Secrets

40 | devon

I tug at the collar of the dress shirt I wear uncomfortably, uncontrollably nervous as I stand in Hadley's foyer, patiently waiting for her to appear.

I'm sweating as I fidget, unable to stop thinking about the moment she'll walk down the stairs. I feel like everything has been a blur up until now, hardly able to recall the ride with Kai to Hadley's house. Hadley's mother had greeted me with such genuine excitement, my nerves had almost faded. But every time the vision of Hadley descending the stairs in whatever beautiful dress she'll be wearing tonight pops into my mind, the fuzziness comes back.

I wonder to myself if this idea had been a mistake. I'm not certain as to how Hadley will react to seeing me, especially knowing I'm here in secret. We haven't been on great terms for what feels like forever now. Will she be happy to see me? Will she rush down and take me in her arms like I'm hoping? Or will my presence ruin this night for her? The questions running through my mind don't seem to stop, each only adding to the nausea I'm currently feeling.

I snap out of my daze as the sound of footsteps fills the room, echoing around my mind. Kai straightens next to me, bumping my shoulder with his as he gestures to the stairs in excitement. My heart rams against my ribcage. This is it, I think to myself. I'm going to see Hadley again.

My spirits fall somewhat when I realize it's not Hadley, instead just Clover, Mason, Grace, and Bianca. I feel guilty for the sinking feeling that swarms my chest. It's not that I'm not happy to be reunited with my friends–I just can't wait to be with Hadley again.

Mason and Clover squeal so loudly upon spotting me  that I swear their cries nearly burst my eardrums. Kai and I have to shush them, whispering that Hadley is unaware of my presence to make sure their noise doesn't ruin the surprise.

"Oh my God!" Mason whisper-screams as she tosses her arms around me, jumping up and down in excitement. "Is this real? Are you really here?"

I crack a smile as I hug my friend tightly. "Yeah," I admit with a laugh. "But Hadley doesn't know, so keep it down."

"It's good to see you again," Clover admits in a hushed tone, offering me a fist-bump. Contentment fills my veins as I stand with my friends, feeling genuinely happy for the first time since the move.

Grace and Bianca greet me as well, both offering warm embraces and genuine smiles. They assure me that Hadley is going to be ecstatic to see me, which should make me feel better–though doesn't, for some reason.

Mason joins Kai's side, as the two are attending the dance as one another's dates. I can tell by the wild gleam in Kai's eyes that this night is probably going to be the highlight of his life. He's been secretly in love with Mason for forever. If she feels the same way, I don't know, but I'm happy to see him happy. I know Clover is going with another girl from school, which I'm sure we'll be picking up on the way. I think Bianca and Grace are just going with each other, and I know they'll be riding in Bianca's car.