Keep it Secret

by Olivia Snow

  “Answer me!” Ava gritted through her teeth.

  “Yes!” Katy whimpered her lower lip quivering. Ava finally let go of her neck backing away slowly. I see the realization of what she had just done dawn on her.

  “Let’s go, Van.” She called firmly. No way in hell was I saying no to her right now. Grabbing her hand we hurried out of the cafeteria into the school courtyard sitting down on one of the benches, putting as much distance as possible between the cafeteria and us. Ava looked up at the sky closing her eyes she held her cross tightly.

  “I’m so sorry, Van. I've embarrassed you.” She said with remorse. I ignore her apology because deep down I thought what she did was badass. Katherine Alexander was the worst type of high school bully, she made sure to make anyone who crossed her life’s impossibly difficult. She targeted every angle of your life. School, home life, extra curricular activities, teachers, she even had her claws deep in the Headmistress.

  “Ava, what happened at that party?” I asked moving to look at her, our knees touched as she kept her eyes closed still holding onto her necklace.

  “Nothing really I danced, drank, partied then went home.” She answered opening her eyes lowering her head, looking blankly at the grass in front of us.

  “I’m not siding with Katy, but why did she call you a slut?”

  “You’re trying to say there’s no smoke without fire?”

  “Not necessarily, she could just be saying that to be hateful. Nevertheless, Gretchen and Viola did mention that ridiculous nickname. What really happened at the party?” I asked again.

  “Nothing I wouldn't do at any other party.” She replied vaguely. Not confirming or denying that she was acting like a slut, as Katy would say.

  “You know you’re my favorite person in the whole wide world, right?” I said placing my head on her shoulders. I just wanted to reassure her that regardless of what she did at that party I would never think less of her. She could erase all the books from my e-reader and I’d still love her.

  Ava smiled tightly wrapping her arm around me. “I love you.” She whispered. Pulling away, I smiled at her but it was short lived because Headmistress Harvey was marching in our direction.

  “Brace yourself.” I said under my breath.

  “Ms. Saint John, Ms. Veneziano.” She said coldly. “I have reason to believe you were both involved in an altercation with Ms. Katherine Alexander.”

  “I had a disagreement with Katy. Vanessa had nothing to do with it but I think we resolved our issues.” Ava responded.

  “Strange, no one appears to be forthcoming about the details. Ms. Alexander also states that there was a ‘disagreement’ but oddly enough she’s complaining about a headache and asked to go home. She claims she hit her head on the lunch table after picking her book off the floor.”

  “Those pesky tables.” Ava smiled.

  “Hmm, well, if you two remember any details, please don’t hesitate to come forward.” We both smiled in agreement. As soon as she was out of hearing range I looked over at Ava in disbelief. “Wow, that was close.”

  “Yeah, I wonder why Kitty Kat didn’t rat me out.”

  That was a can of worms I didn't want to open. What reasons Katy had for not telling on Ava was something I didn't want to dwell on right this instant.

  “Lunch is almost over. We should probably head back in.” I said looking down at my watch.

  Just as we walked inside the building bodies were busy trying to get to their next class. Ava and I parted ways with a quick hug, walking through the hallways I thought of something funny only Ava would understand. Taking my phone out of my backpack I sent Ava a text.

  Me: #peskylunchtables

  Ava: lmao!

  Me: Thought you might like that :)

  Seconds later.

  Ava: Ive created a monstr

  Chapter Nine

  Ava

  Back inside the building navy blue blazers spilled out of the lunchroom making their way to class. Everyone maintained their distance in the hallway afraid I might snap. I guess it was best for people to be afraid of me than label me the school slut, which was probably going to be the case thanks to Katherine Alexander, at least this way they’d leave Vanessa alone. Reviewing my schedule I was glad to see only a few more classes were left until the day was over. Thank God. Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, I knew he was standing in front of me without even looking.

  “Hey.” He said with concern. If today was an indication of how the rest of the year would be like I should drop out now and get my G. E. D. This would have been a lot easier if I’d learn to keep it in my pants.

