Secret of Ravenswood high

JORDAN

The sound of my name echoed through my room, piercing my sleep like a shrill alarm. "Jordan! Jordan! Jordan!" My mom's voice was like a jackhammer, relentless and unforgiving, shattering the fragile peace of my dreams. I groggily opened my eyes to find her face inches from mine, her features distorted in a mixture of concern and annoyance.The morning light streaming through the window highlighted the deep lines etched on her forehead, a testament to the stress and worry that had become her constant companion. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of my dream, but the memory lingered, taunting me like a ghost

"Mom!" I exclaimed, my voice laced with a hint of irritation and a dash of desperation. I sprang up, narrowly avoiding a head collision as she leaned in closer, her eyes blazing with an intensity that made me recoil. The air was thick with tension, heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved conflicts.

"You don't want to be late for school,do you?"She said and strengthen up..she walked out of my room.

I'm Jordan Chen, a junior at Ravenswood High, living with my mom in a fragile dance of coexistence. Our family's past was complicated, a tangled web of broken promises and shattered dreams. My parents' divorce had left a scar, a constant reminder of the impermanence of love and the fragility of relationships. My brother, Liam, had chosen to stay with my dad, leaving me to navigate the treacherous landscape of my mom's emotions alone. I felt like a tightrope walker, balancing precariously between her expectations and my own desires, never quite sure when the rope would snap, plunging me into the abyss.

I rushed to the bathroom for a quick bath, the water a refreshing respite from the chaos of my mind. But even the familiar ritual of washing away the sleep couldn't calm my racing thoughts. My mom's erratic behavior, triggered by her depression, had become a constant source of anxiety. I never knew what would trigger an episode, what would send her spiraling into the dark abyss of her own mind. The water cascaded down my face, a soothing balm for my frazzled nerves, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, the sense of walking on eggshells, never knowing when the fragile peace would shatter.

I quickly dressed and slipped out of the house to avoid another encounter. The crisp morning air hit me like a slap in the face, a harsh reminder of reality. I took a deep breath, feeling the coolness fill my lungs, and began my walk to school. The streets were quiet, the only sound the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet. I walked briskly, my mind still reeling from the morning's events. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, the sense of being trapped in a never-ending cycle of tension and fear. As I turned the corner onto Elm Street, the imposing structure of Ravenswood High loomed before me.

I spotted Heather, my introverted friend, stuffing her head into her locker. "Good morning!" I whispered, making her jump in fear. She smacked my head while I laughed.

We hurried to history class, I dreaded History, a compulsory subject that didn't interest me. The class ended faster than usual but things took a bad turn when the teacher assigned a project on Ravenswood's history and founders. I groaned inwardly; my day couldn't get worse.

Heather and I made our way out of the class to the cafeteria, I didn't take breakfast so I was ready to devour anything .Heather and I was about to have our seat when Liam amd his 'gang' entered the cafeteria. Liam is the son of one the school board member, his father owns a big pharmaceutical company which made him kinda arrogant I guess. Liam bully me all my life until last summer,I don't know why he stopped but it's a big relief to me. He is a senior yet he didn't care about exams and will stop at nothing to frolic around . Him coming to eat here already spell trouble but I wonder who the victim is this time so to avoid stories that touches the heart because if liam mess with anybody ,it seems almost impossible to get him punished ,Heather and I exit the cafeteria and decided to eat later.

I decided to get on with my project early so I can be through on time. I told Heather I will be back.

I went straight to the library to get books on Ravenswood history to aid my project. The school library is something I'm always proud of ,it encompass alot of books ,tribute to the school long history and reputable background. It will take a while to find historic books so I went to the librarian for help,he could help to locate it faster .

"Those books are kept in the library archive"

"Owww!so I've to go into the archive,will you help me?" I was already thinking of the stress I'll go through,I would have ditched the project but I fear detention.

"Too bad I can't right now,I can't leave my sit"

"Ow,okay!thanks very much" I said knowing very well within myself that I wasn't okay with him not following me.

I went straight to the library archive, it's stuffy as hell but I was determined. I started going through the shelves hoping to find one or two books. I found year books and they look really ancient. I brought out my phone so I could see clearly .I took a year book off the shelf ,it was from the year 1991,I cleared off the dust and opened it. It was nothing special, just students from the past so I returned it back to the shelf.i continued with the help of my phone ,I strode forward and saw what seems like a huge book,I pulled it out and I must say it's heavy,Ravenswood was encrypted on it in bold letters. It was covered in dust and cobwebs, I held my phone with my mouth so I could hold the book properly. I opened it and it indeed contained the history of Ravenswood. I scribbled through the pages and then ,I found a paper, it's dusty so I couldn't fathom the colour but I'm sure it's either yellow or off white. I pulled it out of the history book and put the book back into the shelf so I can have enough hand to unfold the paper. I removed my phone from my mouth because its already stressing out my jaw as it literally gagged my mouth.

