Chapter 19: Watch This
825 Words
If there was one thing Ethan Blackwood hated, it was unfinished business.
And according to him, Ava still owed him a congratulations.
Not that he'd ever admit that was the reason.
Not even to himself.
But after three days of watching her walk around school like nothing had happened, Ethan decided he was due a little revenge.
Nothing serious.
Just enough to annoy her.
Unfortunately, Ethan's definition of "a little" and everyone else's definition were very different things.
---
The opportunity came during Kingsley's annual Student Showcase.
It wasn't a competition.
At least not officially.
The event was meant to celebrate student achievements, clubs, talents, and academic accomplishments.
Students, however, treated it like a social battlefield.
The auditorium was packed.
Teachers moved around preparing presentations while students chatted excitedly.
Ava sat with a few classmates near the front.
For once, she was actually enjoying herself.
No rankings.
No exams.
No debates.
No Ethan.
Peace.
At last.
The universe clearly hated her.
---
Halfway through the event, a teacher stepped onto the stage.
"Before we continue, we'd like to recognize some of our top-performing students."
The auditorium applauded.
Ava immediately had a bad feeling.
A very bad feeling.
The teacher continued.
"This year has brought us some exceptional talent."
More applause.
Then—
"We'd like a few students to join us on stage."
Ava's stomach dropped.
No.
Absolutely not.
The teacher began reading names.
Several students stood and walked forward.
Then—
"Ava Williams."
The applause grew louder.
Ava wanted the floor to open and swallow her.
Instead, she forced herself to stand.
As she walked toward the stage, she noticed Ethan watching from several rows away.
The look on his face made her nervous.
Far too nervous.
---
The students lined up on stage while the audience applauded.
Everything seemed normal.
Until the teacher handed over the microphone.
To Ethan.
Ava's heart sank.
Immediately.
Because Ethan with a microphone was never a good sign.
Never.
The teacher smiled.
"Ethan has volunteered to say a few words on behalf of the students."
Of course he had.
Ava closed her eyes briefly.
This could only end badly.
---
Ethan stepped forward.
The auditorium quieted instantly.
People listened when Ethan spoke.
That was just how Kingsley worked.
He thanked the teachers.
Praised the students.
Said all the usual things.
For a moment, Ava relaxed.
Maybe she'd been overthinking.
Maybe—
"Of course," Ethan continued casually, "some students have adjusted faster than others."
Ava immediately knew where this was going.
The audience became interested.
Ethan looked toward the line of students.
Specifically toward her.
"We've all watched Ava Williams arrive this year and make everyone's lives difficult."
Laughter rippled through the auditorium.
Ava narrowed her eyes.
Keep talking.
See what happens.
Ethan smiled.
"Teachers compare us constantly now. Students argue daily. Some people haven't known peace since September."
More laughter.
The audience loved it.
Ava didn't.
At all.
Because now everyone was looking at her.
Again.
Always her.
---
Then Ethan delivered the final blow.
"The good news is that Ava only refuses to congratulate people when she loses."
The auditorium erupted.
Students laughed.
Teachers laughed.
Even some parents laughed.
Ava felt heat rush to her face.
Not because the joke was particularly clever.
Because it was true.
And everybody knew it.
She crossed her arms.
Murder suddenly felt reasonable.
Across the stage, Ethan looked entirely too pleased with himself.
---
The event ended twenty minutes later.
The moment Ava stepped off the stage, she began searching for Ethan.
Not calmly.
Not peacefully.
Like someone hunting prey.
Unfortunately, Liam found her first.
"Uh-oh."
"Where is he?"
Liam laughed.
"Oh, you're furious."
"Where is he?"
"Nope."
Ava pointed a finger at him.
"You're helping him."
"I value my friendship."
"You value your survival less."
Noah overheard and nearly collapsed laughing.
Even Jace looked entertained.
Traitors.
All of them.
---
Eventually she found Ethan outside near the courtyard.
Students moved around them, still talking about the event.
Ava marched straight toward him.
"Ethan."
He looked up.
One glance at her expression and immediately started smiling.
Bad decision.
Very bad decision.
"You embarrassed me."
"You'll survive."
"You planned that."
"I absolutely planned that."
Ava stared.
The fact that he admitted it made it worse.
"You are unbelievable."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I know."
Ava considered kicking him.
Not seriously.
Mostly.
---
Before she could continue, a group of nearby students walked past.
One of them laughed.
"Honestly, she's lucky she's smart."
Ava frowned.
The comment wasn't directed at her.
Not openly.
But she heard it.
And so did Ethan.
The student continued walking.
"Because without that scholarship, she wouldn't even be here."
The group laughed.
Another voice joined in.
"Facts."
Ava froze.
The anger from before disappeared instantly.
Replaced by something colder.
Something sharper.
Because this wasn't about rankings.
Or rivalry.
Or stupid congratulations.
This was different.
And judging by the sudden look on Ethan's face...
He knew it too.
- Writer