  “What’s up?” I said, adjusting the satchel over my shoulder.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Couldn’t be better. Why do you ask?” It was a thoughtless question, I know, he was obviously making sure everything was hunky-dory. To be honest Katy’s comment alone wasn’t what made me flick on my psycho switch, it was the straw that broke the camels back. The entire day was a disaster. I was annoyed by the way Viola and Gretchen reacted to me, then, I found out Gabriel was a student here, being sexually frustrated wasn't helping the situation. I wanted him so bad. I wanted him like I've never wanted any man in my life. Of course, because the universe hated me Gabriel turns out to be Vanessa’s long time crush. Vanessa implicitly claimed him. He was off limits.

  “Seriously?” He asked searching for the answer in my eyes. I knew he wouldn’t find anything; my eyes never gave anything away.

  “You told Talon, didn’t you? About that night?” I quickly changed the subject not wanting to focus on me. He looked at me exasperated. Sighing heavily before he answering.

  “No, I’m not that type of guy. I don’t ‘flaunt my conquest’ as you so eloquently put it.” He made air quotation marks as he said ‘flaunt my conquest.’ Super adorable.

  “Well…well good. I’m glad you can keep a secret because you're going to have to keep another one.” I took in a deep breath. “Vanessa likes you. I didn’t know that you were the guy she talked about during summer break. When we met I had no idea who you were until today at lunch. What I’m trying to say…what I’m saying…basically, you're off limits.” His eyes widen. Anger spreads across his majestic baby blues.

  “Are you kidding me, Ava?” Ooh he’s mad. “I tell you I’ve been thinking about you nonstop for the past week, hoping I’d see you again. Replaying that night over and over again in my head. Then by some freaking miracle I see you again, but you tell me to forget what happened that night. Now, you say I’m off limits because your cousin likes me?” Unreal, I’d manage to piss him off twice in one day.

  “Gabriel, please I’m not the type of girl you want to become associated with. I’m no good for you. You and Vanessa would be great together she’s the type of girl you want. You and I can be friends or whatever.” Why did this hurt so badly? I hated myself for seeing more than just sex with this guy.

  “You’re unbelievable you know that? How the hell do you know what type of girl I want? You know nothing about me.” He stormed away before I could get a chance to say anything. It was like my heart had been ripped out, put into a blender and force fed to Katy Anderson.

  I need a fucking drink.

  Chapter Ten

  Vanessa

  This was the silliest thing I’ve ever done. Why did I sign up for swimming knowing Gabriel was the TA? I didn’t think things through the fact that I’d be half naked in front of him never crossed my mind until this very moment. What had I done? If I was to be thankful for anything, it was the school issued black one-piece bathing suits everyone was forced to wear. At least it wasn’t a two-piece. While I fixed my hair up to a high ponytail Viola and Gretchen cautiously near me.

  “Hey, Vanessa.” They both said tensely.

  “Hi girls, I didn’t know you guys were in this class. Didn’t you say the thought of swimming in the school pool was revolting?” They both giggled. Giggled, like hyenas in heat.

 
“Well, when you find out the hottest guy in school is the new TA you make an exception.” Lord in heaven. Is this how Ava saw me? Like a love struck idiotic fool? My Gabriel bubble popped. I no longer wanted to be in this class. I’m glad it took me seventeen years to actually have a big crush on a boy because God only knew what kind of shenanigans I would have gotten myself into.

  “Vanessa, are you okay?” Gretchen’s voice snapped me back to the present.

  “Yeah. I’m sorry did you say something?”

  “The bell is about to ring, we should get going.” Viola was already at the door.

