Chapter three

Chapter 3

More Secrets…?

   It has been two weeks already since the letter had shown up in our front doorway. And since then, mom and dad had been seriously discussing it, the whole time. I wondered why their keeping the secret away from me. Did they think that I would hate them if they told me? When are they going to let me know? Is there any chance that I’ll know about it one day? And, for a second I wondered was their secret that terrible? 

   I heard a knock on my door. “Marilyn?” Before I could answer, dad walked into my room. “Getting ready for school, huh?”

   “Yeah…” I nodded. I didn’t feel like talking. I was concentrated on how to bring up the story about the envelope.

  He sat down next to me on my bed. “I just came in to let you know… to do your best in high school. I know there might be times when you’re having trouble understanding something…but, it’s totally okay. It’s natural for you to get lost because you’re a learner, Marilyn.” He patted my head gently. “And if there’s anything you want to know…you can always ask.” He said. There was a look on his face that seemed to tell that he was truly worried. He gave me a quick kiss on my forehead then stood up. As he was just on the verge of leaving my room, I called out.

   “Dad…?”

He turned to face me. “Yes sweetie? What’s the matter?”

I hesitated for a second. “Well…there is something bothering me. But, I don’t if you’ll answer me…”

   “I’ll try to give you an answer if I can, dear. So, what is it that’s bothering you? Is it about school?”

   “No, it isn’t dad. It’s about something else…” I bit my lip.

   “So? Will you tell me?”

   I exhaled before I spoke. “Erm…remember how Todd picked up an envelope the other day?” He didn’t say anything and just nodded his head slowly. I twisted the ends of my hair. “Well…I just thought that it was probably…you know…about me?” I felt my heart drumming rapidly in my chest. What will his answer be? Will he answer me…or not?

   “Marilyn…?”

   “Yes, dad…?”

   “This…I can’t tell you. I’m sorry honey.”

   I became silent for a second or two before a tiny, “oh” sounded out of my throat.

   “I’m very sorry. I really wished I could’ve answered you…” he whispered. “I really am…”

   “Well…you could’ve! It’s not like you can’t, right-?”

   “The truth is I can’t, Marilyn.”

   “Why…?”

   “I don’t know. All I know is that, at least not now. Only when the time is right… that’s what it said.”

   “But, when…?” I agitatedly asked.

   Dad gave out a sigh. “Look, I can’t answer to any of your questions. I’m only allowed to do that when the time comes. And that too, I don’t know. That’s all there is to it.” With that he left without another word.

   I can’t believe it! I had brought up the courage to ask him that, and this is the answer I get? When the time comes? Are you even kidding me?  Sometimes being direct wouldn’t give you the answers to your questions. In the midst of anger burning inside me, I was beginning to need something to cool me off, and fast. So, I rose up from my bed and went to splash cold water on my face. I looked at my face in my bathroom mirror and it felt like the world had stopped spinning. My mouth was hanging wide open in shock as I stared down at my reflection.

OH MY GOD, I mouthed.  

   My face was stained with mascara sliding down my cheeks. My eyeliner was encrusted so badly that it made a huge dark circle around my eyes. My lipstick was smudged too, and strangely I somehow had managed to get some of it on my nose as well. Just when I had finished doing my makeup…

   I sighed before rummaging through my makeup purse for the second time, and that’s when I felt my fingers brush against something cold. Peculiarly, I dug it out and held it in the air in front of me. It was a charm bracelet given to me by Mark as a gift on my 15^th birthday last year. I was also told that it was for good luck. I slipped it on my thin wrist, and touched my favourite charm: the four clover leaf. It was small and silver and it shined brilliantly. It matched perfectly on my almost-tan skin. I stood up and went to check my reflection in the mirror for the second time. Today, I had chosen to wear a black hoodie, a pink t-shirt that read Miss Cool Gal, blue skinny jeans and gold Gucci flats that I had bought from The Bay on last spring’s sale, a few months ago. For my jewelry, I picked out a small gold earring and a silver necklace with a charm that had a shape of a heart. Next, I did my makeup. My eyes were lined, like usual, with eyeliner, mascara on my lashes and pink glittery, raspberry scented lip gloss to add a nice touch to my lips. Finally, for the finishing touches I had put my hair up in a low ponytail and a braid decorated elegantly at the side of my head. I looked perfect, as always.

   As I reached to grab my purse, I heard a soft knock on my door.

   “Come in.” I answered. Mom entered my room, closing the door slowly behind her. She turned to face me.

