Th Not So Secret Admirers ( chapters 6 - 11 ) - Young Adult Novel

Chapter 6:

“ Oh no. Lunch,” I groaned nervously. At all costs I could not run into Jake. But, no such luck. He was waiting outside the door for me like always. I spoke before he could. “ Hey Jake. I have something important to do at lunch today. I’ll talk to you later.” And then I ran off, not looking back to see the look on his face.

As I was running off, I almost crashed headfirst into Rick’s chest. “ There you are. Alright come with me.” He led me to the school garden, just like Jake had. All of a sudden the pieces came together. “ Oh no! It’s you! You’re my other secret admirer?!” “ Oh yes, it’s me. I decided to tell you because I didn’t think you’d find out in time.“ You bet your ass I wouldn’t! There’s no way I would’ve guessed the mot popular guy in school would have an interest in me.” I was trying to convince myself this was really happening.

“ Well I do. And I hate myself for not getting to you before Jake did. But, I’m here now, so here it goes. I know you already accepted an invitation but, will you got to prom with me?” Wait. Did Richard Stud just ask me to prom? That can’t be possible. He should’ve asked the most popular girl in school who’s just as beautiful as he. Oh wait, that’s it! “ I get what this is. This is the Senior prank and I was chosen as the victim. Well, you guys can come out with your cameras up.” I was so proud of myself for catching the prank before falling victim to it.

“ Kathy, this is no joke. I really do love you, and I’m really asking you to prom.” Hurt was written all over his face. “ Really?,” I asked still uncertain. “ Really,” he said reassuringly. “ Wow Rick. As much as I’d love to accept your invitation, I just can’t.” The hurt came back to his face again.

“ Shit! I mean shoot! That came out wrong. Ummm… give me a couple days to think about it, and then I’ll tell you who I’ve chosen. Okay?” Hope and joy came back to his features. “ Alright! But I won’t lose!” He ran off and turned back for a second to flash me one of his dazzling smiles. My whole stature slumped as I trudged back to the cafeteria. What a mess I’d gotten into. I had to talk to Sareena, and fast. I knew she’d freak when she heard what happened, but she’d comfort me as well.

The second Sareena spotted me in the lunchroom she sprinted over. Her eyes were full of curiosity and thirst for the scoop. “ So what happened? What was the urgent news?” “ He asked me to prom,” I said in a dazed, confused tone.

Chapter 7:

“ He did what,” she squealed. She was about to lose it, but stopped when she saw the hurt and confusion on my face. “ Soooooo… is that a bad thing?” “ No! No, not at all!” I realize I say this a lot. “ It’s great. It’s just…….” My sentence cut short as I looked at Jake across the room. He looked so calm and sweet. But, this news would crush him into gravel. Sareena looked towards the path of my gaze.

“ Oh. That’s what the “it’s just” is.” Jake looked up that instant and saw me gazing at him. He threw me a charming smile and I tried my best to return it, but no such luck. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I turned to run, but couldn’t. I knew he was rushing over to see what the matter was. I turned back to Sareena and, out of the corner of my eye, I saw him rushing over. I quickly gave Sareena a pleading glance; silently saying don’t tell him. She gave me a nod of understanding.

He reached us in a matter of seconds, a look of concern on his face. “ Hey what’s wrong?” Tears were falling from my eyes as I stared into his eyes. Then, I ran over to him and threw my arms around his waist. His body went still in shock and then warm as he began hugging me back. “ Oh my love. Please tell me, what’s wrong?” I turned towards Sareena and nodded. There was no way I could tell him.

So, I stood there hugging him, and Jake doing the same in return. As Sareena told him what happened his body became more and more tense. Silence fell between us as Sareena finished the story. “ So that’s who it was. Well, if he thinks he’s going to win easily he’s got another thing coming to him.” What a mess this all had become.

“ Jake now don’t go causing trouble,” Sareena warned. Tears continued to stream down my face. Jake put is finger under my chin and lifted my face to is. “ Don’t worry. I won’t go picking fights with anyone. I promise.” I released my grasp on him and turned to run. And this time, I really did. I couldn’t take much more of this! This was going to be the one thing that sent me over the edge and break me into pieces. I ran to the girl’s restroom, knowing Sareena would follow. I was in need of some serious comforting.

Chapter 8:

I went in one of the bathroom stalls, locked the door, and waited. Then the door opened and in walked Sareena. “ Oh Kat! This is such a mess! But don’t worry I’m going to help you. Now please open this stall door. I did as she told, but ran into her comforting arms as I did. “ Oh Sareena! I don’t know what I’m going to do,” I sobbed. “ Look Kat. I’m going to tell you what you’re going to do. You’re going to think really hard and choose which boy you’re going to prom with.” I knew I could count on her, but what’s said isn’t always easily done.

“ But Kat, what we’re going to do first is go shopping for prom dresses together. We’ll be absolutely ready for prom and then you can choose.” All right, that was a good plan. “ Now let’s get out of here,” she said as she led me out the door. If I had Sareena by my side I knew I’d get through this.

