UNTIL I MET HER

CHAPTER ELEVEN

It was another beautiful morning. Bethany slipped on a crisp white crop top jacket shirt and black jeans, letting her hair cascade freely down her back. As she headed out, her dad, Will, called out to her.
"B, wait!"
Bethany turned back, slightly impatient. "Yes, Dad?"
Will's expression was serious. "Can we talk for a while?"
Bethany glanced at her watch. "Dad, I'm kinda late..."
Will reassured her. "I won't be long."
But Bethany was insistent. "Dad, we'll talk at night, I promise. I really need to be at the institution."
Will nodded reluctantly. "Sure."
Bethany smiled, kissing his cheek. "Thanks, Dad. I love you."
With that, she hurried off to the institution, only to find chaos erupting everywhere. Megan grabbed her hand, concern etched on her face.
"Hey, B. About yesterday, are you okay?"
Bethany brushed off her worries. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Megan's eyes narrowed. "B, I know you."
Bethany's tone was firm. "Megan, I said I'm fine, okay?"
Megan relented. "Okay."
Bethany thanked her and continued on her way, searching for Jamie. She made her way to the guys' dressing room, hand reaching for the door handle. But before she could enter, Liam swooped in, covering her mouth and sweeping her into a quiet corner.
His unexpected move left Bethany breathless, her heart racing with fear.
Bethany's eyes narrowed at Liam. "What do you want from me?"
Liam's smile was disarming. "Come with me, we need to talk."
But Bethany was wary. She tried to leave, only to have Liam's hands clamp onto her waist. She recoiled, slapping his hands away. "Don't touch me!"
Liam's smile grew wider as he moved closer, backing Bethany into the wall. "There's nothing you can say or do that'll make me change the fact that we're over," she spat. "Can you just leave me alone, Liam?"
Liam nodded, but his eyes betrayed his intentions. He slid his hands down to her trousers, making Bethany shudder. "How about now, B?"
Bethany's voice rose in panic. "Liam, stop!"
But Liam's grip only tightened, his fingers brushing against her zip. Bethany struggled, but Liam's hand shot up, grasping her neck roughly. She moaned in pain as he unzipped her trousers completely.
Simpson's timely intervention saved Bethany from further distress. "Liam, get your hands off her!" he thundered, his eyes blazing with anger.
Liam turned, his face twisted in a snarl, as Simpson approached him.
Liam's face twisted in anger. "What the f**k did you just say?"
Simpson's warning was clear. "Take your hands off her, or you'll regret it."
But Liam's defiance was stunning. He slid his hands into Bethany's trousers, his fingers brushing against her panties. Bethany's breath caught, her body frozen in shock.
Simpson's punch sent Liam crashing to the ground. As he helped Bethany up, his voice was urgent. "Bethany, Bethany, get out of here!"
But Bethany was numb, her eyes fixed on Simpson. Seth arrived, taking in the scene. "What are you doing? "
"Get her out of here, I'll deal with Liam."
As Seth guided Bethany away, she suddenly stopped, her legs buckling. Seth rushed to her side, concern etched on his face. "Bethany, what's wrong?"
But Bethany's eyes were closed, her body trembling. Ethan arrived, his gaze scanning the scene. "Bethany, did he...?"
Bethany's voice was barely audible. "Just his hands...he didn't go further."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Whose hands?"
But Bethany's eyes remained closed, her body language screaming distress. Seth intervened, his voice low. "Uh, Ethan, the things that... " 
" it's nothing."Bethany interrupted 
But Ethan's gaze had already fallen on Bethany's unzipped trousers, his face darkening. Seth's explanation came too late. "Liam tried to have his way with her...but he didn't go far, man."
As Seth beat a hasty retreat, Ethan moved closer to Bethany, his eyes blazing with anger. But Bethany shrank away, her back to him, her body language screaming for space.
Ethan's voice was low and menacing. "Take one more f*****g step, I dare you."
Bethany halted, her eyes fixed on him. "Ethan."
He grasped her wrist, his grip firm, and led her to his room. Once inside, he closed the door, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Why'd you come in here?"
