Mysterious Awakening

Chapter 23: Impossible in This Lifetime

As Miles and Coral approached the ornate front gate of an affluent residential district, a sophisticated middle-aged woman advanced toward them. Her face contorted with a mix of relief and annoyance at Corals arrival.

Coral, she sighed, her irritation softening into joy, you remember how to come home?

She laid into Coral about being unreachable all night, their fear and worry. Threatening to report her missing, Corals mother, Mrs. Ocean, reproached her.

Im sorry, Mom, Coral apologized, her head lowered, there was a situation at school.

Corals mother nods in understanding, shifting her attention now to Miles. And who might this be? she asked, with a hint of suspicion.

This is Miles, Mom, my classmate, Coral responded, reminding her mother of their previous encounter.

With a dismissive wave, Mrs. Ocean claimed she couldnt possibly remember all of Corals classmates, her eyes scrutinizing Miles.

Miles greeted her, politely suggesting that he would now take his leave and perhaps return for a visit later, eager to defuse the situation and move on.

Hold on, Mrs. Ocean interjected, halting him, her suspicions still piqued. She wanted to know why Coral was only just returning home and if Miles had anything to do with it.

Miles quickly explained the unusual circumstances at the school the previous night and his concern for Corals safety, leading to his decision to escort her home.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Ocean revealed she had attempted to call the school and found no such incident had occurred. Miles merely laughed, pointing out the unavailability of the teachers phone, an information Mrs. Ocean was already privy to. She was merely testing Miles.

Finally accepting Miles account, Mrs. Ocean thanked him for ensuring Corals safe return. However, she sternly reminded him of Corals disciplined upbringing and academic commitments. The subtle message was unmistakable: Miles needed to maintain a safe distance.

Expressing gratitude for his efforts, Mrs. Ocean reached into her purse and handed Miles two hundred dollars for his breakfast. The interaction was uncomfortable because the money was almost a payoff, but Miles accepted it graciously and turned to leave.

Coral watched Miles departure, her eyes welling with tears. Youre being too harsh, Mom, she chided, defending Miles. She couldnt understand her mothers abrasive treatment of a good person, insisting that her mothers actions were tantamount to an insult.

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You misunderstand, Coral, Mrs. Ocean defended her actions. I was testing his character. Look how quickly he accepted the 200 yuan. It suggests hes not aspirational but opportunistic. Id advise you to steer clear of such individuals, dont be swayed by empty words.

Coral fired back, Youre the one who doesnt understand! You have no idea what happened at school last night. Miles saved my life, and I asked him to bring me home. How do you expect me to face him after your behavior?

Mrs. Ocean icily responded, This boy lacks self-respect so its better if you keep your distance. Our family has standards.

Corals tears flowed freely as she turned on her heel and retreated inside.

Miles, meanwhile, sat on the bus with the 200 dollars in hand, fully comprehending the motive behind Mrs. Oceans actions. Although it stirred a cocktail of disdain and humiliation within him, he maintained his cool. Anger would serve no purpose.

As an average boy, he interacted little with the affluent and attractive Coral. It was understandable that her parents would be wary of his sudden presence and would try to push him away.

Raging publicly over the incident would only bring more embarrassment, and retaliation over such a trivial sum was beneath him. Miles had aided Coral without expecting anything in return.

Doing the right thing can be tough, he mumbled, putting away the money before making his way home to collapse into a much-needed sleep.

As the day progressed, the other students also returned home. Despite the nights turmoil, they all had homes to return to, didnt they?

At this juncture, William arrived back at his plush villa. As he had previously claimed, he was indeed a wealthy young man, albeit one who kept a low profile and wasnt prone to extravagance.

Youve come back quite late. And your phone was switched off too. Where have you been all night? Williams father, Mr. Noble, queried with concern as his son walked in.

Just out with some friends, William mumbled in response. He wanted to relay the strange happenings at school but thought better of it, settling instead for a lie.

You cant keep doing this, Mr. Noble admonished him. Get something to eat and make sure youre not late for school tomorrow.

School? The mention of the word made Williams eyes go wide. No, I cant go back to school.

Mr. Noble looked taken aback, If youre not going to school, what will you do?

I could do anything but that, William asserted.

Returning to No.7 High School was out of the question for him. The place was haunted, and he had barely escaped earlier. Going back was unthinkable. Even if his life depended on it, he was determined not to return.

You dare to skip school, especially with the college entrance exams looming? Mr. Noble retorted, a harsh glare in his eyes. Are you telling me youre ready to give up on university?

Dad, I need to be honest with you. That school is haunted. I cant go back, William finally confessed.

Haunted? Mr. Noble scoffed. I believe youve lost your mind. Lets go. Ill escort you to school. Im curious to see these so-called ghosts, Ive never encountered one in my life. With that, he reached out and took hold of Williams hand.

William jerked his hand free from his fathers grasp, fear and anger tinging his voice. Stop it! I wont return to school, I just wont. Id rather face any danger out here, even fall from a height or stare down the barrel of a gun. I promise you, Ill never set foot in No.7 High School again.

I mean it, Dad. Test me if you doubt it.

Alright, you can stay out of school. But dont expect any allowance from me. You can fend for yourself, Mr. Noble retorted, visibly irked.

Following the terse exchange, William retreated to his room in silence.

Very brave of you, locking yourself in your room! Mr. Nobles voice carried a sarcastic note.

But a few moments later, William emerged from his room with two books in hand. Im going to school, Dad.

Humph, Mr. Noble huffed a nod, finally appeased.

As he exited his home, William couldnt help but smirk to himself.

Going to school? Not in this lifetime, or the next. Who said carrying books implied going to school? Couldnt he simply head to the internet cafe instead?

Today, I, William, will secure twenty victories at the internet cafe, he declared, sauntering off to his intended destination.

However, his online pursuits were abruptly interrupted when two agents turned up looking for him.

Are you William, the student from No.7 High School? one of them inquired.

Caught off guard, William quickly composed himself. Sorry, mate, youve got the wrong guy. Im Miles. William is my classmate.

Your ID details at the reception desk match your description. We are certain about your identity. We need your assistance in an investigation, the agent replied firmly.

Despite his initial surprise, William was promptly escorted away by the agents.