Page 15 of The Secret Of Us

“Don’t touch me.” I wrench my arm out of his grasp. “Leave me alone, Ryan. We’re done.”

“You never even gave me a reason,” he says, stepping closer to me as I move back.

Chloe takes hold of my hand, pulling me with her as she starts speed walking away. Amelia stays behind, acting like a barrier between me and Ryan.

“Just tell me why!” he yells.

I drop Chloe’s hand, screaming internally as I turn back to face him. I don’t know how I ever thought I liked him. I must have been blinded by the blue eyes and messy brown hair because his personality leaves a lot to be desired.

“I don’t like you! That’s the reason!”

I hate myself for even giving him the satisfaction of an answer, but maybe it’ll make him leave me alone. I can feel my face going red, my frustration rolling into anger at both him and myself.

His face drops, like he wasn’t actually expecting me to tell him. And, for a second, he seems genuinely hurt. A past version of myself breaks through in my mind to tell me that I should comfort him. But then I remember how good of an actor he is, how most of our relationship was just so he could show me off on his arm, and I lose the tiny ounce of sympathy I was about to have.

“Come on, Isabelle. Just give me another chance,” he pleads, throwing his hands up.

“In your dreams,” I snap at him before going back to Chloe and Amelia’s side. They flank me on either side, and we leave Ryan behind before he can say anything else.

6

NOAH

Hidingin the bathroom between classes wasn’t exactly what I imagined during my first week of school, but here we are.

It was only a matter of time before people started talking. By the way the kid who interrupted us in Mrs. Fisher’s office looked at me, I’m betting he had something to do with what’s been happening. I thought I’d be able to get through the first week without anyone noticing me, a couple of days at least, but no.

I was already frustrated this morning as soon as I walked in and saw everyone staring at me. None of them even tried to hide that I was the main topic of conversation. But sitting next to Izzy made me feel worse.

I should have spoken to her, at least given her some kind of response, rather than pushing her away. She was one of the only few who didn’t join in with what everyone else was doing, but I know she heard it. Then the embarrassment overtook the frustration, and I couldn’t face talking to her.

In between classes, I’ve taken to running to this bathroom near the back of the science block, because no one seems to come here. I only found it because I was trying to avoid the crowds, turning down corridors until the glances and whispers finally subsided. Most of the classrooms here look deserted, so I’d be safe to sit in one of them, but hiding in a locked bathroom gives me even more protection.

I lean back against the sink, pulling my phone out to pass the time before next period, and of course, there’s a text from Ravi. He messaged me yesterday to ask how my first day went, and I told him that it seemed like it was going to be okay. I suppose I’ll have to tell him differently now.

Ravi

Football wasn’t the same without you at lunch

Noah

Does that mean you let in more goals than usual

My phone rings, a picture of us together after a match, faces red and sweaty, and our arms slung around each other’s shoulders. We’ve both got the biggest smiles even though we’d lost because we knew we played a great game together.

“Those are fighting words, Park.”

I huff out a light laugh, my mood instantly brightening hearing his voice and feeling a bit of normalcy.

“Hey, it’s the truth. You know I was your best defender.”

“Yeah, you were,” he sighs. “So, how’s day two going? Made any new friends yet?”

Izzy instantly comes to mind. I didn’t mention her yesterday. All I told him was that a classmate had shown me around. I don’t see our relationship going any further than that, so I didn’t think it was important to mention her by name.So why am I thinking of her now?

“I’m not really planning on that,” I tell him. “Most of them aren’t friendly, so I’m just keeping my head down and getting through the year.”

“Don’t close yourself off too soon,” he says gently. The concern in his voice is evident. I know he wants me to forget what happened with our old group and try to move on, but it’s easier said than done.

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