Two Sides of Silence
616 Words
The Lincoln High football field roared with energy. Students waved banners, cheerleaders bounced in rhythm, and parents filled the stands with proud smiles.
Ethan stood on the edge of the field, helmet in hand, his eyes scanning the bleachers.
She wasn’t there.
Ava wasn’t there.
He hadn’t expected much—but he’d hoped. That maybe, just maybe, she’d show up. That he’d spot her hiding somewhere at the back, her arms folded, trying not to care.
But all he saw were strangers.
His chest tightened.
“Thompson!” Coach bellowed. “Get your head in the game!”
Ethan gave a short nod and jogged to the huddle. The whistle blew, and the game began. He threw sharp passes, dodged tackles, and ran plays like he was programmed to—but every time the crowd cheered, it sounded hollow. Every time he scored, he wished she was there to see it.
Meanwhile, Ava sat cross-legged on her bed, laptop open, trying to focus on anything but Ethan.
But it wasn’t working.
She hated herself for it.
The way he looked at her lately. The way he tried. The way his voice softened around her, even when she pushed him away.
She liked him. Too much. And it terrified her.
With a groan, she shut the laptop.
Her phone buzzed with a new email.
Her heart skipped.
Congratulations! You've been selected for the Sales Assistant role at Lila & Loop. First shift: tomorrow, 4 PM.
Ava blinked.
She reread the email.
Then grinned.
She jumped off the bed and ran to the kitchen, waving her phone. “Mom! I got it!”
Her mom looked up from the bills on the table. “You got the job?”
“I got the job!”
They hugged—tight, grateful, like they hadn’t shared good news in a long time.
Back at the stadium, Ethan wiped sweat from his brow. The fourth quarter was brutal. Every pass felt heavier, every shout from his dad like a slap.
“Do better!” Coach Thompson snapped from the sideline. “You call that a throw? What a waste of talent.”
Ethan bit his tongue.
He’d grown used to the harsh words—but they still cut deep.
Especially today.
Especially when he needed someone on his side.
The game ended 28–24. A win. Barely.
Everyone cheered.
Ethan didn’t.
The next day after school, Ava arrived at Lila & Loop—a small fashion boutique tucked between a bakery and a bookstore.
“Hi! You must be Ava,” the manager smiled. “Come in. Let me show you around.”
The store smelled of vanilla candles and fresh fabric. It was peaceful. Organized. Safe.
And for Ava, it felt like a fresh start.
She was folding scarves behind the counter when someone tapped her shoulder.
“New girl, right?” said a voice.
She turned.
A tall guy with curly hair and an easy smile stood there, holding a clipboard.
“Jordan,” he said. “I work stock in the back. Welcome to chaos.”
Ava chuckled. “Thanks. First shift. Be gentle.”
He smirked. “No promises.”
They shared a quiet laugh.
And just like that, the weight on her chest felt a little lighter.
That night, she walked home under a pale sky, the moon just starting to rise.
Her feet hurt. Her back ached.
But she was smiling.
She had a job. She had a plan. She didn’t need Ethan Thompson.
Not really.
Still… her fingers hovered over her phone.
She hadn’t texted him.
She hadn’t watched his game.
And deep inside, it stung her more than she wanted to admit.
- Writer
