Young But Real (5 YA Short Stories)

In Which She Discovers His Secret

I wipe my tears using the pocket tissues. I've been crying since Kayla told me something heart-wrenching. I stare at my phone, holding it firmly to stop myself from contacting Jace. The music room is currently closed for a lesson so I can't go there, that's why I am sitting behind the big tree at the far corner of the school ground, hiding from anyone's prying eyes.

"Are you avoiding me, Eloise?"

I jump when I hear Jace but don't see him. I detach myself from the tree and find him leaning his back on the opposite side of the tree, staring at the open ground. I return to my previous position quickly before someone sees us.

"Is it obvious?" My voice breaks, making me cry again.

"You use to contact me whenever you're...Fuck! Stop crying."

I hear him say through gritted teeth. I wish that we weren't talking with a big trunk in between our backs.

"Go away Jace. I'll be fine. Someone saw us exiting the music room last time and if you stick around, they might figure out that it was you."

"Screw it! I don't care. It will be just rumour unless we confirm it."

"Stop Jace. I want to stop using you."

"What do you mean?"

I wipe my tears before speaking. "I won't contact you anymore to get rid of my pent-up emotions. It isn't right."

"Did I do something wrong, Eloise? I thought we're doing well. I told you, I'm not complain—"

"We are surely good in bed and you've been a great help. It's just that using sex — using you — doesn't feel right anymore." I want to do it out of love. I want to add that but I don't. He will surely laugh at me. We only agreed on casual sex, classmates with benefits. "Your secret might blow up if we continue this."

"Are you ending us?"

"What are we? I'm not your girlfriend. There's no us, Jace." My lips tremble and I cover my mouth to suppress the sob.

A few minutes have passed and Jace is not saying anything. Then, I hear his footsteps. I thought he's leaving but his runners appeared in front of me.

I abruptly stand and pull him to my side to hide. "Are you crazy? Why did —"

My words die when I feel his thumb stroking my cheeks, wiping my tears. The close proximity is making my body on fire again.

"Stop crying, Eloise. Stop worrying about everything."

I become putty in his hands as I stare at his eyes which are looking intently at me.

"But you are the one who told me to keep it a secret."

"I know and I'm sorry for the burden it has caused. Can I hug you?"

His eyes are pleading so I nod. I cry when he pulls me to his chest, wrapping my arms around his torso. My heart is breaking.

"Shh! You know you should not absorb their feelings. Lend your ears not your fucking entire self," he says while stroking my back.

But for you, I lend — no — I give all of myself. I'm crying because of you.

Once I stop, I pull away and he holds my chin. "Is this what you really want?"

I nod.  "Thank you for everything, Jace," I say while holding his gaze.

I tiptoe and as if he understands what I want, he grabs my waist and kisses me passionately. I let myself savour this parting gift.

🧽