The Secrets We Keep

The Third Chapter

Hayden

I feel like an idiot waiting around the parking lot for everyone. Mom's meeting has gone on way longer than she indicated it would, and I haven't seen Damien since this morning. I cross my arms angrily over my chest. I see other students sneak glances at me where I'm pacing by the car. I know it's probably in my head but I'm worried they think I'm going to steal it. 

I hate being new. When you're new, no one knows you and treats you like you're guilty until proven innocent. I'm still stewing in my thoughts when I hear someone call my name. 

A tall dark-haired guy waves to me from his car and I squint to try and see who it is. It's too bright in the day and because of this, his face is eerily out of focus. But as he gets closer, I recognize him. 

"Oh, hey, Nathan. What are you still doing here?" I ask as he starts jogging toward my mom's car. He's one of the few people here I actually know. He's on the welcoming committee or he's the class president or whatever the the equivalent is here at this place. 

"I was about to head home when I saw you. Everything alright? Did you get locked out of your car?" He asks, looking down at the driver's side. 

"No," I answer, placing a hand over my face to shield my eyes from the sun. "I'm just waiting for my mom but she's running late. I'm sorry if I looked suspicious."

He laughs. "Not at all. But if you need a ride, I can give you one," he offers and stabs his thumb to where his car is parked. I look over his shoulder and see the car he has. It looks expensive and I bite my lip. I can imagine what Duncan, our nosey next-door neighbor would say if he saw me get dropped off in that. 

"It didn't take you long to get swept off your feet by the fancy, schmancy Nancy boys, did it?"

"That's ok. I'll just wait for my mom," I answer Nathan, noting the way his mouth dips into a frown. 

"Is it ok if I keep you company until she gets here?" He asks, his voice oddly cautious. 

I look around at the other students still in the parking lot. They're no longer looking over at me so I nod. Hopefully, he'll keep me distracted and time will move faster. 

"I'd like that," I tell him and he seems relieved by my answer. 

"How's it going here? Are you enjoying the school?" He asks, coming around to lean on the side of my mom's car. 

"Mm, I don't know if anyone ever enjoys school per se... but this place is alright. I'm not used to all the uniforms yet... or the weird sports you guys play." He looks down at my neck, where I've given up and left my tie hanging around my shoulders and smirks. But he doesn't say anything about it. 

"I take it you won't be joining the rowing team anytime soon, then?" He asks, his smile bright as he looks at me. 

"You guys have a rowing team?" I repeat, flabbergasted. I thought the game where they throw the ball with the weird rackets was fancy. Not to mention the sword class... but rowing? "Back at my school we had running, soccer and I think softball." I say, listing the sports off with my fingers. 

"And what did you play?" He asks. 

"I didn't do a sport at school but I do karate," I admit. 

His eyes crinkle as he listens to my answer. "Why karate?" 

"It was between that and boxing. My dad wanted me to do an activity that would stick with me for life in a useful way so... oh my God, I'm totally oversharing right now, aren't I?" I ask, embarrassed. I can feel a blush creep up my neck and I hope he thinks the redness is from standing out in the sun.