Chapter 14: Shadows and Sparks

The days that followed brought great issues between Ryan, Ethan, and Aria. Ryan's mysterious posts and lingering gazes at school intensified Aria's unease, while Ethan's growing involvement in her life brought further complications. To make matters worse, Ethan's dad suddenly coming back was going to mess things up.

---.

After class, Aria was going to her locker when she noticed a note folded up and poking out from the corner. She opened it and her heart sank.

Message: "Meet me at the old gym after school. We need to talk. Alone. – Ryan"

She folded note and groaned under breath Why couldn't he just stop bothering her?

"Everything okay, Bennett?Ethan's voice caught her by surprise. Standing by the lockers, he watched her closely, his eyes trained on the note in her grasp.

"Don't worry about it" she said hurrying to stuff the sheet into her bag.

Ethan stepped forward and remarked, "It's too late for that." "What did he say?".

"I got this, Ethan----"

He took the note from her bag despite her protests. His expression became dark as he read it.

"He wants to talk? Alone?Ethan's voice was worryingly low.

"Don't be like that," Aria said, trying to snatch the note back.

"Overreact?" Ethan's jaw tightened. This guy doesn't seem to get it, huh? He's going to regret—".

"Ethan," Aria said and touched his arms. "Please. "Don't be worried. I'll handle it."

Ethan glared at her with smoldering anger. I'm going with you if you leave.

"You are definitely not ," Aria said. I have to do it alone.

Ethan stepping back, but not letting her go. If he does something, tell me. Got it?".

Aria nodded, but it didn't feel like it would help.

---.

When Aria arrived, the old gym was quiet. Ryan was pacing near the middle. The look on his face was one of frustration.

He said, "You came," stopping when he saw her.

What do you want Ryan?"Aria requested, her arms crossed."

Ryan said, "I want us back," his voice shaking. "I made a mistake, Aria, but I can fix it. I love you.".

"Aria Commanded: "Ryan, Stop" "You don't love me. You really do not want to lose.

"That's not true!He yelled while taking steps. "I acknowledge that I have caused you pain, I want to fix it."

Aria stepped back, her heart racing. Ryan, this cannot be fixed. It's over.".

Ryan's expression turned into something ugly. Isn't it because of him? Carter. He is making you hate me.

"It's not about Ethan," she said, but she knew it was a lie as she spoke those words.

Before Ryan spoke up, the gym doors flew open, Ethan stormed with anger in his eyes.

You really don't know when to quit, do you?"Ethan growled and moved to place himself between Ryan and Aria.

Ryan's fists clenched. Don't get involved in this, Carter. This is a matter between Aria and me.

"Not anymore," Ethan said, low and menacing voice.

"Ethan, please stop" Aria said, getting in the way.

Ryan shoved Ethan's shoulder. Do you think you can take her from me?".

Ethan responds back by pushing Ryan with "She's not yours to take".

The fight broke out before Aria could break up the situation.

"Stop it!"She screamed and her voice echoed through the gym."

The noise of her despair finally got through the anger. Both boys stood frozen and breathed heavily.

Aria's voice shook with anger. I am done with both you. "This has to stop.".

---.

Ethan is normally talkative but on this evening as they walked Aria home, he was mostly quiet.

"It wasn't right for you to come," she said at last.

Ethan halted his walking and turned to her. Do you think I'm going to let him trap you like that?".

"I said I can handle it," said Aria, frustrated.

"I told you already I'm not letting you face him alone," Ethan said, his tone just as heated.

They gazed at one another for a moment, the air tense with unsaid thoughts.

"No need to save me, Ethan," Aria said, "I am fine."

He said, 'Maybe not' in a softer tone. "But I need to.".

Ethan returned home that night to find his father in the living room.

"You're late," said his father disapprovingly.

"I didn't know I have a curfew." Ethan replied to him.

"Don't walk away from me boy" his father said, grabbing his arm.

Ethan broke free, anger bubbling inside him. "What do you want?".

"I want you to begin acting like the man you are meant to be," his father said, moving closer. "You're a Carter. "Quit squabbling and wasting time on petty stuff."

Wait, are you saying I should stop wasting my time on people who actually care about me?" Ethan shot back.

His father's hand jerked but did not strike. Instead, he smiled coldly. "You remind me of your mother. Weak.".

Ethan tightened his fists but kept his mouth shut against his father.

---.

Aria sat on her bed in her room looking at her phone. Though she wanted to call Ethan, she was worried about what he might say to her.

Sophie texted, thus interrupting her thoughts.

We need to talk. Sophie It's about Ryan.

Aria's response made her heart sink.

Aria: What happened?

Sophie: He has been speaking with other guys. Something about getting even.

Aria experienced a shiver going down her back. Ryan's plan wasn't over yet.