Bethany's voice trembled. "Jamie...I came to check up on Jamie."
Ethan's gaze narrowed. "And then did you find him?"
Bethany's hesitation was palpable. "...no."
Ethan's eyes dropped, his gaze falling on her unzipped trousers. His voice was laced with anger. "What did Liam do to you?"
Bethany's eyes met his, her voice barely above a whisper. "He didn't do anything...Simpson stopped him."
Ethan's hands encircled her waist, holding her in place. "I want you to f*****g stay like that."
His head rested on her shoulder, his breath warm against her skin. "How far did he go?"
Bethany's voice cracked. "He just touched my panties."
Ethan's hands slipped into her trousers, his touch gentle. "His hands were on your panties."
Bethany nodded, her body relaxing into his chest. Ethan's voice was laced with emotion. "Queen, I'm not mad at you...I would have been, because you f*****g lied to me, and I f*****g hate lies...but you came in here to check up on your friend."
Bethany turned, her eyes locking onto his, a mix of fear and vulnerability in their depths.
Bethany's voice trembled. "You're not mad at me?"
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "The next time you lie to my face, those pretty lips and that body are gonna feel it, okay?"
Bethany nodded, her eyes downcast. "I'm sorry."
Ethan's voice softened. "Come here."
Bethany stepped into his embrace, her body relaxing into his. "I don't f*****g like the fact that another guy's hands were on your p***y," Ethan whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.
Bethany's voice was barely audible. "He didn't get there."
Ethan's eyes locked onto hers. "You sure, Queen?"
Bethany nodded, her smile hesitant. "What'll make you feel better, Queen?" Ethan asked, his hands tracing her thighs.
Bethany's curiosity was piqued. "What?"
Ethan's grin was mischievous. "If I get my fingers up in your p***y right now and clear what the i***t did."
As Ethan's hands slipped into her trousers, Bethany's breath caught. "What's with you and the F word? I really wanna know."
Ethan's eyes sparkled. "You wanna know?"
Bethany nodded, her body inching closer to his. "I'll tell you," Ethan whispered, his lips brushing against hers.
As he knelt, slowly pulling her trousers down, Bethany's heart raced. Ethan's gaze roamed her thighs, his lips curling into a sensual smile. But just as he reached her panties, Bethany's hands stopped him.
Ethan stood, his eyes searching hers. "What's wrong?"
Bethany's voice was laced with vulnerability. "I'm still hurting from the last time."
Ethan stood up, his eyes locked onto hers. "You’ll be fine," he said, his voice softening. "I'm happy you told me that."
Bethany's curiosity got the better of her. "Why?"
Ethan's smile was sly. "I was about to drive you insane with my fingers."
Bethany's eyes widened. "Fingers?"
Ethan's lips curled into a sensual smile as he moved closer, his breath warm against her skin. He knelt, picking up her trousers, and helped her into them, his touch gentle. Finally, he zipped them up, his hands lingering on her waist.
"Thank you," Bethany whispered, her eyes locked onto his.
Just as Ethan was about to kiss her, Cody burst in, clapping sarcastically. "Bravo, my friend...you always get the hottest and beautiful girls...but I guess all good things must come to an end."
Ethan's eyes narrowed, his grip on Cody's shirt tightening. "What the f**k are you trying to do?"
Cody's smile was malicious. "I came to make sure Bethany finds out the truth."
Bethany's confusion was palpable. "What's he talking about?"
Ethan's eyes pleaded with her. "Queen, leave."
But Bethany's feet seemed rooted to the spot. "What?"
Ethan's voice was firm. "Leave now."
Finally, Bethany turned and left, only to be stopped by Liam.
Liam's voice was low and urgent. "I think you should hear what Cody has to say...you can go once you've heard it all."
Bethany's eyes met Liam's, and he opened the door slightly, beckoning her closer. They both leaned in, eavesdropping on the conversation inside.
Cody's voice was mocking. "If I recall, you were supposed to have fun with Bethany, not the other way around...you're supposed to be in her panties, ruin her."
