MOONLIT BONDS: THE CURSE OF RAVENA

ChapterFour

“Oh, I think it was bombed!” he said boldly with a smile and a slow nod as though he was impressed with the supposed bombing. He ran off before either of them could ask him any more questions.

“Ethan…” Ravena stuttered. Her voice trembling. “They thought I’d be at home Ethan. They went to my home… Eth…my… mother’s home…”

Ethan grabbed her hands and squatted in front of her. “Ravena, but you weren't there,” he stated, comforting her. “They could have taken you but they didn't. Now brace up, we've got work to do.”

“But I don't have a home Ethan.” she sobbed

“I do.” Ethan said as he met her eyes. “I have a home and were gonna work even better together at my home.”

“But…but…” She thought about the Ravelts. How their son had been friends with the weird orphan and how he had chosen her to be his only friend and now, he was bringing her home to stay forever?

More tears wetted Ravena’s cheeks as the rode home. Ethan on the other hand was the most ecstatic about the whole situation.

The ride to the Ravelt’s home had been more silent than anticipated, save for the driver that had engaged Ethan in one or two conversations about the strange killings in Maplewood of recent times.

“…in times like this son, I would advice that parents gather their kids and send them out of Maplewood.” the driver’s eyes drifted between Ethan passenger’s seat and the road in front of him.

“Exactly sir, but what? They would have to go through the forests before they get to the other side. There the problem lies. You see sir, whatever animal it is, devouring humans that come anywhere close to the forests, get a better opportunity when people try to flee. They isn't any stations in the outskirts of the town where they could run to or even motels they could stay. It is just here in Maplewood, the forests and the other side.” Ethan meets the drivers eyes.

“Thanks goodness I never had kids” he said mater-of-factly.

“Alright sir, you can pull over right here,” Ethan ignored his statement and pointed at the Ravelt’s home.

“Sweet. Coming to the Ravelts, I see” he said amused.

“Hmm.”

Ethan helped Ravena out of the vehicle and onto her wheelchair. He pushed her into the Ravelt’s gardens, right before the lit porch.

As they approached the Ravelt’s home, a large welcoming structure with warm lights glowing from within, Ethan felt a surge of determination, Ravena on the other hand, acceptance.

“Ravena,” he said softly, breaking the silence.

“The Ravelts will protect you.” he said consciously.

As Ethan and Ravena entered the Ravelts' home, the air was thick with tension. The large, imposing structure loomed ahead, surrounded by other good-looking homes. At least the dense forests wouldn't hold whispers here, she thought.

"You're back," Chief Ravelr said, putting his newspaper down, eyeing Ravena with a mixture of disdain and intrigue.

“And with her…” you have never come home with your…friend. His expression a blend of curiosity and skepticism.

The atmosphere shifted as they moved inside the grand living room, the warmth of the hearth contrasting sharply with the cold reception they received. Ravena squirmed slightly, sensing the unwelcoming energy, while Ethan tried to put on a brave face.

The Ravelts exchanged glances, their unspoken judgments hanging in the air. They allowed Ethan and Ravena to enter, but it was clear that their presence was tolerated more than welcomed. As they settled into the unfamiliar space, Ethan felt a knot in his stomach, knowing that this was just the beginning of their challenges with his parents.

After Ethan had helped Ravena upstairs to his room, and sat her on the bed. They both looked at each other, waiting for the other to break the silence.

“It probably was a bad idea to follow you here. Your parents already think we’re sleeping together” Ravena winced.

“That's because they spend too much time listening to the town’s gossip. Don't worry they'll come around” Ethan reassured.

“I hope so. The last thing I want to do is get back to foster care”

“Come on, lie down now. I'd get something for us to eat” he patted her legs and left for the kitchen downstairs.

Ethan could already hear his parents speaking fiercely about the matter at hand. He could only hope they could see how helping Ravena also meant helping himself and making the town a better place to live.

“…and she's in a wheelchair?” Ana grimaced.

“I better hope she isn't gonna turn this place to her—” Charles had been cut short as Ethan made entry to the living room.

“She's staying dad. Her house got burnt. You better check that out… Chief” he said, lingering on the last word.

“You too Mom. You had better report that!” Ethan made a clap of his hand with a jaded smile. “We’re hungry.”

“There's leftovers in the microwave honey,” Ana said without breaking eye contact with Ethan.

“Sweet”

Ethan heated up leftover pasta and made a walk for his room after he had left, the Ravelts continued with their conversations.

“What does he mean ‘staying’?” Ana air quoted the last word. People are going to talk Charles. Speak with him!” she rose, got her bag and left before her husband could make any more talk of it.

Ravena stood on the vintage mahogany floor of the guests bedroom in the Ravelts' sprawling estate, the weight of their daily disdain heavy on her shoulders. Every day felt like a battle, with their biting remarks and cold glares chipping away at her spirit. Mr and Mrs Ravelt, did not hide their power over her even as their beloved son begged that his friend was treated otherwise.

“Ravena, why wouldn't you like to stay in a foster home. I mean you would still be in town, only farther from out home.” Mrs. Ravelts snapped during dinner one evening, her voice laced with irritation.

Those words echoed in Ravena’s mind, fueling her insecurities and storming her experiences from her foster family. She could hear Ethan exhale, not enjoying the spectacle of her humiliation. The tension in the room was palpable, and Ravena felt trapped, caught between her desire for acceptance and the reality of her situation.

As the days dragged on, the Ravelts’ cruelty intensified, leaving Ravena to wonder if there would ever be a way out of this oppressive environment. Each insult and degrading comment felt like a chain, binding her to a fate she desperately wanted to escape.