Faithful Horizons

Chapter 13: First Moment

The rain had come out of nowhere.

Ethan ducked under the awning of a closed bookstore, shaking water from his jacket as the downpour intensified. He swore under his breath, wiping droplets from his face. The walk home had seemed like a good idea when the skies were clear, but now he was soaked, his jeans clinging uncomfortably to his legs.

He pulled out his phone, debating whether to call someone for a ride, but his mom didn't drive much anymore, and there was no one else he trusted to ask. His thumb hovered over Grace's name in his contacts before he shoved the phone back into his pocket.

The last thing he wanted was to owe her something - or worse, to let her see him like this.

The rain showed no sign of letting up, and Ethan sighed, leaning back against the glass storefront. He watched the rivulets of water stream down the pavement, his thoughts drifting as they so often did lately.

Grace had been on his mind more than he cared to admit. It wasn't just that she was kind or funny or persistent in a way that somehow didn't irritate him. It was the way she made him feel - like maybe he wasn't as broken as he thought.

He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. He didn't have time to get tangled up in emotions he didn't understand.

"Ethan?"

The familiar voice startled him, and he turned to see Grace standing a few feet away, an umbrella in one hand a surprised smile on her face.

"What are you doing out here?" she asked, stepping closer.

Ethan blinked at her, too caught off guard to respond right away. "Uh, walking home. Or trying to, anyway."

"In this?" Grace gestured to the rain, her eyes wide. "You're going to catch pneumonia."

Ethan smirked faintly. "I'm not made of sugar. I'll survive."

Grace rolled her eyes, holding out the umbrella. "Come on, I'll walk with you."

"I'm already soaked," Ethan said, motioning to his jacket. "What's the point?"

"The point is not getting more soaked," Grace said firmly. "Now, stop being stubborn, and let me help you."

Reluctantly, Ethan stepped under the umbrella, the scent of rain mingling with whatever light floral perfume Grace always seemed to wear. She stood close enough that their shoulders brushed, and Ethan tried to ignore the way his pulse quickened.

"This isn't exactly how I pictured spending my evening," Grace said as they started walking.

"Yeah?" Ethan said, glancing at her. "What were you planning instead? Bible study or something?"

Grace grinned. "Funny. I was going to make brownies, but I guess this is a close second."

"Brownies, huh?" Ethan smiled. "I think I got the better deal."

"See? It's not so bad having me around," Grace teased.

Ethan chuckled softly, shaking his head.

The rain continued to pour as they walked, but under the shelter of the umbrella, it felt almost peaceful. Grace talked about her week - her mom's latest baking experiment, an awkward but funny moment Sam at youth group - and Ethan found himself relaxing in her presence.

"What about you?" Grace asked after a while. "How've you been holding up?"

Ethan hesitated, his gaze fixed on the wet pavement. "I'm managing."

Grace gave him a sidelong glance. "That's not an answer."

"It's the best I've got," Ethan admitted.

She didn't press, but her silence was understanding, not judgmental. Somehow, that made it easier to keep talking.

"It's just... a lot," he said finally. "Work, school, my mom. Feels like there's never a break you know?"

Grace nodded, her expression soft. That's a lot for anyone Ethan. You're doing more than most people our age would."

"Doesn't feel like enough," he said, his voice quieter now.

Grace stopped walking, turning to face him. Her free hand rested lightly on his arm, and Ethan felt the warmth of her touch through the damp fabric of his jacket.

"It is enough," she said firmly. "You're doing everything you can, and that matters. Even if you don't see it."

Ethan stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. For a moment, the rain faded into the background, and all he could focus on was the sincerity in her eyes.

"Thanks," he said, his voice rougher than he intended.

Grace smiled, her hand lingering on his arm for a moment before she stepped back.

When they reached Ethan's apartment building, the rain had slowed to a drizzle. He stepped out from under the umbrella, turning to face Grace.

"Thanks for this," he said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Anytime," Grace replied, her smile warm. "But seriously, next time, check the weather before you walk anywhere."

Ethan half-laughed, shaking his head. "I'll keep that in mind."

For a moment, they stood there, neither of them moving. Ethan felt like there was something else he should say, something just out of reach, but the words wouldn't come.

Grace tilted her head slightly, her eyes searching his face. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Ethan said quickly. "Just... tired."

Her smile softened, and she nodded. "Get some rest. I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Yeah," Ethan said. "See you."

As she turned to leave, Ethan watched her go, the umbrella bobbing slightly with each step.

For the first time in a long time, he felt something other than the usual weight pressing on his chest. It wasn't heavy - it was warm, tentative, and terrifying all at once.

Back in his room, Ethan pulled out his sketchpad and flipped to a blank page. His pencil moved almost on its own, the liens taking shape quickly - a figure under an umbrella, standing in the rain.

When he was finished, he stared at the sketch for a long moment, the realization hitting like a wave.

He didn't just like Grace.

He was falling for her

A/N:

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