Scorn of Secrets

by B Truly

  “I’ve been ready. I’ll call you, Lina.” She nods, tickled pink.

  Justin opens the passenger door for me, and I can hear the aftermath.

  “He called her, my love!” a chick says, exasperated.

  There are roars of laughter combined with other showdown comments. Tuning them out, I hop into his truck.

  After Justin drives out of the lot, he says, “I’m not complaining, because I thoroughly enjoyed you kissing me like that, but what triggered it?”

  “I wasn’t going to let Jennifer think she could walk all over me. I needed to nip it in the bud.”

  “Good for you. Jen’s the type who will bully someone she thinks won’t fight back.” His brow furrows. “You okay?”

  I nod. Relief fills me that we don’t have school next week, which gives time for the drama to settle down.

  “You up for movies and popcorn in our media room?” he asks. “It’s the start of holiday break. I’m looking forward to spending time with you.”

  My heart flip-flops. “Me, too. A movie sounds good.”

  “I’m impressed by how you put Jen in her place.”

  “Really? I hate confrontation. I’m disappointed in myself that I let her get to me.”

  “Don’t be. She likes to push people’s buttons. After dating her, I found out her ugly ways. One reason it didn’t work out. You handled her well, but enough about Jennifer. Let’s forget about everyone except us for now.”

  He reaches for my hand, intertwining our fingers. A nagging vibe tells me about Jennifer’s type. She now realizes I won’t just roll over, but she isn’t the kind of person to let someone embarrass her. There will be repercussions.

  20

  We All Scream for Ice Cream

  I enjoy the pleasure of watching Justin’s eyes dilate for a second when I come into the kitchen. Amber has just dropped me off from styling my hair. It falls in straight silkiness, halfway down my back. Amber asked if she could flat iron it again. My hairdo will be part of a catalog of styles she’s going to post on her website. I grab a bottled water while Justin stuffs his face with chips.

  “I love your hair.”

  On cue, my cheeks enflame. Heat courses in Justin’s eyes. He reaches out and runs his fingers down the length of my hair. A shiver ignites throughout my body. How can such a gentle caress feel so sexual? “Amber is going to be a great beautician. I’m excited she’s posting it on her site,” I tell him. He’s staring at me with a hint of curiosity on his face. “What?”

  He shakes his head. “I just can’t get over how different you look with your hair silky-straight.”

  “Is that a good thing?”

  “I love your spiral curls, because they’re you. But this look is great on you, too.”

  “Thank you.” I swipe some chips from his bag. “You and Regan are really going to prepare all the food for tomorrow?”

  “Yep. We’ll be starting early. Your mom’s doing desserts, so we’ll be fine. You know we like to throw down in the kitchen.”

  I giggle. “Sunday dinner is one thing, Thanksgiving is another.”

  “Oh, it’s gonna be the bomb.”

  “Chefs of the family.”

  “Dad is going to fry a great turkey, but I think my rotisserie one will taste better.”

  “Really? Well, maybe it’s time for that cooking contest between you and your pops. We’ll vote on which turkey tastes the best.”

  Justin turns in a circle, and then does a jiggy move, showing his enthusiasm. “It’s on.”

  I can’t help but be tickled. I love joking with him. “I don’t mind helping with whatever. It is a ton of food that y’all are cooking.”

  “I’ll take you up on your offer.” He glances around quickly. “Hum…. There is one thing that you can help me with now.”

  “What is it?” I’m curious.

  Justin walks with swagger. “Over here.”

  When I go to the butler’s pantry between the kitchen and the formal dining room, he tugs my arm, pulling me against him. “Justin, what….” His lips land on mine for a smoldering kiss—no more questions asked.

  Justin and I don’t stay in the butler’s area long. I’m too freaked out about getting caught. We head to the media room for a movie, but only half of it gets watched.

  * * *

  Thanksgiving dinner is strange without my father. On the same note, it’s also pleasant. Justin and Regan do a fine job with the meal, and Mama has always been a great baker. The turkey contest is a tie, two to two. Next time we need another judge to be a tie-breaker.

