UNTIL I MET HER

CHAPTER SEVEN

The next day, Bethany slipped into a stunning red flay gown with short sleeves, the mini dress accentuating her curves. She curled her hair and headed out, feeling confident and beautiful.
At the institution, Bethany rushed to her locker to grab her script, but in her haste, she accidentally collided with Ethan, sending papers scattering everywhere.
"I'm so sorry!" Bethany exclaimed, looking up to see Ethan's familiar face. She tried to avoid him, but Ethan's warm smile drew her in.
"Hey, baby girl," he said, his voice low and gentle.
Bethany's eyes darted to her scattered scripts, and she began to pick them up. Ethan joined in, their hands touching as they gathered the papers. As they stood up, Ethan held her hand, but Bethany quickly freed herself.
"Are you avoiding me?" Ethan asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Bethany hesitated, "Uhm, no... I'm actually late for something."
Just then, Cody approached them, a curious expression on his face.
Cody's eyes widened in admiration. "Wow, Ethan, you need to teach me how you easily get sexy girls."
Bethany shot Cody a look, and Ethan followed her gaze. Cody's smile faltered for a moment before he recovered.
"Hey, princess... I'm Cody," he said, extending a hand.
Bethany's response was icy. "I know who you are."
Cody's grin returned. "Really? Am I really famous?"
Bethany's sarcasm was palpable. "For being a d**k, yes, you are."
Ethan chuckled, his eyes never leaving Bethany's face. Cody's gaze drifted to her lips, and Ethan's tongue darted out, wetting his own lips.
Bethany's eyes flashed to Ethan before she turned to leave. "I'm gonna go."
Cody protested, "Why? We haven't even talked..."
"Come on, I'll go with you," Ethan offered, his eyes locked on Bethany's.
But Bethany hesitated, her voice firm. "Uh, no need."
Their gazes met, the air thick with unspoken tension.
Ethan's eyes locked onto Bethany's retreating form. 
" I'll see you around, princess."Cody returned
Bethany's response was firm. "No you won’t ."
The two men stood there, their eyes fixed on each other, before Ethan nodded and Bethany disappeared into the dark hallway.
Cody's voice broke the silence. "What have you done to make her avoid you now, huh?"
Ethan's tone was warning. "Why are you here?"
Cody's smirk returned. "You're taking too long... I might just do it myself."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't dare."
Cody's parting shot was laced with menace. "Believe me, I f*****g will."
Bethany arrived at the club, rushing to the dressing room to change into her performance attire. Meanwhile, Ethan entered the club, taking a seat at the back, his eyes fixed on the stage as Bethany emerged to begin her scene.
Hours later, the drama came to a close, and Bethany retreated to the dressing room to change. Ethan sought her out, entering the dressing room just as she was slipping out of her costume. Their eyes met in the mirror, and Ethan's smile spread as he approached her.
His hands encircled her waist, pulling her close. "You were good out there," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.
Bethany shifted, and Ethan's gaze dropped to her waist. "Thanks," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ethan's hands tightened. "You avoiding me, Queen?"
Bethany's eyes flicked to his hands, then back to his reflection. "I'm not," she insisted, her voice firm.
Ethan's fingers danced across her thigh, sending shivers down her spine. "You sure?" he teased, his eyes locked on hers in the mirror.
Bethany nodded, her head tilting back in a deep sigh. Ethan's gaze roamed her face, his lips curling into a sly smile as he moved closer. His hand brushed against her panties, and Bethany's hands flew to his, her fingers intertwining with his.
Bethany's voice was barely above a whisper. "Ethan..."
He turned to her, his eyes scanning her bare back before locking onto Liam's reflection in the mirror. Ethan's frown deepened as he spotted him.
"Let me..." Ethan said, his voice low and husky, as he reached for Bethany's zip.
Bethany nodded, and Ethan's fingers grazed her smooth skin as he slowly pulled the zip up. His eyes never left Liam's reflection, his gaze challenging.
"Thanks..." Bethany whispered, trying to turn, but Ethan's hands on her waist stopped her.
He moved closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "Did I tell you your boobs are f*****g soft?" he whispered, his hands cupping her breasts, his fingers kneading her skin. Bethany's eyes met his, her face flushing with heat.
Liam's frown deepened, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before him, his eyes lingering before Ethan's lips claimed her neck. Ethan's eyes locked onto Bethany's reflection in the mirror, her head still bowed in submission.
"Liam, didn't know you were here," Ethan said, his voice dripping with malice.
Bethany raised her head, trying to turn, but Ethan's grip tightened. "So how long have you been here?" he spat, his eyes flashing with anger.
Bethany's voice was laced with worry as she called out his name. "Ethan."
