Written in the Stars

Chapter 2: "Secrets"

(Chapter 2)
"Secrets"

Monday, September 3
8:30pm

"I vote we play Never Have I Ever," Rachel suggested.

"Actually, that sounds like a lot of fun," Jillian agreed.

"Everyone know how to play?" Rachel asked.

"Uh, I've never played," Julia admitted.

"We go around the room and everyone says something they've never done. If you have done that thing, you take a drink," Shae explained.

"Of alcohol?"

Rachel rolled her eyes.
"Let's just start."

"Jillian, you want to start?" Shae asked her.

"Okay," Jillian nodded. "Never have I ever been arrested."

Brielle took a drink.

"It's actually a good story," Rachel announced.

"Oh, my god," Brielle sighed.

"Tell them."

"It was nothing. I'm an artist. I even designed my tattoo. I got into spray painting, so at night I would go behind some buildings and make some really awesome paintings. So, one night I was a little careless, I didn't inspect the area first; turns out some cops were strolling by and I got busted for vandalism."

"Wait, those spray paintings on Beacon Street?" Shae asked.

"Yeah! You've seen them?"

"They're amasing. They add a lot of colour to the area. I think they're great."

"Thanks!"

"Shae, you're up," Rachel told her.

"Okay... never have I ever shoplifted."

Rachel took a drink.

When everyone looked at her, she rolled her eyes.
"Oh, come on, when I was a teenager I went through a little phase and stole a few small things at the mall."

"Could you just not afford it?" Daniella asked.

"Well... I guess it wasn't only that. Honestly, it felt good to be a little rebellious. I was a pretty troubled kid. I had problems with all my relationships, I felt alone and misunderstood. No matter what, I always felt like such an outcast. No one really paid attention to me, and whoever did was just using me for one way or another. Maybe I act like a bitch sometimes and I know I can be a little cold, but it's just a defense I've built up to save myself from getting attached and getting hurt. And the best way to do that is to pretend you don't care and keep your distance."

"So, really you're afraid of being vulnerable," Emma clarified.

"Exactly. It's easier to just block off those emotions and show no weakness."

"It sounds lonely," Shae commented.

"It can be. Sometimes. But you get used to it," Rachel replied.

"You have me and Emma."

"And the rest of us care about you too," Jillian added.

"Well... thanks," Rachel almost smiled.

"Well, it's your turn," Shae told her.

"Alright. Never have I ever... vandalised anything."

"Hey, come on that was a direct hit at me," Brielle glared at her.

"Drink," Rachel smirked.

"Unfair," Brielle mumbled.

"Emma?" Shae turned to her.