I liked sitting alone.
Not because I don't talk, but it was that I was the one always initiating the conversations, and now I didn't have the energy.
Until someone was already sitting there. I paused at the door, my fingers tightening around the strap of my bag. That is my seat. Why is he sitting there? I know it sounds stupid. It's just a chair. But for me, it was routine, Control, Comfort And now someone had taken it.
I almost turned around.
almost.
"Hey," I froze.
I saw him looking directly at me as if he had been waiting for me to walk in. I saw him move from my chair to the one next to it. "There, I saved you a spot."
Saved me a spot? My eyes furrowed, genuinely confused. I didn't even know him.
"Uhh....I think you're mistaken", I muttered to him. "I'm not, you sit here every day." He smiled at me. Before I could respond, he pulled out a chair and patted it for me to sit.
"I just thought... You shouldn't have to sit alone all the time." I looked at him for a while, at his sweet smile, and against my own judgment- I sat down. And that was it.
That was how it started.
Not with something big or unforgettable.
Just a seat... He decided to save for me.
I kept my eyes on my desk.
I started to think- why did he save me this seat?
"You're here early every day," he said, looking at me.
I nodded, "Yeah."
Silence. God, this was so awkward.
"I'm Ethan, by the way." He extended his hand towards me. I shook his hand, "I'm Ivy."
"Ivy," He said, "It suits you."
I blinked, slightly caught off guard.
No one has ever said that before. I decided not to respond. This was too much for me already. I wasn't used to attention.
"Good morning, students," said Mr. Grey. "Today, we are going to learn about Interior Services and Codes." I pulled out my notebook and pen and started writing notes.
I tried to focus on what he was teaching, but Ethan kept intruding on my thoughts. Ugh, I can't wait for vacations. I wanted to talk to him, but what if I was too much again? talking too much just to not get anything back, or people not listening. "Hey," He tapped my shoulder, "yes?" "Did you understand anything he said?" He asked, confused. "Yes, I did." "I didn't understand anything. Can you give me your notes for copying?" I thought for a second before saying "sure." He smiled at me. I gave him my notes. "Thank you," He said politely. "You're welcome."
I smiled back. He started copying my notes. I looked at him, like really looked at him for the first time since sitting next to him. He had soft brown hair, slightly messy like he ran his hands through it too often, not styled—just naturally falling into place in a way that worked for him. His eyes were warm brown. He wore a black hoodie with light- blue, worn-out jeans. The more I looked at him, the more I was intrigued. He's handsome, I thought. "Thanks, you're pretty as well," He smirked. My eyes widened. Shit, Shit SHIT did I just say that OUT LOUD???? OH MY GOD.
Now I felt like crashing out.
He just heard what I said... wait, he thinks I'm pretty? " You think I'm pretty?" I blurted out before thinking twice....oh my god I did it again.
"I do, you are very pretty, just like your name," he said, laughing at my reaction. I blushed, "Thank you." I started to think of something else to say-
"Here you go," he gave me my book back, "thank you, your notes are really easy to understand". He said, getting up from the seat. Where was he going? I saw the time, class was over. I nodded. "See you tomorrow, pretty," he waved me bye and left.
I was shocked, he called me pretty again.
Then I smiled... he called me pretty again! I shook my head and started packing up my stuff, and then I went to the bus stop to wait for the bus.
I sat near the window seat, slowly enjoying the breeze and thinking about what had happened today.
I was happy again.
I couldn't wait for tomorrow.