All the Little Secrets

PARKER'S CHAPTER. CREEP

Parker's Chapter. Creep

She fits in this world, my sister. We've only been here a few weeks, and already she has a somewhat boyfriend, a new friend, and a love for school.

Being here in Malibu has been horrible for me. Last night, when Avery left with that guy Seth on their first date to the open mic, I went to my room to watch stupid Tiktok videos on my tablet. For some reason, mindless videos of ridiculous things made me feel better. The messages tone went off on my phone, and when I went to look at it, a random number had sent a video. To my horror, it was a video of Byron and his friends from the first day of school, pushing me, taunting me, and Byron kicking me to the ground. One of his friends took a book and slapped my ass as Byron yelled, "He likes it! He likes it!" The boys all laughed, as did other kids in the hallway, and they left me crying on the floor.

I never told the teachers what happened. What could they do? In my last school, they never helped anyone. Why would it be different here? William donated half a fortune to Malibu High School and Byron runs the eighth grade. If I told on him and his friends, then my life would be worse. Instead, I told the teacher I twisted my ankle as I slipped and fell. She was kind enough to take me to the Nurses office.

Then yesterday at school, I endured harassing messages, pointed stares by others in the hallway, the occasional trip or shove into a locker. Byron has succeeded in making sure that I would be completely alone at my new school.

That was my first week of school.

I didn't tell Marco the extent of how horrible it was when we talked, but I think he could hear it in my voice. He always paid attention to me, to Avery. He always cared. I miss him, my friends, my life back home.

It sucks here.

I heard a car honk from outside that woke me in the morning. I peeked out my window to the front of the mansion and saw Avery hop into Seth's Jeep as they drove off together to the beach. I wished I could have gone with her.

As I walked to the kitchen, I heard hushed voices coming from the dining room. I listened behind the hallway wall. Mom was sharing with William that she was worried about me; Avery seems to have made friends, but I've been locked in my room, not myself lately.

I didn't think Mom noticed anything anymore except for herself.

William came up with the idea to take Byron and me golfing, give us a chance to get to know one another. A nervous sensation rushed through my body as I entered the kitchen, pretending I heard nothing. I remember thinking if I could eat and dash, maybe I could skip their ridiculous plan.

No such luck.

After breakfast, William told me about his plan. I saw Mom's eager face, and who was I to disappoint her? I forced a smile at William. I promised I would try for her, so I agreed to go. William left to wake Byron as I went to get dressed.

The drive to the golf course was silent as William forced conversation between Byron and me. When we arrived at the golf club, William went out towards the green with Byron as I purposefully trailed behind. Both Winters wore golf attire; dressed in white, loose clothing, golf shoes, with fancy golfing clubs. I dressed in black shorts and a Panic! at the Disco tee-shirt, my favorite Converses, dirty and worn.

"Have you played before, Parker?" William asked as he placed his clubs on the ground.

Byron grabbed one club and swung it, pretending to hit a ball.

"Never, sir."

"Get ready to be owned," Byron laughed, continuing to practice his swing.

"Byron has been playing since he was little," William chuckled, watching his son. "He tends to get competitive."