A Dangerous Secret

Chapter 7

I woke up to the alarm going off letting me know that it was time for another day of school. I was really looking forward to winter break soon. I sighed and as I hit the snooze and covered my head with a pillow.

"Maybe Nic won't show up on campus today. It is pretty big."  Maya replied.  I had told her about my date and how it ended oddly. We were so close to kissing.

"Maya he is in almost all our classes. Don't you find that a bit odd. I mean he is so smart and before the Halloween party I thought nothing of it. I don't remember him always being there. Don't you find that strange?"  I asked.

"Actually, I don't. I mean I don't know what his major is so yeah that can be a little weird but not that he was a nobody to you, he just wasn't on your radar until he saved you from Mike. That's when you started to notice him."  Maya smiled.

"I am not a damsel in distress who needs saving if that's what you are getting at!" I laughed.

"I'd let Nic save me." She teased as I tossed a pillow at her.

Once dressed, I made it down to the kitchen. Ali was there with a smile. "I made you some coffee. I thought it might help wake you up." 

"Thanks, Ali." I replied looking at Maya. Ali lately has been being extra nice ever since our run. She seems to be around whenever she can. It has gotten kind of creepy but I didn't know how to tell Ali.

"Any plans after classes?" Ali asked.

"Yeah, Liz and I were thinking about going to this new tattoo place that opened up and getting a tat, then heading off to Santa Monica Pier."  Maya responded.

"Oh." Ali asked confused.

"Maya!" I laughed. "Pay no attention to her. She is just messing around. There is no way I could ever get a tattoo. Why, what's up?"  I asked.

"Nothing. It's just quiet in the house lately. Everyone has their activies and plans and I am just looking for something to do." Ali replied.

"Why don't you join us after class to the mall."  I replied starting to feel sorry for Ali. I thought she had friends to hang out with or our other serority sisters but maybe I was wrong.

"You know you are different than the rest. I would love to hang out." She said giving me a hug. Could this day become any weirder?

After classes for the day were over, Maya, Ali, and I headed out to the mall. Ali acted as if something was bothering her. She was always looking over her shoulder. Maya and I couldn't figure her out.

"So Nic didn't speak to you today in any class?" Maya asked in one of the shops. We were trying to find the perfect dress to wear to the ball our sorority was throwing with the guys from The Delta Sigma Phi. Anyone from campus or other sororities could come but it would cost them. We throw it for charity and it is one last bash for everyone on campus before we all head home for winter break.

"No but then again I was ignoring him between talking to you and listening to all my professors." I said.  I noticed Ali browsing all dresses but placing them back on the racks. 

"Find any one that you like?" I asked trying to be polite. Maya rolled her eyes at me. Ali had been quiet for awhile.

"Me, oh they are all pretty. I found one but I can't wear it." She said pointing at a fancy navy blue dress.  I picked the dress up and looked at the tag. I saw the price and realized that Ali might not be able to purchase it.

"Here. Go try it on."  I said handing it to her. "Besides blue would look good on you."

"I can't." She responded pushing the dress back to me.

"I insist. Everyone needs a dress to the ball and this would fit you. I can use my savings. Everyone needs to be Cinderella once in awhile." I smiled. After a few seconds went by Ali finally took the dress from me.

"Thank you but I will pay you back." She said.

"Go try it on." I said pointing to the dressing room.

When she walked away Maya just shook her head. "I don't care what you say but that girl is weird. Plane weird.  You are just taking on a charity case and asking for it."

"You know Maya, we don't know alot about Ali.  Maybe she had something happen to her in her past or something. I try to be nice but I admit she is acting strangely.

"Well, I see a dress over here with your name on it."  Maya dragged me over to a different rack. She was right. Maya lifted up a red gown that sparkled. "This would be great with those red pumps you have.

"I'm in love."  I said clutching the dress. I don't care the price I have to have it. Mom and Dad's card is sure going to see the love today."

"If you don't try it on I will!"  Maya said pushing me to the dressing room.

I tried it on. I looked like something out of a movie or fairytale. I felt like a princess. The dress fit perfectly.  Could I really pull this off?

"By the way", Maya knocked on my door, "I think it might make every guy turn his head and Nic jealous."

"You would have to bring him up."  I said looking in the mirror again before changing back into me.

"Yeah, wouldn't it be funny if he ended up your escort to the ball?"  Maya laughed. Part of me winced at the thought but that wouldn't happen. Sara our president probably would pair me up with someone else.

"What if you got Eric?"  I teased when I opened the door.

"Zit face Eric? Eww. " Maya cringed. I mean the guy is a grown 20 year old. Ever heard of acne medicene. 

"Ali, how does the dress look?" I yelled in the dressing area. I had forgotten about her.

"Well, I don't want to come out." She said.

"Oh nonsense. Show us." Maya said.

"Look, I will show you my dress I chose if you come out."  I said.

"Well, ok."  She said coming out finally.

"Wow! That looks really pretty on you." Maya said turning Ali around.

"I told you that blue was your color." I replied stepping back into the room to change.

"Ready, Ali?" I asked before I stepped back out.

"Yes."  She said. I opened the door and stepped out of the dressing room. Ali started to bow. "Your." Ali stopped.  "You look beautiful."  She said standing straight again. I just stared at Maya. Something was off about this girl.