  Later Friday, after the craziness of stores sales, I receive a text from Dariel. When I first moved to Houston, we talked a few times every week. I miss her terribly and feel ashamed. So wrapped up in Justin’s mouth, literally, I haven’t texted or called her in over a week.

  Hey, Madie. Where u been? Hope Thanksgiving went well.

  Hi, Dari. Sorry I haven’t called. Surprisingly, Thanksgiving was good. Regan & his son cooked. Mama did sweet potato pies.

  A couple minutes later, Dari texts back.

  One of his sons can cook?

  Yeah, Justin.

  What a great asset!

  I ponder how much I should tell her. Everything is so new.

  How’s it going with your Mama’s new flame?

  My eyes reach the stars. Dari is very straightforward, but she means well. A quality that I love about her.

  So far, Regan treats her well. Tanya & me, 2. He set us up bank accounts & he deposits $50 a week in each of our accounts.

  Dari texts an emoji with the mouth hanging open.

  Lol.

  Well, I’d say that your mom’s Rico Suave is freaking amazing!

  Yeah, that was nice of him. At 1st, I kinda thought he was trying 2 buy us. But Regan seems 2 genuinely care about Mama. He hasn’t pushed his weight around, trying 2 play a big, bad daddy role. So, he’s okay with me. I’ve decided 2 give him a chance.

  Definitely could be worse. I think it will work out.

  How’s your break been?

  Pretty good. Wishing u were here. It’s not half as fun without u.

  Miss u, too.

  My feelings for Justin feel like the real deal to me. Dari is my best friend, and one of the few people that I will ever admit that to. I don’t see us ending things anytime soon. I hope Justin feels the same way. I’m falling hard and will be heartbroken if it doesn’t work out. Realistically, that is a chance you take in any relationship. Our situation isn’t the norm, which puts a spin on it. Screw it! I have to talk to someone and who better than my best friend.

  There’s more 2 the story than I’ve told u.

  Fill me in!

  I sort of have a crush on Justin. More than a crush, actually. I’ve never felt this way before.

  What? Seriously?

  I forward her a picture of us that we’d just taken at the crack of dawn at BestBuy.

  Ahhhhhhhh!

  My cell begins to ring a second later. Grinning, I answer, “You’re such a gossip girl.”

  “Oh, my God! Are you doing your stepbrother?” Dari screeches. “You’ve been holding out.”

  “We’re not having sex.”

  “Details, now!”

  “We’ve only kissed. Well, a lot. It’s still new, so I haven’t given up the goods that quickly.”

  “Can he kiss?”

  Dari meant what she said about details. “I would kiss him all night if I could. His lips are like magic.” I feel myself blush. Just thinking about Justin’s lips on mine shoots an electric tingle down my spine. Sometimes I hate being so shy. Dari can’t even see me, and I’m still embarrassed.

  “How long have you two been messing around?”

  “Just for a few weeks.”

  “You guys look psyched in this picture. How did y’all end up in relationship territory?”

  “We’ve both had feelings for each other since day one. He wanted to try the relationship thing out, so we’ll see.”

  Da
ri shrieks in my ear again. “He’s so freaking sexy! Is Justin conceited? With the way he looks, I assume he might be.”

  “Arrogant is the definition of his twin. Justin’s the sweetheart.”

  “This is classic! Your mom’s banging Regan, and you’re screwing around with his son.”

  “You’re so vulgar.”

  “That’s why you love me.”

  I can’t help but smile. “Well, it’s not like Mama and his dad are married, drama queen.” Not yet, I note. “I kinda fought against Justin. My fear is if our parents make their relationship permanent and it doesn’t work out with us, things could get awkward.”

  “I’d say.”

  “I got tired of fighting my feelings for him, so I just gave in.”

  “You sound crazy about him. You guys aren’t blood related, so there’s really no harm. Life’s all about going for it.”

  “I’m not sure how this will play out, or what our parents will say if they find out. I’ll keep you posted.”

