Chapter 5: snitch
I hope Ethan's presentation turned out well because I know I did a great job and my mom likes the drawings. I chuckled, proud boyfriend duty.
I haven't heard from Cindy since the day that I sent her the illustration. Today is a good day to see Ethan since tomorrow is Saturday. After styling my hair, I wore a pair of blue denim jeans with a turtleneck t-shirt and a pair of black sneakers.
I came a little late. They were leaving when I saw Cindy. After summoning the courage to approach them, I walked up to them.
Hey Cindy, I said brightly.
Look, man...
We don't really want you here. She said, not looking at me. For a split second, it all seemed like a joke, but as time passed, everything became all too real. Everyone's faces showed they agreed with Cindy. I walked out of the restaurant... On my way out, I overheard Cindy whisper, "He really has the nerve to show up in front of us after what he did?" What did she mean by that? What have I done to deserve this?
I'll wait outside and talk to her. I don't understand what she meant. Something must have happened, and I'm determined to find out what it is.
As soon as she saw me, she turned back, but I rushed after her.
Cindy, please wait. I just want to ask you something.
Why are you avoiding me? No one will talk to me or even look at me! " I pleaded.
"I think it's time you dropped the innocent act." She scoffed before walking off. I seriously have no idea what's going on. A long sigh escaped my mouth. I guess she wasn't willing to be of any help.
Three days later, I returned to her office. I need to know what happened. I can't stand it anymore. Just as she came out of her car, I ran and dragged her. Can we please talk? She looked scared, like I was about to hurt her. With the way she is acting, what they believe I did must have been something pretty terrible.
Why are you pushing me away? " I asked, sounding more desperate this time. It could have been me, but it seemed like a flash of sadness and pain crossed her face.
"I'm sorry Luca..." I can't. I have to leave. " "She said before walking away."
"Cindy! Why can't you tell me? " I yelled, but she kept on walking. I continued watching her until she disappeared.
I'll talk to her one more time. What could I have done wrong? The next day is a Tuesday. I decided it was time I talked to her in front of Ethan and Leo.
I was in the restaurant waiting for them when they walked in. Ethan looks like he just had a fight with someone.
I waited a moment, readying myself for whatever was about to happen. With every step, it felt like the weight of my feet doubled. I couldn't turn back, I had to try. When I finally reached their table, all their eyes were focused on me, making me feel super uneasy. They sat there, watching me silently. It was the same for me. I didn't move. I couldn't at this point. I was too scared to do anything. The expressions on their faces were indicative of disgust and disapproval, not of friendship. It got to the point where I almost fled. However, I realized I couldn't leave things the way they were. I wanted to know what happened that made Cindy, my only friend, turn her back on me.
Hey guys, I grinned nervously.
Ethan gave me a dirty look. I wish the ground would open and swallow me.
What are you doing here after everything you have done, Luca? Cindy hissed.
I don't know what you're talking about. I stuttered, trembling in place.
"Oh... so you still want to play this game?" she asked.
Another defeat. I was beginning to feel frustrated, but the pain and sadness were still far greater. I felt tears crawling out of my eyes. I guess I just couldn't hold it in this time either.
Can you just tell me what happened? I yelled
Why did you make a mess in Ethan's house and office? Leo chipped in.
If Ethan and Cindy were mad at me for doing something, what would it be? What could it be that he thinks I have destroyed? Wouldn't Cindy have backed me up on this? She knows I'm innocent since we were doing Operation Ethan together.
Did the cat cut your tongue? Cindy growled.
No, I didn't do anything. I don't even know what you are talking about. Ethan, I whispered
What do you want? Ethan asked with a more serious expression.
I want to know what's going on... What was so crucial that you
Will you just shut up? Cindy cut me off.
He was silent for a moment. One of the few belongings I have left from my deceased mother is a million dollar project, an official document I have to replace and pay a fine. But nothing too serious, right? " He laughed sarcastically at me.
So that's what he thought? Does he think I did all of that? What was this about documents? How was I involved in that? I thought. I'm telling you that wasn't me! I shouted back desperately. I looked over at Cindy to see a worried look across her face.
"Cindy, tell him!" I said, waiting for her to respond.
Luca, I'm not on your side. What?..
"W-what do you mean?" I asked, giving her a crazy look.
"I'm not helping you make people's lives miserable." She replied in a cold tone.
Wait... I don't get what's going on? Cindy knows I'm innocent. What's she doing? Unless it was all her. That couldn't be possible, right? I mean, she's been such a helpful friend to me. She couldn't have been planning something like this from the start, could she? I was feeling beyond confused.
"I-I don't understand?" I replied, backing up.
"She's telling you that she won't help with your silly schemes." Ethan repeated.
"Cindy, did you set me up?" I asked, scrunching my eyebrows. An unreadable look disappeared faster than it appeared on her face. She then started acting like she had no idea what I was talking about.
Do you believe them, Leo? I whispered
I'm not doubting you yet. I need more information before I can judge. Leo said,
Look. I want to believe he's innocent as well, but... Cindy said, her voice dropping low.
What proof do you have that it's him? What evidence do you have to back this accusation up, huh? Leo asked, clenching his fists.
"What were you doing on Sunday evening, Monday morning, and Wednesday?" Ethan asked, his tone more serious than intended.
Answer the question! He raised his voice, feeling anger clawing at the surface.
A-alright. I stammered, stepping backwards. It took me a moment to remember.
Answer the damn question! He yelled, bothering me. Has something been done wrong? Did I miss something?
"A-alright." I stuttered, fear clear in my tone. I thought back to the fact that Sunday was the day I cooked. On Monday, I dropped flowers in his office, and on Wednesday, I sent the illustrations to Cindy. Operation Ethan took place during those days. I couldn't tell him about that, could I? I mean, I'm trying to win him over in secret; it wouldn't make any sense if I just said it outright. I quickly ran over every possible cover-up.
"I was getting some books and completed a leftover painting I was working on." Is that really what I settled for? Now that it's been said out loud, it doesn't seem as convincing.
Ethan's gaze sharpened with his eyes becoming void of light. His dark expression made my heart skip a beat, as if time itself had frozen. He just turned away, not speaking another word.
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