UNTIL I MET HER

CHAPTER TWO

After wrapping up her scene, Bethany made her way to the football court, seeking out Liam. But before she could reach him, Josh spotted her and sauntered over to Liam, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Dude, your girlfriend's here," Josh announced, his voice dripping with amusement. "How's that plan going?"
Liam's response was curt, "Bad."
Josh's curiosity got the better of him, "Is she a virgin?"
Liam shrugged, "I have no idea."
Josh's grin widened, "Nice. Dude, do you need my help?"
But Liam waved him off, "Get lost. I guess I have some pretending to do."
Josh's laughter echoed through the air as brushed off Josh's teasing and strode off to meet Bethany, his expression a mask of confidence. The encounter with Josh had only added to Liam's growing unease, but he was determined to see this through.
"Hey B," Liam said, his smile charming. Bethany's response was hesitant, "Hi... you weren't at practice this morning."
Liam shrugged, "Yeah... you watched me play, right?" Bethany nodded, "Yeah, for a while... you're really good." Liam's eyes sparkled, "Thanks, beautiful."
His gaze lingered on her, his hands reaching out to touch her butt. But Bethany stepped back, uncomfortable. The tension was palpable as Ethan and his friends arrived, their eyes fixed on Bethany.
Ethan's voice was low, "You guys can go ahead." Cody's frown deepened, "I guess she's not yours after all." Ethan's movement towards Cody was halted by Simpson's intervention, "Enough... Cody, let's go."
As they left, Ethan's eyes remained on Bethany, his expression thoughtful. Liam tried to leave, but Bethany stopped him, "What's wrong?"
Liam's words spilled out, "You are B... we hardly hang out... I can’t have you all to myself ." Ethan edged closer, intrigued by their conversation.
Bethany's response was soft, "Liam..." But Liam pressed on, "Actions speak louder than words... prove that you love me by your actions, I want all of you."
His touch sent shivers down Bethany's spine, but she shook her head, unwilling to reciprocate. Ethan observed the exchange, a knowing smile spreading across his face as Liam tried to kiss Bethany, only to be rebuffed.
Bethany's apology was whispered, "I'm sorry..." But Liam's hug was warm, his smile reassuring as he glanced at Josh. "I'll see you some other time... of course, B."Liam exclaimed
As Bethany left, Liam's charm was on full display, drawing admiring glances from passing girls. But Bethany's eyes lingered on him, her expression a mix of emotions.
Liam's words, "I want all you," lingered in the air as Bethany walked away, only to be distracted by a commotion nearby. She returned to find Ethan, who swiftly grabbed her and carried her off, despite her struggles.
"Hey, put me down!" Bethany demanded, but Ethan ignored her, carrying her far from the scene. Once he set her down, Bethany's eyes narrowed, and she turned to leave, but Ethan followed.
Bethany's foot struck a stone, sending her tumbling to the ground. Ethan swiftly came to her aid, his hand on her leg as he began to massage the affected area.
"Ouch, it hurts," Bethany winced, trying to pull away. But Ethan's grip remained firm, his eyes locked on hers as he continued to rub her leg.
"Don't touch me," Bethany warned, her voice firm. But Ethan's expression remained calm, his hands moving in gentle circles.
"Come on, I'll help you up," Ethan offered, his voice soft. But Bethany's pride refused to yield, "I can get up myself."
Ethan's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with intensity as he grasped her arm, pulling her up with a force that brooked no resistance. "I said, don't," 
Despite her protests, Ethan helped her up, his hands on her thigh, his face inches from hers. Bethany's heart raced as he smiled, "Easy, Queen."
But just as their lips almost touched, Cody's frown caught their attention. Bethany quickly cleared her throat, "I'm fine," 
The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions.
Bethany pulled her hand away from Ethan's neck, her eyes flashing with anger. "I'm fine," she said, her voice cold.
Ethan's gaze never wavered, "I f****d up at the hall." Bethany's response was laced with venom, "What time? Oh, is it when you tried to get me half-naked or when you touched me without my consent or when you ruined my scripts and gown?"
