SECRETS BETWEEN US

Harley’s POV Tess was partying in the forest. Laughter echoed through the trees, blending with music and the restless energy of the night. It felt reckless. Free. Like nothing could go wrong. She leaned in, kissing him. No one really paid attention. It was just another moment—another secret hidden in the dark. Then she pulled back slightly, her lips brushing his as she whispered: “Go on... hunt me.” There was a challenge in her voice, as if it were a game. Without waiting, Tess turned and ran. Her feet pounded against the ground as she pushed through the trees, her breath quick, adrenaline rushing through her veins. She didn’t look back. She just ran. Then she stopped. Silence. Too quiet. Tess quickly moved behind a tree, trying to steady her breathing. Maybe she’d gone too far. Maybe— A presence behind her. Before she could react— “Found you.” Her breath hitched. She turned— And something struck her head. Pain burst through her skull, sharp and sudden. Then darkness. And that was the last time anyone ever heard from Tess. ONE YEAR LATER. The moving truck stood outside as boxes were carried into the house. I stepped inside slowly, looking around. It felt strange being back. “Harley!” my mom called. “Come help!” “I’m coming!” I replied, grabbing a box. Hours later, I sat on the floor of my room, unpacking. Old things. Forgotten things. Then— A photograph. I paused. It was a picture of me and two boys. We looked younger. Happier. The older one had his face covered by a leaf. I frowned slightly. “Maybe... I shouldn’t put that here...” I murmured. “Harley!” my mom shouted. “Coming!” I quickly set the photo aside and walked into the living room. “Mom?” “Can you give me that picture over there?” she asked. I nodded and handed it to her. It was a picture of just the two of us. “Does it need to be in the living room for everyone to see?” I asked. “It’s a nice picture,” she said. “And it’s the only one we have of us together.” “Besides the ones where you’re still an infant,” she added. I shrugged. “I just don’t like taking pictures of myself.” “Well, I do,” she replied. “Did you settle in?” she asked. “Almost,” I said. “It’s a lot of stuff to unpack.” I glanced around. “I still can’t believe we managed to move back into our old house.” She smiled softly. “We got lucky. I was so thrilled when William called and told us the house was available.” I let out a small laugh. “Maybe somebody got murdered here while we were gone.” “Harley! Don’t say that.” I laughed lightly. “I’m joking.” How does it feel to have your old room back? My mom asked. Weird... but oddly comfortable. “It’s like we never left,” I said quietly. But in my mind, another thought followed: But we did. Seven years ago, my mom and I had moved out of this house and town, leaving everything behind and starting over in a different state. Now, it felt like everything had come full circle—bringing us right back to where it all began. “I heard the Thornes are still living next door,” my mom said from the doorway. I turned slightly. “Really?” “You used to be so close with their son.” I... Don’t you want to go say hello? She asked. “I don’t really remember them,” I said. “And I don’t remember being close with their son.” My mom looked at me for a moment. A memory flickered. I was outside, holding a basketball. A boy stood nearby. “Harley!” he called. “Over here!” I smiled and threw the ball. I blinked. The memory disappeared. Gone as quickly as it came. I frowned slightly. Something about this place... Something about my past... Didn’t feel right. The doorbell rang. Who could that be? My mom asked and walked towards the door. Oh! Harley! Look who is here! I thought who that could be and went towards my mom. Mom? Hey. Someone said to me. I was shocked to see who was at the door. Hey. I replied. Do you remember me...? He asked.