It’s Only Ever Been You (Forever and Always #1)

Chapter One

Our Beginning

Emma

Age 11

T he air smells like pine and dirt, and I’m clutching my book so tight it digs into my ribs. I’m just trying to stay invisible, blending into the shadows at the edge of the playground. I learned pretty quickly after moving here that being noticed usually means being picked on. It’s always something—the way I braid my hair, the way I’m always reading instead of playing, or how I never seem to say the right thing when someone actually bothers to talk to me. Being invisible feels safer. If no one notices me, then no one can hurt me. But a couple of boys spot me anyway.

“Hey, new girl!” one of them calls, grinning in a way that makes my stomach twist. “What’s wrong? Scared?”

I keep my eyes down, my chest tightening with each step they take closer, silently begging them to lose interest. But they don’t. Instead, they stroll over, their sneakers crunching against the gravel as they start circling me like vultures, their laughter low and mean. One of them reaches out and grabs one of my braids, giving it a hard yank. Pain shoots through my scalp, and I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from crying out. I wince, but I don’t make a sound. If I let them see that it hurts, they’ll know they’ve won. I’ve seen it before—the way boys like this seem to thrive on the smallest sign of weakness. But holding back doesn’t make a difference.

“Bet she doesn’t talk,” one of them sneers, his smirk widening as he twists the braid between his fingers like it’s a toy. He yanks hard again, harder this time, the sharp sting making my eyes water, but I blink back the tears.

“Hey, let go,” I mumble, my voice barely above a whisper. The words come out shaky and small, and it only makes them laugh. It’s like my fear feeds them, like it’s exactly what they wanted.

Then the taller one nudges his friend, snickering. “What’s she even carrying?” He flicks at the book in my arms, and it tumbles to the ground, pages bending as it hits the dirt.

My heart pounds in my chest, each beat echoing louder than the jeers around me. My feet feel glued to the ground, heavy and unmovable, like they’ve been swallowed by the earth itself. I stand frozen, staring at the book lying in the dirt, its pages bent and smudged, but I can’t bring myself to pick it up. The humiliation burns hot in my chest, creeping up my neck and spreading across my face until I feel like everyone on the playground must see it, like they must know how small and helpless I feel. My fingers twitch at my sides, aching to grab the book and run, but my body won’t cooperate. All I can do is stand there, the heat of my shame swallowing me whole as the boys’ laughter bounces around me, loud and taunting. I wish, more than anything, that I could shrink into myself, disappear entirely, become invisible like I’d wanted to be in the first place.

“Back off.”

The voice slices through the air like a blade, firm and unyielding. For a moment, the chaos around me stills, the boys freezing mid-taunt. I look up, my breath catching in my throat, and there he is—Ethan Belmont. I know him from class, though we’ve never spoken. He’s not the kind of boy you overlook, with his messy brown hair that always seems to fall perfectly into place and a confidence that makes him stand out in every room. But in this moment, it’s not his looks or his easy demeanor that catches my attention. It’s the way he stands, just a few feet away, his arms crossed over his chest like he’s daring anyone to challenge him. His gaze is locked on the boys, steady and unafraid, like he’s already decided how this will end.

He looks… solid, like nothing could move him, and for a second, I forget the ache in my scalp or the way my hands are trembling. There’s something in the way he carries himself that makes me feel, for th e first time in what feels like forever, like I’m not completely alone.

The boys exchange glances, their bravado faltering for a moment. But then one of them sneers, trying to reclaim the upper hand. “What, you her boyfriend or something?” he says, his tone laced with mockery.

Ethan doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t even blink. Instead, he takes a deliberate step forward, his jaw tightening. “No,” he says, his voice low and steady, each word dripping with a quiet intensity that makes the boys shift uncomfortably. “But if you don’t leave her alone, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

The boys glance at each other, clearly debating whether to keep pushing, but eventually, rolling their eyes, then wander off, muttering something about “stupid girls.”

Once the boys slink away, I let out a shaky breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding, my chest aching with the effort of keeping myself together. My knees feel unsteady, like they might give out at any moment, and for a second, I think I might actually collapse. But then Ethan steps closer, his movements calm and deliberate, like he’s trying not to startle me.

He crouches down, retrieving my book from the ground with care. His fingers brush away the dirt from the cover like it’s something precious, not just a tattered paperback, and when he hands it to me, there’s a softness in his expression that catches me off guard.

“You okay?” he asks, his voice quieter now. The sharp edge from earlier was replaced by something gentler. Concern.

I nod, clutching the book to my chest like it’s the only thing tethering me to reality. My voice feels caught somewhere in my throat, but I manage to rasp out, “Yeah. Thanks…for that.”

Ethan doesn’t say anything at first. Instead, he glances over his shoulder, his jaw still tight as his eyes follow the retreating figures of the boys. It’s like he’s making sure they’re really gone, his whole posture radiating this quiet intensity that makes me feel oddly protected. The kind of protection I’ve never felt before.

When he finally turns back to me, the tension eases from his face. His eyes soften, and his expression shifts into something almost… reassuring. Like he’s silently telling me it’s over, that I don’t have to be scared anymore.

He glances down at the book, then smiles. “The Dragon’s Secret,” he says, like he’s surprised. “That’s my favorite.”

My eyes widen, and I feel a little spark of excitement. “Really? You’ve read it? ”

“Yeah, like, a million times. The part where the dragon saves the kids from the forest fire is the best.”

I can’t help smiling. “That’s my favorite part too. I’ve never met anyone else who read it,” I murmur, unable to keep the surprise out of my voice. Most kids I know think books are boring, but here he is, telling me about his favorite part. It feels like I’ve found a little piece of myself in someone else.

He grins back, and for the first time, I don’t feel so alone. It’s like he understands something about me that no one else does.

“I’m Ethan, by the way.” Even though I already knew that.

“Emma,” I say, feeling a little braver now.

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 step into 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 li ke.”

“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.

“I’d like that,” I say softly, surprised at how easily the words come out. And I mean it. I do want to see 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 built around 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.