A Chance Ecounter

Wake me up!

Ava’s eyes fluttered open, her mind foggy and disoriented, she was met with an eerie silence, the only sound being the soft hum of the penthouse’s sleek lighting system. The words still lingered in her mind “This is just the beginning”. She tried to shake off the feeling of unease, telling herself that she only imagined it. She was alone in the penthouse so it couldn’t be possible. But the whisper felt so alive …so real. The darkness was doing nothing to soothe her and as if following her thoughts, suddenly, the lights flickered and came on, bathing the room in a harsh white glow. Ava winced, her eyes adjusting slowly to the brightness. She looked around, taking in the opulent decor and the stunning city view beyond the windows. Everything almost felt normal but the air was still thick with tension, and Ava’s skin crawled with unease. She darted around the room, searching for an answer. Something, Anything. This night is surely going to stretch, and the sensation of being trapped suffocated Ava, and her fear reached the maximum point.

She forced herself to get up, her legs trembling beneath her. She had to get herself in order before she completely went crazy. But as she turned to leave she noticed something that made her blood run cold!

Tall imposing, and eerily still, the figure seemed to be watching her every move. Ava’s heart raced as she tried to make out the figure's features, but fear wasn’t letting her think. Scream, scream Ava!! That was all Ava’s brains kept telling her but she didn’t even have any control over her mouth anymore. She could only let out whimpers as she cried.

Suddenly the figure stepped forward, its movement fluid and menacing. Ava stumbled to her feet, possessed by the strength of fear. She had to get out of there. Alive! She approached the door, grabbing the bars and shaking them fiercely, but before she could get the door to open, the voice echoed from the other side. Ava Rutland, stop with this nonsense now! It’s mommy. Ava’s mother's voice sent chills down her spine. What’s mum doing here?

Responding to her thoughts her mum said “ You called telling me about Jake, the penthouse, crying. All sorts of things and I didn’t want you doing anything to embarrass me or the family.

“Or yourself,” Ava said regaining her voice “You only ever care about yourself, isn’t it? You never think about how I feel… it’s never about me!”

Her mother's expression turned cold, her eyes darting across the room like she was expecting someone.

“Ava don’t raise your voice at me, someone might hear you!

Ava’s fear and sadness turned to anger. “So what if someone hears me, I don’t care! You’re always so worried about what people think about us. All my life it’s never been about me or my emotions or how yours and actions affect me.

Tension was at its peak as they both tried to out-voice each other.

“ Ava! Why can’t you see that I’m only trying to protect our family’s image? We aren’t just like everyone and we definitely can’t be seen reacting madly over a mere boy. Do you know how hard I worked to get myself here? Get a grip on yourself. Her mum snapped at her with a snarl on her face.

Weak and emotional, just like her father.

“You’re already so mean to me, Mum, why can’t you ever just understand me? It’s been me and you since the beginning but it’s never been me and you! Ava said holding back an ocean of tears.

“Let’s go,” her mum said coldly opening the door “We’re going home, and we’re going to forget all this ever happened”.

Ava reluctantly agreed and followed her mum, feeling like she was being dragged away from a part of herself.

As they drove away from the argument, Jason couldn’t help but notice the girl in the beak seat. Ava’s eyes were red and puffy, her face streaked with tears. She stared out the windows, her gaze distant and lost. Jason’s heart went out to her as he’d known for all his life. Yes, he didn’t, but he knew what it was like it feel pain and sadness.

He cleared his throat wanting to break the silence that was palpable. He was sure everyone felt the tension heating the atmosphere. He wanted to know what bothering the pretty damsel he was taking home. But he was not about to blow up his first day at work. He needed this, his family needed this, and being called at 4 am by Emily, the Rutalnd’s receptionist telling him that he got the job and was needed in their house instantly; not bothering to ask questions or clarify what his presence was requested for, he rushed over there, screamed desperation. I can’t afford to lose this job.

He glanced at the rearview mirror, his eyes meeting Ava’s for a brief moment. This time he clearly saw the depth of pain, hurt, and anger in her eyes. But who was he to ask after her? He was just the new driver, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. What did he know about the lives of the wealthy and privileged?

This brought up memories of his childhood, the struggles he faced, and the countless times he’d been dismissed and ignored. He remembered the feeling of being invisible, of not belonging. And in that moment he knew he had to ask. But not under the watch of Madam Rachael. In as much as he knew he always showed concern for people he barely knew without fear, he knew better than to display that talent in front of his new boss and definitely not toward her only child.

When they arrived at the house, Ava’s mother quickly exited the car. Ava was not aware that they had arrived.

“Uhm… We’ve reached your house, Miss. Jake said in a near whisper. As Ava reached for the handle, Jake spoke fast, but his voice was soft and gentle.

“Hey, are you okay?”

Ava’s gaze snapped back at him, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and vulnerability. She brushed him off with a curt “I’m fine”, her voice barely above a whisper. Jason nodded sympathetically, but Ava was already out of the car, running away from him and the pain he had just witnessed.

Jason watched her go, feeling a pang of concern and he couldn’t help it. He just met her, his boss’s daughter, and he was already this concerned about her. But he knew that look and wondered what had caused it. He made a mental note to keep an eye on her, to be there if, just if she needed someone to talk to.

Ava lay in her bed, her mind was completely blank with a rare and unsettling sensation. The pain and emptiness had become so familiar that she’d grown numb to it. She stood in the shower for what seemed like hours, trying to wash away the ache, but it only seemed to seep deeper into her bones.

As Ava was about to drift to sleep, her phone pierced the silence, shrill and insistent. Ava’s heart raced as she reached for it, her mind foggy.

“Unknown” Oh crap, what’s wrong with this night! I’ve had enough drama for a damn day. She hesitated, thinking who could be possibly calling at that hour, but then she picked it up.

“Hello?…. Uhm hello?

“Calm down Ava Rutland, the game is only just beginning” a distorted voice replied her.

Ava’s blood ran cold and before she could speak, the voice spoke again.

“Check ‘The Whispering Walls’. The blog’s name echoed in her ears as the caller ended the call.

Ava’s confusion turned to dread as she quickly typed the words into her browser. A video loaded and her heart stopped. She watched in transfixed horror, her phone dropped from her hands, her eyes fixed into space. She felt like she was trapped in a living nightmare and had no idea how to wake up!