Dangerous Secrets

Tour guide

I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and see him. Marlene, Josh and I walk out of the class. I don't say anything, afraid that I'll do something stupid.

"So Josh, where do you want to go first?" Marlene asks excitedly.

"I don't know the place. You guys help me figure this place out." He gestures around the school with a smile.

"Sure. Why not Josh!" I say suddenly too excited. Josh stands behind me and salutes me saying, "Aye, aye captain!"

Marlene stands behind him. I show him how to get to class. He nods every time I tell him something. I show him the roof of the school and admire the scenery from up there. I feel his eyes on me but don't turn back.

We go down the stairs in the same order. I must have missed a step while talking to them because my foot slipped from the step. I try to hold the railing, but my hands don't grip the metal. I lunge forward.

I can't breathe. I can't see. Suddenly, I feel two steady arms pull my body behind. I feel the ground and sit down. Josh still looks at me with care.

He crouches next to me. He stares at me for a long time unsure of what to do.

"Are you okay?" He asks with concern in his voice. I nod at him. I try to get up but fall back down. Marlene was talking to one of her guy friends when I tripped. She came running as she saw me slipping down the stairs.

She comes closer and checks for any bruises. She calms down as she finds none. She hugs me and I struggle to breathe. Josh notices my discomfort and tells Marlene, "I think she needs some time to relax." Marlene backs off with a smile on her face.

"Thank goodness you're alright due to a certain someone." She says her smile turning into a sly smirk. I feel my face redden. Josh rubs the back of his neck with a nervous smile. The bell rings at the exact moment.

"We better get to class." Josh says and Marlene leads the way. Josh helps me up and we walk to class together. Marlene heads to her locker to get her books while me and Josh head to my locker. Coincidently his locker happens to be next to mine.

Marlene meets us near the library, just in time for the next bell.

"Thank you." I whisper to him. He nods his head and grins. I enter the class feeling giddy. I wonder how the rest of the day will be.