Hidden Truth

Chapter 1

Claire

The wind blew softly across my face, carrying my hair back behind me. The sky, a swirl of pink and blue, as the sun slowly fell in the horizon, and the full moon rose to take its place. I sat there on the edge of the small mountain overlooking my neighborhood. This was my peaceful spot. Nothing around me existed anymore and I could focus on my thoughts. I sat there watching as the wind blew the changing leaves across the landscape as the beginning of fall started.

"There you are Claire." a soft voice spoke behind me. I jumped from the sudden interruption from my thoughts and glanced over my shoulder at my friend Brooklyn. Her long black hair glistened as the bright rays from the sunset hit her. Turning back to my view I sighed, focusing on an orange leaf intertwined with a bright red leaf as they blew across the ground. Deep down I was always a little jealous of her, but I'd never admit that. As cheer captain she had no problems with the guys, with her tiny waist, long legs, and fair complexion. She took a seat next to me and waved her hand in my face, yelling, "Claire, are you there?"

Snapping my head to her I pushed her hand away. "Yeah, yeah, I'm here. What," I asked.

"The party is about to start. We have to go get ready." Brook said as she stood and reached down for my hand. Letting out a sigh I let her pull me up and I brushed off the dirt from my butt.

Standing up straight I shook my head at her, "I'm not going Brook." Her calm expression dropped as she looked at me annoyed. I had a habit of canceling plans when parties were involved. They were not my thing. I didn't have many friends at school, so I didn't want to be the loner in a corner while people got drunk.

"What," she asked in a deadly calm voice. "What do you mean you aren't going? You always do this Claire. Its time you got out of your shell."

"I have to work Brook. I'm sorry," I softly spoke and looked at the ground, kicking my foot in the dirt. I knew she wanted more from me, but I just didn't belong at those parties. None of those people liked me much, they only tolerated me because of Brook. Shifting in my spot I looked up at her and asked, "Can you give me a ride home?"

Letting out a deep sigh she nodded, "Sure, what kind of friend would I be if I left you here."

"Thank you," giving a small smile to each other we turned and headed down the hillside in silence to her car.

***

The entire car ride to my house was filled with Brooklyn's latest guy problem. She was telling me about her boyfriend, Derek, and how she caught him cheating, again. This time it was with her friend. I tried to pay attention to her ranting, but I was sick of hearing about Derek issues. I sat up all night helping her through the first time he cheated. All it took was a dozen roses and some begging, and they were back together. I warned her, told her not to take him back, but she never listens. I just played the part of supportive friend and told her to leave him.

I saw my house come into view in the distance. It was a run-down red brick one-story house with a chipped white front porch and fence. The grass was overgrown again, and weeds overtook the yard. She pulled into the empty driveway, and I sighed with relief. My mom's shitty boyfriend was gone. He was always trying to force himself on me whenever she wasn't around.

As I climbed out, she asked me, "you sure you can't ditch work?"

"Yeah, sorry Brook. I need the money," I smiled weakly and waved her off. She backed out slowly and I made my way to the front door. I prayed my mom was asleep as I pulled my keys out. Quietly I opened the door, I slipped my shoes off before entering and walked in. The tv was blasting in the living room as she slept on the couch. Softly shutting the door, I tiptoed to the back of the house to my room. Shutting my door, I walked over to my closet and pulled out my work clothes. I made my way quietly to the bathroom to take a quick shower.