Blue-Eyed Secrets

Chapter 3

The sound is so loud though, like it's right in my ears. Then, all of a sudden, it stops.

"You coming?" Bryant offers his hand to me. I guess I was too distracted to noticed he had already opened my door. Skigh and him are watching me with faces just as confused as mine.

"Did you hear that? The drums?"

"No. It's silent out here, you can't even hear any crickets," Skigh says, raising her eyebrow at me. It was so loud though, they had to hear it.

"Tes, there is no drum noises. Let's go inside." Bryant offers me

I accept it and decide to forget about the drum noises. I probably imagined it.

"I know I said that I wouldn't, but I think I'm gonna choose some chick flicks for tonight." I wink at Bryant.

"Woo!" Skigh cheers. Bryant groans.

I bound up the front steps to Bryant's door and he tosses me his keys so I can unlock it. I throw open the door, ready to begin the night with my friends. Though that's not quite what happens.

The lights turn on by themselves and there's a room full of people shouting 'surprise'. Well, I certainly am surprised and the scream I let out proves it. Everyone laughs at my terror-filled scream. Even Bryant and Skigh are doubled over in laughter.

"It's not funny!" I glower at them both, but I also smile. I've finally got my sweet sixteen! Well, sweet seventeen to be correct.

Tod, one of Bryant's friends, comes over to us.

"Sorry Tes, but that was hilarious. Now, come enjoy your party!" Tod says, pulling me to the middle of the living room, which has been rearranged to make room for a dance floor.

I dance with a lot of people and take a bunch of pictures with my new camera. I'm dizzy from the alcholic punch and the excitement. The night is a blur of friends, music and colors. Bryant made sure the place was decorated nicely.

Speaking of Bryant, I haven't seen him much tonight. I want to dance with him, the alcohol seems to be giving me courage and I feel like I can tell him anything.

I start to look for him, but Skigh pulls me back on the dance floor. The music and dancing suck me in and I forget about my quest for Bryant.

A slow song comes on and releases the dance floor's hold on me. I finally realize how exhausted I am and make my way to the comfortable sofa that's in the corner of the room. Before I get a chance to feel it's softness, someone takes me hand.

"My turn." I hear Bryant say behind me. Bryant twirls me and then pulls me close while I feel the same burn I felt all those years ago. It's stronger now, and I can't find any excuse for why it's happening. I'm too drunk and hypnotized by Bryant's beautiful face to say anything.

Bryant pushes a tuft of hair behind my ear. I blush and hide my face in his shoulder, taking in his warmth. I've always loved Bryant, but I have been afraid to tell him. I've tried to see if there were any signs that he felt anything for me but I never could tell. If I tell him how I feel now and he didn't feel the same, our friendship could fall apart.

Should I risk our friendship for a chance to be with him? Would it be worth it?

"Tes, you look beautiful tonight." Bryant pulls back and gazes at me, almost as if he's seeing more than what's there.

This incredible need rushes over me, I need to be with him, I need to kiss him. We're so close, but my body and my mind are telling me it's not enough. Every excuse I have for not telling him how I feel, disappears. And suddenly, my mouth decides to reveal my biggest scret.