The Mystic Hearts Series

Chapter 67- Amir

Weirdly enough, I leave long before Kei does. He insists on hanging back, which I find a bit weird. What, does he not want to hang out with me on dry land? I guess he must really be a fan of the water... Maybe a real surfer type. It is nice to make a real friend for once. Even if it might only be for an afternoon.

Too often kids my age only want to be my friend to increase their status, having the prince hanging around & all... Which, I mean, I kinda understand, but at the same time... I'm a human too... I got ambitions & dreams & interests... I'm not just a status symbol, I'm a person.

& while I hate lying to Kei about my identity, I kinda feel relieved at the same time? Like, I can just be my real self for once instead of having to be who my parents want me to be. Is that bad? That I lied to him? Gosh, I feel so bad but... what are the chances I'll see him again anyways? I mean, my family's just staying here for the summer before going back home anyways, so I won't be here that long... Still... it's probably pretty bad, isn't it?

. . .

Over the next few weeks, I find myself heading back to the beach every day I can, kinda hoping he'll be there for some reason. & some days I do see him there, but only ever in the water. Which, I'll admit, I still find a little weird, but that's ok. I'm not really bothered by it. I do enjoy swimming, so... if he wants to, I will too.

It isn't til later that I decide I need to come clean about my secret. We've known each other long enough now that I feel that it would be harmful to keep it any longer. I wanted to tell him the 2nd day, but... I couldn't bring myself to do it... kept telling myself I didn't know him well enough or that I wouldn't probably see him again... But if we were to continue being friends, I had to be honest with him. Even if that meant... losing him...

I traced my fingers over the rock surface of the ledge beside the water's edge, a bit nervous, but needing to get this out there. "I... need to tell you something, dude... & I know... you might hate me, but I have to tell the truth..."

He raises his eyebrows, caught off guard. "Ok... If we're really being honest with each other, then... I really need to tell you something too..."

I nod understandingly. "Ok. What is it?"

He opens & closes his mouth. "Well, I- I don't really know how to explain this, but... I didn't tell you before because I was... scared & unsure if I could trust you... but... you've been so nice & understanding to me before, I just-" I put my hand on his shoulder & his muscles relax, though his face seems to redden.

"It's ok, dude. I'll understand."

He winces slightly. "Ok, well... Here goes... I... I'm not a boy..."

I blink slowly at them. "What."

Oof, the suspense :/