16: Secrets In The Shadows
501 Words
The next morning, I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror without replaying the kiss.
Jason’s lips on mine. His hands pulling me closer. The way my heart had betrayed me, pounding out an answer I never should have given.
I’d crossed the line. No—we had. And the worst part? I couldn’t bring myself to regret it.
⸻
At school, it was impossible to act normal. Every time Jason passed me in the hall, I felt my face heat, terrified that someone would see the truth written on me.
But Jason? He was infuriatingly calm. His usual swagger, his lazy smirk, his unbothered confidence—it was all intact, as if nothing had changed.
Only his eyes betrayed him. When they met mine, they burned with a quiet intensity that made my stomach twist.
⸻
During lunch, Maya waved me over, her chatter filling the silence I couldn’t escape. “So, are you going to the game Friday? Everyone’s going.”
I shook my head, distracted. “Probably not.”
She frowned. “You’ve been so… weird lately. Is everything okay?”
Panic gripped me. Did she know? Could she see it on me?
“I’m fine,” I lied quickly, forcing a smile. “Just… tired.”
But when I glanced up, I saw Chelsea across the cafeteria, her eyes sharp, locked on me. A chill slid down my spine.
She knew something. I could feel it.
⸻
That night, Jason found me on the back porch, the autumn air cool against my skin.
“You’re avoiding me,” he said, leaning against the railing like he owned it.
I crossed my arms. “Maybe because being near you feels like setting myself on fire.”
He smirked faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Funny. I thought it felt like breathing for the first time.”
My heart ached at his words. “Jason, if anyone finds out—”
“They won’t,” he cut in firmly. “We’ll be careful.”
I shook my head, fear rising. “Chelsea’s watching me. I think she suspects something.”
His expression hardened instantly. “Then I’ll handle her.”
I grabbed his arm, desperate. “No, Jason. That’s exactly what makes it worse. Every time you ‘handle’ someone, it just feeds the rumors. If she digs too deep—”
His jaw tightened, but he didn’t pull away. For once, he seemed almost vulnerable. “I don’t care if the whole world knows, Olivia. I’m not afraid of this.”
I stared at him, torn in two. Because I was afraid—terrified. But underneath the fear was a truth I couldn’t deny.
I wanted him.
And that made Chelsea’s sharp, suspicious eyes all the more dangerous.
⸻
Later, lying awake in bed, I heard the faint buzz of my phone. A new message blinked on the screen from an unknown number.
Careful, Princess. Secrets don’t stay hidden forever.
My blood ran cold.
Someone knew.
- Writer
