Hidden Secrets

Chapter 2

LOOKING AT MY own reflection in the black tinted windows I see my mouth has literally dropped open. Forcing myself to close it, I swallow hard trying to work out the whole situation in my mind. Oh please, don’t be stupid. Look at Abby’s face. Obviously this isn’t for us. My inner Josie rolls her eyes at me. Of course. Why would I think this ride is for us? It seemed like the same thought must have occurred to everyone else as well since the wide eyed looks have nearly all disappeared. Letting out a slow breath I open my mouth to ask where too when the black window of the Excursion rolls down.

“Hey gorgeous, need a lift?" My head spins so quickly at the voice that I swear I nearly get whiplash and my inner Josie’s face mimics the one I had earlier. Before I’m even able to form a work in my mouth, the door opens and Matthew steps out, still in his black graduation gown. I feel his arms wrap around me and pull me into a hug. My face splits into a rather painful grin, still in disbelief, and I wrap my arms around him. Such a sweet boy, too bad you’re going to have to leave him to get a real life. Sighing on the inside I mentally put duct-tape over inner Josie’s mouth so she can’t make any more unwelcome comments to ruin my seemingly perfect night. Releasing him I look past him again and stare at every graduates dream ride.

"I couldn't let Abby be the only one with a surprise for you"

He takes my hand in his own before placing his lips against it, kissing it gently before lacing his fingers with mine. Stepping aside he allowed everyone into the SUV and closed the door behind him as he climbed in. I shuffle over a little in my seat to make more room for him as my eyes travel slowly around the interior taking in every detail. The seats themselves were a silver type of grey, the pillows alternated between a metallic purple and black. Not even in the vehicle two minutes and the twins are already trying to beat each other to death with them, while my niece Lillian cuddles a purple one and admires the color. My eyes travel over the black and silver bar. Freshly stocked, the glasses and bottles are illuminated by purple lights that lined the bar and give everything a lavender type color to them. It really is beautiful and even though we’re not quite legal yet, my brother Carver is already handing out glasses of champagne.

“A toast, to my lovely baby sister and her friends. Sis, congratulations. You’ve survived the hell hole and now it’s time to party. Abby, thank you for getting my siblings here all together. It’s the first time in years that we’ve all been in the same place, let alone the same country, and it finally feels like home again.” He pauses for a moment to look around the car at each of us. It’s true. This does feel like home. A feeling I haven’t felt in a very long time and I have my best friend to thank for that. “And last but not least, Matthew. You’ve taken up most of my sister’s childhood, and now her teenage years as well. I won’t be surprised if the next time we are all gathered together it is at your wedding. If you getting married means more SUV’s and alcohol, I’m VIPing now.”

Everyone in the car starts laughing, and even my own smile fights it way to the surface despite the fact that I planned on breaking up with Matthew at some point this week. I feel Matthew release my hand and place his arm around me, pulling me closer to him. Keeping up appearances I lay my head against his shoulder and ignore the twisting of my stomach as he whispers ‘I love you’. My brother cleared his throat as he continued his speech.

“But all joking aside, Josie is still my baby sister and if you touch her before y’all are married, I will remove your fingers along with a few other vital parts of your body. Salute.” My other brothers murmur their own forms of agreement to dismembering my childhood sweetheart which makes me want to giggle.

Carver winks at me then brings his glass to his lips before downing the entire contents of his glass. I raise my own glass and take a sip myself and nearly end up spitting it out all over the place. Clenching my mouth shut I force myself to swallow the tart liquid. Shuddering slightly at the taste that’s left behind, I glance up and notice for the first time the lights on the ceiling. The roof is flooded with twinkling purple lights. I am completely memorized by the lights. They fade in and out twinkling slowly like they are stars. It’s completely captivating.