Ethan's eyes locked onto hers, "All... but that doesn't mean I'll stop." Bethany's voice rose, "Whatever you want, you can't get it from me."
Ethan's smile was confident, "You sure
As she stood to leave, Ethan followed, his presence suffocating. "Please, just stay away from me," Bethany begged. But Ethan's grip on her waist was unyielding.
In the chaos, Bethany almost collided with someone, but Ethan's quick reflexes saved her. For a moment, they stood there, hands entwined, eyes locked.
Ethan's voice was low, "You need to be more careful, Queen." Bethany's response was bitter, "None of this would have happened if you didn't show up... you're so..."
Ethan's interruption was swift, "Watch your words, Queen." Bethany sighed, exasperated, " Ethan's eyes gleamed with a mischievous intensity as he whispered, "I won't f**k you until you're ready and willing to ask me to." His words hung in the air.
She tried to brush off the feeling, but Ethan's gaze lingered, his presence suffocating. "I won't f**k you until you're totally into it and ask me to, i’m sure you’ll be begging me soon" he added, his voice low and husky.
Bethany's cheeks flushed, her mind reeling from the suggestion. She knew she should be outraged, but a part of her was drawn to Ethan's boldness.
As Bethany tried to leave, Ethan moved closer, his eyes fixed on her lips. "I have a boyfriend," she said, a hint of desperation in her voice.
Ethan's smile was knowing, "Liam." Bethany's eyes widened, "How do you know?"
Ethan's words dripped with malice, "Boyfriend, you say... I'm sure he's not gonna like it when he finds out my hands were on your soft nipples." Bethany's eyes widened in outrage, but Ethan's gaze only lingered on her lips.
"What do you want from me?" Bethany demanded, trying to wriggle free from his grasp. But Ethan's grip tightened, his voice taking on a sinister tone, "Do you think he's gonna like the fact that I touched your panties? Aren't you gonna tell him I almost got my hands in between those thighs?"
As Bethany tried to leave, Ethan's hands roamed her body, his fingers brushing against her breast, his thumb teasing her n****e. "Look at me," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. But Bethany remained silent, her eyes fixed on some point beyond him.
Finally, she looked up, her eyes flashing with anger, and Ethan's lips moved closer to hers. "I don’t give a f**k about that," he sneered, before releasing her with a mocking smile. "I’m sure you’ll be begging me soon, try not to miss me so much."
With that, he turned and left, leaving Bethany shaken and her heart racing.
As she turned to leave, Ethan's parting shot echoed in her mind, "I'm sure you'll be begging me soon."
Ethan approached Liam with a faint smile, "Hey dude." Liam's eyes widened in surprise, "Ethan Smith... to what do I owe the visit."
"Ethan's gaze locked onto Liam's, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity, as if boiling with anger."
Ethan's response was nonchalant, "Yeah... Uhm, the girl who came earlier, do you know her?"
Liam's nod was accompanied by a hint of possessiveness, "Yeah... Bethany." Ethan's eyes sparkled with interest, "Bethany... She's your girlfriend, right? And you love her, don't you?"
Liam's surprise turned to wariness, "How did you know?" Ethan's smile was knowing, "Let's make a deal... I won't tell her about your other girls ." Liam's eyes narrowed, "Hurt her, and I'll come after you."
Ethan's grip on Liam's shoulder tightened, "You're a handsome guy; you wouldn't want that to change." Liam tried to speak, but Ethan's words cut him off, "I'm sure you'll cooperate."
Liam: f**k you
With a swift motion, Ethan's fist connected with Liam's face, and he squeezed his wrist, causing Liam to cry out in pain. "f**k, you'll break my wrist!" Ethan's frown deepened, "Are we clear?"
Just then, Cody appeared, "Ethan, stop." Ethan released Liam, who knelt, clutching his wrist. "Crystal," Liam gritted out. Ethan turned and left, passing Cody, who smiled and followed him.
As Bethany limped through the front door, her father, Will, immediately noticed her discomfort. "B, what's wrong with your foot? Does Liam have anything to do with this?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
Bethany rolled her eyes, "Dad, I'm fine. And seriously, Liam again? What's your problem with him?" She couldn't understand why her father always brought up Liam.
