Ava Collins is a high school junior who has mastered the art of makeup to conceal her insecurities and present a flawless image to the world. Behind her confident facade lies a girl struggling with self-doubt and a deep-seated fear of being judged f...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The next morning, Ava dragged herself out of bed, her sleep fitful and her thoughts still tangled. She hadn't replied to either Ethan or Lucas the night before, too overwhelmed to face either of them. But avoiding them forever wasn't an option. As she got ready for school, the weight of her indecision pressed heavily on her chest.
By the time she arrived at school, Ava felt like a walking ball of anxiety. She wasn't ready to face either of them, yet the moment she stepped through the school's front doors, she spotted Lucas standing near her locker, waiting.
Her stomach twisted as she walked toward him. She plastered on a smile, though her insides churned with unease.
"Morning," Lucas said with a grin, leaning casually against the locker.
"Morning," Ava replied, her voice tight.
Lucas studied her, his eyes searching hers. "You didn't reply last night. Are you okay?"
Ava bit her lip. She wasn't okay, but she wasn't ready to admit that either. "Yeah, I was just... tired," she lied, hoping he wouldn't press her for more.
Lucas nodded, but there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "Well, if you need to talk, I'm here. No pressure, okay?"
Ava nodded, guilt creeping up her spine. "Thanks, Lucas."
As they parted ways for class, Ava couldn't help but feel the mounting pressure. It was as if everything was building up, and she didn't know how long she could keep it all together.
---
Throughout the day, Ava felt the weight of her indecision following her like a shadow. She couldn't concentrate in class, her mind constantly flipping between Lucas and Ethan. Both boys had been so kind to her, both had shown her care and attention, but her feelings for each were so different.
With Lucas, she felt excitement and the thrill of something new. With Ethan, there was history and comfort, a deep connection that she couldn't easily let go. But the kiss with Lucas had changed everything, and now she wasn't sure where she stood with either of them.
By lunchtime, Ava found herself sitting alone outside, away from the usual crowd. She needed space to think, to sort through the mess of emotions swirling inside her.
As she sat there, lost in thought, she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Ava?"
She turned around to see Ethan standing there, his expression unreadable. Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected to see him here, not like this.
"Hey," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ethan stepped closer, his eyes fixed on her. "Can we talk?"
Ava hesitated, her pulse quickening. She knew this conversation was coming, but she wasn't ready for it. Still, she nodded, knowing she couldn't avoid him forever.
They walked in silence to a more secluded spot on the school grounds. Once they were alone, Ethan turned to her, his face serious.
"I've been thinking about what you said the other day," Ethan began, his voice steady but soft. "About being confused."
Ava looked down, unable to meet his gaze.
"I don't want to push you into anything," Ethan continued. "But I need to know where we stand, Ava. I can't keep waiting, wondering if I still matter to you."
Ava's heart ached at his words. She had never wanted to hurt Ethan, but she also didn't know how to answer him.
"I... I don't know what to say," Ava admitted, her voice shaking slightly. "I care about you, Ethan. I really do. But things are... complicated."
Ethan's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Complicated because of Lucas?"
Ava's breath hitched at the mention of Lucas's name. She had known this would come up, but hearing Ethan say it out loud made everything feel more real.
"I don't know how I feel," Ava confessed, her voice barely audible. "I'm still trying to figure it out."
Ethan was silent for a moment, his eyes scanning her face. Then, he took a deep breath and said, "I just need to know if there's a chance for us, Ava. Because if there isn't, I need to move on."
His words hung in the air, heavy with finality. Ava felt like the ground was crumbling beneath her. How could she possibly make a decision when her heart was so torn?
"I need more time," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Ethan's expression softened, but there was a sadness in his eyes that cut through her. "I understand," he said quietly. "But I can't wait forever."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ava standing there, the weight of her indecision pressing down on her more than ever.