Ethan's response was firm. "f*****g her is my part, not yours...and I'm not doing that without her consent."
Cody's laughter was cruel. "Consent? You didn't need her consent to f**k her with your fingers at the field, did you? And I'm sure that wasn't the first time...you felt her pussy."
Ethan's frown deepened, his eyes flashing with anger. Bethany's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes welling up with tears.
Cody continued, his voice relentless. "You think she can handle two d***s in her, or we can just make it anal...Ethan, drop the act...she's gonna find out about this."
Bethany's tears spilled over, her body shaking with sobs. Liam scooped her up, carrying her into Ethan's room. Ethan turned, his eyes locking onto hers, his face etched with concern.
But Bethany's eyes were fixed on Cody, her heart heavy with the weight of his words.
"Let me go," Bethany pleaded, struggling in Liam's arms.
Liam released her, and Ethan's eyes met hers, filled with a mix of guilt and desperation. "f**k," he muttered.
Liam's voice was calm. "She heard everything, and I'm sure you have something to say to her, Ethan."
Ethan approached Bethany, holding out his hand. "I can f*****g explain..."
But Bethany jerked her hand away, turning to leave. Cody's voice stopped her.
"You might want to hear the whole story, Princess."
Bethany hesitated, and Cody continued. "I'm sure you're wondering why Ethan Smith came into your life all of a sudden."
Ethan tried to intervene. "Queen, let's get out of here. I can explain everything."
But Bethany stepped back, her eyes wide with hurt. Cody's words cut deep. "It was all his plan. Ethan's a guy who takes things slow."
Bethany's gaze shifted to Liam, her voice trembling. "You knew about this?"
Liam nodded. "Ethan knew I was seeing other girls, but he made a deal with me that he wouldn't tell you."
Bethany's eyes welled up with tears. "What?"
Cody's voice was merciless. "Ethan Smith is a guy who fancies pleasure...no feelings attached."
Bethany's breath caught, and she turned to leave. Ethan chased after her, grabbing her waist. "Bethany, wait!"
But she struggled against him. "Let go of me!"
Ethan's voice was urgent. "Queen, I can explain. I just need you to come with me."
Bethany's voice trembled with rage. "Let me get something straight. You knew Liam was cheating on me?"
Ethan's eyes pleaded for understanding. "Bethany..."
But she cut him off. "You could have told me. You're the reason I almost got raped."
Tears streamed down her face as Ethan tried to apologize. "Queen, I'll explain everything to you. Let's just get out of here."
But Bethany's anger boiled over. "Seriously, Ethan? You're a liar!"
She struggled against him, but Ethan pinned her against the wall. "Hear me out!…please" he shouted, his voice laced with desperation.
Bethany's eyes locked onto his, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... didn't agree to f**k you, Cody wanted to f**k you, so I had to stop him."
Bethany's face twisted in disgust. "So you told him you'd have s*x with me instead?"
Ethan's explanation came tumbling out. "I had to think of something to keep you safe. Cody's dangerous."
But Bethany's trust was shattered. "You're not far from that either."
Ethan protested. "Look, I didn't agree to anything without your consent."
Bethany's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh, but you said yes to it...and you forgot the part where you're in, and then you're out."
Her frown deepened, and Ethan's hands reached out, only to be met with a stinging slap. "Don't you dare touch me!"
As Bethany's fists pounded against him, Ethan's voice cracked. "Queen, I'm sorry."
But Bethany's rage wouldn't subside. "Ethan, let me go!"
Ethan's grip tightened, holding her captive.
Ethan's voice was laced with emotion. "Queen, I feel things when I'm with you, and I know you feel it too."
But Bethany's heart was numb. "I don't feel anything right now."
Ethan's fists clenched, his eyes pleading. "You know what's really funny and stupid at the same time? While you were busy planning to have s*x with me, I was stupidly falling in love with you."
Bethany turned and walked away, tears streaming down her face. She collided with Megan, who noticed her distress. "B, what's wrong?"
Bethany's voice cracked. "I need to get out of here."
Ethan followed, his hands reaching out. "Queen, come on...let's go somewhere and talk."
