Dirty Secrets

Dirty Secrets Ch 3

Chapter 3

I slumped onto my bed when I finally returned home. Looking around for any comfort within my room. But all that I got was my pale purple comforter, my white vanity across from me, and the little bench what was placed just under my window.

Today had been one of the worst days ever. Someone had found out mine and Bryan's secret. I was now the "girlfriend" of a delinquent, and neither my best friend nor Bryan would talk to me.

After the whole mess that happened at lunch, I got a text in my sixth period from Bryan saying that he had plans tonight and that we couldn't hang out. I knew then that he was mad at me as well.

I grabbed my phone and tried to text Bryan, hoping there was some way I could explain this all to him. After a few minutes of pondering for the best excuse I decided to write

Please talk to me. What you saw at lunch today was a huge misunderstanding. I promise I will explain everything if we can just talk.

I put my phone aside and a few tears escaped my eyes and traveled down my cheeks as I looked up at the ceiling.

After staying like that for what felt like hours as I tried to find a way that would sort out everything. But all that I came up with was nothing.

I let out a frustrated sigh and grabbed a pillow off my bed, throwing it from irritation. It soared across the room and knocked over a pile of books on my bench.

I guess it made a loud enough noise because next thing I know; I heard a frantic knock on my door. A worried voice shouted through the door, "Ellie! Hey Ellie, you ok in there. Come on and open the door."

I lifted myself from my bed slowly and did what the voice told me.

"Don't worry Ben. I am fine." I said while opening the door and being engulfed in a bear hug.

"Be-Ben. Pl-ease sto-p. Caa-n't btrea-th" I srtugled to say. The arms automatically released me and gasped for air to fill my now empty lungs.

Once I got my breath back, I looked up at my attacker and glared at him. I was met with eyes very similar to mine, matched with a strong face that was the male version of mine, though a few years older, and brown hair.

"You could have killed me." I stated firmly.

Ben gave a sheepish grinned and said, "Sorry sis. But I worry about you. Especially now since I am the one responsible for you."

I let out a small laugh. "I know. I can't believe I was able to talk them into letting my live with you."

I shook my head as I remembered all my pleading with my parented so that I could live with Ben instead of traveling to Africa with them and having to drop out of school. All because they had a mid-life crisis and decided that they should follow out their dream. To go to Africa and help the people there. I mean it is great that they want to help, but it still hurt that they picked some random people over their only daughter. But what can you do about it.

Ben gave a bitter sweet smile as he said softly, "Can you blame them for being worried? Ellie you may be better now, but the doctor said that it could always come back."

I didn't allow myself to think about it too much. So I just shrugged and said lightly, "Well I am healthy now and that is all that matters. Plus I am seventeen. I can, for the most part, take care of myself. However, to make up for almost suffocating me, you can cook my dinner." I smiled at Ben already knowing the answer. He and I were really close for siblings. We had been through a lot together, and he would forever be the older protective brother that watches over me.

A real smile finally appeared on Ben's face as he fake complained, "Ugh, fine Ms. Lazy. And also remember to not be so loud. We do have neighbors right next door. And the walls in this apartment are pepper thin." I nodded and he then turned around and headed for the kitchen.

I snickered and called out, "That was a really bad joke." and heard laughter in response.

My brother seemed to always know how to put me in a better mood. No matter what.

After that, my night was pretty typical. I finished my homework, well most of it. I ate dinner with Ben, and then retired to my room when I was finished.

While in my room, I walked over to the bench beneath my window and grabbed a book to read. I didn't bother to try and look outside since it was so dark.

When I was a few chapters in, I heard my phone buzz and noticed that a caller I didn't recognize was calling me.

I answered the phone and hesitantly said, "Hello?" But all that I got in response was the fuzzy sound of bad reception and a loud roar that sounded vaguely like a train passing by. "Hello?" I asked a bit louder. When I heard no other response, I was about to hang up, but suddenly I heard a whisper of a voice say, "Ellie."

I could barely hear it over all the other noises, but I still heard my name. I said a bit more frantic, "Yes. Who is this? Hello?"

"Ellie.... Help..... Please." And then the call ended.

I sat there dumb-founded. What was with that call? Maybe it was someone playing a prank. But still the voice sounded like it was in pain and needed help. Real bad.

I swallowed my pride and decided to go. What if it wasn't a joke? I couldn't just not help that person. And clearly it was someone who knew me.

I changed quickly into some jeans, a sweatshirt, and sneakers. I crept into the hallway to make sure Ben wasn't there. There was no way in hell he would ever let me go. When there was no sight of him, I tip-toed down the hall to the door. I slowly opened it and slid out.

Once I was outside, I darted to where I thought the caller might be. Judging from all the noise in the back, the caller was probably at the train station. Luckily, it wasn't too far from my apartment and I arrived in only a few minutes.

Besides, this was Gladeview. A little town outside of Miami Florida, it isn't like there is anything that is too that happens here.

The platform was fairly empty, and wasn't that well lit. I walked around a bit to see who could have possibly called me when I noticed a dark form lying down on the ground in a shadowed area.

I rushed over to the unconscious body that lied very still. I don't know how, but I knew that that had to be the person that called me.

When I finally reached the person, I realized it was a guy. He was rolled away from me on his side. His body looked to be bloodied and bruised. For A second I had thought I was too late, and that he was dead. But I saw his chest faintly rise and fall.

I let out a sigh of relief. Thank god he was still alive.

I tried to see if I could shake him awake, but all that I heard was a little grunt. I turned him over, partially to check for any more injuries and partially for my own curiosity of who called me down here. And what I saw shocked me to my core

There, lying right in front of me, completely beaten, was Drew.

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pic of Dawn ------->