He Chose Me

Chapter 2 – The School Festival

The school hallway buzzed with energy as posters, streamers, and banners covered the walls. Crestwood High’s annual Fall Festival was only a week away, and students were busy preparing for performances, food stalls, and games. Abigail walked beside Sarah, carrying a stack of flyers for the literature club, trying not to feel overwhelmed by the chaos.

“Abby, we need more volunteers for the poetry booth,” Sarah said, glancing nervously around the crowded hall. “Come on, you can’t hide behind those flyers forever!”

Abigail laughed softly. “I’m not hiding. I just… don’t like being in the spotlight.”

As if on cue, a familiar voice called out her name.

“Hey, Abigail!”

She looked up and froze. Ethan was walking toward her, holding a notebook and a pen. His casual smile was disarming, and for a moment, Abigail forgot how to breathe.

“Uh… hi,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I heard you’re helping with the festival,” Ethan said. “Do you want some help setting up the poetry booth? I can carry some of the decorations.”

Abigail blinked. “You… want to help me?”

Ethan chuckled. “Why not? Someone has to make sure it doesn’t collapse.”

Sarah’s eyes widened, and she elbowed Abigail. “See? I told you he noticed you!”

Abigail’s cheeks heated. “It’s just… polite.”

“Polite or not, I’m here,” Ethan said, giving her a teasing grin. “So, shall we?”

They walked toward the gym together, carrying boxes of decorations. Abigail tried to focus on the task, but every glance at Ethan made her heart race. He was easy to talk to, kind, and genuinely interested in what she had to say. It was disarming—and exciting.

Meanwhile, across the hall, Vanessa watched them from behind a cluster of lockers. Her jaw tightened as she saw Abigail laughing softly at one of Ethan’s jokes. Vanessa had always been used to being the center of attention, and she didn’t like sharing it—not with anyone, and certainly not with Abigail.

Vanessa’s mind raced. She can’t have him. Not like this.

By the time they reached the gym, Ethan and Abigail had arranged the small tables for the poetry booth and hung colorful banners. Abigail was surprised at how natural it felt to work alongside him, and she found herself smiling more freely than she had in weeks.

“You’re really good at this,” Ethan said, holding a banner for her to tape. “I didn’t expect you to be so organized.”

Abigail shrugged, hiding her excitement. “I guess I just like things to be… neat.”

“I like that about you,” he said softly, and for a moment, Abigail’s breath caught. She quickly looked away, pretending to smooth the edge of a tablecloth.

Before she could gather her thoughts, Vanessa approached the gym doors with a purposeful stride. She gave Abigail a tight-lipped smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Oh, so this is where all the hard work is happening,” she said, her tone dripping with faux sweetness. “I hope you don’t mind if I help too.”

Abigail tensed, sensing the rivalry instantly. Ethan, however, didn’t miss a beat. He stepped slightly in front of Abigail. “I think we’ve got it covered, Vanessa,” he said politely but firmly. “Thanks anyway.”

Vanessa’s smile faltered, and she turned on her heel, muttering under her breath as she walked away. Abigail let out a shaky laugh, grateful for Ethan’s support.

“You always know what to say, huh?” she whispered.

Ethan shrugged, a soft grin tugging at his lips. “I just don’t like seeing someone pushed around. Especially someone like you.”

Abigail’s heart skipped. Someone like her? Could he really mean it?

As they continued preparing the booth together, the first real spark of connection ignited between them. It was subtle, almost invisible to anyone else, but for Abigail, it was the start of something she couldn’t ignore.

And somewhere down the hall, Vanessa’s eyes narrowed. This was far from over.