Page 3 of It's Only Ever Been You

“I’d like that,” I say softly, surprised at how easily the words come out. And I mean it. I do want tosee the woods, but more than that, I want to keep walking home with him, to keep talking about favorite books and secret spots.

Ethan nods, satisfied, and then, out of nowhere, he asks, “So…are you reading any other books right now?”

I look up at him, a little surprised. Most kids don’t ask about my books. “Um, yeah. I have this whole series I’m working on. It’s about this kingdom where everyone has to solve puzzles to earn their place in the court. But only the clever ones make it.”

He grins. “That sounds awesome. Do they have dragons too?”

“A few,” I say, laughing. “I don’t usually talk about it, though. People…they don’t really get it.”

“Yeah,” he says, nodding in understanding. “I get that. But it’s their loss. Sounds like they’re missing out.”

We keep walking, and I find myself smiling without meaning to, feeling better than I have in a long time. I can’t remember the last time someone really wanted to talk to me, much less about books or forests or anything beyond what’s right in front of us. He sees something in me that even I can’t see, as if he’s peeling away all the layers I’ve builtaround myself just by being…himself.

We turn onto another block, and I realize we’re getting closer to my street. My steps falter, slowing almost imperceptibly, my feet are trying to resist the inevitable. There’s a weight settling in my chest, a mix of unease and something else—a strange pull I don’t quite understand. It’s not bad, exactly, just… unfamiliar, like I’m holding onto a moment I don’t want to let go of. It hits me then, sharp and sudden: I don’t want this walk to end.

This quiet, easy moment with Ethan feels… safe, as if I’m stepping into a warm patch of sunlight after standing in the cold for too long. The thought of stepping back into the quiet of my house, back into being alone, feels heavier than usual, like something I’m not ready to face.

Ethan notices, his own pace adjusting to match mine. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “It’s just…well, it’s kind of nice having someone to walk with. Usually, it’s just me.”

He doesn’t respond right away, just glances down the street thoughtfully. “Well, if you ever want someone to walk with, I don’t mind. I’m not always the best at, you know, talking or stuff like that, but…I’d walk with you.”

I can’t help but laugh, the sound surprising even me. “I think you’re doing fine at talking.”

“Yeah?” He grins, looking pleased. “Well, maybe I’ll just have to practice with you, then.”

The corner where I have to turn is just ahead, and I feel a pang as I realize we’re almost there. My chest tightens with an ache I don’t fully understand—a mix of wanting this moment to last forever and dreading the silence that will settle in once I’m alone again. I slow my steps even more, trying to stretch out the walk, savoring every crunch of leaves underfoot and every stray breeze that rustles the trees above us.

I’m not sure if Ethan notices, but he matches my pace anyway, his stride unhurried, as if he’s in no rush to leave either. There’s something comforting about it, like we’re both silently agreeing to make the most of this little stretch of time. The quiet between us feels heavier now, but not uncomfortable—just full of something unspoken, something I can’t quite name.

“Almost home,” I say softly, more to myself than to him, my voice tinged with reluctance.

“Yeah,” Ethan says, his tone light but with a hint of something deeper, something that mirrors the way I’m feeling. “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow, though. Maybe for another walk?”

I glance up at him, my heart skipping a beat at how easily he says it, as if it’s obvious we’ll do this again. I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah… I’d like that.”

We reach the corner, and I hesitate before turning, gripping my book a little tighter. “Thanks for walking with me.”

When we reach the corner, I stop, clutching The Dragon’s Secret tightly to my chest. “Thanks…for everything. Rescuing me earlier, the walk home. I don’t know…it’s just nice.”

He looks at me with those steady, kind eyes, and there’s something in his expression that makes me feel safer than I ever have before. “It’s nothing. Really. Just…if you ever need someone to walk home with or, you know, stand up to jerks, I’m here.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my chest feel tight, and all I can do is nod, afraid my voice might crack if I try to speak.

He gives me a little wave and turns, walking off down the street. I stand there, watching him go, feeling this warmth that’s new and a little scary but also…nice. I’ve found something I didn’t know I was missing.

He gives me a small wave and heads off, leaving me standing there, clutching my book and feeling, for the first time, like maybe I don’t have to face everything alone. And this could really be a good friendship.

As I walk the rest of the way home, I replay his words over and over in my mind, letting them settle into a quiet part of me that’s never really had anyone before.

Now you’ve got me.

He said it so easily, as though it was the most natural thing in the world, and I can feel my heart flutter in my chest. That’s not something I’ve ever felt either.

Chapter Two

New Girl

---