secrets

ten

-SIMON-
______

"Why do you smell like vanilla again?" Clary yells. I close my eyes, already wishing I had just stayed at Adele's house.

"I never took a shower last night! Why do you just assume the worst?"

"Because you're showing all the signs! You were gone all day, you didn't come home until 1am and you smell like a woman!"

"I'm not having this argument. If you don't believe me, that's your problem." I state, grabbing my phone and heading upstairs to shower.

I shut the bathroom door and place my hands on the counter, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I close my eyes, picturing Adele. I feel a smile form on my lips, and I open my eyes. For the first time in a long time, I see something good in myself. It looks like happiness.

My phone goes off, snapping me out of my thoughts. The first thing I see is Adele's name.

I'm still up, thinking about you

The smile that never left my lips grows wider.

I'm still up too, wishing I was next to you

She only reads it, but I don't need her to respond. I turn on the shower and step in, wishing I hadn't said yes to Clary in the first place.

Maybe I shouldn't wait until the holidays are over. I can't spend Christmas with Clary, in fact I refuse. But what excuse would there be for not being able to be home for Christmas?

Instead of singing in the shower, I lose myself in a mess of thoughts and ideas. I shut the warm water off, not wanting to step out and face the cold reality that I'm not where I'm supposed to be.

Complete silence takes over me as I walk into our bedroom. Clary is already in bed, looking angry.

"No, Simon. You're sleeping on the couch tonight." She crosses her arms.

"My pleasure." I say with a smirk, then I grab a blanket and close the door behind me.

Just to bother her a little more, I go into the guest room instead of the couch. She hates making that bed, so I'll make sure to be a restless sleeper tonight.

As sleep slowly and peacefully comes over me, I start thinking of my next excuse to leave the house and spend all day with Adele.

I had no idea keeping secrets was so entertaining.

_____

Before Clary wakes up, I get out of bed and pack a bag. It's 6am and still dark outside. I'm exhausted, but I have to leave and avoid the arguments that will inevitably ensue when she gets up.

I don't bother to eat anything, I just throw my coat on and get in the car, heading straight to Adele's house.

It's still too early for morning traffic, so I arrive sooner than usual. I quietly let myself in with the spare key she gave me, then tiptoe up the stairs into her room.

The sight I see is more beautiful than the seven wonders of the world. In fact, this picture alone proves she is the most stunning wonder of my world.

Walking closer, I just take in the sight and appreciate it as much as I can. She is laying on her right side, her silky hair beautifully sprawled across her pillow. Her arm rests across the bed, her legs bent at her knee, and her entire body comfortably entwined in the blankets.

If peace was a picture, this would be it.

I crawl into the other side of the bed, trying not to wake her but ultimately failing. She opens her mesmerizing green eyes.

"It's just me, baby. Go back to sleep." I whisper.

She smiles and closes her eyes again, moving closer to me. I place my arm around her and hold her as she falls back asleep.

An unbelievable amount of joy, peace, love, and gratitude come over me, and I realize I can't ever let her go. She makes me happier than I've ever been, she makes me feel loved, and that's something I just never felt with Clary.

I have to break up with her soon. Somehow.

As I close my eyes and wait for sleep, I have a sudden idea that both terrifies and excites me.

What if I go on another date with Adele and "accidentally" run into Clary?

I look down at Adele's face and any doubt I have vanishes. She can't be a secret anymore.

I mischievously smile. This will be fun.