  “I believe you should follow your heart. Maybe you guys met for a reason. It might be weird for a while. But if you two really care about each other, then what can your parents do but accept it? You’re not a kid anymore.”

  “I pray you’re right.”

  Dari tells me news of her own. She decided to go out with Darius Hart. She claims that it’s going well so far.

  We continue to chat for a bit longer, filling each other in on tidbits of our lives. I love Dari’s carefree spirit. She always brightens my day.

  * * *

  The break whips by fast, already coming to an end. The Saturday before school starts back, Jackson sits next to me in the media room.

  “What’s up, sweet-cheeks?”

  I turn up my nose. “Nothing much.”

  “I don’t think you’re fond of my nickname for you.”

  “You don’t miss a thing.”

  He bursts out laughing. “It’s never dull talking to you.”

  I wonder if he calls me sweet-cheeks because there’s a hidden meaning. Maybe it was just the first words outta his mouth and he does it to push my buttons. “Do you call me that name because I have a babyface?”

  “You do look young, but that’s not why.”

  I raise my eyebrow. “So, what gives?”

  “You really wanna know?”

  “I’m not asking to hear myself talk.”

  “You have a nice backside.”

  I’m stumped for a moment, and then I get his drift. I feel my eyes dilate. Jackson’s middle name is crude if he’s seriously referring to my butt as “sweet-cheeks.” I decide not to let him know how embarrassed I am. The brother-sister teasing seems to float his boat. “You couldn’t have come up with something more original?”

  “Even though I didn’t invent the nickname, it still suits you. Coincidentally, I don’t think you’re as sweet as you let on. You’ve got heart.”

  “I’ve been told that before.”

  “Whatcha watching?”

  I blow out my breath, relieved he’s changing the subject. The best defense against Jackson is to not let him know that he’s rattled you. He’ll get bored and move on. “It’s probably nothing you’re interested in. The 100. I don’t think dystopian and sci-fi are your thing?”

  “Nope, it’s Justin’s.”

  Jackson watches the screen for a bit, actually into what’s going down. I’m behind, catching up on last week’s episode. Justin and I normally watch this show together, so it feels weird watching it with his brother.

  I prefer books over television—Justin’s preference is TV. Most shows he wants me to check out with him, I do end up liking. The 100 has me hooked. Justin left earlier to play ball with his homies. I’m sure when he returns, we’ll watch something together.

  “I might have to start checking this show out on a regular basis. It’s pretty good,” Jackson admits, touching my thigh.

  He doesn’t move his hand—he leaves it there. Not wanting to seem petty, I don’t brush it away. “Aren’t you dating Suri?” I throw out there, glancing down at his palm on my thigh.

  He pulls his hand back. “Yeah, we’re hanging out. Why? You jealous?” Jackson teases.

  “Hardly. I was just curious.”

  Justin comes into the game room, his eyes narrowing at Jackson.

  “What’s up, bro,” Jackson greets him. “I’m checking out this show you guys like. The gore and action are entertaining.”

  Justin crosses his arms. “Since when do you watch those kinds of shows?”

  “Since I caught about ten minutes of it with sweet-cheeks.”

  My eyes reach the stars. I feel my cheeks flush, knowing the hidden meaning. There’s no sense in fussing about it. I won’t give him the satisfaction. “Hey, Justin. I’ll be caught up after this episode,” I tell him, attempting to diffuse the tension I feel lingering in the air.

  The creases on Justin’s forehead lessen as he turns his attention to me. “Yeah, last week’s episode was crazy.” He plops on my other side and we all finish the episode.

  * * *

  Taylor is back in full effect. I whine, getting used to classes and homework. A one-week break can knock you off your schedule quickly. Justin and I grow into a seamless routine. We ride to and from school together and walk with each other to a few classes during the day—ones that are in close proximity. Spanish II is even more fun now. We’re going to have to tone it down or we’ll probably get our seats changed. Diego and I have gotten called out several times for talking.