As we went through the main doors of the school building, we saw a group of people in a large circle. “ What’s that?” I wish I could answer Sareena’s question, but I couldn’t. “ Well let’s go check it out then,” I said. We walked over and, as we got closer, we heard the crowd chanting, “ FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!” “ A fight? There’s never been a fight at our school.” “ Well not until now,” Sareena said. “ Guess so. But who are the fighters?” Sareena and I pushed through the cheering crowd and as we passed I heard a few people placing bets on who the winner would be.

We finally got to the front of the crowd and we had a clear view of who the fighters were. The color drained from my face and I lost my breath. The two fighting were Jake and Rick. “ No,” I squeaked. Jake already had a bloody nose and I saw Rick’s right eye bruising. How did it come to this! As I stood there in shock, the boys continued to throw punches at each other. Jake was so small compared to Rick and….Wait. He promised to not get into any fights! Now I was angry; all concern for them left my body.

“ She’s mine! You know she’s going to choose me. I’m better then you,” Rick shouted. “ Oh so just because your muscles are 10 time larger then your brain, you think she’ll choose you,” Jake shouted back. This was getting out of hand and I decided it was time to step in. I walked into the ring and walked in between the two boys. The crowd fell silent and the boys stood there in shock. “ No! She won’t choose either of you! You guys are treating me like a dog. Well guess what? I’m not a dog and neither of you own me!” Everyone stared at me in utter amazement.

I turned and stormed off, the crowd moving out of my way as I approached. “ Wait,” they both called after me. But I didn’t stop, I continued to storm off. That was the last straw!

Chapter 9:

“ How dare you! You guys are so messed! You both claim you love her and you break her to pieces. Well guess what? Because you’re both stupid, you both lost her for good.” I heard Sareena shouting at the boys as I was walking away. I walked slowly enough so she could run and catch up to me. I heard running footsteps getting closer, so I turned towards them. “ Oh Sareena! This is-,” I stopped mid sentence in shock to see it wasn’t Sareena, but Jake.

“Leave me alone Jake,” I said harshly.“ Just let me explain,” he pleaded. “ What is there to explain? You broke your promise and now I’m walking away.” “ But I didn’t break my promise! He threw the first punch. I was simply using self defense.” “ As if that changes anything! It doesn’t matter who threw the first punch. It’s the fact you threw one back. This conversation is over,” and I began storming off again. “ I’m coming Kat!” I turned to see Sareena running towards me; throwing nasty glares at the boys on the way.

“ Thanks for standing up for me earlier.” Sareena and I were sitting on my bed. When we arrived at my house, both upset, my mom knew something was up. So, we told her the whole story, start to finish, and she was very understanding. “ No problem! Of course I’m going to sand up for my BFF,” Sareena said, giving me a sweet smile. “ Now what time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?” “ What’s happening tomorrow,” I asked confused. “ Hello! Did that fight make you brainwashed! We’re going prom dress shopping tomorrow. I know a store we could go to th-,” “ Wait,” I interrupted her. “ Did you forget about what happened at that fight? I’m not going to prom now.” How could she think after all this that I was going to prom?

“ Oh yes you are! You don’t need any dumbshit boy to go to prom with. You’ll go by yourself as your own date.” She looked so proud at her statement, but I didn’t go for it. “ Sareena I’ll be happy to go prom shopping with you for you. But I’m not going to prom.” I didn’t know what my expression looked like, but I was sure there was plenty of hurt and disappointment washed all over it. “ Oh, Kat! Please, please don’t make me beg. You have to go, you just have to.” Now her expression showed hurt and disappointment. I couldn’t do this to her, so decided to go to make her happy. “ Fine! I’ll go! Happy?” Her face lit up. “ Extremely so,” she replied.

“ Why am I doing this,” I asked myself. We were at the mall’s one of many prom dress stores. Sareena choose, what seemed to be, the most expensive one. “ Oh cheer up! Look! Oh my God! This is absolutely perfect for you,” Sareena said. She was jumping up and down with excitement. She was right the dress she held was perfect. It was a royal blue dress that shimmered with silver dust, and had silver lining on the neckline and sleeve endings. But what made me love it the most was the little silver stars that covered the silky fabric, making it look like the night sky. It was the perfect size, and what else could I say but perfect? Now I had my dress, that I would look amazing in, and it was time to make the boys sorry for what they lost.

Chapter 10:

School was hell the last week before prom. My locker front was plastered with “secret” admirer notes. Yes, they continued to write your secret admirer, when I obviously knew exactly who they were. “ Oh my God! More secret admirer notes,” Sareena screamed. “ Yeah. From the not so secret admirers,” I said without emotion. Sareena and I agreed to call them the not so secret admirers instead of dumbshits, assholes, bitches, bastards, or boys. Sareena was uneasy about the notes because she believed I’d forgive one and take him back.“ Don’t worry, Reena. I’m not taking either of them back,” I reassured her. What she didn’t know was I really did want to take one of them back, and I would in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for her. “ You better not,” she threatened.

