The Secret We Share

Jordan

"Hey, how are things with Kylie going," my friend Ryland said, moving his eyebrows up and down with a goofy grin on his face. I slapped his shoulder, rolling my eyes.

"Things are amazing," I said, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Even at just the mention of her name I couldn't help but smile, picturing her in my mind. She was so beautiful, I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to have her.

"Um hello? We're still here," Ryland said, and he laughed along with the rest of my friends. Alex, a dark haired boy with blue eyes sat across from me. He just smiled and shook his head. "Man you are in deep with this one, I can tell." He said.

Marcus and Oliver, the identical twins in our friend group shook their heads in agreement with Alex.

I realized he was right. I had fallen for Kylie hard, and now there was nothing I could do but hope she felt the same.

The other boys all agreed with Alex, before turning their attention to something else.

We were always together in the summer, Alex, Ryland, me, and the twins. The five of us had been close since middle school, always in classes or sports or extracurriculars together.

We finished our lunch, conversations floating continuously around the table as we laughed and teased each other. Soon enough, however, we decided to part ways and head back to our respective houses again with plans made for the rest of the week.

I said my goodbyes and started to walk home, hear wavering yo from scorching sidewalks. Only June, I could tell this summer would be a hot one.

*****

As I walked, my head swirled with thoughts, as it does when it's quiet and happen to be alone. The brief conversation my friends and I had had earlier about my feelings for Kylie made me think further about our relationship. I knew I was falling for her hard, and maybe I was already in love with her. And yet I didn't know how I was supposed to feel, how being in love was supposed to feel.

Things had never been easy with me and Kylie. Of course, no relationship is truly easy. Though we had plenty of moments where we were content and at ease with each other, we both had our flaws. Kylie's biggest flaw was her tendency to be distant, like she was at the moment.

For the past few days, she had seemed further away than ever and I wasn't sure why. But, I was afraid that if I were to ask, I would get an answer I don't want. And I don't know how I could bear to lose her. Even though I know I'm sometimes less than what she deserves, I was trying to be the best I could for her. I just hoped that soon she would return to herself, as she always had in the past, that she would let me in.

I had a sudden thought as I was walking, that maybe, if I set up something special I could make her happier. A nice surprise dinner could make her willing to see that I care, that she could open up to me and share what was troubling her.

My mind was set so I sent her a quick, yet cryptic, text. With that done, I had a lot to do. But first, with a glance at the darkening sky, I decided to make a run for my house.

*****

It was later that night, and the pouring rain pounding against my windows was helping me to relax, as I tried to think of how I could surprise Kylie. Maybe a special gift? A candlelit dinner? A photo collage? All I could think of was the typical romantic couple-y things I saw on Instagram all the time. But I didn't think a teddy bear made of roses or a ring with my initial on it would be the right thing for this particular surprise. I had to think outside the box, to really wow her with something unique.

And then, the idea came to me.

Tomorrow, I would start the preparation.

But first, dinner was ready.

*****