He Chose Me

Chapter 7 – Misunderstanding

Monday morning had arrived, bringing with it the usual hum of classrooms, lockers slamming, and chatter that echoed through the hallways of Crestwood High. Abigail hurried to her locker, clutching her books tightly, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in her chest.

She had spent a peaceful weekend thinking about her time with Ethan at the café, replaying their conversations and laughter. It had been perfect—or so she thought.

As she approached her locker, she saw Ethan speaking with someone she didn’t recognize at first glance. But then, her stomach sank. It was Vanessa.

Abigail froze, pretending to look for her notebook inside her locker, but her ears caught fragments of their conversation.

“…so, you think the festival plans could go differently?” Vanessa’s voice was sweet, deceptively casual.

Ethan laughed softly. “Maybe, but Abigail’s ideas are really solid. I think she’s done an amazing job.”

Abigail’s heart raced. He was laughing—with Vanessa? And though his words praised her work, something in her chest twisted painfully. She couldn’t hear the full context, only pieces that made her imagine something far worse.

Sarah, walking up behind her, noticed Abigail’s stiff posture. “Hey, Abby… you okay?”

Abigail shook her head, forcing a small smile. “Yeah… just… nothing.”

She tried to concentrate on school, but the image of Ethan smiling at Vanessa refused to leave her mind. She imagined secret plans, whispered jokes, and laughs meant only for Vanessa. Her stomach churned with jealousy, fear, and confusion all at once.

At lunch, Abigail found herself sitting alone on the steps outside the cafeteria. She nibbled at her sandwich but couldn’t eat much, her thoughts circling Ethan and Vanessa. Every laugh she imagined between them felt like a tiny knife twisting in her chest.

Sarah plopped down beside her, frowning. “You’re seriously overthinking this. I saw what happened—it was just a quick discussion about festival logistics. That’s it.”

Abigail shook her head stubbornly. “I know… but… it looked like he was… I don’t know… flirting with her or something. I shouldn’t feel like this, but I do.”

Sarah sighed. “Abby, you have to trust him. Ethan likes you. You saw how he treated you at the presentation and at the café. He doesn’t… care about Vanessa like that.”

Abigail wanted to believe Sarah, but the knot in her chest refused to loosen.

By the end of the day, the tension was unbearable. She avoided Ethan in the halls, giving curt replies when he greeted her, all the while feeling guilty for her sudden coldness. Ethan, confused by her distant behavior, frowned. He had no idea a misunderstanding had planted seeds of doubt in her mind.

Later, during literature club, Ethan approached her carefully. “Abby… hey, can we talk?”

Abigail stiffened. “I… I don’t think now is a good time.” Her voice sounded colder than she intended.

Ethan frowned, hurt flashing in his eyes. “Did I do something wrong? Please… just tell me.”

Abigail looked down, guilt gnawing at her. “I… I just… I saw you talking to Vanessa today. I thought…” She trailed off, unable to finish.

Ethan’s expression softened immediately, and he reached out, gently touching her arm. “Abby, that was nothing. I was just discussing some festival plans with her. You’re the one I… I care about.”

Abigail’s breath caught. She looked up into his eyes and saw sincerity, warmth, and a quiet patience that made her heart ache.

“I’m… sorry,” she whispered, feeling foolish. “I shouldn’t have doubted you.”

Ethan smiled, brushing a stray hair from her face. “It’s okay. Jealousy happens. But you don’t have to worry. I’m yours, Abigail. Always.”

Her heart melted. The misunderstanding faded, replaced by relief and a deeper affection. And somewhere in the classroom, Vanessa watched from afar, lips curling into a thin, frustrated line. Her plan to create tension had partially worked—but it hadn’t broken their bond. Not yet.