The Haunting Eyes

Honey

"God, Ian, I will manage everything. You don't have to worry about it," I whined while packing my suitcase hastily.

After passing multiple interviews, I was finally selected by the biggest automotive firm in New York, Scott Industries, which is a top-notch and remarkable automobile manufacturer in the country.

Ethan was completely against my decision because he offered me to work with him, but I didn't want to. I know he is my friend, but I don't want to take any more favors from him. He has already done a lot for me. I want to make a career for myself based on my hard work. I know Ethan would make me skip the formalities and recruit me for a position I don't even deserve, which I can never accept. This is cheating, and I don't want to be labelled as a woman who uses her friend as a cash cow.

"I am warning you, Honeybun. You've already angered me enough by rejecting my offer, still, I accepted your decision, but at least let me manage your expenses. God knows why the fuck you chose TS Group? Companies manage the accommodation and bear the expenses of their employees during the training period; employees themselves don't have to look for a place to live. There's still time, Hon, please reconsider my words."

I bit my lips. Ethan doesn't know that I am joining Scott Industries, which is a subsidiary of TS Group. It is because I lied to him that I got selected as an engineer when in reality I applied for the position of receptionist. Ethan didn't know that I had dropped out of my studies in between. I never graduated, but I hid it from him; otherwise, he would force me to complete my studies first.

I want to earn money for myself and then complete my education at my own expense. I only want Ethan's help for my mother because I can't bear her treatment. I never wanted him for me.

Mustering up courage, I zipped my suitcase and smiled, "Ian, you know this job is everything to me. If I weren't able to manage things, I would have asked for your help. You do know that I will never hide anything from you. Trust me, Ian, after so many days, life has given me a chance to stand up. And in this new journey, I need your support the most. I want you to believe in me, Ian, not judge my decision, please."

Tears welled in my eyes. I am sorry for lying to you, Ian, but this time I have chosen to listen to my heart. I have to move out of Chicago if I want to build a name for myself. That place always hinders my success, always binds me, and traps me in a maze that has no exit. I need to leave my comfort zone so that I can scour the sky. Firstly, I need to find my wings and test their strength, and for that, I need to abandon my shelter.

Ethan huffed in frustration, "You know I will never become a hindrance to your success, Honeybun. All right, if that's what you want, I will always be with you. Support you at every step, but do remember, if you ever feel threatened, then I am just one call away. Promise me you will never hesitate to call me for your help." He warned me in a deadly tone. I stifled a laugh and nodded.

"Aye aye, Captain. Now, can I leave? I am getting late."

Ethan snorted as I teased him, "Yeah. Have a safe flight and make sure to call me once you land."

*****

"What a view."

Fascinated with the snowy white clouds scattered on the vast blue canvas, I couldn't hide my excitement and took snaps. It's been so long since I traveled alone. I am so thrilled and enthusiastic about my new experience. Scott Industries is a big name, and working there will be equivalent to making money. The pay for a receptionist is so high that I wonder how much its CEO would be earning. I won't lie, but I applied here only after checking the pay scale. The salary I will receive is beyond my daily needs, and I am sure the work environment will be much better than my previous jobs. Also, during my training, I will make new friends, and I am optimistic that this time I won't regret my decision.

After enjoying a heavy and extremely delicious meal, I decided to take a nap. Putting on my sleep mask, I snuggled into my seat and drifted to my dreamland.

"Ian, where are you?"

Panting hard, I grabbed the staircase to catch my breath. Ian's parents have gone out, so he invited me home to play. We always met outside, as Ethan's mother despises me. I don't know why she is so angry at me when I never said anything to her. Nevertheless, I and Ian are currently playing hide and seek. His house is so huge, and yet he insisted on playing this game even when I denied it constantly.

"Come out, Ian. I am tired now. I accept my defeat," I cried while ascending the staircase. My legs were hurting as I had been trying to search for him for the past thirty minutes. Has he fallen into a pit? Where the heck has he disappeared?

"Ian, if you don't come out, I swear I will leave," I shouted in frustration and looked around, only to freeze. I didn't realize when I reached the second floor.

"O-Oh no." My heart sank in the pit of my stomach. Cold beads aligned my forehead as soon as the realization sank in. Ethan has always warned me not to come here. This place is forbidden, not for everyone but especially for me.

