□So you're a swimmer?□

Secret

Lotus' pov

I went to a birthday party of a girl residing near my area. It was the first time I have attended a birthday party of someone as a teenager. 

I was reluctant to go at first but I guess my post-depressive stage has a good hold of me. Also, I chose this chance as an opportunity to ask openly the birthday girl about her mention about Stephen coming to Riverdale often. Didn't I tell you? I had asked Hope if he knew someone named Adam. That Adam lives in Riverdale, where I live. And this birthday girl, Amy, also lives in Riverdale. So there was one time when they all thought I had a crush on Stephen when during one free class I was asking a lot about him, and his family and whatever. I was surprised, I don't know why, by Stephen's personality at that time so I used to ask a lot to everyone, whatever they knew I ate up. Hence, this meeting could be something for me. Although, Amy is a good friend of mine.

When the food tray arrived, I opened up. 'Amy, you had said once that Stephen comes often to Riverdale because of Adam. But I asked Hope and he said he didn't knew any friend of Stephen named Adam. Why did you lie to me?' I chuckled at last before filling my mouth with a pizza slice.

Everyone looked upto Amy. 'I was just joking, thinking maybe you had a crush on Stephen.' She said casually, and that turned everyone's eyes to me. I froze a bit, but then laughed it out. Two people here, Riah and Amy, since they are close, have a feeling that I like Stephen. 'All cap, where did you even get that from.' 

'I also asked Stephen once when we were having some conversation, if he likes someone. He shook his head off. And I think it could be bad for someone who likes him because I don't think he is ever into these scandals.' Another girl said and we laughed along, forgetting they had their eyes on me. 

Clouds hovered above like a wet blanket, though it didn't feel like it would rain. I waved goodbyes to everyone and cornered out of sight beside my scooty. Somewhere the talk about Stephen made me feel a lot uncomfortable. I decided to drive to Galena, who lives near Stephen's house.

She had once told me that she goes for cycling around 16-1700. While driving I thought I could use that as a bait to why I visited her. 

I called her when I reached the lane I last saw her around once after school. When I saw her walking towards me I realized she is someone also lost for reasons to live. The weather was so nice, I felt like we should walk along forever.

'I've got to tell you something. I know we share secrets, right?' I said finally. She nodded and said 'go on, what is it?'

'I like Stephen.' This is the first time I have confessed it to someone real. She widened her eyes at me and smiled. 'Oh, is it so. Yeah, he might look good sometimes. It's okay to like someone. Are you planning to tell him?' 

'No. I don't want to have something forward. You're the only I have told this to.' 

'Nice, then. What a feeling.' We went on talking about the lot in universe. I was happy I finally confessed to someone. It felt good. Some other day when the weather is good again, I'll tell her something more, but for now. I want to keep it sober.