Maybe

Chapter 12 Chris Ethan

__Nina__

I lay on my bed with my back turned towards the door, the faint murmur of a strange noise from the window catching my attention once more. Peering over, I saw nothing amiss, yet an uneasy feeling lingered as if someone might be attempting to scale up to my room. Fearful, I hesitated to approach the window. Suddenly, the door creaked, jolting me into a panic. But to my relief, it was none other than my mom. She entered and inquired, "What's all the noise?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, I responded with a fabricated excuse, "Oh, I was just restless and couldn't sleep."

I didn't know why, but I chose not to worry her with the truth. She approached me, sitting gently beside me on the bed.

"Rest your head on my lap and relax," she suggested tenderly.

Following her guidance, I nestled into her comforting embrace as she lovingly stroked my hair. I closed my eyes, feeling a sense of calm wash over me.

"It's been a while since I've done this," she murmured softly. "I still remember when you used to cry at night, and this always helped you settle down."

Her voice was soothing, calming my nerves. Memories of the past flooded back, vivid as if they were just yesterday. "But suddenly I became busy," she sighed with a tinge of disappointment, her voice trailing off. "I can barely see you now. What will happen in the future?"

"It's going to be okay. We'll find our way back together," I reassured her. Her smile warmed my heart as she mused, "That boy was so cute."

"Who?" I asked, perplexed.

"That boy," she insisted.

"Which boy, Mom?"

"The boy who was in your house this morning."

I rose abruptly, staring at her in disbelief. Surely, she couldn't be referring to Ethan, right?

"I, I don't understand. No-nobody came to my home this morning."

"Don't play dumb. You didn't even stutter," she countered.

"Did I?"

"Yes. Ethan really cares about you. Shouldn't you give him something too?"

"How the hell do you know Ethan?" I demanded.

"Haha, now tell me. You said nobody came home."

I rolled my eyes and looked away, grappling with the unexpected twist in the conversation.

"I know you have feelings for him too, but you're trying hard to resist. He's not a bad person at all. Whenever you find yourself in danger, you can always count on him; he'll always come to your aid."

I looked at her skeptically and asked, "How do you know all this? You can't just trust a guy you've only just met."

"Nina, don't you know who he is? He's your dad's best friend's son!"

"What? Dad has a best friend?"

"Oh my gosh."

"His daughter got married a few days ago. You were the only friend invited. Do you know why?"

"Oh yeah.. They treated me so well."

"You used to play with him when you were around 6 or 7 years old. He used to call you Ely."

"Ely? Oh, I remember, there was someone who used to call me that. But It was Chris. His name was Chris, the boy I used to play with."

"Yeah... What was his full name?"

"I don't know."

"Chris Ethan."

"Wait, what?!!!" I screamed in shock, unable to believe that he was my childhood friend all along. It suddenly made sense why he had always given me so much attention when he never paid any mind to other girls—he practically despised them, but not me.

"Oh my, calm down," she chuckled, trying to ease my obvious astonishment.

"Why didn't he tell me?" I exclaimed, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"He kept it a secret!" she replied with a grin.

"Oh my goodness," I muttered, still trying to process the revelation.

"So? You would have found out eventually," she shrugged nonchalantly.

"If he wanted to keep it a secret, then fine. Let him tell me himself," I huffed, playing off my surprise with a hint of playful skepticism.

"You're playing hard to get," she teased.

"Huh, absolute nonsense," I retorted, rolling my eyes.

"Okay, then let me tell you something. I'm leaving tomorrow morning," she stated matter-of-factly.

"Why?" I asked, taken aback by his sudden announcement.

"I have appointments," she explained calmly.

"Stay a few more days," I insisted, not ready to let him go just yet.

"Next time. Now, go to sleep," she said firmly.

"But—" I started to protest.

"No 'buts'! Close your eyes and sleep," she commanded gently, her tone leaving no room for argument.

She rose from her seat abruptly and crossed the room to shut the door with a quiet click. I was taken completely by surprise, not expecting this bombshell. Is this why he's been so consistently by my side? As I reflect, he hasn't changed a bit – still as flirtatious, still as clumsy, his personality unchanged.

I reclined on the bed, closing my eyes, allowing the thoughts to swirl. "I suppose I'm fortunate to have him. Wait, why am I thinking this way? Shouldn't I consider myself unlucky? But... something about him feels different."

In the morning

I woke up early, the morning sunlight filtering through the curtains as I made my way to the kitchen for breakfast. Mom was bustling around, getting ready to leave for the airport. Just as she headed towards the door, I caught up with her.

"You're heading to the airport now? Should I come with you?" I asked, hoping for a chance to spend more time together.

"No, sweetie, you stay home. I'll contact you later," she replied gently, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

"Okay," I sighed, knowing how busy her trips could be.

"And about Ethan," she continued, turning to face me with a serious expression. "Don't hate him too much. Anyway, I know you just pretend to hate."

I tried to protest, "Of course not!"

"Of course, yes," she countered with a knowing smile.

"Ugh, come on, Mom," I grumbled playfully, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Haha, okay okay, goodbye dear," she said warmly, giving me a quick hug before stepping out.

With a wave, she got into her car and drove off. As I watched her leave, I couldn't help but think about Ethan. It was hard to believe he was once my closest childhood friend.

Just as I was about to relax, my phone suddenly rang, breaking the silence. I hurried over to answer it.

"Hello?" I said, somewhat cautiously.

"Missed me?" a voice on the other end teased.

"Excuse me, who is this?" I asked, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Come on, you liked the note, didn't you? But unfortunately, your mother interrupted us," the voice continued.

Oh no, not again. Wait, that means it was him. My heart sank as I realized.