Secrets; Chapter 1

My first story... Let's see how it goes.

Chapter 1



I walk down the school hallway, keeping my head low and my slightly curly, light brown hair hiding my face from anyone that looks at me. I forgot my jacket at home, but I don't mind. I love the cold. I always heat up way too quickly and it's severely annoying. Everyone always finds my feelings towards heat rather amusing, in contrast.
I try to keep a low profile as best as I can. I am incredibly shy and not one to speak out against anything. My best friend, Kate Williams, does that for both of us.
I spot Kate at her locker, a thin, tan skinned girl with long, straight dirty blonde hair and bangs that she is constantly flipping out of her face, much like her older brother. I walk over.
“Hi, Samantha!” Kate says cheerfully. Then she sees the grim look on my face. “What’s wrong?”
“Is your brother mad at me?” I ask. He's been ignoring my texts. He could be busy with other stuff, but still. It's like him to ignore somebody.
“I don’t think so. I haven’t seen much of him lately. He keeps locking himself in his room,” Kate replies promptly. “Why would he be mad?”
“I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you.” I look at the ground.
“I’m not sure. He has been acting weird, though.”
I sigh. Kendall had really seemed upset the last time I had seen him. I wish I could figure out what was wrong, but if he won't answer me, how could I?
“So, are you going to do the talent show?” Kate asks, changing the subject.
I give her a horrified look. I have always hated being on stage ever since I was young.
“Aw, come on!” Kate nudges me with her elbow. “It will be fun! We could sing together.”
I shake my head. “I don’t sing.”
Kate sighs. “Whatever you say, Sam.” She heads down the hallway to meet up with Nichole Gates, a tan girl with shiny dark brown hair and bright brown eyes. Her gaze meets mine and she smiles. I follow her and Kate quickly.
“What’s wrong?” Nichole asks us curiously, her brown gaze searching ours.
“Kendall,” I whisper, referring to Kate’s brother.
“Ah,” Nichole nods and turns her head back to the front.
I look at Kendall as we pass him and another boy. He seems to be avoiding my gaze. I can understand why; I always know when something is wrong with him, even if no one else notices.
“Can I catch up with you guys in a minute?” I ask Nichole and Kate. Kate nods and heads on, Nichole on her heels.
I walk toward Kendall cautiously. “Kendall?” I ask.
He turns to look at me. His dirty blonde hair is swept to the side like it normally was. However, his brilliant green eyes have lost their twinkle. “Yeah?”
“Are you mad? You’ve been avoiding me lately… and everyone else.” Obviously, I shouldn’t have spit the question out so soon.
“It’s nothing, ok?” Kendall snaps. “Would you girls stop worrying about me?” He turns away and walks toward the school exit.
The boy that had been with him watches him go. He looks at me. “Very grumpy,” He whispers with a michevious gleam in his brown eyes. His hair is standing up in the front and brushed ever so slightly over to the right. His has a light tan that goes along with his white and gray pinstriped shirt and black leather jacket.
I giggle as he walks away. I turn and head after Kendall, though I keep my distance. Nichole is waiting for me outside.
“Did he say anything?” She looks really interested.
“Oh, he said something, alright. But it didn’t help,” I groan. I look at who is beside her and blink when my gaze meets his. “Who are you?” Then I realize. It's James Green.
But before I can say anything, he smirks and says. “I’m James Green."
I don't want to be rude, but I am not in the mood to talk to the biggest flirt in school. “And I’m leaving. Come on, Nichole.” I grab her wrist and pull her away.
“But he’s nice!” Nichole protests as I drag her.
“Yeah, well, we’re busy,” I reply as she attempts to jerk her wrist free. She gives up after a few tries and asks, “Doing what?”
“We are going to find out why Kendall is acting so weird. Where’s Kate?” That’s when I run into somebody.
I look up. It's the boy I had seen earlier.
“Sorry. Forgot my notes in my locker.” He gives me a small smile and walks back inside the school.
When the door shuts behind him, Nichole nudges me with her elbow.
“Who was that?” She asks.
“How am I supposed to know?” I ask, less sharply than I had planned. “I talked to him earlier, but I don’t know his name. I think he is one of Kendall’s friends.” My mind is spinning fifty miles an hour.
“He’s cute," Nichole comments, looking at me with a grin on her face.
I roll my eyes. “Come on.” I walk away, but even as I turn around, I can't get his face out of my mind.