But Bethany shoved him away. "Don't touch me."
Megan intervened. "Ethan, what's wrong?"
Ethan's voice was desperate. "Bethany, please come with me. I'll explain everything."
Bethany's eyes flashed with anger. "Explain..."
She moved closer, her fists pounding against his chest. But suddenly, she doubled over, clutching her stomach in agony. Ethan's face contorted with concern as he pulled her close.
Megan's voice was alarmed. "Something's wrong."
Ethan's hands cradled Bethany's face. "She's burning up."
As Bethany's eyes rolled back, Ethan scooped her up, carrying her to his car. Megan opened the door, and Ethan gently placed Bethany inside. "Megan, stay with her...I'll drive to the hospital."
Megan nodded, sitting beside Bethany as Ethan rushed to the driver's seat and sped off..
Megan's voice was urgent. "Ethan, let's go to my house."
But Ethan's response was firm. "Your house is not a f*****g option now."
Megan tried to reason with him. "My mum can take care of her."
Ethan's eyes flicked to Bethany, his face set in determination. He floored it, speeding down the road.
Megan's voice was laced with fear. "Slow down...she's not going to be fine if you keep driving like that."
Ethan's frustration boiled over. "f**k!" He slammed his fist on the steering wheel.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Megan's house. Ethan carried Bethany gently to the door, which Megan opened with a worried expression.
Megan's mother, Melody, appeared, concern etched on her face. "Megan, why are you home early? Are you skipping lectures?"
Ethan's voice was desperate. "We need your help."
Melody's eyes widened as she took in Bethany's limp form. "Bring her upstairs."
Ethan carried Bethany up, laying her gently on the bed. Melody's voice was soft. "Can you leave? Megan can stay with you."
Megan protested, but Melody insisted. "Megan, please."
Ethan's eyes lingered on Bethany before he left. Megan followed him out, her voice low. "Ethan, what really happened?"
Ethan's face twisted in anguish. "I f****d up."
Melody emerged from the room, her voice hushed. "Megan, can I talk to you?"
Megan nodded, and they stepped inside. Ethan stood up, his ears straining to hear their conversation.
Melody's voice was worried. "Megan, what happened to Bethany?"
Megan hesitated. "Uhm...nothing."
Melody's tone was firm. "This can't be nothing. This attack happened once before, when her mother passed away. Why did she have this same attack again?"
Megan's voice trembled. "Mum, I don't know...is she going to be okay?"
Melody's expression was grim. "I'll call Will, let him know she'll be sleeping over for a few days."
Megan's worry escalated. "Mum, is she going to be fine?"
Melody's calm demeanor reassured her. "For now, I don't know. We have to wait till she wakes up."
Megan rushed to Bethany's side, grasping her hand. Melody exited the room, beckoning Ethan outside.
"Ethan, we need to talk," Melody said, her voice low.
Once outside, Ethan asked, "What happened the day Bethany's mom died?"
Melody hesitated. "Ethan, Bethany doesn't know about this. Only Will and I do."
Ethan's curiosity was piqued. "About what?"
Melody's voice dropped to a whisper. "Bethany thinks her mom died of an illness, but that's not the truth. Her mom was r***d by some men. Will got entangled with the wrong people, and Bethany and Bailee were the price."
Ethan's eyes widened. "Bethany was also a target."
Melody's expression turned stern. "Will's been hiding her from those people. Ethan, I can see you love her, but for now, I think you should leave. She's like a daughter to me, and I won't watch her get hurt."
Ethan nodded. "I understand. Can I see her before I leave?"
Melody consented. "Sure."
Ethan entered the room, Megan departing silently. He approached Bethany, taking her hand. His lips brushed against hers, and Bethany's eyes fluttered open.
Their gazes locked, and Ethan whispered, "I'm f*****g sorry."
Bethany withdrew her hand, turning away. Ethan stood, sitting beside her. "I'll come see you soon."
As Bethany's eyes closed, Ethan vowed, "Queen, I'll make sure we're cool again." He kissed her head, his hand lingering on hers before he departed.