Chapter 1
Chapter One: My Conviction
My name is Chloe.
If you ask around school, you'll probably hear people describe me as "the smart girl," "the Christian girl," or "the one who always says no."
They're not wrong.
Well... except for one thing.
I'm not a Christian because my parents are Christians.
I'm a Christian because somewhere along the way, I realized that life wasn't just about school, friends, or getting good grades. I came to understand that God is real, that He loves me, and that having a relationship with Him matters more than anything else.
It wasn't borrowed faith.
It was mine.
I don't claim to know everything about the Bible, but I know enough to trust God with my life.
And one belief of mine usually shocks people.
No dating before twenty.
Most people laugh when they hear it.
Some call me old-fashioned.
Others think I'm scared of boys.
Trust me, I'm not.
I just see things differently.
One day while reading my Bible, I thought about Adam.
Before God brought Eve into his life, what happened?
God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep.
That thought stayed with me.
Teenage years are my "Adam sleep."
If Adam had to sleep before receiving his wife, then I can sleep too.
Not physically, of course.
I mean sleeping when it comes to romance.
No crushes to chase.
No relationships.
No unnecessary heartbreak.
Just God, my studies, my family, and becoming the woman He wants me to be.
When I wake up from that season—when I'm twenty or older—I'll deal with dating then.
Until that day...
I'm asleep.
---
Monday mornings at school were usually noisy.
Students filled the corridors, laughing, chatting, and comparing homework answers.
I adjusted the strap of my backpack and walked into my classroom.
"Morning, Chloe!" Stacy greeted.
"Good morning," I replied with a smile.
"You finished the math assignment already?"
"I did."
"I knew it," she groaned dramatically. "You're too smart."
I laughed softly and took my seat.
A few minutes later, our mathematics teacher entered the classroom.
The lesson went by quickly.
As usual, I enjoyed solving every problem written on the board.
When the bell rang for break, everyone rushed outside.
I stayed behind for a moment, organizing my notes.
"Chloe?"
I looked up.
A boy from my class stood beside my desk, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other.
He cleared his throat.
"I... um..."
His ears were already turning red.
"I like you."
I remained quiet, letting him finish.
"I've liked you for a while now. Would you... maybe... like to be my girlfriend?"
His voice was hopeful.
I smiled warmly.
"Thank you."
He blinked.
"I really appreciate your honesty."
For a second, I could see relief on his face.
Then I continued.
"But I'm sorry. I don't date."
His expression fell slightly.
"Not... at all?"
"Not before I'm twenty."
He stared at me.
"Twenty?"
I nodded.
"It's a personal conviction."
He scratched the back of his head before giving an embarrassed laugh.
"I've never heard anyone say that before."
"I know."
"You sure I can't convince you?"
I smiled again.
"I'm sure."
There was no anger.
No awkwardness.
No pride.
Just peace.
He sighed before smiling back.
"Well... thanks for being nice about it."
"You're welcome."
"See you in class."
"See you."
As he walked away, I quietly thanked God in my heart.
Thank You, Lord.
Thank You for helping me answer kindly.
Saying no didn't have to mean being rude.
People deserved kindness, even when the answer wasn't what they wanted to hear.
I packed my books and walked out to join the others.
So far...
Everything was going just fine.
