Finding Ford

chapter three

I don't know where Jas, Lucas and James have went, but I end up alone at lunch. I eat for the first half, but then I end up taking out my notes again. We never finished with the main plot, but I actually find myself interested. Taking out my phone, I do a quick Google search, eyebrows shooting up in surprise. Edwin Drood dies.

Slightly uncomfortable with the revelation, almost feeling as if that's just not supposed to happen, I put my phone away. I reread my notes over and over again. Maybe it was Neville? He didn't like the way Edwin was treating his soon-to-be-wife. It could have very easily been Neville. But that almost seems too obvious.

I ponder over it a little more, but am shocked out of my thoughts at the sound of my phone beeping. I reach into my pocket, seeing a message from Ford.

Ford: Mr. Stevens needs to talk to me.

Ford: This could either be really good news or we're getting suspended.

Ava: Ford! What is it? Did we break something?

Ford: Idk I'll let you know

Ford: Don't worry though if we broke something I'll blame it on you

Ava: Okay I actually hate you

Ava: Ford???

Ava: If I'm getting suspended you're telling my dad

Ava: He'll shoot you

Ava: WILSON

I almost throw my phone across the room from frustration when he stops replying. Mr. Stevens had always been a pretty easy going wood shop teacher, but if we ended up breaking something on accident, I know he won't let us off easy.

Groaning loudly, I close my binder and stuff my things in my backpack, hastily zipping it up. Ignoring the weird looks I receive, I shoulder my bag and make my way out of the cafeteria, phone in hand, waiting for a text. When I don't get one, my pace just increases, causing for me to be standing outside the wood shop in record time.

Ford and Mr. Stevens are alone in the room, talking in hushed voices. Mr. Stevens looks slightly concerned, and Ford's face is pale and blank, as if he doesn't want to comprehend what's being said to him. Both stop, however, when my gracefulness and I end up dropping my phone. I curse and pick it up, giving an apologetic look for interrupting.

"Ah, Ava Jackson," Mr. Stevens grins, pleased. I can't help but notice how quickly he changes emotions. "How good it is to see you. Do come in, please."

I give him a small smile as I slowly enter, but my eyes flicker to Ford. His grey eyes look like they're made of storm clouds, and unlike Mr. Stevens, he doesn't bother taking on a sudden happy expression at my presence.

"Is everything okay?" I ask. "We didn't break anything, right?"

Mr. Stevens chuckles good-heartedly. "Of course not, my dear. Nothing like that." He turns back to Ford. "Well, Mr. Wilson. You're dismissed. I'm not only proud of your project, but the determination your insane procrastination skills have offered."

Ford simply nods shortly, jumping off of the desk he had been sitting on. He pushes past me, but after seeing his upset expression, I don't hesitate to follow him. Once we're pretty far from the room, I grab his forearm and spin him around to face me.

"Wilson," I say, and when he doesn't give me much of a response, my voice softens. "Ford, come on. What's wrong?"

Ford bites down on his bottom lip and shakes his head. I try to ignore that small part of me that can't help but find the bite attractive and focus on cheering him up.