Page 2 of It's Only Ever Been You

He nods, “Emma,” repeating my name softly, like he’s testing it out. “Well, see you around, Emma,” he says, and I can tell he really means it, that I might actually see him again and not just in class. He gives me one last smile before heading off, leaving me holding my book a little tighter, feeling a little safer just knowing he’s out there.

……………………………………………………………

The final bell rings, and I’m one of the last kids to leave the classroom, still clutching The Dragon’s Secret to my chest like a shield. Most of the kids rush out, talking and laughing, and I wonder if Ethan’s already gone too. But as I stepinto the hallway, I see him waiting by the door, hands in his pockets, leaning casually against the wall.

“Hey,” he says, straightening when he sees me. His hand moves to the back of his neck, rubbing it nervously as his gaze flickers between me and the hallway. “Do you…uh, want to walk home together?”

I nod, surprised but grateful. Usually, I walk alone, my head buried in my book so I don’t have to think about how much I stick out. But today, Ethan falls in step beside me, his stride relaxed, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

I’m not sure what to say as we turn down the street, walking side-by-side. The leaves crunch under our shoes, bright red and gold scattered across the sidewalk. It’s quieter here, away from the chatter of the other kids, and for once, I’m not hurrying home.

Ethan glances over, noticing the leaves swirling in the breeze. “Fall’s pretty great, isn’t it? I mean, all these colors, everything smells like fresh rain. Way better than summer.”

I nod. Fall is my favorite too, but I don’t tell him that. I’m not used to anyone caring about my thoughts on seasons, or…anything, really. But the way he says it, like he’d actually want to know, makes me think that maybe this is okay. Maybe I could tell him more about myself, and he wouldn’t laugh or think I’m weird.

“You live nearby?” he asks, glancing over at me.

“Yeah, just a few blocks over on Oak Street,” I say quietly. “You?”

“Same direction,” he says, nodding. “Maybe I’ll see you around after school, too.”

I don’t say anything, but inside, I feel a little rush of happiness. I’ve always been the shy girl. The one that no one really notices and I always feel awkward, but walking with Ethan makes me feel…normal, like I’m not so out of place.

We walk in silence for a bit, and I’m starting to wonder if I should say something when he surprises me by looking over with a half-smile. “You really like books, huh? I see you reading everyday during recess.” He shrugs.

“Yeah,” I say, feeling my cheeks heat up. “I know it’s kind of well…boring to some people, but…”

He shakes his head. “Nah, I think it’s cool. You should bring some of your books to school tomorrow.”

I blink, taken aback. “You’d want to see them?”

“Yeah,” he says, grinning. “Maybe we can read one together sometime. I don’t know anyone else who likes that kind of stuff.”

The idea of sharing a book with someone else feels strange…but nice. “Okay. I have a few at home that I think you might like.”

“Cool.” He nods, and we keep walking, quiet but comfortable. “Do you have a big family?”

I shake my head. “Just me and my mom. We moved here a few months ago.” I pause, feeling awkward. “It’s just…um…been hard to get used to a new place. I don’t really know anyone yet.”

Ethan shrugs, but there’s a weight to it, like he’s carrying something he doesn’t know how to set down. “I get it. I’ve been in the same place my whole life, but my best friend from last year moved away. So it’s just been me since.”

The way he says it, his voice quiet and almost matter-of-fact, hits me harder than I expect. I can tell he feels it too—the loneliness, the ache of something missing, even if he’s not the type to admit it outright. It’s in the way his shoulders hunch slightly as he walks, like he’s not as sure of himself as he looks.

I sneak a glance at him, taking in the steady rhythm of his steps, the way he seems so certain of where he’s going, like nothing could shake him. It’s a quiet confidence I can’t imagine having, not when I always feel like I’m holding my breath, hoping the world doesn’t notice me. But there’s something about the way he carries himself that makes me feel like maybe—just maybe—he understands. Like he sees the parts of me I’m too scared to show anyone else.

“Do you…do you like it here?” I ask, feeling braver.

He considers this, his eyes thoughtful. “I guess. It’s okay. I mean, there’s the creek and the woods out behind my house. I like exploring.”

“The woods?” I ask, curiosity piqued. I’ve always liked reading about magical forests and hidden places, but I’ve never had the courage to go exploring alone. “What’s it like?”

He smiles, and I notice how his eyes light up a little. “It’s amazing. There’s this spot, like a little clearing, with these huge rocks you can climb up on. You can see the whole town from there.”

“That sounds…really cool,” I say, imagining it. For a moment, I picture myself there, sitting on those rocks, watching the whole world spread out below.

“You should come with me sometime,” he says casually, but there’s a softness to his tone that makes my heart skip. His words hang in the air, light but deliberate, like he’s testing the waters without wanting to scare me off. “I mean, if you want to.”

There’s something about the way he says it—like it’s no big deal, but also like it’s everything. My pulse quickens, a warmth spreading through my chest that I don’t quite know what to do with. I glance at him, his expression open, almost hopeful, and for a moment, the world feels quieter, like it’s just the two of us standing here.

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