Tuesday

October 15, 2019

"This cannot be happening. There's no way this can be happening." I pace around my small room anxiety and panic rearing its ugly head. Ever since third period today I'd been unable to concentrate at all. It had gotten to the point where I'd decided to bail on the rest of classes. If I couldn't be productive in class there was really no need to be there at all, right? Right.

Okay, okay. Calm down, King. Just, calm down and look at this objectively.

I stop pacing my room and check out my reflection in the full-length mirror attached to my closet door. The person looking back at me has wide, frantic eyes and pale skin flushed to the point one might think they have a fever. "There's no way he knows. He was just screwing with you dude. You're in the clear. It's fine. You're fine. The secret is safe as can be." Even as I say the words for my own reassurance, I know that each one of them is a lie.

Ever since Peter had made his first appearance at my lunch table yesterday, he'd continued to make an appearance by welcoming himself into any and all of my conversations. I hadn't made a big deal out of it. I mean, all he was doing was sitting at our table and chatting with his fellow classmates. Who am I to banish him or stop him from trying to fit in? Especially since that's the last thing that seems to be happening during or between classes since his confession in homeroom. It's not as if anyone has been outright rude or cruel to Peter aside from a few of my asshole friends. As for me, I'm just doing my best to avoid the boy. The last thing I need is any type of drama he can bring into my life and that's exactly what he brought today.

I let my head fall back as I bring the heels of my palms to my eyes, a small headache from my anxiety starting. "Why? Why did he have to come to this school?" I moan as I remember back to the events that had played out between third and fourth periods.

***

I'd been walking towards the next class when I'd felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I'd found Peter smiling at me with all the innocence of a lamb, but if the chills that had raced up my spine been any indication, I knew he was anything but.

"Could you show me the way to the bathroom?"

My brows had knit together at the question. "You've been here for like a day and a half now. Don't you remember where even one is?" I'd cringed inwardly at how harsh that came out. Peter had shaken his head and I'd looked around the hall hoping to find someone who could bring the boy to the nearest restroom, sparing me from the task. Instead, a light touch to the back of my hand had caused me to flinch away and whip my gaze back to his baby blues.

"Come on, King." He spoke, his innocent smile turning into a smirk. "Show me the way."

Reluctant and worried about what he would do if I refused, I complied with the request. The moment I'd accomplished the task I'd been ready to book it for my classroom. I even remember muttering the lame excuse of being worried about being late.

"I know your secret." Those words of his had frozen me to my spot. My legs wouldn't listen when I had tried to command them forward. Instead, they had turned me around to face the raven-haired transfer student who continued to watch me with the most laid back and calm expression. His eyes had been taunting me though. As if he wanted to bait me along. I tried to play it off.

"I've no idea what you're talking about transfer. Maybe you've got the wrong person." My voice wobbled on each word and my usual steady gaze was anything but, shifting from floor to ceiling to locker never meeting Peter's.

"I don't think so, King." Peter's smirk had been audible, and gooseflesh rose over my skin not just from the tone but from the use of my nickname around the school. It's a play on my last name and something everyone's been calling me for as long as I can remember. "In fact, I think you know exactly what I'm talking about." As he'd spoken Peter inched closer to me, his minty breath whispering over my lips and tickling my nose. I tried to keep away from him, but I could only step backwards so much until my back hit the wall. I had gritted my teeth together, my toes curled in my shoes from the close proximity. My eyes had scoured the empty hallway. Everyone had already made it to their next classroom leaving us to be the only two there.

"Well, I'm not the smartest crayon in the box ya know?" I joked when I turned my attention back to Peter. I'd lifted a hand to rub the back of my neck which had quickly become moist with sweat only to flinch when it brushed against Peter's exposed forearm. My gaze had jumped to his for a split moment catching the dazzling gleam of amusement swarming the boys baby blues.

"You mean the brightest crayon in the box?"

I'd let out a forced chuckle as my gaze returned to shifty, a bead of sweat running down my temple. "See? You've made my point for me. I'm just gonna go now. Can't be late to class ya know?" I'd swallowed a lump that had formed in my throat before reaching and making as if to grab Peter's arm only to shuffle my feet and make the decision to duck under the limb. My face had burned in embarrassment when I heard Peter's deep chuckle. Even more so when I realized that I like the chuckle.

"Or maybe you're looking for your ever so safe closet."

I stiffened at the words unable to command my body forward even a step more. Overhead the bell rang officially signaling the start of fourth period though the sound became less and less prominent as understanding had set in. I turned and looked over my shoulder meeting the mesmerizing eyes of the smirking, raven-haired transfer student leaning against the deep green lockers as if the day were like any other. Looking at this boy whose striking features I'd been so captivated by on the first day. Looking at the boy who'd just outed the secret, the trick, I'd been cultivating for the past two years of my life.

I turned and ran.

Don't forget to comment and vote if you enjoyed the chapter!