I Can't Keep a Secret

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 <Maddie's Point of View>

School's by slower than driving behind a dumptruck.  I sigh as I answer the last problem on my math worksheet.  Today, I can't really focus.  I have a lot of things on my mind, like Josh's betrayal and Chloe's absence.  Why I can't forget about these, I don't know. 

"Madison, number three please," my math teacher, Mr. Watson, calls to me in an unenthusiatic voice.

"4x - 3y," I say, reading the numbers and variables off my paper.

"Incorrect," Mr. Watson says.  "You haven't been on your A game today, Madison.  Anything bothering you?"

"Yes, actually-" I start.

"Don't care, just go to the bathroom for some alone time," Mr. Watson says, pointing to the door.  I stand up awkwardly and leave the classroom.  My feet carry me to the girl's bathroom and I walk inside.  Immediately, the sound of a girl's crying hits my ears.  It was too familiar.

"Chloe?" I say, trying to find Chloe's stall.

"Go away Ziegler," Chloe says through tears.  Tears sting my eyes at the denial of my ex best friend who didn't even say my first name.

"I can't," I say, trying not to cry.  "The teacher sent me here."

Chloe's tears continued and finally she emerged from her stall.  Her eyes were incredibly red and puffy, making her look like she's been crying for hours.  She took a deep, shaky breath and walked up to me.

"Josh really wanted to go out with me?" Chloe says, her eyes full of hope.

"Yes," I say, tears about to spill.

"Why didn't he?" she says, basically knowing the answer.

"Because I told him," I whisper, as tears fall down my cheeks.  "I told him you have HIV.  He then told all the football players and their girlfriends."

"Why, Maddie?" Chloe says, pain in her voice. 

"Because I was jealous," I say, wanting to hug her so bad.

"Chloe?" I hear someone call Chloe's name.  We both rush out of the bathroom and see Nick Dobbs standing there, concern on his face.  His expression changes to sadness as he sees Chloe's eyes.  "Are you alright?"

"No, I'm not," Chloe says.  "My best friend betrayed me and everyone in the school knows my darkest secret."

Nick pulls her into a hug.  "You haven't changed a bit to me," he whispers into her ear.  "You're still the beautiful Chloe Lukasiak that I've loved for years."

Chloe pulls away quickly and smiles.  "You've loved me for years?" she says, disbelief filling her voice.

Nick blushes.  "Yes," he says.

"Me too..."

"Do you maybe want to-"

"Yes!" Chloe interrupts.  They hug and I smile.  At least Chloe was happy.  Suddenly, an idea pops into my head to get Chloe back.

"Of course," I whisper to myself, smirking.  "I'll be right back guys!" I say louder.  I run to the office, bursting into the principal's office.  He looks up at me, his glasses on his noise.

"Miss Ziegler?" he says, his voice full of confusion.  "What are you doing here in such a rush?"

"I need to make an announcement," I say quickly, panting.  "If I may, Mr. Wallabee."

Mr. Wallabee nods, and I go to the microphone.  I take a deep breath, then begin to talk.  "Good afternoon, students.  This is Maddie Ziegler, the freshman.  You all found out this morning that Chloe Lukasiak has HIV.  That's what I'm here to talk about.  It's all a rumor.  I just told someone that because they wanted to ditch me for her.  I needed a lie quick and simple that would completely make the boy hate Chloe.  Well, ladies and gentlemen, you've heard my story.  Chloe Lukasiak does NOT have HIV.  Thank you all for your time, and have a great rest of the day."  I turn off the microphone and look at a confused Mr. Wallabee.

"It's a long story," I say, then walk out of his office.  I run to where I left Chloe and Nick.  They were still there, their eyes huge.

"Maddie?" Chloe says, a smile coming upon her face.  "You did that for me?"

I nodded.  "I miss you, Chloe."

"I miss you too," Chloe says, then hugs me.

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End of chapter 6.

Epilogue coming next.