  “Yes, right, let’s go.” Maybe I should leave. Could I leave? I could skip class, but then the school would call mother and I’d be in bigger trouble. Why? Why must you be so cruel? Stupid heart and its need to crush on the hottest guy in school, oh, no we had to go for Gabriel. Not a normal looking guy with an average social life. No, it had to be Gabriel Mason. Damn over achieving heart, curse you! Inside the poolroom, I noticed Gabriel right away. ‘Play it cool’ Ava’s words of wisdom chanted in my head like a well needed mantra, he was surrounded by girls all in their black one-piece bathing suits giggling, hanging on his every word. The display of teenage hormones in action was cringe worthy. Shudder. I decided fairly quickly that I would not be part of all that mess. On the opposite side of the pool, I sat on the edge away from the group of chattering birds and Gabriel. I dipped my legs into the water waiting for Coach Beau to start the class. Staring at the small waves my legs were creating I didn’t even notice when he stood next to me.

  “Penny for your thoughts?” I gasped not expecting him to be so close to me.

  “Oh my God! You startled me!” I cried, slamming my hand on my chest.

  “I’m so sorry I thought you heard me walk up.” Gabriel said with an apologetic laugh.

  “Oh, it’s alright. I scare easy.” Seriously Vanessa? ‘I scare easy’ is that the best thing you can say?

  “Good to know. I’ll remember that for next time.” Next time? “Listen, I wanted to apologize for Katy. She can be a jerk sometimes.” Jerk was the simplest way of describing her. She obviously held a place in Gabriel’s heart if he was defending her actions.

  “Oh, you don’t need to apologize for her. It was all a bunch of BS anyway. If she feels she was wrong she should apologize.”

  “True, but I feel I’m responsible for the way she treated you and Ava.” He said sitting next to me. My Gabriel bubble was begging to re-inflate itself.

  “I see. Is she your uh…your girlfriend?” Smooth, Vanessa real smooth.

  “Ex, she’s my ex-girlfriend. We dated off and on for a few years. After we broke up for good, she started dating Talon. They broke up this summer. She’s been a little crazy ever since.” Right. I knew that.

  “That all sounds very…complicated.” Laughing he replied, “Yes, it can be.” If you could take a piece of the sun transform it into sound waves it would sound like Gabriel’s laugh, full of joy and warmth. That was the result of his laughter you felt joyous and warm, it was lovely. Taking a chance to look up at him, his electric blue eyes were on me, like really on me, gazing at me. It felt like he was looking straight into my soul, his stare was both unnerving and familiar all at once. In this tiny moment in time I knew deep inside I would never be the same after today, something in me burst open spilling shooting stars out into the world. I inhaled suddenly as my face instantly grew a bright shade of pink. “What?” I asked shyly looking at the water once again.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to stare, you’re very beautiful. It’s distracting.”

  Um…wow. Your life wasn’t complete until Gabriel Mason called you beautiful. “Ah…thank you.” I whispered not knowing how to respond. From his gaze to his words I had no idea how to react in front of him.

  “You’re welcome.” His voice hoarse, suddenly he shot up to stand. “I’m glad you’re okay I should get class started before Coach Beau flips out.”

  “Oh, all right, bye.” I watched his perfectly chiseled back walk away. The navy blue swim trunks he was wearing hugged his bottom in the most amazing way. Sports do the body good.

  Vanessa, get ahold of yourself.

  Before I knew it class was over and I was exhausted, swimming really took the energy right out of you. I tried my best not to watch Gabriel during class but failed miserably he was too irresistible not to take a peek. In the shower room I washed off the chlorine from my body dressing back into my uniform. The entire time I tried my best to avoid Gretchen and Viola, I didn’t want their fake friendship anymore. Since Ava’s arrival I’ve found a new sense of freedom I guess it stemmed from her making me feel safe, not in the way that I knew she would kick someone's butt if they hurt me, but in a manner that regardless of what I did she would have my back, she would be on my corner no matter what. Sad to realize I’ve never felt that safe with anyone, neither of my parents or big brother had ever provided that for me. Self-awareness really sucks doesn’t it?

  Just as I stepped out of the locker room doors, I heard my name being called.

  “Hey, Vanessa?” I spun around. Gabriel was waiting for me just outside the doors.

  “Hey, Gabriel” I said pleasantly surprised.