The bell to begin lunch rang. “ Oh shit,” I moaned, not bothering to correct it to shoot anymore. Not only were the NSSAs, abbreviated form, giving me notes they would wait for me by the door of the cafeteria and follow me around lunch. They were stalkers! “All right, I’ve had it! No matter what you guys say or do, I’m not going to prom with either of you,” I shouted, not looking back to see the NSSAs faces. Then, for once in two weeks, one of them spoke, Rick. “ Fine. I’ve tried and tried, but I give up! If you want this loser then fine. But you just lost the best, hottest package!”

“No,” I said harshly. “Excuse me,” Rick asked in confusion. “ You heard me, I said no. You know what? You caused this whole mess. And, yes I’m assigning blame,” I shouted back at Rick. Silence fell over the cafeteria, and I knew everybody was watching and listening, but that didn’t stop me. “ And you know, I deserve to assign blame for this hell I’ve been put through! You are so full of yourself, thinking you’re the best package. Well, let me tell you, you’re far from it. Oh, and I didn’t lose you either. Wanna know why? Because you can’t lose something you never wanted!”

I felt tears well up in my eyes; tears of relief not pain. More softly now, I finished my speech, “ I always wanted to go to prom with Jake, even before he asked me. I know I acted like I didn’t and even though I liked you, those secret admirer notes were still annoying.” I heard a unified chuckle come from our “audience”. “ So, Jake I’m sorry this mess happened, and I know I don’t have much to offer. But if you want it it’s all yours,” I barely chocked out my last words. “ Of course I want it. I always did,” he replied, softly. I ran up to him and jumped in his arms.

Our “audience” all stood up and cheered, as if they were watching a play. But, I didn’t hear them. I felt so good and relieved this whole mess was resolved. As Jake held me he whispered,” Kathy, I love you.” That put me over the edge, and tears of happiness began to stream down my face. “ I love you to,” I whispered back. Because, I did! I smiled, knowing that I was in the right arms. I glanced away from Jake for one moment to see Rick. Anger and defeat was all over his face. He took one last glance at me, and I waved a menacing wave goodbye. Then, he turned and stormed out of the cafeteria. But, I didn’t feel an ounce of guilt or a little bit sorry for him. II smiled once again, and turned back to Jake.

Chapter 11:

“ How do I look,” I asked my mom. “ You look beautiful,” she chocked out, tears in her eyes. I realize now where I got the crying gene now. “ Oh mom! Don’t cry!” I ran up to her and gave her a big hug. “ Thanks mom for everything. I love you forever,” I whispered into her shoulder. Her embraced tightened, and she whispered back, “ I love you to. Her tears and sobs grew and she wouldn’t let go of me. “ Alright Mrs. Cries A Lot. We have to get ready to go,” Sareena pushed. I mouthed a silent thank you to her; my mom was about to break me in half! My mom let go, and I gave her a kiss on her cheek.

“ My date is supposed to meet us here with your date and the limo,” Sareena was reciting the plan. She was interrupted by a knock on the door. “ I’ll et it,” she squealed. She almost fell down the stairs as she flew down them. I heard the door open and then instant chatter. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. “ Don’t be nervous. You look amazing,” my mom said soothingly. She went down stairs to join the crowd. The I heard Jake ask impatiently,” Where’s Kathy?” I think he was asking my mom because she replied,” She’ll be down in a minute.”

I took on last calming breath and began my decent down the stairs. When I appeared into view, the chattering stopped and everyone turned my way. All of them took in a joined gasp, except Jake. He didn’t look like he could, because he stood there frozen in awe. He look just as wonderful in his tux, I was speechless to. I came to the last step and walked over to Jake. I took his hands in mine and whispered, “It’s okay Jake, take a breath.” Everyone laughed, including Jake. “ You look amazing,” he said to me, once he got his voice back. We stood there gazing at each other until my mom broke the silence with, “ Pictures!” We all groaned, but we entertained her.

Mt mom finally took her last picture, and we were off. We all climbed into the limo and started to blast the music. It was so much fun! The limo driver even took a long route so we could be in the limo longer. We took pictures ourselves, and couldn’t stop laughing and cheering. Then, we opened the limo ceiling skylight. “ This way my lady,” Jake said, taking my hand in his. “ I’m getting a strange sense of dejavu,” I said laughing. We stood with our heads outside the ceiling.

“ So, was this everything you hoped it would be,” Jake asked. “ No,” I replied. Worry washed over his face, and I laughed. I took his face between my hands and said, “ It’s so much more.” And then I kissed him, and he kissed me back. He gently wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer. When our lips detached we looked into each other’s eyes. Then, I found what made his eyes different from any other brown eyes. His contained the sparkle of love in them and, I’m sure, mine did to. In my heart I knew, at that moment, I choose the right not so secret admirer.

The End

Just the beginning