The Secret

Chapter 7

A few weeks later

Daniel was changing me. I guess you could say for the better, I don't know. The fact was that he was. I spent way too much time with him and the worst part was that I wasn't getting any closer to figuring out the stupid secret. One time, I even forgot that I was suppose to be a spy, I just spent time with him normally like he was my best friend. And the scary part is, he's actually becoming that. I even started not really talking to Grace anymore but that wasn't my fault. She was intentionally ignoring me and I didn't understand why. It hurt like hell but I'll live on. Friends come and go right? 

Every second of every minute Rebecca would ask me questions about how far I have gotten. Her and Daniel have patched things up, thanks to me I might add, but she is really right back where she started. And the whole no more harsh words thing is completely broken. We are barely on speaking terms since she thinks that I'm purposely trying not to figure it out just to spend time with him. But the crazy thing is, she's not even calling the thing off! That's stupid if you ask me. But hey, I'm not complaining. 

I slowly opened the door to Ryder's room and crept in. Even though he's not suppose to be there I felt like I was trespassing. But it was for a good cause, it's his birthday and I finally had a present for him. Getting something for Ryder was extremely hard because his interest changed everyday. But I finally think I have a perfect present. I tip toed to his bed and just when I was about to place the box on his pillow, Ryder spoke. 

"Thought you could come into my room huh?" he said darkly and I literally jumped five feet. I turned around to see him standing in a dark corner of the room. He walked out like one of the enemies in a scary movie. But I wasn't afraid, he looked silly rather than scary.

"Happy birthday!" I sang and ran to him. I jumped into his open arms as he twirled me around. He chuckled before letting me down and kissing me on the forehead. I gave him his present and he put it on the dresser causing me to frown. He didn't even open it and already he doesn't like it.

"Thanks kiddo, I'll open it at dinner."

"Why so long from now?"

"Because, I want to open all my presents at the same time. I'm having company over for a little celebration and congratulations-" he stopped and smiled at me. "You're invited! So is Veronica."

"You're still seeing Veronica?" I gasped. He had never seen someone for so long. I was secretly proud- Veronica must be something special. 

"Yes, surprise huh?" he laughed and he sounded so happy. I can't wait to thank this woman. The only problem with this celebration is that I would be the only one my age there. I liked Ryder's friends but I don't want to be alone.

"Can I invite someone? I don't want to be alone."

"Sure, but I thought Grace wasn't talking to you anymore?" he asked and I rolled my eyes. I say someone and he instantly thinks Grace. I couldn't blame him, having only one friend did that to some people.

"I'm not talking about Grace. I was thinking maybe I'll invite Daniel," I said and Ryder just stared at me. I guess that's not what he wanted to hear so the good thing to do at this moment is explain myself. "You know, speed this little project up."

"Aura-" he started then sighed. I waited patiently for him to continue. It seemed he didn't know how to say what he was about to say. "Is Daniel your friend?" Really? That's what took him so long to say? Wow.

"No, I just spend my time with enemies," I said sarcastically and he glared at me. "Yes, he's my friend. I thought it was obvious."

"So answer this question." He clasped his hands together and looked straight into my eyes. "What are you going to do when you finally find out what you're looking for? What happens when your job is done?" he asked and I felt myself pale. I didn't think of that at all. Would I still be friends with Daniel once Rebecca is done with me?

"I...uh....um," I stammered. Great, you're just proving his point you idiot. 

"Or worse. What happens if he finds out what you're doing? What are you going to do?" he asked taking this further. I can't believe I didn't think of this before. How can I be so stupid! Once I've finished my job, I won't need to be around him anymore. And I bet Rebecca would make sure that I stay away from him. Or what if he does find out? How did this conversation become so serious?

"Daniel's waiting for me downstairs. I'll see you tonight," I muttered and quickly left.

----------------------------------------------------

"You seem down, what's wrong Aura?" Daniel asked me after we drove for a while, our destination school. I was mulling over Ryder's questions. I was using Daniel and it hasn't sunk in until now. I keep telling myself that I'm not heartless but look what I'm doing? There's no way this could end well.

"Nothing." 

"Doesn't sound like nothing. Did I do something to you?" he asked and I turned toward him. His face was full of concern and that made me feel worse. I've felt guilt before but this was just killing me. 

"No, it's not you. It's me." 

"That sounds like a break up line. Are you breaking up with me?" He glanced at me and smiled and I returned it weakly. I wasn't in a smiling mood. Should I just tell him what's really going on? Would he hate me? Of course he would. Would he kick me out of the car? Maybe, but that wasn't a risk I was willing to take. 

"Daniel-" I started but couldn't bring myself to say the rest. So I opted for the cowardly way. "Would you like to come to my brothers party tonight? Its Friday, and I don't want to be the only one my age."

"Sure, I'll come. Not like I have anything better to do. Rebecca's going to a dinner with her parents and it's better then staying home."

"Is there something wrong with home?" I asked. I couldn't help it; as much as I wanted to stop this I also wanted to figure out what he's hiding. Yeah, I'm horrible. 

"No," he said too quickly and I raised my brow at him. So that's a yes. "I'll go, I'll drive you home after school." I nodded and stared out the side of the car. What was wrong with home? A better question is, how will I get him to tell me?

"Daniel?"

"Yes?"

"If you found out something bad about me, would you continue being my friend?" I asked and he pulled the car over. He killed the ignition and turned completely toward me.

"Why, is there something you're not telling me?" he asked. Oh, why did I ask this question? It's like I try to get myself in these situations. Would I add on to the lies? Yes, I would. Because I didn't want to lose him in my life. I was seriously attached.

"No."

"Well to answer your question, I would still be your friend. Somehow, you've become a big part of my life and it would take A LOT for me to stop talking to you." 

"What if it was really bad?" I asked. I just couldn't stop talking. 

"Couldn't be as bad as me," he whispered and I barely heard it. Did he just say that? Or was I hearing things? This had to be big.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, I don't feel like talking anymore. Let's just get to school," he muttered and started to drive. I stayed quiet, lost in my own thoughts. Forget what I said earlier, I had to figure this out. Something tells me it's going to be bigger then me or Rebecca even imagined.