Without wasting time, I spun around, ready to leave, when suddenly the lights went out and I was plunged into an abyss of darkness.

"N-No, please," I whispered with teary eyes. The place abruptly turned so quiet that I could hear my heartbeat. Fear nipped my spine as I dragged my feet and flailed my arms, trying to grab something. Goosebumps ran all over my skin as the air turned bone-chilling cold.

"I-I-Ian. Ethan. Ethan." I tried to scream, but words didn't escape my mouth. I could only gasp for air as I felt myself drowning in this dangerous black ocean.

Suddenly, a titter reached my ears. My stomach churned. I instantly whipped my head in the direction of that voice, but found no one.

"Hello, is anyone here?" I asked in a steady tone. My breathing turned shallow, but the urge to catch that intruder didn't diminish my courage.

I jumped when the sound of footsteps resounded in the darkness.

"Tell me who is here?" I shouted. Now, seriously, I was dead scared.

Suddenly, I felt as if I was being watched. I could feel someone's eyes on me. Someone was here, right beside me, staring at me like a creep with sealed lips.

I dragged my feet back. I shouldn't have come here in the first place.

With my heart in my mouth, I quickly got my legs to leave when the power was back on. Golden lights dazzled my eyes, leaving me blind.

"Honeybun"

I heard Ethan's panicked voice. I opened my eyes only to be pulled into a bone-crushing hug.

"Ian, I can't breathe," I muttered as he was suffocating the life out of me. Suddenly, he pushed me away and gripped my arms tightly.

"What the hell are you doing here? I had warned you not to come here. Didn't I? Then why did you-"

He screamed but stopped when he noticed my pale face. I simply watched him with wide eyes, I was too terrified to move.

"Honeybun?" Ethan cooed and cradled my face in his palms. Sensing his warmth, I closed my eyes, realizing I was in safe hands. I immediately hugged him, still shaking like a leaf.

"It's okay. You're safe," my best friend continued, comforting me. Wrapping his hand around my shoulder, he clasped my other hand firmly and started leaving. I was holding his hand tightly, too afraid to be left alone again. Descending the stairs slowly, I couldn't resist my curiosity and peeked over my shoulder.

A soundless gasp passed through my lips as soon as my gaze landed on two obsidian orbs that were staring right back at me.

I blinked my eyes, unable to believe this dreadful reality.

Someone was behind the glass door watching me the whole time. Those bottomless pools brimmed with an insane amount of darkness continued watching me until I broke eye contact, unable to hold his gaze anymore. Turning around, I increased my steps and snuggled more into Ethan, making a note silently to never come here again.

"Madam!!!"

"Huh!!"

Jostled with terror, I opened my eyes only to see the hostess looking at me with concern.

"You're all right, Ma'am?" She spoke politely and handed me a glass of water. I immediately took it from her hand and gulped it in one go. My breathing was labored, and I was sweating as if I had run a marathon. My heart was pumping blood vigorously, and my palms had turned clammy.

"You were whimpering in your sleep, Ma'am. Did you have a bad dream?" One of the passengers asked me. Worry laced his features. I looked at him, confused.

"No, why?" I muttered and grabbed my forehead, only to touch something wet. Indeed, I was sweating. My eyes widened when I remembered that dream.

It wasn't a dream but a piece of my past. A horrifying incident that still gives me chills.

But why did I get this dream after so many years? I don't even remember it. Maybe it is because of Ethan. But it's been a year, so why did I remember it too right now when I am about to turn a new leaf?

"Ma'am?" The air hostess again shook me gently. I shook my head and gave her an assuring smile.

"Sorry for disturbing you, but I am perfectly now. Thanks," I tried to dismiss the situation. She nodded in approval and took her leave. Composing myself, I exhaled sharply and looked outside.

Though I changed the subject, I am still not over it. The dream felt so real. Those black eyes never left my mind. I confirmed that I saw him, but never raised this topic because I was scared. Moreover, once Ethan left, I completely forgot about all this, but the point is, why I remember him now?

Shaking my head, I tried to get rid of these thoughts. I should let go of the past. I am going to a new place, I should stop thinking about nonsense and focus on my present.