  “I was wondering. Would you like to go out after school for some pizza, uh today?”

  Oh my, was he nervous?

  “Um, sure I would love to but I can only stay for an hour or so my mother’s pretty strict.” I replied adjusting the strap of my backpack.

  “Yeah, that’s cool, I’ll wait for you out front? I can drive us there.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.” I wanted to leave before he saw me blushing.

  Wait.

  What about Ava?

  Crap.

  “Hey, Gabriel, can my cousin come too?” I twisted back around. He slowly turned around.

  “Ava? Uh, yeah sure if she needs to be there.” Oh, this was a date-date. I wasn’t ready for that having Ava there would make me a lot more comfortable.

  “I don’t want to leave her alone. She’s had a rough day you know.” I looked down hoping he would understand.

  His voice softened. “Yes, of course. I feel like an ass. I’ll have Talon join us too.”

  “Great, I’ll let Ava know. See you later.” Eek! I was going on a semi-pizza-date-thing with Gabriel and Ava and Talon and I said yes to him without throwing up or rambling away. This day was turning out better than I expected!

  Chapter Eleven

  Ava

  Heading into seventh period—the last class of the day—my phone vibrated alerting me of a text message.

  Van: Gabriel invited me for pizza aftr skol. Come w/me plz

  Shit. Seriously?

  Me: Van its a date. Im not goin

  Van: He invited Talon 2. Plz Ava I need u

  Aye yai yai, what a fucking mess, I rubbed my temples before texting her back.

  Me: Fine wer do i meet u

  Van: YAY! out front c u soon!

  Seventh period flew by, unfortunately. I dreaded the end of the school day I was looking forward to it but now, I just wanted to stay in class. Stuffing my locker with the unwanted books I grabbed my gym bag. Plan was to get out of this ‘date’ as soon as I could. I wanted to hit the tracks tonight no I needed to hit the tracks. Outside, Vanessa and Gabriel were already waiting for me looking like two middle-schooler’s all giddy and cute. They made a lovely couple. Now if only I could figure out a way to yank the knife out of my heart I’d be good. We drove in Gabriel’s black Mercedes in awkward silence it was obvious Baby Blue didn’t want me around. This was what I wanted I wasn’t going to go back on my word. I told him to kick rocks, he did and now it hurt like a bitch. Women: we say we want something but really feel the complete opposite. Once we arrived Gabriel informed us that Talon wasn’t able to make it, of course not. Awesome, I love being the third wheel. Smell that? That’s sarcasm.

  The pizza place was cute; they served authentic New York style pizza equipped with an
authentic New York owner, as we approached the hostess podium a middle-aged waitress whose name was Maggie, that or her name tag was lying, seated us in a booth towards the back of the restaurant. Gabriel sat across from Vanessa and I. Van was all smiles as we sat, but it quickly faded as she looked down into her hands with disappointment.

  “My mother’s calling, I need to take this. I’ll be right back.” She slid out the booth to take her phone call outside.

  “You know, you could at least pretend being here isn't that bad.” Gabriel said, reading the menu.

  “No, you're right. It could be much worse you could have your tongue down Vanessa’s throat.” I rolled my eyes snatching a menu off the table.

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean? You’re the one who suggested I to talk to Vanessa. Turns out, I do like her. Now you’re mad because I took your advice? What goes through your head? What does it matter if I start dating her?” He glared at me. People around us started looking over at our table, quietly I grit my teeth.

  “What? You think I don’t fantasize about that night? How, before bed I touch myself thinking about the way you touched me. The way your lips set my skin on fire. Or how your eyes haunt me in my dreams? I don’t know how to act around you Gabriel. This is all so fucking twisted.” As soon as the words came out of my mouth I regretted them. Holy shit why did I just say that? If I weren’t so freaking annoyed with myself, I would have thought Gabriel’s expression was hilarious. Jaw meet floor.

  “Hey, sorry about that guys.” Vanessa apologized sliding to take her seat. “Looks like I only have about thirty minutes before my mom picks me up.”