Grace.

Chapter 32.

School was buzzing the following day after Ethan made that post. And for the first time since school opened, the school newspaper as well as the news department had something juicy to talk about, to attract more listeners and readers with.

'What a good morning it is fellow students! Wouldn't you all agree?! If not, were you already in bed by ten when Ethan posted that pic, with THAT caption?! Shame, I guess it's time you change your bedtime or else you'll miss out! Also, how are the ladies feeling this morning? Cinderella-ish? My, oh my! I wonder who the mysterious lucky lady is! Any guesses? It definitely isn't you, Beanie, or you, Gwen! We know about you and Ryan! Even though you're not-so-secretly head over heals for Ethan Byers! We don't blame you, girl!

That announcement made me realize how out of my mind I was for wanting to apply for that position! So vile! I wouldn't have done it.

'Who would've thought we'd see the day?! Ethan Levi Byers is in love ladies and gentlemen. And y'all said he was a player. A jerk! He's got no heart! Well, looks like he does and it isn't for any of you basic *clears throat*. I don't know about you guys, but this is the news of the year!!! Is anyone else wanting Homecoming to come as in yesterday?!! I honestly cannot wait! Anyway, in much serious news.'

Trouble was brewing, and not in school, but in my life! With those news, every girl would be anticipating the night they get to see who Ethan's mysterious lady is. I mean, I was just his date! Nothing more! I needed to talk to him! ASAP! In class, Josh hurried to me and sat in Donna's chair which was next to my desk.
"Holy cow, dude. What're you gonna do?" He worried.
"I have no freaking idea. I definitely have to talk to Ethan, right?" I stressed.
"And say what? Ask him if you're the mysterious girl? Hell no! That just sounds too desperate."
"Then what do you suggest I do?" I sighed.
"Lay low. Be normal. You're his date. No one knows that so, keep it under wraps for now. They're not hating on you, they're envying you! Well, the 'mysterious girl'."
"Ethan wants us to hangout more. Obviously people will put one and two together!" I hissed.
"And even when they do, you do not confirm anything."
"Like some celeb?"
"You're going to the dance with the hottest guy in school! Consider yourself popular, madam."
"Na-uh. I need to talk to Ethan," I refused.
"Why do I bother? Okay, when you do, be cool about it. Are you forgetting who you're dealing with? Ethan Byers! You can't let him get into your head! Or any of this!"
"Excuse me, can I have my seat, please?"
Donna and the others had walked in. Josh stood up and squeezed my shoulder before heading to his seat. For some reason, him leaving my side made my anxiety shoot through the roof. I was seriously panicking, and I didn't even know why! My friends were taking about something. I didn't really pay much attention to them. I kept fidgeting with my fingers thinking about what on earth I had gotten myself into!

Ethan Byers: Are you okay?

My first instinct was to stay as far away from Ethan as possible. I didn't want people having funny ideas! But when I saw his text, all of a sudden, all of that didn't matter.

Me: I'm fine.

I answered. Smart guy! Him approaching me and talking to me wouldn't have looked good. Not after that huge announcement. Everyone was eyes wide open and had ears everywhere waiting to find out who the 'mystery girl' Ethan was in love with. Can I tell you something? I did not think for a second that it was me. Honestly! Why would it have been me? We hardly knew each other, and he said so himself the previous night that him and I didn't necessarily have to be romantic. We could be friends or just simply hangout! And besides, I had a boyfriend.

Ethan Byers: We'll talk after school on our lunch date, okay?

Me: Okay.