it turned serious again. "What's wrong with you Ethan?"His smirk faded when he looked away," she said. "It can't be nothing!" said Aria. "If you can let me in on your issues, I should be able to do the same?" Since Ethan was hesitant, he glanced around and gestured to follow him. —————— He took her to a corner of the school where no one goes. "My dad," he finally said, sitting on the wall. "He's back."Aria frowned. "I had no idea he was out." "He goes to jail and comes back since I was a kid, alright," Ethan said. "Much of the time, over dumb things—fights, theft, that sort of thing. He left when I was twelve, and to be honest, I didn't care. My mom and I were better off without him.""Then why is he back now?Aria gently asked, Ethan said sarcastically, "It seems he wants to make amends…. "But I know him. He doesn't care that's why he's not back. "This is not just a coincidence. He's back because he wants something"Aria stepped closer, feeling his pain. "I'm sorry." "Don't be," he said, stiffening his jaw. "I don't need his approval or anyone's approval" "I've gotten this far on my own.""You're not completely on your own," Aria said softly.Ethan looked at her, his guarded expression faltering for a moment. "Maybe not," he said.----Later that day, the two ended up in the library again working on the project. "But the atmosphere was light between them now. An understanding was forming between the two of them. So, what's the plan for it?""Let's get back to work," Aria said, trying to shift the discussion. Ethan smirked. "I was thinking we'll let you do all the work while I collect the credit." "Ha, ha," Aria said. "I'm kidding," Ethan said up the his hands in surrender. "Sort of." Aria rolled her eyes but smiled. Just then, Sophie came over with a hesitant smile. "Hey, Aria. Could I have a brief chat with you?"Of course," Aria replied, looking at Ethan. "Be right back."Ethan watched her go, his smirk fading as Sophie pulled Aria aside.

"What's up?

"I wanted to apologize," Sophie said. Aria chipped in. I didn't mean the bad things I said about Ethan. I just.. I'm worried about you, you know?"I'm aware," said Aria, becoming gentler. "And I appreciate it. "I don't think so." "And why is that?" asked Sophie, looking at him. "Still, there's something about him that seems... complicated," Aria said with a small smile. You are right about that."--As the day came to a close, Arie and Ethan walked out of the school together, something that was unusual but soon an often occurrence. "So what is next on our to-do list?"I have to finish that essay," Aria said.Receiving a look from Ethan, he replied. "Sounds boring.""Better get used to it," she shot back. As she left, Aria felt peace. With all the chaos in her life, Ethan was a constant in her life, as annoying as he was. And she didn't know whether that scared her or comforted her.