He Chose Me

Chapter 5 – Class Presentation Drama

The classroom buzzed with the nervous energy of students preparing for the weekly class presentations. Abigail had spent hours organizing her poetry booth and was now presenting a short speech about the festival’s literary events. She wanted everything to go perfectly, but the anxiety in her chest refused to settle.

“Don’t worry, Abby. You’ll do fine,” Sarah whispered, squeezing her hand. “Just breathe.”

Abigail nodded, trying to steady herself, but her gaze kept drifting toward the back of the room. Vanessa sat there, smirking knowingly, her notebook perched on her lap like a shield. Abigail had learned over the past week that Vanessa never missed an opportunity to interfere.

When it was Abigail’s turn, she walked to the front, holding her notes tightly. She started speaking clearly, explaining the poetry booth and the events they had planned for the festival. The class seemed engaged, some nodding, some smiling—but then it happened.

Vanessa, timing it perfectly, kicked Abigail’s podium from behind, just enough to make the papers scatter across the floor. A few students gasped, others laughed quietly, and Abigail froze, cheeks burning.

“Oh my gosh…” Abigail muttered, kneeling to gather the papers. Her hands shook, and her voice wavered as she tried to continue.

Before panic could take over completely, a familiar voice rang out, calm but firm.

“Vanessa, stop.”

Heads turned. Ethan was standing near the back of the room, his gaze unwavering. “Abigail is doing her best, and she doesn’t need this. Step aside.”

Vanessa’s smirk faltered, replaced by a glare. “Oh, come on. It was just a little joke.”

“A joke?” Ethan’s voice rose slightly, carrying authority that silenced the room. “Making someone humiliated in front of everyone is not a joke. You know better.”

Vanessa’s face flushed, and she muttered something under her breath before sulking back into her seat.

Abigail looked up at Ethan, eyes wide. “Th-thank you…” she whispered. Her voice was shaky, but the gratitude in her eyes was unmistakable.

Ethan smiled softly, stepping closer to help her gather the remaining papers. “It’s nothing,” he said, handing her a stack. “I just didn’t like seeing you embarrassed. You’re handling this so well.”

Abigail felt a warmth spread through her chest. His words, his support—it was more than she had expected, and she realized just how much she admired him. Not just for being kind, but for noticing her courage when she didn’t even see it in herself.

As she continued her presentation, her voice grew steadier. The embarrassment faded, replaced by a quiet confidence she hadn’t felt before. With Ethan’s subtle encouragement from the back, she finished flawlessly. Applause erupted, and a few classmates gave her approving nods.

Vanessa, however, wasn’t done simmering. She shot Abigail a sharp glance, her lips pressed into a thin line. But for now, the immediate sabotage had failed. Abigail had triumphed, with Ethan right by her side, proving that she wasn’t alone.

After class, Abigail and Ethan walked down the corridor together, collecting their things. Sarah trailed behind, grinning. “See? You’re unstoppable when he’s around.”

Abigail shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I… I couldn’t have done it without him.”

Ethan glanced at her, his expression softening. “You did it because you’re brave. I just helped a little.”

Abigail’s heart fluttered. Brave. Courageous. Kind. And now, it seemed, someone noticed—not just anyone, but Ethan.

Meanwhile, from a distance, Vanessa watched them leave, her jaw set and fists clenched. She wouldn’t give up. Not yet. Not when Ethan was slipping through her fingers and Abigail stood taller than ever before.

The battlefield of senior year had just grown more complicated—and Abigail was learning that love, rivalry, and courage often came together in the most unexpected ways.