Ethan's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "You haven't answered me," he growled, his fists clenched.
Liam's smirk returned. "You're not worried that she still has feelings for me somewhere in there... plus, we've been dating for long now, and that reminds me, we haven't broken up, remember?"
Ethan's anger boiled over, making him walk over to Liam with his fists flying towards Liam. But Bethany stopped him, her hands on his chest. "Stop, please don't," she begged.
Liam's eyes locked onto hers, his voice dripping with triumph. "That's the proof right there... she's still protecting me."
Ethan's eyes flashed with anger, his fists clenched. "You see, you might have her for now, but she isn't yours," he snarled, his voice venomous.
Bethany stepped forward, her voice calm. "Ethan, stop."
But Ethan's anger consumed him, his fists squeezing tight. Bethany's hands on his chest were the only thing holding him back.
Bethany's voice was laced with urgency. "Liam, please, can we talk outside?"
Liam's eyes flashed with anger as he stormed out, leaving Bethany alone with Ethan.
"You knew he was watching, that's why you did that," Bethany accused, her eyes blazing with anger.
Ethan shrugged, his expression unrepentant. "I knew, and I don't give a fuck."
Bethany's gaze pierced through him. "This is you, the real you, Ethan Smith. Do you even give a f**k about anyone or anything?"
Ethan's frown deepened, his eyes narrowing. "Everything, all of this, has been a huge mistake."
Bethany turned to leave, but Ethan's grip on her wrist stopped her. "Where the f**k do you think you're going?"
Bethany's eyes flashed with defiance. "To explain my side of the story."
Ethan's chuckle was low and menacing. "You're f*****g kidding, right?"
Bethany's frustration boiled over. "What's wrong with you today? You're acting weird."
Ethan's eyes glinted with anger. "Coming from someone who's been avoiding me."
Bethany struggled to free herself, but Ethan's grip tightened. "
Bethany struggled to free herself from Ethan's grasp, finally breaking loose. "Ethan, let go of me!" she exclaimed, her eyes flashing with anger.
Ethan's gaze burned with intensity. "Let me get one thing straight with you... I'll let you go this once... there won't be a next time."
Bethany turned and hurried out, desperate to escape the toxic atmosphere. She spotted Liam and rushed towards him. "Liam, please wait!"
Liam turned, his eyes cold and unforgiving. "We both know how this conversation is going to end. You don't want to know what my intentions are towards you right now."
Bethany's voice trembled. "Liam, I can explain..."
Liam's sneer cut her off. "Explain what? You know you surprised me, Bethany. You acted like a saint... I'm guessing you're not a virgin."
Bethany's face flushed with indignation. "What? That's not fair..."
Liam's smile twisted. "You're a slut."
Bethany tried to leave, but Liam's grip on her wrist stopped her. "Where the f**k are you going? I'm not done with you."
Bethany winced in pain. "Liam, stop, you're hurting me..."
Liam's smile grew wider. "I'm hurting you."
Just as Liam's grip tightened, Ethan appeared, his eyes blazing with anger. He pulled Bethany towards him, his fists clenched. "Ethan, stop!" Bethany cried, but Ethan's punch connected with Liam's jaw, sending him stumbling back.
Ethan's grip on Bethany's wrist was like a vice as he dragged her out. "Ethan, please stop!" she begged, but he didn't relent.
He pulled her down into the basement, his anger palpable. Releasing her wrist, he spun her around to face him. "You remember this place," he growled, his eyes blazing with intensity.
Bethany tried to leave, but Ethan's hands clamped onto her waist, holding her in place. "I asked you a question, I expect an answer," he demanded.
"Yes," Bethany whispered, her voice trembling.
Ethan's face twisted in rage. "What happened here?" he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.
Bethany shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I don't..."
Ethan's eyes narrowed, his frown deepening. "Liam can't see when I touch you, but he f****d another girl in front of you, Bethany!"
Bethany's voice was barely audible. "Ethan..."
But Ethan's anger boiled over. "Stop calling my f*****g name!" he bellowed, his fists clenched.
The door slammed shut behind them, plunging them into darkness. Bethany's grip on Ethan's hand tightened. "What's wrong?"He whispered.
"It's dark," she replied, her voice trembling with fear.
Bethany's breaths came in short gasps, her chest heaving as she struggled to inhale. Ethan rushed to her side, kneeling down as she collapsed onto the cold floor. He swept her up into his arms, his eyes scanning her face with concern. "Fuck..." he muttered, his voice laced with worry.
Bethany's eyes fluttered closed, her fingers clutching his shirt as he carried her through the secret passage. They emerged into a cozy room, and Ethan gently set her down on a seat. Kneeling before her, he took her hands in his. "It's okay, breathe," he soothed.
