Ariel

The last few days have been perfect. And even though I've only been awake for an hour, I can already tell today will be another day of pure  perfection. Life couldn't be any more perfect. Ok, I may be going a little overboard but it's hard not to love life when I'm walking around with rose-tinted spectacles or should I say climax-tinted spectacles after riding the 'Big O' express on Sunday with Kayla. And again yesterday.

Kayla is fucking amazing.

Bounding out of my apartment block, I grin like a mad person and jump into the backseat of Faithful's car. "Morning my future babies's handsome fathers."

"You're way too happy for this early in the morning." Ryder scowls from the front passenger seat.

"I'm not fathering your baby," Faithful says flatly as he starts the car.

"Yes, you are," I say. "But let's not worry about the details now. So, how come I have the pleasure of being picked up this morning and escorted to school?"

Faithful takes his eyes of the road for a second and glances at Ryder who huffs and looks out the window. An amused smile appears on Faithful's face as he veers the car round a corner. "We're picking up Taylor."

I squeal loudly. "Yes, she's finally coming back. There's so much to tell her. I suppose she doesn't need to know what people are saying about her-"

"No, she doesn't," Ryder snaps and turns to face me with a frown. "El, she's got enough going on she doesn't need to know all the shit being said about her."

I raise my hands in surrender. "Calm the fuck down, I won't say a word. But she's going to know soon enough. Kayla ripped off a bunch of stuff stuck to her locker on Monday and yesterday."

Ryder's frown deepens and he faces forwards with his arms crossed.

I poke Ryder in the shoulder. "What the fuck is going on with you? You're usually grumpy but this is a whole new fucking level. Also, how do you know Taylor has got a lot going on? And how come Taylor contacted you two about coming back to school and not me?"

Ryder shrugs. There's something going on between those two and if he's not going to tell me willingly I'm going to have to use a little trickery.

Leaning forward, I look at Faithful. "Ahhh...Faithful, are you and Taylor finally together-together? She was telling me how handsome and clever and funny you were the other day." 

Ryder stiffens in his seat.

"And I know you've had your eye on her for a while. The first time I met her was when I walked in on you finger blasting-"

Ryder growls.

"Kia," I say flatly.

Faithful chuckles but doesn't take his eyes off the road. "Don't wind him up, El, he's a bit sensitive about Taylor at the moment."

"Why?" I turn to Ryder.

Ryder huffs and runs his hand down his face. And I notice several cuts on his bruised, swollen knuckles. Who has he been fighting? 

"She wants to keep a low profile," Ryder says.

"Which means?"

"She doesn't want people to think there's something going on between us," Ryder says flatly.

"What is going on between you? Are you hooking up or is it serious?"

"Whatever we are she wants it to be a secret."

"Welcome to the fucking club." I pat Ryder's shoulder gently. "I feel your pain comrade."

Ryder arches an eyebrow and gives me a half smile. "I'm going to miss not seeing you every day, El."

"Which is why we need to thank the Phone Gods for the invention of video calls. I would have fucking hated to be a teenager pre twenty-first century. Life must have been fucking horrendous."

Faithful and Ryder laugh.

"Anyway, we've still got a while until we walk out the educational gates of hell for the last time."

"Exams start next week, El," Faithful says stopping the car.

"Fuck, we haven't got long." I frown.

Ryder jumps out of the car, strides up to the front door and knocks. Why the fuck didn't he just message Taylor to say we've arrived like every other person born in the digital age would?

The door opens and Taylor steps out. Staring through the window, I feel like I'm watching a soap-opera, but one of those soaps in another language because I can't understand anything yet I want to know exactly what they're saying. Neither of them look very happy but their body language contrasts against their unhappy facial expressions. They are angled towards the each other and both of them keep looking at the other's lips. I'm guessing, they're having a disagreement but they're both thinking about kissing each other.

Ryder crosses his arm and Taylor tilts her head to the side and says something I wish I could hear. He speaks, I really wish I could lipread, and she gives him a small smile then says more words I desperately wish I could hear.  And now they're kissing; full on attacking each other's mouths kissing. Taylor grips his top and Ryder's hand holds her neck while the other runs down her back and grabs her butt, pulling her even closer. This is kind of hot to watch and I'm really not into the idea of hetero sex.

"I feel like I'm watching the start of a dodgy porn," Faithful retorts.

"I know." I sigh, turning away to face him. "They are so perfect for each other."

Faithful rolls his eyes. "I know Ryder doesn't want to admit it but Taylor is right in keeping a low profile. When people find out she's with Ryder the gossip will go into overdrive, especially with his reputation of drug dealing."

I nod my head. "At least, Teresa won't be there next year to make her life hell."

"It's not just Teresa," Faithful says.

"Please do not tell me you still like your psycho bitch ex-girlfriend."

Faithful shrugs. "I just think we need to remember people aren't horrible for no reason. We all have a story."

"I can't argue with you there."

The car doors open, Taylor slips in beside me and Ryder sits in the front. I hug Taylor. "I'm so glad you're back. I've missed you. Are your parents super angry after the weekend? Why have you been off school?"

Taylor grimaces. "My parents are upset but we talked a bit and I'm no longer grounded which is good."

"Great, do you want to hang out at mine after school today? Kayla is coming." I want to add, 'I will sacrifice an afternoon of touching Kayla for you, Taylor, because you're such a good friend.' I don't because Kayla would kill me. I hate keeping secrets.

Taylor's eyes flick to Ryder before looking at me. "I've already got plans. What about tomorrow instead?"

"Sounds good." I sit back in the car seat. At least, I don't have to pretend this afternoon that I'm not into Kayla. I only need to get through a school day without touching her.

"I hate being in the Secret Club," I mutter.

Everyone around me stays silent and nods slightly; I wonder what other secrets we're all hiding from each other.