Chapter 2 TWO: A GLIMPSE OF THE UNKNOWN

JORDAN

I was moving in what seemed like a whirlwind, screaming as I went, until I suddenly stopped. I found myself in a dark room, thinking I was alone, but then I saw someone. He wore a white shirt and pants, his shirt oversized, making it impossible to gauge his size. His jet-black hair was silky and shining. I walked closer to him, attempting to tap him and see his face, when suddenly a door opened, distracting me. I rushed to the door, and it led to my room. God! I was dreaming.

What warranted such a dream? I must say I was scared earlier in the archive. I was startled by seeing Jaden's eyes in the dark. Jaden Rock was my classmate, but he was not much of a talker, so he matched my personality too. He was kind of creepy because why the hell did he creep up behind me without notice? Maybe he came for his project too; he didn't say a word and just walked by. That's creepy, right?

I went back upstairs with a mug of milk in my hand and went to my room. I grabbed my bag and slowly brought out the blueprint. I checked the wing again - Room '315'. I don't really think it's on the school map. There is only one way to know - the school prospectus! I went straight to my shelf and pulled out the prospectus, flipping through the pages as I went back to my bed. I picked up the blueprint to compare it with the school map on the prospectus. There was indeed the same layout on the school map, but there was no wing 'Room 315'. I think that layout is the janitor's closet. Something is fishy; there is no reconstruction, so why is the layout the janitor's closet? Everything is not adding up, and it's surprising how I'm willing to find out, but how?

LIAM

"You have to take over if you don't want to end up like your mother," my dad yelled, banging his hand on the table.

"We are in a tight spot, Dad; we have to lie low for now. Things ain't the same anymore," I tried explaining, but he wasn't having any of it.

"Nothing changed, and nothing will change! I thought you could handle it; guess I made the wrong decision," he said, now standing, his eyes blazing with fury.

"It's tough, Dad; it seems almost impossible. I'm trying my best, and I want to make you proud," I said, feigning sadness. He walked closer to me, pulled my chin up, and held my shoulders.

"Look, son, we have to take over, and you know it. Don't you want more power, more money, and overall control? We can do this, son; just prove me right," he said, looking into my eyes as if searching for answers.

"I'll make you proud, Dad," I affirmed.

"You are my son! We've got this!" He adjusted my collar and smiled. I didn't fail to return the smile. I exited his study and went to my room

I'm Liam .. guess that's all about me. My dad is wealthy, and that's all it takes to survive this cruel world. Our conversation ain't a new thing. My dad is just someone obsessed with affirmative words. I'll explain later, though!

My phone was ringing, but I couldn't figure out where I put it. I ransacked the bed and saw it almost falling off the king-size bed. I picked it up, and it was my girlfriend, Maya, calling.

"Bebe!" She screamed at the other end, and I couldn't help but give my phone a scornful look, but I had to play along. Yes, she is my girlfriend, but not really, huh? Maya is the school student leader, and I felt it wouldn't be bad having someone like that as my girlfriend; it would add to my popularity. I approached her, and she was giddy with joy. I'm the best thing that could happen to anyone, so I had no trouble winning her over.

"Love, what's up!" I replied with the same energy.

"I'm fine. I just saw a bag I would love to get; mind wiring me the money?" she asked, while I rolled my eyes. Once again, my mouth had to disagree with my eyes.

"Sure, baby, I'll send it. Stay cool," I said and hung up! I tossed my phone and stood up to get dressed. I have some clubbing to do.

JORDAN

I heard Heather calling my name from behind; I turned and smiled.

"Good morning, Heather."

"Wow! You've gotten yourself nice under-eye bags." How can I miss the sarcasm in her voice?

"Yes, I slept less."

"What might be keeping my little Dan awake?" She squinted her eyes.

"I was preparing for the project."

"Ow yeah! Damn! I forgot. Well, I can always copy yours. Give me your write-up."

"That's in your dreams, Heather."

She made a move to snatch my bag, but I was faster.

"No, no, baby girl, you won't do that. We have English class, and you know I don't want to miss it."

"Yeah, yeah, I know about your little crush on Ms. Rachel."

"You're crazy."

I laughed and rushed to class.

Ms. Rachel is my best teacher, I must say, making me have a higher interest in English. Maybe Heather is right about me having a little crush on Ms. Rachel.

It's lunchtime, but that's the last thing on my mind. I have to unravel the mystery I created for myself.

I sneaked into the janitor's wing, looked around, and was sure no one was watching. I entered the closet.

Oh my God! What in heaven and earth's name is this?! That minute, I realized there's a lot about life and school I don't know about. The energy to get to the bottom of this erupted in me like a volcano.