(0.7): Oh no!

With the next week fastly approaching, it's clear that I am not really ready. I'm more nervous than anything but I'll get used to it.

Hopefully.

Everything that comes with a new school always makes me nervous, it's like entering a different yet familiar world because it is school. With Ethan in town, he's taken my mind off things that may be concerning for me. Now I look forward to simply seeing him the next day.

Mom has not spared me from her teasing. She thinks it's cute how I get when he's around.

I admit that I can get a little clingy around him and he doesn't seem to mind. I mean, I try not to but it's Ethan. Being in his presence is what I love and have not tired from.

' You don't miss me as much as you miss him.' Those were mom's words as she continually teased me.

She had invited me over for lunch but today but I politely declined. Ethan  and I already made plans and I had no intention, to travel to town more than once. She'd said those words then, which pulled out a word from me, promising to have another lunch date with her soon.

She seemed happy to hear that.

A last minute shopping for school supplies and an addition to my wardrobe, seemed a good enough excuse to arrive early. Later, Ethan and I would meet up.

Ethan and I haven't seen much of each other, aside from a short video call.

He's been quite busy today. Two online weekend classes, a tutoring class and a video call/meeting with his parents, has demanded for his attention. Later worked for both of us and now, we'd decide to either go for take-out or dinner at a restaurant.

It all depends on the mood in the moment.

Ethan is more familiar with Crystal Valley and a couple of people from this town. With him having lived here as a child and his few visits to his uncle's place, he has self appointed himself to be my guide.

'I just want you to be comfortable.'

Those were his words as he expressed how introducing me to people he knew and town spots, would create a more comfortable setting for me.

One of the people I have met already is a girl named Ingrid. Her connection to Ethan was more linked to attending grade school together and parents being familiar, with each other. There are a couple more in that line but she's the one I've communicated with over the phone.

Ethan might disagree but I think she qualifies to be called a childhood friend in my eyes. He's moved around alot, resulting in him losing touch with people and things related to Crystal Valley. The memories and connections have been revived due to him visiting his uncle. He's linked up with kids he used to attend the same school with.

According to him though, I am the reason a reconnection has even happened.

Ethan knows how reserved or rather rusty I can be, when it comes to making new friends or holding a conversation together. I've wondered at times how it was possible for him to be able to find  something attractive in me, to pursue me without giving up until I said yes to him. It's all thanks to him I've been able to break out of my shell more than  I've ever done. There is so much to thank him for and will continue to thank him for. He's been so understanding of me and my ways.

His desire for me to explore more out of life, warms my heart.

One of the most admirable parts of him, is his patience.

It's in this time, I'm willing to approach things differently. That's where my mind is set. The intention to keep a low profile, mind my own business and complete senior year smoothly is very much alive. However, that doesn't mean I will reject the idea of making a couple of friends entirely.

Ethan never specified on the amount of people he wanted to introduce me to, but now I'm aware Alan and Sam were among those people. Since I've met them already, there would be no need to count them.

Even though we've talked over the phone, officially meeting Ingrid had been a plan. She offered to accompany me to a few places and gave me a few tips, on what she thought would look good on me.

Ingrid is a whole bright personality. Her whole look of dark shoulder long hair with pink highlights, colourful but complimentary makeup and her glamour chick outfit(a sparkly top with edgy tights and a cool jacket), matches her personality. She's talked for most of the trip while I listened, adding a few comments here and there.

She didn't seem to mind though and kept the conversation going.

A stop for something to drink at a nearby restaurant, has given me the chance to text Ethan and let him know that I'm done. I listen on as she tells me more about Crystal Valley and how as a town, activity and events are never limited. From hosting nice parties to balls, beauty pageant, competitions and other events, something is always done to keep the town on the move. Crystal Valley even has ancient rumours, one in which there had been sightings of unnatural activities, being the first to make a mark in this town's land.

I'm quite intrigued by her stories, even if they are exaggerated I don't mind, it's amusing.

" I should have known that you were boring my girl to death."

I perk up at the sound of my boyfriend's voice. I look up and feel a sense of both relief and joy from seeing him.

He pulls out a chair from beside me, after giving me a gentle kiss against my temple.

" Ha ha, if you must know, I'm quite fun to be around." Ingrid pouts at him, leaning back on her chair with crossed arms.

Ethan chuckles.

