He Chose Me

Chapter 4 – First Conflict

By midweek, the excitement for the school festival was in full swing. Abigail and Ethan had spent several afternoons organizing the poetry booth, their teamwork growing smoother with each task. Laughter, shared jokes, and the subtle comfort of each other’s presence had begun weaving a quiet connection between them.

But not everyone was happy.

Vanessa watched from the sidelines like a hawk. Every time Abigail and Ethan were together, Vanessa’s jealousy flared like wildfire. She had always been used to attention, to being the one admired, and seeing Abigail earn Ethan’s focus was intolerable.

“Why does he even like her?” Vanessa muttered under her breath, pacing outside the classroom. “She’s just… ordinary. I deserve him more than she does.”

It wasn’t just jealousy talking—it was strategy. Vanessa had decided to make Abigail’s life miserable, starting with the festival.

Her first move came subtly. During lunch, Vanessa leaned casually over to a group of students. “You know, I heard someone said Abigail only got Ethan’s attention because she’s… kind of sneaky.”

The group glanced at each other, unsure. Vanessa smirked and leaned closer. “They said she’s been bragging about getting special help from teachers for the festival. Totally unfair, right?”

Whispers spread quickly. Abigail, seated with Sarah and Ethan, soon heard fragments of the gossip. Her heart sank.

“I… I didn’t…” Abigail stammered, shocked and hurt.

Ethan’s brow furrowed. “Who’s saying this?”

Sarah’s jaw tightened. “Vanessa. She’s up to her usual tricks.”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. He stood up, his voice firm yet calm. “Abigail, don’t worry about it. I know you. You’ve been working so hard—there’s no way you’d cheat or get special treatment.”

Abigail felt warmth flood her chest. Ethan’s faith in her, his words of defense, meant more than she could express. But the whispers were still there, gnawing at her confidence.

Vanessa wasn’t done. Later in the afternoon, she snuck into the gym where the festival booths were being arranged. With a sly grin, she moved one of the main display boards, almost toppling it over. “Oops,” she muttered, barely hiding her amusement.

Abigail and Ethan arrived to set up more decorations and gasped. The display board leaned dangerously.

“Oh no!” Abigail cried, rushing forward to steady it.

Ethan quickly joined her, steadying the board with a firm hand. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Abigail nodded, trying to hide her embarrassment. “I… I think so.”

Ethan’s gaze softened. “You handled that well. Not everyone could stay calm under pressure.”

Abigail’s heart skipped. “Thanks… I guess.”

They finished setting up together, but Vanessa had already retreated, satisfied with her little chaos. She watched from the hallway, eyes glinting. That’s right, Abigail. You’ll see I can make this interesting.

After the gym, Abigail sat with Sarah under the large oak tree in the school courtyard, exhaling deeply. “I don’t get it… why does she hate me so much?”

Sarah shrugged, shaking her head. “Because she’s jealous. Simple as that. Don’t let her get to you.”

Abigail nodded but couldn’t stop the small seed of worry from taking root. The whispers, the sabotage—it all made her feel vulnerable.

Ethan, passing by to grab something from the art room, caught sight of Abigail sitting alone. He slowed down, walking toward her with a gentle smile. “You know,” he said, lowering himself onto the bench beside her, “I’m not going to let anyone make things harder for you. Especially her.”

Abigail looked at him, eyes wide. “You… really mean that?”

“Of course,” he replied, casually brushing a strand of hair from his face. “You’re brave, kind, and… well, you’re you. And I like that.”

Abigail’s chest fluttered, warmth spreading through her. In that moment, she realized that no matter what Vanessa tried, she had someone who believed in her—and that belief mattered more than any rumor.

But somewhere across the courtyard, Vanessa’s eyes narrowed, sharper than ever. She had already begun planning her next move.

Senior year had officially turned into a battlefield.