SECRETS

Chapter 11

I was midway through my economics class, overwhelmed by a mix of thoughts and boredom. In fact, I was almost ecstatic to have arrived late. I couldn't imagine enduring more time in that silence. Of course, I came up with an excuse for my being late—something about getting lost. The teacher scoffed but let it slide since I was new.

The only thing running through my mind was whether or not I should accept Hayden's invitation to his party. One thing was certain: it was technically illegal, since it was outside of school. But Hayden swore we wouldn't get into trouble, that nothing would go wrong. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?

***

Class was finally over—well, not quite. One more lecture stood between me and the end of the day. But that wasn’t the only decision looming over me. There was also the question of Hayden’s party. Should I go? Should I skip it? For now, it was lunch, and I found myself sitting alone in the corner of the cafeteria.

That is, until Eric showed up. He slid his tray onto the table and sat across from me without asking, offering a casual smile. A small gesture, but a kind one.

"Hey, Eric," I said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah?" He looked up mid-bite.

"Do you know if there’s a party happening tonight?"

He paused, giving me a quizzical look. "No. Why?"

I shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. "No reason." My voice was casual, but inside, doubt stirred. Eric was tight with Hayden—part of his inner circle. How could he not know? Maybe I wasn’t asking the right way.

I tried again. "What I mean is… do people ever sneak out for parties? Like, outside of school?"

Eric leaned back, his brow arching slightly. "Why do you want to know? Don’t tell me you’re thinking about going to one."

I gave a half-smile, not denying it.

"Well," he continued, "yeah, people sneak out all the time. And there’s always something going on Friday nights. But it’s risky, depending on who’s hosting."

"Why does it matter who’s hosting?" I asked, genuinely curious.

He set down his fork, leveling me with a look. "Because that determines whether it’s a chill hangout or a complete disaster. Some parties? No big deal—just music and laughs. Others?" He hesitated, lowering his voice. "Drugs. Cops. Drama. You’d be better off staying on campus and hitting movie night."

His words lingered, sparking a tug-of-war in my mind. Hayden hadn’t said he was hosting, and he hadn’t mentioned who was either. Not that I’d know them anyway. I barely knew Hayden. Or anyone, for that matter.

Would going to this party be reckless? Probably. Stupid? Possibly. Or maybe… just maybe, it’d be exactly what I needed. Something fun. Something harmless.

I sighed, the debate still unresolved, and looked at Eric. "What do you think? Is it worth it?"

"If you think it'd make you happy, go for it. Just don't get in trouble"

"Thanks." I said, giving a slight smile.

"And if you see a red flag. Stop and get the hell back in school" He said, warning in his tone.

****
I did decide to go to the party. After all, what was the worst that could happen? I’d already been whisked away—practically kidnapped—and dumped in this bizarre private English boarding school overseas. Might as well make the most of it, right?

Back home, parties were out of the question. Not with an army’s worth of security breathing down my neck. But here? No security, no rules, no one to tell me what I could or couldn’t do. Freedom was intoxicating, even if just for one night.