Keeping Secrets (Book 1)

Chapter 4: Scars

"You doing okay, babe? You seem off today."

I sighed, resting my head against his shoulder. "Yeah. Just tired."

That was only part of the truth. I didn't know how I was supposed to tell my boyfriend that I haven't seen a single ghost in four days. I should be grateful - maybe whatever power allowed me to see them had finally worn out. But I still couldn't shake the feeling that something bad had happened, like Jenny had warned me about four days ago.

"I wore you out, huh?" Travis asked with a light chuckle.

I nodded, running my hand over his bare chest. We both knew that wasn't the real reason, since he basically does most of the work anyway and I've never been this tired after we do it, but I was grateful he didn't press for a better answer.

I continued petting his chest, marveling in how beautiful he was. It made me wonder why he was still with me: an amputee covered in scars from the accident.

"I should thank you," I muttered.

His hand went to the top of my head, running his fingers through my hair. "Why?"

"Because you're so gorgeous and I'm not. Yet you treat me like I am."

He sighed, sitting up. "You gotta stop thinking I'm only with you because of looks. I love you for you, Dylan. And I treat you like you're gorgeous because you are. These scars? They just prove how strong you are. The leg? So what? You got a freaking fake leg, babe. How many people can say that? You should rock it, don't hide."

I gave him a small smile, burying my face against his thigh. "We should get dressed," I said. "My mom's going to be home soon."

"Or..." I looked up at him. He was smiling. "We could just stay like this and wait for her to come here. That way you don't have to worrying about telling her you're gay. She'll figure it out for herself."

I was immediately sitting up and reaching for my leg. "Nope. Definitely not. Never going to happen."

Travis grabbed my arm, stopping me from getting up. "Dylan. At least just tell your mom. I'm not asking you to tell your dad yet. Please."

"Trav... You know how hard it is for me."

"And it's hard for me too. I hate hiding this. You know that I'm very open about my sexuality with everyone except your family. I want to truly have you by my side when we're out in public, not as just a friend, but my boyfriend. Can't you see where I'm coming from, Dyl?"

I grabbed his pants off the floor and tossed them to him. "Of course I know that, Trav. I guess you should just leave me, then. I'm damaged. Physically, mentally, emotionally scarred. I can't do it, okay? I do love you, Trav. But you deserve someone who can love you more than I can."

"What are you trying to say, Dyl?" he asked, coming around the bed to stand in front of me as he pulled on the rest of his clothes.

I shook my head. "This is me breaking up with you. That way you don't have to be tied down with me in the closet. Find someone better."

He grabbed both of my hands in his. "No."

"What do you mean 'no'?"

"No, you're not breaking up with me. No, there isn't anyone better for me. It's simple: no."

I sighed. "What about that whole thing about you leaving me if I don't tell them?"

He let out a dry chuckle. "You should know me better than that by now, babe. I could never leave you for something like that. Doesn't mean I don't want you to come out, though, just so we're clear."

I reached up, cupping his face with my hands, and kissed him. He really was too good for me, but I was glad he wasn't letting me push him away. I wouldn't know what I would do without him.

"Dylan, sweetie? Oh my."

I gasped, pushing Travis away from me to see my mother standing in the doorway. My heart was beating way too hard in my chest and I felt like I couldn't breathe.

"Hi Travis," Mom said, obviously trying to ignore what she had just seen. "How are you doing?"

"Uh..." He glanced down at me. "I'm pretty good, I guess."

She nodded, giving him a small smile. Then she looked at me. "Dyl? Can I talk to you for a second?"

I nodded, standing up. I realized I still wasn't wearing a shirt - although thankfully, I had already put my pants back on - so I grabbed one and threw it on. I was not looking forward to this conversation.

I followed her to the kitchen. "I wanted to ask you what you wanted for dinner." She held up two different frozen packages of meat. "Chicken or steak?"

"You're not going to say anything about me kissing him?" I blurted, seriously confused.

She shrugged. "It's your life. I'm just glad you're happy. Although... I do have one question: how long have you two been together?"

"Seven months?" I don't know why it came out as a question. Maybe because I was still afraid of her response.

She sighed. "You could have come to me sooner, you know. I'll always be here for you."

Without saying anything, I crossed the kitchen and threw my arms around her. I hugged her tightly, hoping to get across the relief I felt when I heard her say that. I think it worked, because there were tears in the corners of her eyes when I pulled back, but also a smile on her face.

"Just don't tell Dad, okay?"

"Of course, sweetie. Now, chicken or steak? You can ask Travis too, if he wants to stay for dinner."

I nodded, failing to keep back my own smile. "Yeah, I'll ask him. Thanks."

A minute later, I was back in my bedroom. Travis was sitting on the edge of my bed. He looked up at me, concerned.

"So?"

"You happy now?" I asked, sitting down next to him. "She wants to know if you want to stay for dinner. If so, would you rather have chicken or steak?"

I didn't hear his response, because, as soon as I finished asking the question, Jenny appeared in front of me. She looked like she was bleeding from the head and was in excruciating pain. I've never seen a ghost like that before.

"Help us, Dylan," she gasped out, before disappearing again.

"Dyl? Babe? You okay?"

I looked at Travis, unable to form a coherent thought. My breathing was heavy. I felt like I was going to pass out.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Trav went on. "What's wrong? Did I chose the wrong dinner option?"

I shook my head before blurting out the words, "Jenny's in trouble."