Alex Alison Browne |G.D.|

Chapter 11-We All Have Secrets

"What if it was Unknown? He or she seems to know everything." Eill said after a few minutes.

"Maybe, but it's not over yet." I say with a smirk.

Then I hear my phone ring.

"Alex." I say.

"Alex, can we meet up? I need to talk?" Kate whispers and I can hear tears in her voice.

"Yeah, sure, usual place?"

"Yeah."

She hangs up.

"What's wrong?" Eill asks.

"Kate called. She said she wanted to talk."

I quickly grab my coat and say bye to Eill.

As I get into my car, I get a text.

Unknown: Hey Bitch. Remember our small Secret Number 2? Spencer has a crush on Karen? Over time this turned into something more. Dare Number 1: I need you to tell Karen this. Make sure Ian is there too. I wonder what Spencer would do. Poor, poor girl. But if you won't do it, maybe next time Lucas's stab might be fatal for your petty friend.Xxx

No. I can't do that. I can't tell Karen someone's secret. But I can't risk loosing Eill...

I get into the car. I'll decide what to do later.

As I pull up beside Starbucks, I see the same car that was chasing me parked a couple of meters away.

I walk inside.

"Alex, it's over. Jack like someone else. It was a dare. But we broke up. That's it. We aren't getting back together. At all. And I miss him. But I'm so confused. I'm starting to like this other guy. And I don't know if he likes me." Kate says through tears as I sit down.

"Okay, first of all let's get coffee. Then you tell me everything that is happening slowly." I say and go to order.

Kate told me about her trip to New York. And about the drama with Jack. And about this new boy. His name is Lee. And, in Kate's words. "He is amazing."

About 3 cups later, I get a call from Oliver. He managed to find some information on Lucas.

Both me and Kate hurry back to the Browne House. Oliver is already waiting at the front door.

He leads us into one of the meeting rooms.

"Look, there is this guy named Lucas Neill. He is 20 years old. Lives near here. Studies in University of Washington." Oliver shows me a picture of a handsome looking man with glasses.

"I think we should show this to Eill." I say.

"It's not him." Eill says as we sit near her bed at the hospital.

"Lucas from the park has dark blonde hair. He doesn't wear glasses." Eill says. "But this guy is hot, where did you find him?"

"Oliver found him." I laugh. "You need to find out if he is single." I say turning to Oliver.

Just then, Eill's doctor comes in and announces that we can take Eill home, which results in screaming, hugging, laughing and shouting.

As we get Eill into the car, I think about Unknown. I can't loose Eill. Maybe there is another way, not to harm Eill nor Spencer. But I doubt it.

As we arrive home, Karen comes to greet us. I have to tell her but before I can do so, Spencer joins us.

Near the penthouse door, I let everyone inside, but stop Karen.

"Do you know where Ian is?" I whisper.

"No....I...." Karen stutters.

"Don't lie." I whisper urgently.

"Yes, he is living with me." She gives in.

"I need to talk to you both." I say as I come in the door.

The next day, after work I collect Karen and we drive to her apartment. Butterflies flood my stomach and I can barely breathe. I have to do this.

Karen let's me in and Ian is in the kitchen, having breakfast.

"Hey, Alex, did you come here to give out about mine and Nati's relationship?" He said sarcastically.

"No, she is over you. I'm here because I need to tell ye something." I say as I sit down. "Its more to do with Karen but you are obliged to presence." I gesture to Ian.

"Um.... I guess it will be short... I don't know how to say this... but Spencer likes Karen." I barely whisper the end.

Ian whistles while Karen gawks at me.

"Can you define "like"? As in a small crush or something big?" Ian says grinning from ear to ear.

"I was told it's something more..." I barely whisper and look down.

I can't take this anymore. I shouldn't have said it. I run out the door and into the car. I shouldn't have shared Spencer's secret. When I was 14, I promised myself I wouldn't tell anyone's secret no matter what happens. I swore to myself I'd keep anyone's secrets no matter who told me it. I promised myself I wouldn't hurt anyone the way I was hurt. I broke the promise.

I run into the elevator with my hand over my mouth trying not to cry as memories flood my mind. Spencer shouts after me, concerned. She doesn't know that I told her secret. I will have to tell her soon.

I can't face her. Not after what I did.

I walk inside my door and fall into pieces. Tears are streaming down my face uncontrollably.

I should've thought about it.

As I walk into the kitchen and look out the window, my phone beeps.

Grayson: Hey, just wanted to remind you that tomorrow we are going to see each other. With Natalia and Ethan. At 12?

Alex: Sure.

I need to get my mind off things. I decide to cook dinner and Nati joins me when she comes back from the gym. I forget about what I did when I'm with her. She always makes me laugh. Eill joins us for dinner. Kate is out with Lee. I hope that it will work out for her.

Fade and Ruby are coming over for a holiday in two days. I need to get ready.