TWO: A GLIMPSE OF THE UNKNOWN
1277 Words
JORDAN
I was caught in the middle of a dream, moving through a whirlwind of images and sounds. My body was screaming, pulling me through the darkness, but then — suddenly, everything stopped. I found myself standing in a shadowy room, the air thick with a strange stillness. I thought I was alone, but then I saw him.
A figure stood in the center, dressed in a white shirt and pants that were far too big for him, his silhouette obscured by the oversized fabric. His jet-black hair shone like silk under the faint light, adding to the mystery of his presence.
I hesitated, drawn to him despite the sense of unease creeping up my spine. I moved closer, reaching out to tap his shoulder, desperate to see his face. But just as I was about to make contact, a door creaked open, cutting through the tension in the room.
Startled, I rushed toward the door.
It led straight to my bedroom.
I blinked, realizing with a sudden jolt that I was dreaming.
Why the hell was I having dreams like this? The image of the mysterious figure haunted me as I climbed out of bed. The nightmare hadn’t been the only thing unsettling me; earlier in the school day, something had felt off in the library. When I’d spotted Jaden Rock's eyes in the dark of the archives, I hadn’t been sure whether he’d just startled me or if something more was going on. Jaden, my classmate, was one of those quiet, brooding types who kept to himself — too quiet sometimes.
Why had he been so silent when he passed me by? That was a little too strange. Maybe he was there for the same project, but he hadn't said a word, just walked right past me like he knew something I didn’t. It gave me chills.
---
I walked back upstairs, my hands wrapped around a mug of warm milk, trying to shake off the unease. Back in my room, I pulled out the blueprint from my bag. The layout of the school was still fresh in my mind, and I stared at the section labeled “Room 315.”
It didn’t make sense. I had just checked the school’s prospectus the night before. There was no “Room 315” on the map. I flipped through the pages again, desperate to make sense of what I was seeing. The layout was identical to the one on the prospectus, but that room? It didn’t exist.
The only place that could possibly match the description was the janitor’s closet. That made no sense, though. Why would a blueprint for the janitor’s closet be hidden in a history book? No reconstruction was happening in that area, so why the discrepancy?
There was only one way to find out, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt like I was stepping into something I didn’t fully understand. And yet, for reasons I couldn’t explain, I was determined to uncover the truth.
---
LIAM
"You need to take over if you don’t want to end up like your mother," my dad barked, slamming his fist onto the table.
I flinched, trying to keep my cool. “We’re in a tight spot, Dad. We need to lay low for now. Things aren’t what they used to be,” I said, carefully choosing my words.
But he wasn’t having it. His eyes narrowed as he stood, fists clenched by his sides. “Nothing has changed! And nothing ever will unless you do something about it. I thought you could handle it. Guess I made a mistake.”
I swallowed hard, knowing where this was going. The same old lecture.
"It’s tough, Dad. It’s just... almost impossible. But I’m doing my best. I want to make you proud," I said, feigning sincerity.
He closed the distance between us, gripping my chin and forcing me to meet his gaze. His eyes burned with a determination that sent a cold shiver down my spine.
"Look, son, we need control, and you know it. Don’t you want more power? More money? More influence? We can do this together. Just prove me right," he said, his voice softer now, but his grip on me remained firm.
I nodded, the weight of his expectations settling on my shoulders. “I’ll make you proud, Dad.”
He smiled, releasing me and adjusting my collar. "You are my son. We’ve got this."
I returned the smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes.
---
I stepped out of his study, my mind swirling with thoughts. This wasn’t new — not by a long shot. Dad was obsessed with power, control, and affirmation. The way he pushed me to take over, to become what he envisioned... it was suffocating, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how much longer I could play the part.
As I made my way back to my room, my phone rang. I couldn’t remember where I’d put it, but after a quick search, I found it on the edge of the bed.
Maya was calling.
"Hey, babe!" she practically screamed through the phone, and I rolled my eyes. But I had to keep up the act. Maya was the student leader at school, and dating her wasn’t just about a relationship — it was about power and status.
"Hey, love. What’s up?" I replied with forced enthusiasm.
“I saw this amazing bag online,” she said, practically giddy. “Mind wiring me the money?”
I sighed inwardly but kept my tone sweet. “Sure, baby. I’ll send it over. Just stay cool.”
I hung up and tossed the phone onto my bed, my mind already shifting to the next thing. It was time to go out — time to let off some steam. I needed to forget about the pressure, at least for a little while.
---
JORDAN
The bell rang, signaling the start of another school day. I caught Heather’s voice from behind me, calling my name.
“Good morning, Heather,” I greeted with a smile.
She smirked at me, her eyes twinkling with sarcasm. “Wow. You’ve got some serious under-eye bags. What kept my little Dan awake last night?”
I groaned, rubbing my face. “I didn’t sleep much.”
Her eyes narrowed, clearly suspicious. “What kept you up? Your crush on Ms. Rachel?”
I shot her a look. “You’re crazy.”
We laughed and walked to class together.
Ms. Rachel was my favorite teacher. There was just something about the way she taught that made English seem interesting. Maybe Heather was right, though — maybe I did have a bit of a crush on her. But I couldn’t let my thoughts wander down that path right now. I had a mystery to solve.
---
Lunchtime came, but I couldn’t focus on food. The blueprint, the mysterious Room 315... I had to get answers.
I slipped away from the cafeteria, my heart racing as I headed toward the janitor’s wing. No one was around. I’d checked. I opened the door to the closet and stepped inside.
My breath caught in my throat.
What in the world was this place? It was like stepping into a hidden room, an abandoned part of the school I hadn’t known existed. My mind raced as I absorbed the sight before me.
This wasn’t just a janitor’s closet. This was something more.
I felt the energy inside me erupt like a volcano. I had to figure out what was going on — and I was going to get to the bottom of it, no matter what it took.
- Writer
