All Our Secrets

Welcome to Hayden

"I mean I wouldn't say I meant to let the snake out. But I was a curious kid, you know?" Jordan explained.

I was pretty much doubled over right now trying not to pee myself with how much I was laughing.

Now laying on my back on the couch looking up at Jordan, feeling a little buzzed.

"Wait." I spoke fighting my laughter. "You ruined another kid's birthday party by letting out a snake?"

"Personally, I think we should have sued a lot of those parents for ditching us in that room. They basically high tailed it out of there when Sue the python slithered out. And it's not my fault, really. Blame Ryan for throwing a zoo themed birthday party in the first place."

I shook my head still laughing hard as I righted myself into a sitting position.

"Gosh Jordan, you were a chaotic kid." I spoke.

Jordan shrugged. "I mean, not to brag."

"What happened next? How'd they get the snake back in?"

"Oh, well, kids were screaming left and right. The zookeeper eventually got things under control. My dad pretty much blew a fuse and I was grounded for like two months, no video games, no nothing. The kid's parents were pretty much mortified." Jordan rolled his eyes when he said this.  "If it wasn't for Adrian saving the day as usual, we probably would have never gone there again."

I looked up in interest. "What did he do?"

Jordan rolled his eyes. "He helped the kids all get out of the room safely while I pushed the birthday boy out of the way to save myself."

I snorted out a laugh and covered my mouth.

Jordan gave me a feigned offended look.

"Hey, I'm not judging. I probably would have done the same." I spoke.

"Right!" Jordan yelled sounding justified. "Finally, someone normal."

I giggled. I don't know how long we had been hiding out here but we had pretty much only stopped to go refill our drinks.

Jordan seemed more comfortable down here anyway, away from everyone.

"So," I started failing to hide my curiosity, "you and Adrian... I couldn't help but notice some, er - tension. Is it like a sibling rivalry or something?"

My mother always told me I was too curious for my own good. Really, journalism wasn't that far fetched of a career choice when you consider how I was the girl who never held back in asking teachers questions about anything and everything.

Jordan shrugged and fiddled with his empty cup.

"Well, what can I say? Adrian's always been the golden child know it all. Try competing with the son of your father's dreams."

Jordan's tone was teasing but I could tell what he said ran deeper than the surface.

I frowned. I could relate to some extent. It had always been just me and my mum.

And as much as I adored Carter, it had been a huge adjustment seeing my mum finally being comfortable enough with herself and her surroundings and Isaiah.

For me? I wasn't planned. I was a memory of a man she had run away from.

Carter? He came to her right when she needed him. When she was her most stable.

"How about you?" Jordan asked all of a sudden turning his attention to me. "What's your story, Nia Smith?"

"Chanda." I corrected.