  Later in the week, lunch has its usual showdown—a food fight. Hall monitors hate them. Getting caught participating will lead to detention or in-school suspension—called SAC. I think it’s all in good fun. The people who get plastered with food and drinks may not agree.

  “Food fight!” A student triggers a warning, giving me enough time to dash under our cafeteria table.

  Lina, Cara, and those not participating in the battle of food crouch beside me. Luckily, I make it to safety—out of food’s path.

  “These people are so childish.” Cara rolls her eyes.

  “I’m just glad I made it under the table in time,” Lina says. “Last month I got pasta in my hair.”

  After a few minutes of screams, laughter, and food flying everywhere, teachers on patrol are able to put a stop to the food riot. Crawling from underneath the table, I straighten my shirt. Lina and Cara come up on the other side. With the chaos of the food fight, I don’t notice Jennifer approach me. I do catch the mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

  “Watch out!” Jennifer shouts in warning, before an ice cream cone slams straight in my face.

  It lands between my eyes, smearing into my hair. Ice cream hinders my vision, so I’m late to realize that the viper is being funny. I feel the force of being pushed backward. There must be food or liquid behind me—I lose my balance, slipping on the floor with a thud.

  I wipe some of the ice cream from my eyes. She and her buddy are laughing hysterically. Jennifer also has a cell in her hand, aimed at me. I scowl at both of them. My friends rush over to my aide.

  “You okay?” Lina asks. “You fell kinda hard.”

  I landed on my side. As I move, pain shoots from my hip, down my thigh. Cara gives me a hand standing up. My clothes are full of who knows what. Ice cream is spread over my face and in my hair. Other than embarrassment, I’m not injured. I am able to put weight on my feet, so nothing is broken.

  “You go all out for ice cream,” the viper teases.

  A teacher is walking our direction, so she and her partner in crime scurry away.

  “Here.” Lina gives me napkins.

  Most students are leaving the cafeteria to head to class. Some of them who saw the encounter point and giggle at me. My checks flame crimson. Holding my shoulders high, I attempt to gather what’s left of my pride.

  “Jennifer’s a heifer,” Cara spats. “Karma’s wrath isn’t a joke, so she’d better watch out.”

  Using a napkin, I wi
pe creamy goo from my face as best I can. I rub my hip, trying to alleviate the dull ache.

  Lina’s brow knits. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine. I just need to go clean myself up.”

  My compadres accompany me to the restroom, before heading to 4th period. Our lunch hour is split, where lunch is divided during that class. With a ton of water and wet paper towels, I’ve gotten most of the ice cream out of my hair. It will have to be washed to get the rest of it. My shirt and jeans are both stained with brown gravy and red sauce.

  “Are you trying to sugar coat hurting yourself?” Lina frowns.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re limping when you walk.”

  “My hip is a little sore from where I landed. It’s no big deal.”

  “I don’t know if those stains will come out of your clothes when you wash them,” Cara adds.

  “Well, my jacket should cover most of the stains for now. I’ll grab it outta my locker.”

  “What are you going to do about that heifer?” Cara raises her eyebrows. “Jen thinks she’s a stallion and you’ve wounded her ego. She’s probably only getting started.”

  I shrug. “I’m not going to do anything at the moment. I’ll have to see how this plays out.”

  My jacket conceals my clothes for the most part. Everything seems in order for the remainder of 4th period. I don’t see Justin during our change to 5th, and he hasn’t texted me, either. My fingers are crossed that Jennifer’s prank will stay hush-hush.

  In 5th, we take a test. Everyone finishes early, so our teacher gives us the last ten minutes for free time. That’s when it begins. A girl giggles, looking at something on her phone, then she glances at me. She shows her friend next to her, whatever she’d been viewing on her cell. They both laugh. I ignore them, getting started on my homework.

  Justin spots me in the hall before 6th period. Both of our classes are on the same side, so he always walks me to the door.

  “Hey, mi amor.”

  The twirling of butterflies in my stomach from his endearment stop short, on edge about if he’s heard what happened. “Hi, yourself.”