" Ethan?" I touch his arm, grabbing his attention. " It all went well right?"

He knows what I mean by this. It usually regards his mood after a meeting with his parents, especially regarding his father. A clash of opnion and thought between the two, can sometimes affect Ethan's mood. It's sad to to think that his father hasn't been as present as he would have liked to. His father has been driven and has shown immense passion towards keeping the family legacy alive and work in general.

' I'm thankful everyday that you're in my life Casey, you're like a home away from home for me.'  With such sincerity and meaning, I've held that declaration in my heart and not once did I take it lightly.

His lips curve into a small smile as he nods," hmm-mm."  but he looks ahead before I can look into his eyes.

Ethan responds, pointing at the stage. " Is everyone close by? I wanted Casey to meet-------"

" So you're the infamous Casey?" Interruption in the form of a female voice captures our attention.

The confidence in her voice matches the person, from the way this tall, dark haired female approaches us, I can tell that attention is something she is used to and not bothered by. Her, in a full on denim look of pants and cropped jacket with a dark shirt underneath, paired with combat boot and cool accessories is something I like. Her makeup work is far different from Ingrid's, which screams a bit of glamour while hers leans more on the smoky eye and bold red colour.

" I don't think that's the right term, I'm simply Casey- Casey Jay." I cross my arms, leaning back in my seat.

" Word moves around alot." She shrugs, pulling out a chair beside Ingrid." I heard that Ethan here has been hiding his princess from the world(she looks over at Ethan, with a smirk already forming on her face.) What?- you don't trust us?"

I'm sensing that they might be familiar with each other. Possibly another person, whom I'm supposed to meet.

" Trust is a big word Kayla and I didn't see the need to share my business with everyone, even the ones I'm familiar with. You know how I am." Ethan answers, pulling my hand to join his on the table.

" I see." I notice her eyes pass over our hands, " interesting bracelet, where'd you get it?"

I glance down to my hand.

Oh yeah the bracelet I'd gotten from that old lady at the market.

" The market, the woman who sold it to me thought it would look good on me." I'm lying through my teeth, I know.

They are strangers, so I don't necessarily feel bad about that.

" Hmmph." Now I'm the one who finds it interesting that her eyes linger on it.

" So let me guess, it was all Sam. He couldn't wait to gossip about me." Ethan teases. " I'm flattered that he fanboys over me."

" Hey(she finally looks up), you know we don't hide anything from each other."

The twinkle in her eyes at the mention of Sam, tells me there is something there.

" Yes, because of your bond, right?"

As fast as it appeared, her eyes twitche a little. She does a quick glance at me before nodding at Ethan.

It's not easy but a little restrained.

" So you're that Kayla? You're related to Allen."  Her brows shoot up.

" Good guess!" Sam makes his entry, coming over to stand behind Kayla's chair.

I didn't even see him come our way.

" And I am ----"

" The one Kayla tolerates on a daily basis." Ethan slides in a comment, but Sam rolls his eyes.

" Do you guys need a room?" Kayla remarks, making Ingrid smile in amusement as she glances between them.

" And I was wondering the same thing." I lower my voice so only Ethan can hear.

I yelp when he sneakily tickles on my side.

My wandering eyes lead me to notice Alan at the front, probably ordering something. His tall frame is hard to miss.

" Okay, Okay kids, let me officially introduce everyone." A gentle squeeze on my hand grabs my attention.

" Isn't it a little too late for that?"

Kayla quickly covers Sam's mouth and says, "don't mind him, carry on."

On cue, Ethan speaks up, properly introducing all of us. Like Sam had said, it's a little too late but we play along.

Conversation flows right after the introduction, with Ingrid and Sam leading it. Kayla, Ethan and I comment every now then, though I mostly sit and observe. Alan, who makes his way to our table with a drink in hand, informs every one that he ordered four pizzas for the table.

Ethan politely declines and lets them know that we already have plans. Thankfully no one seems to take offense to that. Alan doesn't talk much as expected, since I'm getting to know through observation.

Like Ingrid earlier, the rest of his friends don't seem to mind and carry on with the conversation as if they are used to this.

At some point, Ethan sneaks away to put my shopping bags in his car. I find myself feeling a little shy and awkward without him beside me. The table is still lively and no one seems to notice.

'If I'm awkward Now, what happens when Ethan is gone? Oh there's school too. How will I handle this?'