Bethany's chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes wild with fear. Ethan's voice was calm and gentle. "Look at me... it's okay, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."
Slowly, Bethany's breathing steadied, her gaze locking onto Ethan's. She knelt forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Ethan's hands encircled her waist, his smile soft.
"I'm sorry..." he whispered, his lips brushing against her cheek.
Bethany pulled back, her eyes searching his. "How did you know what to say to me?"
Ethan's expression turned introspective. "I used to have panic attacks as a child... and someone helped me out."
Bethany's gaze lingered on his, then she nestled her head into his chest. "I'm fine... it's nothing."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "You want to explain to me why... and when?"
Bethany's voice was barely above a whisper. "Since my mum died... It happens when it's dark."
Ethan's grip on her waist tightened. "What happened to her?"
Bethany's eyes clouded over. "I have no idea... I woke up the next morning in a hospital..."
As she tried to stand, Ethan rose with her, his hands supporting her. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with concern and questions.
Ethan's voice was urgent. "I need to get you out of here... come on, let's go."
They almost made it out when Cody burst in. "Ethan, Ethan, Ethan... we need to talk."
Ethan's eyes locked onto Bethany's. "Bethany, get out of here... go, I'll come get you."
Cody's gaze followed Bethany as she left, his eyes narrowing. Ethan turned to face him, his jaw clenched.
Meanwhile, Bethany collided with Megan in the hallway. "Watch it!" Megan exclaimed, before their eyes met and they shared a warm smile.
"Hey, you," Megan said, her voice softening.
Bethany hesitated. "Hey" 
" B... what? Did you just come out of there?"Megan questions her ,"
Megan's curiosity was piqued.
Bethany's expression turned serious. "I need your help with something."
Megan's eyes sparkled with interest. "B, you just came out of there ,"
" forget that, I really need your help." Bethany insisted 
Bethany's voice dropped to a whisper. "It's about Liam and Ethan."
Megan's eyes widened. "Hmm... let's go sit over there."
As they sat down, Bethany's words tumbled out. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you this when it happened, but Liam... Liam tried to have s*x with me."
Megan's eyes flashed with anger. "What? When did this happen?"
Bethany's voice trembled. "Uh, some days ago."
Megan's face fell. "f*****g days, B... why didn't you tell me?"
Bethany's apology was sincere. "I'm so sorry..."
Megan's voice was laced with hurt. "Let me guess... Ethan knows about it, right?"
Bethany nodded, her eyes downcast. Megan's expression turned incredulous. "Wow... so much for best friends since childhood right? "
Bethany's voice cracked and was laced with regret. "I know I should have told you, I'm so sorry."
Megan's expression softened. "It's fine... are you okay?"
Bethany shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "No."
Megan pulled Bethany into a warm embrace, and Bethany rested her head on Megan's lap. "I'm not okay... I feel sick just thinking about it, and I just want it to stop."
As Bethany's breathing grew heavy, Megan patted her back soothingly. "Shh... look at me... Liam's a huge jerk for what he tried to do. Forget about him."
Bethany's voice trembled. "How?"
Megan's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Ethan."
Bethany's face flushed. "Megan, seriously?"
Megan grinned. "Sorry, I needed to change the topic... so do you like him?"
Bethany hesitated. "I don't know..."
Megan's gaze pierced through her. "Is that what you try to tell yourself?"
Bethany's eyes dropped. "What do you mean?"
Megan's expression was knowing. "I've been seeing you two... you're both in love."
Bethany's denial was swift. "Nope... I'm not in love with Ethan."
Megan's smile was gentle. "You can deceive everyone around you, but not me, B. I've known you since forever."
Bethany's voice dropped to a whisper. "I’m not sure about my feelings for Ethan, you're right... but..."
Megan's eyes flashed with anger. "Liam tried to r**e you, Bethany."
Bethany's distress was palpable. "Megan, I don't know what to do."
Megan's advice was firm. "Make it clear to him that you guys are over... there's no Bethany and Liam anymore."
Bethany's gratitude was heartfelt. "Thanks, Megan... what would I do without you?"
Megan's smile was warm. "I guess we'll never find out."
As they shared a tender hug, Bethany asked, "Uh, are you and Seth..."
Megan's face lit up with a smile. "Oh yeah we’re cool."
Bethany's encouragement was sincere. "He really likes you ..."
Megan's eyes sparkled. "Thanks, B..."
With a final farewell, Bethany set out to confront Liam, but he was nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Ethan emerged from the room after his conversation with Cody, his eyes scanning the area for Bethany. Their paths seemed destined to cross, as they both navigated the complexities of their emotions.