crushing on Ethan

I’d been crushing on Ethan for twelve years, watching him go through girlfriends like tissues. Just when everyone thought I might actually tame the heartbreaker, he blocked me for another girl. A month later, he was down on one knee in a field of roses, begging for another chance. I pulled a bright red wedding invitation from my purse, smiled, and said, "I'm getting married next week. I hope you can make it."

1.

Ethan texted our group chat: "Meet at the usual spot tonight, got something to announce." His best friend, Josh, teased, "Whoa, so formal. Is the player finally settling down?" It was a running joke, and usually, Ethan would laugh it off. This time, he just replied, "Yeah." One simple word, but it sent ripples through the group. The chat exploded. "No way! Mr. Heartbreaker is tying the knot?!" "Did Olivia finally land him?" "Let me guess! Ethan hasn't been dating anyone recently, so it must be Olivia!" "I always said he was different with her! He never brought girls around before she moved back!" My feelings for Ethan were no secret, just like his obvious favoritism towards me. He didn't reply, seemingly confirming everyone's assumptions. After all these years, despite his revolving door of girlfriends, I’d always been his constant. Anyone would think my wait was finally over.

2.

Ethan was the last to arrive, with a shy girl trailing behind him. Her small hand gripped his shirt, her wide eyes darting around the room with innocent curiosity. She looked like a fawn straying into unfamiliar territory, reminding me of myself twelve years ago when I first moved in with the Millers. The playful banter in the room died down as Ethan pulled her forward and put his arm around her. "Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Summer." His eyes never left her, full of tenderness. Sensing the awkward silence, Summer shrunk closer to him, looking nervous. Josh was the first to recover, letting out a forced laugh. "Keeping secrets, huh? When did this happen?" His gaze kept flicking to me, concern masked but easily readable after all these years. Ethan had never formally introduced a girlfriend to us before. We all knew what this meant. He ruffled Summer’s hair. "A couple of months now. Summer’s a bit shy, so be nice." Twelve years ago, it was the same group, the same words: "Olivia’s a bit shy, so be nice." Back then, I was a small-town girl fresh off the bus, awkward and self-conscious in my new, affluent surroundings. Ethan had been the one to pull me into their circle. That year, I was fourteen, and he became my light.

3.

Maybe the others were closer to Ethan, but I'd always been the only girl in the group, the one everyone assumed would end up with him. To avoid making me uncomfortable, their reactions were subdued. Summer bit her lip, eyes welling up. "Ethan," she whispered, "do they not like me?" Her use of his first name made me cringe. Teenage Ethan used to tease me relentlessly, stealing my hair ties and making me call him “big brother” before he’d gi...