" Would you like another one?" My head picks up as silence takes over the whole table.

I do a quick look around the table, wanting to confirm that I'm one addressed. Him looking my way confirms it.

The whole time he waits for my answer, never straying his eyes away from me. He doesn't seem bothered by the silence at the table nor the eyes we gain.

I take this as a first proper acknowledgement. I push through my shyness and respond, not wanting to deny his efforts even though I'm good.

It wouldn't feel right.

" Yes, thank you, if it's not too much trouble."

He nods and rises to his feet.

" Wait, let me ------"

" I've got it." He stops me from grabbing my wallet.

" Oh, okay." I watch him walk away, not knowing what to say after that.

" Wow, we must be so invincible to him." Sam comments, rolling his eyes.

Kayla's elbow jab pulls a low grunt from him.

" Don't mind him, he loves attention." Ingrid says. " You get used to him after awhile."

" As if he doesn't get enough from me." Kayla scoffs, shaking her head.

" Baby, don't say that. You're making me look bad infront of Casey Lacey."

I scrunch my nose when I hear that.

He did not just----

" You did not just say that." Ingrid gives him a weird look.

Kayla shakes her head, low-key judging him.  " I'm judging babe, sorry."

" Wait, it's not that bad. Hey, (Sam looks at Alan, who has returned with my slushy), you agree with me right?"

" Do you honestly think it's a good nickname for her?" Alan raises his brow as he leans back in his seat.

Wait, how did he catch all was said from the front?

" Um, thank you for this." I tell Alan, who accepts with a nod.

Ethan finally makes his return.

" You got another one?" He points out.

My eyes can't help but glance Alan's way for a second before I look at Ethan. " Yeah, I felt like having another."

" Okay, but remember to leave some space for dinner."

" Hmm." I agree.

I watch him check for time and I sense what he's about to say.

" Ready to get out of here? I want to spend some alone time," the last part is reserved for my ears.

He sneaks in a kiss behind my ear before he pulls back.

Looking at him, I almost laugh out loud when he wiggles his brows.

"And they already forgot we are here, "Ingrid's comment earns our attention.

" Hey, let me steal my girl already, you've spent way too much time with her already."

" Ooh, possessive." Ingrid winks at us which heats up my cheeks.

" How can I not be?" Ethan says proudly.

I touch his arm and lean close to his ear, " Actually, I wanted to pop by the bookstore before we go. You could order take outs in the meantime," I suggest.

He turns to me, " maybe I should go with you."

" No, no, I'll be fine."

" Are you sure?" He asks with a cute frown.

" I am."

"Okay, just don't be gone for long, it's kind of getting dark out, "he tells me, his face now turned serious.

"I won't, " I kiss his cheek, grab my bag and leave with a goodbye on my way out.

While on the way, my ears pick up on something discussed by two individuals that walk past me. It's the topic of a murder and an attack, unfortunately that's all I'm able to hear before they disappear. Nonetheless, it's enough to make me shudder, due to the memory of that vicious, large animal.

One of the worst things, definetely.

Shaking off those thoughts, I realize that I've been so deep in my thoughts to notice, how far I have gone. My mindless walk has led me past the bookstore and now I approach a dark alley way.

This is already not good.

At the brink of my heart speeding up and nerves shooting in every direction. I intend on makimg my way back but am stoppes by something.

It's a sound, glass being broken before something snaps. I whip around, eyes now growing wide in fright.

What was that? No, where did that come from?

At times, my curiosity can influence my actions, like right now. It's dominant, silencing the voice that tells me to go back. My feet move on their own, making the final decision

Against a brick wall I lean against, the dark alley way just a turn away.

' I'll just peek a look, that's it.' I tell myself.

The words are a trick, I tell you.

By the time I come out of hiding and step into the dark alleyway, saved by the near streetlight, my stomach drops at the sight of what seems to be a figure laying on the ground.

This must be a drunk individual.

Should I approach them and assist?

But I'm alone..

Maybe I should call Ethan, yes, I think I should.

I take a few steps closer, wanting to confirm that the person is still alive.

'No, go back and make the call,' I tell myself.

Common sense warns me once more to return to the light. I shouldn't be in this dark place, it's not safe.

In sudden sense, my whole body grows tense.

I'm not alone.

There's another presence and I'm scared to turn around.

"Too nosy for your own good , little girl." A male voice says from behind me.

Oh no!