All the Little Secrets

CHAPTER 6. BLANK SPACE

Chapter 6. Blank Space

I'm in my room, finishing the final touches of my makeup as Parker walks in, his face sullen. I smile at him through the mirror, but he does not smile back as he sits on the edge of my bed.

"I wanted to see if you wanted to hang out tonight," his voice trails off as I turn to him.

"I'm going to see a friend play in an open mic," I say excitedly. I look down at my dress; black, thin straps, comes to right above the knees, figure-tight. My hair hangs in long, loose curls down my back. "What do you think?"

"Not quite you," Parker starts, then adds, "But... you look really nice."

"Thanks, PJ. I wish you could come, but you have to be at least sixteen to get in."

"I wouldn't want your pity invite, anyways."

"It's not pity, PJ -"

The doorbell rings. I take one last in the mirror before turning to Parker. He stands, but not as tall as he usually is. His body is slightly slumped as he forces a smile. I bite my lip, then pull him closer to me, embracing him.

"I know these first two days at school sucked for you," I whisper in his ear as he sighs into my shoulder, "But I love you, PJ. Everything will get better." He pulls away from me with a slight smile. I kiss him on the cheek as I slide on my sandals. "You sure you're ok?"

"I'm fine," he says, then hugs me again. I hold him tight for a moment before we pull away. "Could we camp out tonight?"

"Absolutely," I promise, and he smiles a little more.

We walk out of my room together as he goes to his. I stop at the top of the stairs as my mom stands with William, chatting with Seth in the doorway. I hold my breath as Liam and Becca walk into the foyer, calling out for William. Liam and Seth spot each other, both tensing. Everyone falls silent.

William glances at both boys. "Liam, isn't it great to see Seth again?"

"I'm going out and won't be home until late," Liam ignores William's comment.

"You too, sweetheart?" William asks Becca.

She shakes her head. "Not feeling too great, Daddy. I think I'm gonna stay home."

"Well, be back by 1:30," William says, turning away from Liam and smiling at Seth.

My mom invites Seth in to wait for me as she and William head to the home theater, hands filled with popcorn and wine.

"You should join us," my mom says to Becca, and Becca smiles weakly with a quick shake of her head. William adds to Seth, "Say hi to David for me," as he follows my mom. "We should get together soon."

Seth walks confidentially into the mansion, unfazed by Liam's stare. He's dressed in black: black short-sleeved shirt, black tight jeans, black converse shoes. Black looks good on him.

Liam breaks the silence first. "What're you doing here?"

Becca puts her hand on Liam's arm as she whispers, "Liam -"

"I'm here to pick up Avery," Seth says calmly. "I'm taking her out."

"Is this a date?" Liam asks.

"Why do you care?" Seth responds curiously.

"What do you want with her, Seth?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Seth's voice deepens, leaning towards Liam.

Hoping to diffuse the situation, I make my way down the stairs. Seth spots me first, the anger on his face vanishing, replaced by a red complexion and a wide grin. Liam turns, but I focus on my feet. Don't trip.