Will's expression turned cryptic, "Bethany, you wouldn't understand." But Bethany pressed on, "Really? That's all you ever say. You haven't even tried to explain, so how would you know?"
Will's only response was, "I don’t like him for you and his friends can’t be trusted." Bethany smiled wryly and left the room, slamming the door behind her.
When Will asked if she was going to eat, Bethany retorted in a high tone, "I've lost my appetite." But when Will knocked on her door, Bethany remained silent, and he entered anyway.
"Bethany, can I come in?" Will asked, but Bethany hadn't given permission. "Look, I'm sorry if you feel I'm meddling in your life," he apologized.
Bethany sighed, "Dad, why do you even? I can protect myself." But Will insisted, "I'm your father; I have to protect you."
Their conversation softened, and Bethany rested her head on her father's shoulder. "Come, I prepared vanilla cupcakes; it's your favorite. You don't want to miss out," Will coaxed.
Bethany's eyes sparkled as she asked, "Vanilla? Why didn't you say that earlier?" Her father, Will, replied, "You just ignored me." Bethany apologized, hugging him before leaving her room. Will smiled, gazing at their family picture, whispering his thoughts drifting to his late wife. "I'm sorry, Bailee."
Meanwhile, at the bar, Ethan and his friends were gathered when Seth arrived. "Hey Ethan, I was supposed to meet Megan, but I don't think she's showing up," Seth said, concerned. Ethan was noncommittal about attending Megan's birthday party the next day, but Seth pressed on, "Bethany's going to be there; she wouldn't want to miss her best friend's party."
Ethan's expression softened, and he admitted, "I’ve set my eyes on her... I'm going to make her mine." Seth warned, "Ethan, she might get hurt in your business." Ethan reassured him, "I won't let that happen."
As Cody and Simpson joined them, Seth excused himself. Cody began drinking and asked Ethan about Bethany, teasing him about his feelings. Ethan denied having any, but Cody goaded him, "Prove it." Ethan's fist clenched.
Cody's voice was laced with skepticism, "You like her, don't you?" Ethan's response was immediate, "I don't." But Cody pressed on, "Oh really? Prove it."
Ethan's jaw clenched, "I don't need to prove anything to you." Cody's smile was taunting, "It's easy... you started this, so what are you afraid of?"
Ethan's warning was low and even, "Cody, leave Bethany out of this." But Cody's interest was piqued, "I can do it if you can't. You see, I'm interested in her too."
Ethan's fist tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. "I'll do it," he growled, "stay away from her." Cody's laughter was mocking, "I'll try... I'll be watching you. If you can't get in her panties, I can."
As Cody's words hung in the air, Ethan moved closer, his eyes blazing with intensity. The tension between them was palpable, Ethan's eyes narrowed, and he moved closer to Cody before leaving the bar.
As he headed home, Ethan couldn't shake off thoughts of Bethany. He was determined to make her his, but the challenges ahead seemed daunting. Little did he know, the next day's birthday party would be the perfect opportunity to make his move.
Ethan dialed Megan's number, and she answered on the first ring. "Who's this?" she asked, her voice curious.
"It's Ethan," he replied, his tone casual.
Megan's surprise was evident, "Ethan Smith? Wow, and why are you calling me?"
Ethan's question was direct, "Do you know where Bethany's going to be tomorrow?"
Megan's response was hesitant, "I don't know... we haven't really talked much." Ethan sensed a rift between the friends and asked, "Why?"
Megan's tone turned defensive, "When did you start getting interested in my life and my best friend?" Ethan quickly backed off, "Never mind. Happy birthday in advance."
Megan's thanks was polite, but Ethan could sense the distance between them. He ended the call, realizing he needed to try another approach.
Next, Ethan called Jamie, hoping for better luck. "Hey Jamie, don't hang up," he said, his voice persuasive.
Jamie's reluctance was clear, "I can't tell you anything." But Ethan pressed on, "Where will she be tomorrow?"
Jamie's hesitation was brief before revealing, "She'll be at Megan's birthday party." Ethan's thanks was sincere, and he ended the call, his mind already racing with plans for the next day.