I unfold my paper and dust it off.what! Did I just stumbled upon a blueprint??? I rubbed my eyes to have a clear view and the school construction was staring back at me. The blueprint seems almost ordinary but something was just off about it. I noticed a discrepancy in the layout. A wing was marked as rook "315" but I wasn't sure if that's on the school map. Curiosity got the better part of me so I decided to investigate further .I scuffled the blueprint into my bag and turned to exit,lol and behold ,two eyes were boring into mine.

#### ##### ######

The night was eerie with air blowing in great ambience. The leaves slammed against each other in a dancing manner. They were dressed in black hoodie, they stood in circus with their mouth moving humming a strange hymn. Their eyes were red as if in protest their gaze was strong and their finger shimmered in rhymes. Once again,they are back! Back! Back! Stronger than ever,more than willing to eradicate anyone that obstruct them. They shall show no mercy!No mercy at all!!!

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.

JADEN

It seems he's unaware of what he's getting himself into. If only I knew, maybe I wouldn't be in this mess. One thing I've come to realize is that sometimes, even when something is wrong, you just have to overlook it and look at its positive side.

I'm Jaden Rock, a junior at Ravenswood High. I lost my dad when I was nine, leaving me alone with my mother, who seems almost unavailable. She's a nurse and works shifts, making me spend more time alone than with her. It was strange at first, being alone, but as I matured, I learned to go with what life throws at me. The saying "If life throws you lemons, make lemonade" resonates with me. Well, I went a bit further – I made lemon juice and even lemon pie. Trust me, it landed me in a lot of trouble.

You'll understand better. I'm not an introvert, though that's everyone's assumption. I was an extrovert in my own world until circumstances turned me into an introvert.

Maybe if I hadn't made lemonade, lemon juice, and lemon pie out of lemons, my eyes wouldn't have seen what they saw. I didn't go to the archive for my project that day; surely that's what Jordan must be thinking. I know what he was doing – I was just as clueless as he was until... until I saw something I'll never discuss with the living or the dead.

The faster he knows what he's getting himself into – a death trap, a death valley – the better. But who am I to discuss what he's likely to encounter?

...

Later that day...

The light in the room was dim, but it was enough to see the three figures – two girls and an older woman standing under the swinging chandelier. They spoke in low tones, as if not to let anyone hear what they were saying.

"He's a junior; we saw him clearly. He was going there."

"Yes, we saw him. What if something goes wrong?"

"Quiet! Nothing will, and must not, go wrong. You won't be starting any rumors, okay!"

"But... what if... the society?"

"That didn't exist, doesn't exist, and will never exist," the older woman said in an almost high-pitched voice, as if passing a warning.

"But-"

"There will be no 'but.' Now leave!" The two girls walked toward the door.

"Remember, no word of this to anyone!"

"Yes, ma'am," one answered, while the other rolled her eyes and walked away, muttering something to herself.

"It's back, and we can't miss it."

-----

JORDAN

It was as if I was in another world, but no – it's the school. It has to be the school, but why is there another school inside the school? Immediately, I entered the closet; I found myself in a vast room with a wide hole in the center. I walked toward the stairs and saw that they went a long way down.

Since I came with my torch this time, I flashed it around the room. That's when I realized it wasn't an empty room after all – there were dusty chairs and tables littering around. I looked through the hole with the torch but couldn't see the bottom.

I was hesitant about going down the stairs, but something in me urged me to follow. I looked around the room one more time before going down; it was actually a basement – a really strange basement. I saw chairs arranged in a circle with something that looked like a furnace at the center.

I walked toward the shelf stuffed with books and saw a book with a blue cover – it looked like a diary. I pulled it out, dusted it off, and saw "Daisy" written on the hard cover. I opened it, and it was indeed a diary. I checked the dates – 2002!

I took the diary and put it in my bag. I must get out of here fast; lunchtime is almost over, and I don't want Heather looking for me.

As I turned to leave, I noticed something strange about the chairs – they were clean, as if still in use. Unlike the other things in the room, which were dusty. And then I saw names written on them; it would take long to look at all the names, but then I saw one – Ava.

I rushed up the stairs, back to the room, and out of the closet, only to come face-to-face with Julian Styles. I was in absolute shock and couldn't find my tongue. Julian Styles is a ruthless senior – I've never seen her smile, always frowning and passing suspicious glances.

"What are you doing coming out of there?" she asked with a stern face.

"Um... I"

"Speak!!"She barked.

"I lost my way!" I said, knowing it was nowhere near enough to convince this senior.

"I have a class now," I said, leaving her front.

I was thinking she would call me back, but surprisingly she didn't. I could feel her eyes on me as I walked through the hallway.

A lot of thoughts were rushing through my head. Who is Ava? Why is this place off the school map? Why is there a diary dated back to 2002? There were a lot of questions running through my mind, and I hoped the diary would answer them all.

---

We were in biology class when the principal walked in. I could see the fear in everyone's eyes. Principal Mrs. Victoria Taylor is strict and stern, making everyone fear her. If one gets on her bad side, she'll make them miserable.

"Um, students! I received a complaint that something is missing from the janitor's closet, and one of the janitors claimed they saw one of you," she said, her eyes rummaging through the class. I'm in trouble!

"Jordan Chen!" She called my name, and just like that, I ended up in detention.