Hidden by Secrets

Chapter 1

I stared at myself in the changing room mirror. The purple fabric clung to my body and gently brushed the floor.

Haley are you done?" Paige asked, tapping on the oak door.

"Yes give me a minute." I answered back. I bought my hands over the bottom of the dress, smoothing out any creases that had laid themselves in the gown. I took one last look at myself and took a large intake of breath. My hand reached for the handle and slowly pulled it open. The lights of the store bounced off the glossy walls and shone too brightly in my eyes. I heard a gasp escape Paige's lips.

"Haley, you look,"

"Stunning." a male voice finished. Grayson. He smirked and ran his hand through his hair. The heat rose in my cheeks and I turned away. He stepped closer towards me, our chests were inches apart. I gazed into his eyes and smiled.

"And I can't wait to waltz you around the dance floor in it." And with that, Grayson grabbed my waist and dipped me backwards. A mix of a giggle and slight scream escaped my lips. The small shop echoed with laughs of both Grayson, myself and Paige. I managed to return to my position before.

"Well there won't be much waltzing if Jason doesn't get here soon with my wallet." I replied to his earlier comment, smoothing out my dress and regaining my breath.

"Yeah the ditz comes shopping for a bridesmaids dress and forgot to bring money. And the award for best maid of honor goes to." Paige added sarcastically, pointing at me towards the end of her statement. I gave her a glare and she put her hands up defensively.

"Sorry but it's true." I looked at her,  then Grayson and then at Paige again. Once more we burst into laughter. After I had calmed down for the second time, I hurried into the changing room and dressed in my normal clothing.  It looked so plain compared to the dress I had on moments before. Taking the hanger, I exited the room and made my way to the counter. Jason was stood there, leaning against the marble top. His eyes met with mine and he placed his hand out with my wallet fitting nicely inside it.

"At last she is done shopping." He exclaimed, smiling at me as he did so.

"Oh well sorry if trying to find a bridesmaids dress for your sisters wedding took a while." I replied, taking the wallet. I rummaged around in my purse to find his. We exchanged them and he began to walk away.

"Are you going to be late?" I asked him before he reached the door. He kept his back turned.

"I don't know." He dimly replied and left the store. Paige and I exchanged glances. She shrugged. I handed my credit card to the chasier and she placed my dress in the boutiques' bag. Paige, Grayson and I left the store. As we were about to enter his car, I spotted Jason talking with Dylan Hughes. Alarm bells reminding me of his reputation rang in my mind. I threw the bag into the passengers seat.

"Give me a minute I said to Grayson as he put on his seat belt. He nodded without looking, making me think he wasn't listening. I closed the door of the car and made my way over to my brother who was in mid conversation. As I approached the two my stomach churned at what I heard.

"Meet us at Bo's, usual spot. Everything will be ready and don't be a minute late." Dylan half whispered to my brother.

"Yes I know. And you won't say anything?" My brother asked.

"No your secret will stay with us." Dylan replied back. My brother exhaled. Dylan pulled a bit of paper from his pants pocket.

"If anything comes up, ring this number half an hour in advance." My brothers response was a simple nod. They both broke eye contact and looked at me.

"Hi." I butted in, sounding stupid. Dylan gave me a blank stare. He looked at Jason, nodded and brushed past me.

"What was that about." I asked, not wanting to pry too much. My brother turned and began to walk away.

"Nothing, just talking to a friend." He replied.

"Since when were you and Dylan Hughes friends?"

"Why do you care." My brother answered quickly. I realised we were now in perfect view for Grayson and Paige. Before Jason could walk any further I grasped his arm. He hesitated to turn around.

"What were you doing?"

"Just planning something!" He half yelled. I could tell his agitation levels were quickly rising.

"Should I be concerned?" I asked, coming of a little to stern.

"No." He replied, exhaling as he spoke.

"Just leave it okay." He shook his arm from my grip and began to walk away. I watched him disappear into the busy crowd and returned to the car. I slid into the passenger seat. Grayson looked at me but I focused on the disappearing silhouette of my brother.

"What was that about?" Grayson asked, starting the car.

"I'm not quite sure." I replied. And the quiet journey home began.