Our Dirty Little Secret

Kenzie’s Pov “Are you coming over tonight?” my best friend, Lisa, asks me over the phone. We are supposed to be studying for our chemistry test in a couple of days because Miss Jane gives the worst exams. It’s my final year at high school. I haven't really figured out what I want to do with my life after Winward High School. Dad will handle it; he always does. “Hello?” “I’ll be there in two hours,” I say, opening my laptop. “Two hours? Kenz, the deadline is tomorrow,” Lisa asks. “What in f**k’s name are you doing?” “Nothing!” I say. If she knows I’m about to watch a movie, she will kill me. “Love you!!” And with that, I end the call, set my phone down on the table, and sign into YouTube to watch MSA. Halfway through the episode, Dad’s voice booms through the floorboard. “Kenzie!” His voice sounds happy. I pause the show and drag myself downstairs. Since Mom died, it’s just been Dad and me in this oversized mansion. Dad is pacing around the living room; he looks half nervous, half serious. “Sit,” he says. I drop onto the couch. “What’d I do?” “Do… what…” he laughs. “You yelled, Kenzie!” “And?” “You only call me that when it’s serious.” “It is serious.” “But I didn’t do anything?” “Yes…” “Okay then, so what’s wrong?” He takes a breath and runs his hand through his hair. “We’ll be having guests today.” “That’s not new,” I say. This is not the first time Dad’s work buddies come over, but this time he looks nervous. “Okay….” I raise a brow. “Special guests.” “Special… okay, I won’t bother you guys anyway. I’m going over to Lilly’s,” I say. “I need you here tonight.” “I know nothing about business, unless you need fashion advice,” I chuckle. He takes a deep breath. “Princess, you know I’ve been seeing someone.” I nod slowly. It’s not hard to miss—the late-night calls, the smell of perfumes on his suit, the unexpected meetings. Dad swallows hard before speaking. “Her name is Anna… She’ll be coming over with her son tonight.” The words hit me hard. “Her son,” I repeat. “They’ll be moving in a month.” “WHAT!” Dad doesn’t flinch; he expects my reaction. “Kenzie, you just met her. Isn’t it too soon?” “I’ve known her for a while.” “A while?” “Five years.” “Five years?” My voice rises slightly. “You’ve known her for that long, and I’m just finding out now?” “I wanted to be sure,” he exhales slowly. “For five years, Dad,” I stare at him in disbelief. “And what about me? Was I even part of the decision?” “Of course you were.” “So why am I finding out last minute?” Dad rubs the back of his neck. “I just didn’t want to drag you into something that might not last.” “Might not last…” The words hit harder than I expected. “So instead, you waited five years, then until they are moving in?” “I didn’t know how to tell you.” The silence that follows is heavy. “I’m going over to Lisa’s,” I say, already standing up. “Tell Anna and her son I said hi.” I don’t wait for his reply. I rush to my room, picking up my phone from the table to send a text to the group chat. Me: I’ll be over soon. I shove my chemistry textbooks into my bag, grab a few clothes, PJs, my uniform, and a few toiletries in my mini box. The walls feel like they are closing in on me. I swing my bag over my shoulder, grab my mini box, and head downstairs. “Kenzie?” “I just need some space.” He stands in the hallway, concern written all over his face. “You don’t have to run away.” “I’m not running away… I just need space.” He nods. I know he doesn’t accept it, but right now he doesn’t have a choice. He steps aside for me to pass. “Call me if you need anything.” “Sure.” I don’t know how to feel about this. I do not expect him to be single forever, but the fact he hid his relationship from me for five years hurts. I embrace the warm breeze. Lisa lives ten minutes away. As I walk, my phone buzzes. Lisa. Lisa: Where are you? Lisa: I swear to God, if you’re watching those MSA videos… Lisa: Miss Jane is going to kill us. I type back without thinking. Me: I just left. Me: I’ll be at yours soon. I quicken my steps, and the cool evening brushes against my cheeks. The streets are quiet and empty, just the way I like them—silent enough for my thoughts to scream. Dad’s voice loops in my head: Anna. Her son. Each word lands like a slap. Every step forward drags, heavier than the last. Then Lisa’s house appears at the end of the block, lights glowing through the windows. I reach the porch, lift my hand to the bell—but before my finger can press it, the door flies open. “Kenzie!” Lisa exclaims. “You’re late.” I drop my bag and mini box by the door. “Hey,” I say, leaning against the wall. Her eyes narrow at my box suspiciously, then at me. “Something’s up.” I shrug, acting casual. “It’s nothing.” “You’re with a box,” she says, brow raised. I force a weak smile. “Can I crash here tonight?” She crosses her arms. “Talk… NOW.” “I told you it’s nothing.” “I know we have a study session, but you show up here with a box, looking like your favourite MSA character died, and say nothing.” I take a deep breath, and she looks at me expectantly. “Dad has a girlfriend.” “She’s moving in,” I blurt out. Lisa stares at me with wide eyes. “Next month… with her son.” “What?” I slump onto the couch, my bag at my feet, feeling the tension finally hit me in waves. Lisa sits beside me, silent, her eyes fixed on mine. “I… I just don’t know how to feel,” I mumble, staring at the floor. Lisa puts a hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay, Kenz. We’ll figure it out… together.” I nod, letting out a shaky breath. For now, that is enough. The world outside can wait. Tonight, I just need a friend. “Come on,” Lisa says, standing and holding out her hand. “Let’s get you settled in my room.” I pick up my bag and follow her down the hallway. She opens the door and gestures toward the dresser. “Put your stuff in here. You’re not living out of a bag.” I unzip it and pull out my clothes—jeans, a couple of shirts, my uniform. I fold them and slide them into the bottom drawer she clears for me. My mini box goes on the nightstand. “Stay as long as you need,” she says. I nod. We sit on her bed with our chemistry books open, but neither of us reads. After a while, Lisa turns off the light and lies back. I change into my pajamas and slide under the covers beside her. The room is quiet. My phone buzzes on the nightstand. It’s Dad. Dad: You should come home tomorrow. I stare at the screen, then turn my phone face down on the bed, feeling numb. Because soon, I’ll meet the boy who’s taking my place.