Can You Keep a Secret?

Chapter Seventeen: Hidden Secrets

The next day, I found myself sitting with Chloe and her gang during lunch. I tried to focus on the conversation, but the images from the night before kept flashing in my mind.

"You don't look so good, Alessa," Chloe said, her voice tinged with mock concern.

"I didn't sleep well," I replied, hoping she wouldn't press the issue.

Chloe's eyes gleamed with interest. "You should come shopping with me today. It's Friday, and we don't have class tomorrow. It'll be fun, and you could use a break."

I nodded, agreeing to her plan. After school, I waited for Chloe at the parking lot, trying to push the thoughts of my nightmare out of my head. As I stood there, I heard muffled moaning coming from inside the janitor's closet. Curiosity got the better of me, and I cautiously approached the source of the sound. The moaning grew louder, and then, suddenly, it stopped. I froze, unsure of where to hide.

Before I could decide, the door swung open, revealing Brad and Amber, their faces flushed and clothes disheveled.

They both looked startled, then quickly composed themselves. "Please, Alessa," Brad pleaded, his voice low and urgent. "Don't tell Chloe about this."

Amber nodded, her eyes wide with panic. "It was a mistake. Just a stupid mistake. Please don't say anything."

I stood there, torn between shock and disgust. Before I could respond, Chloe appeared, her usual confident smile plastered on her face. "Are we all ready to go?" she asked, oblivious to the tension in the air.

The ride to the mall was filled with an uncomfortable silence. Chloe and Brad's sickeningly sweet interactions made my stomach churn, while Amber avoided my gaze entirely. Once at the mall, I tried to shake off what I'd seen, but it was impossible. My mind was in turmoil, replaying the scene over and over again.

As we wandered through the stores, Chloe and Brad continued their display of affection, which only intensified my unease. At one point, Amber quietly approached me, her face pale and eyes filled with regret.

"I know what you saw was bad," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But please, Alessa, you have to understand. It's complicated. Chloe and Brad...they have their own issues. It's not what it seems."

I looked at her, struggling to find the right words. "Amber, I...I don't know what to say. What you two did...it's not fair to Chloe."

Amber nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I know. I'm sorry. Just...please, think about it before you decide to tell her. It would destroy her."

I felt a heavy weight settle in my chest, knowing I was now carrying yet another secret in this web of lies and deceit. As we continued shopping, Chloe remained blissfully unaware, but the tension between us all was palpable. I couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get more complicated from here.