When The World Turns

Chapter 14 (Official)

As I step out of the house, I spot Ethan waiting at the bottom of the steps. He smiles when he sees me, and I can’t help but smile back. Locking the door behind me, I jog down to meet him.

"Got you coffee," he says, holding out a cup while keeping one in his other hand.

I light up at the sight of it, it's been a while since I’ve had coffee. I take it with a grateful grin.

"You smiling for me or the coffee?" he pouts dramatically.

I roll my eyes with a soft chuckle. "Both. Come on, let’s go."

We start walking, sipping our coffee side by side. “We should go somewhere… after school,” he suggests casually.

I instantly look away, my cheeks warming up with that all-too-familiar flutter in my chest. Is he asking me on a date?

“Where?” I ask, trying to sound neutral, but my voice comes out soft and hesitant.

He glances at me with this calm, dreamy tone in his voice. “I don’t know… somewhere with desserts?”

There’s a tiny pause. I feel my heart skip just a little.

“Sure,” I mutter, barely above a whisper.

He giggles, and God, it hits me all over again how stunning it is. Like a sound pulled from a memory I never want to lose.

“Meet me at the entrance after school,” he says, still smiling. “I know a good place.”

I keep my eyes on my coffee, taking another sip to hide the smile tugging at my lips. I nod.

He nods back with even more enthusiasm, practically glowing.

By the time we reach the school, our cups are empty. We toss them into the trash can near the entrance and glance at each other.

“See you later,” he says with a little wave.

“Yeah,” I reply softly, waving back.

We head off in different directions, but my heart’s already jumping ahead to after school.

The day drags by slow and boring, just like most days lately. Nothing major happens, just the usual. Adrianna and Carla toss a few taunts my way during class, their voices sharp but predictable. I ignore them.

Lunch is the highlight. Ethan and I sit together again. He pulls out yet another one of his perfectly made sandwiches, I swear, he always has one, and eats it like it’s the best thing on earth. It makes me smile.

We talk a little, laugh a little. It’s easy with him.

Then it’s back to dull lectures and watching the clock. The only thing keeping me sane is knowing what’s waiting for me after the final bell.

It’s the last period of the day, and I’ve already packed my bag with five minutes still left on the clock. I don’t care. I’m ready to get out of here. My leg bounces with impatience, eyes glued to the second hand ticking by. When the bell finally rings, I’m the first one out the door, practically bursting with joy.

I make my way to the entrance and wait, trying to play it cool even though my heart’s buzzing. Then I see him, Ethan, heading toward me with the goofiest smile on his face. I can’t help but laugh.

But then I notice the tie.

He’s wearing a tie. Over his regular clothes. It looks so ridiculous and out of place, I actually snort.

"I'm not the only one who's wearing something proper," he says with a grin, pulling out another tie from his bag and holding it up like some sort of fashion trophy.