Can You Keep A Secret?

8. Serena: Thursday, 4th Of September

Time flew by faster than I could keep up with. Four short days ago, I was a new student at BrookSville High, and now here I am, sitting on the floor, finishing up my English assignment. It all started when I received a message from the Daily School Page. Suddenly, my phone became my lifeline, constantly checking for new notifications. And I couldn't stand it. My number was a sacred secret, only shared with my family for a reason. But now, I found myself becoming just like everyone else, neck bent down, eyes glued to the screen, and always busy texting.

With a sigh, I turn my phone over, not wanting to face my own reflection on the black screen. The sun was shining outside in BrookSville, for the few days I had been here, I had taken refuge in the BrookSville High library with my new friend Ines. Making friends was never on my agenda, but Ines was different. She was the type of person that could be funny, but also knew when to be serious. And she had suggested we spend our free time at the school library, which we had been doing since Tuesday, even sneaking in during lunch breaks.

Ever since meeting the Elites, I knew I had to stay far away. The last thing I wanted was to get caught up in their drama and end up on the run again. But as I struggle to write the last paragraph of my essay, I'm interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in!" I called out, giving permission to enter a room that wasn't even mine. Everytime someone knocked, I cringed internally, fully knowing that this wasn't the place I belonged. My cousin Becca bursts in, running around and jumping into my arms with laughter. "Looks like someone's in a good mood," I tease, noticing her wide smile. She had been ecstatic that I was staying with her, grateful to have another girl in the house. Apparently, her older brother Liam didn't have much time for her, so I was the next best thing she had to keep her company.

"Serena, do you want to do something fun together?" Becca asks, playing with a strand of my silver hair. I had tied it up in a bun to keep it out of my face while I worked on homework since it always had the tendency to get in the way. "What did you have in mind?" I playfully ask, always eager to see her happy. Whenever we did something together, it was a blast filled with laughter and happiness. So, why not? I could use a break after all.
"Let's bake some cookies!" She exclaims, her enthusiasm contagious.
"Do you really love cookies that much?" I taunt, pinching her cheeks, causing her to giggle.
"Yes, I love them! They're my favorite food ever." She announces proudly. I can't help but laugh at how much excitement she emanates.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go bake some cookies!" We both jump up, holding hands as we make our way out of the room, abandoning my books and papers scattered on the floor. I'll come back to those later, I remind myself.

Becca leads me downstairs, our excitement growing as we head towards the kitchen. Aunt Elsa is at the counter, signing some papers paying attention. She notices our presence and smiles, "Oh hello girls, what brings you down here?" She places her hands on her hips, looking elegant as always. Probably on her way to work soon.
"Well, Becca had the brilliant idea to make some cookies," I explain, as Becca proceeds to playfully hide behind me while her mother looks at her.

"Young lady, haven't you had enough cookies for the day?" Elsa questions, but Becca simply giggles silently in response.
"Please, can we make some more?" I plead with a smile. She sighs with a grin, unable to resist our energy.
"Alright, but keep a close eye on that cookie monster. Otherwise, she'll eat everything in sight," She warns, grabbing her papers and leaving us to our baking. "I'm heading off to work. Serena, you're in charge," she states as she kisses the crown of Becca's head.
As soon as the door shuts, we turn to each other with matching grins before jumping around like a pair of teenagers. We eagerly open the pantry, gathering all the necessary ingredients. Before long, the counter is covered in everything we need.