c“I know your intentions are clear, Mr. Reed… But you should have asked me first before talking to him.”
“I’m sorry, Athena. You’re right, I really should have asked you first.” Ethan apologized.
“It’s alright,” she smiled to reassure him it was fine. Ethan asked her permission to put more ointment on her arm, and she agreed.
“Thank you,” she smiled.
They stayed on the swing for a while until Ethan offered to take her home. “It’s getting late. I need to send you back home. They’re all probably worried about you.” Athena chuckled.
“What am I? A child?” She shook her head, laughing.
“I missed you,” he blurted, which had Athena stop laughing. She looked at Ethan, who looked at her with a serious expression.
Her heart skipped a beat with the way he stared at her. Longing, regret, and love.
Ethan saw how confused Athena was. ‘I wanted to inform her… So she’ll come back to me. I don’t care what will happen after my declaration… But I want her to choose. It’s now or never.’