   “You’ve dressed up really good today. Is there a good reason?” Mom smiled as she spoke. She had on a light pink robe that had little images of a teddy bear.

   “Oh…well no reason at all.”I did wear nice clothes but, it’s true that today I looked exceptionally more beautiful than any other day.

   “I see…you have a boyfriend, Marilyn?”

My eyes grew wide for a second at her all-of-a-sudden question. Usually, when you dress up good on an everyday base, it’s for your boyfriend or to attract the guy you’re interested in. for me, it was just a normal thing. Cause I love fashion and perfectness.

   “No mom! Of course not for that! I don’t even have a crush!” I blushed embarrassingly. To say this in front of my mom was totally uncomfortable. I had many people ask me if I did. Which, I actually didn’t know if I did. But, of course I wouldn’t even tell anyone that. So, my answer had always been “no”.

   “You’re telling the truth, are you?”

   “Yes.” I nodded.”Of course...”

    I could see her relax a bit. “Oh thank god! I was about to faint!” then she laughed a little. “Well, you get to school, Marilyn.” she said before leaving.

   That was weird. Why had she asked if I had a boyfriend? It seemed very strange cause from three years being in high school, she’d never asked this till today. I looked at the time on my iPhone. It read 7:55 a.m. that meant if I didn’t hurry up I’ll surely be late for school.

   When I reached the school grounds, the bell hadn’t still rung yet. But, only a few seconds later it did, which saved off a few seconds for me to do any last minute checkups, before I went to class.

   I was standing near my locker when I saw Mark stop in the middle of the hallway. His eyes were slightly wide and his lips formed a small “o”. Then his lips formed a smile and he walked slowly towards me.

   “Hey Marilyn. You look beautiful.” he complimented.

   “Thanks.” I blushed. “Do I always look?”

   Before he can answer my question I heard a female voice call him. I turned to the direction of where it came from. It was Meena Patel. Her long black hair was neatly braided, and her eyes were lined dark with eyeliner. She wore black skinny jeans and a patterned tee. Two thin traditional golden rings lined her thin fingers. She waved at us with a smile on her face. “Hey guys!” she beamed.

   “Meena, you look lovely as usual!” I gave her a quick hug.

   “Thank you! You, too!  You look stunning!”

   I smiled. Meena and I are best friends. There was many times where we’d sit and talk for hours during pajama parties. Then, there’d be Meena’s dad coming in and saying to us “sleep or else the sea witch will punish you!” we’d all just laugh and shoo him away.

   She turned to Mark. “Mark…what do you have first period?”

   “I have…”he held up a finger. “Wait…let me check.”

   “No prob.” Meena brought her braid in front, and checked the tips for any split ends. That’s when I noticed something I hadn’t before. Meena’s cheeks were flushed, and there seemed to be a tiny whisper of a smile lingering there. For some reason, my heart throbbed a tiny bit. And I didn’t know why…

   “So…I’ve got math…first period.” He raised his eyebrows in confusion. “But…why do you ask?”

   Meena’s cheeks were flushed even more. “I…I just had to know…” with that, without even saying “bye” she turned to walk away, her braid swinging behind her wake.      

   The bell had rung and it was time to attend my first period class, science. Mrs. Bones, our science teacher, is probably in her late 20’s. I guessed she is about 28 years old. She is very beautiful. Her blond straight hair was tied up into a messy bun. Her face is lightly tanned and her blue eyes match the colour of the ocean blue. She’s slim and tall but, not too tall either. When she walks, she seems to be walking on air as if she were floating. Good morning everyone!” she smiled at our class.

   “Good morning, Mrs. Bones.” We all said in harmony.

   “Good to hear you’re all excited to learn more!” there were a chorus of moans. “Aw… C’mon! Admit it. You guys love science and just find it really fascinating!” she teased. There were a few whispers like “me too!” and “I love science “before she continued.  “Okay I’ll pass out your worksheets that I’ve corrected from last week.”

   “Mrs. Bones!” a girl called out.

The class turned to the direction the voice had come from. “No calling out in class! Raise your hands.”

   “Sorry Mrs.” She rose her hands in the air.

   “Yes Meena. What is it, dear?”

   “Can I go to my locker, please?” she asked. I could tell her cheeks were a little flushed. “I forgot my binder.”

She probably forgot it on purpose, I thought. And there it was…her excuse to see Mark, but, why?  Have I guessed right?

   “Yes, you may.”

   My mind quickly searched for an excuse as my eyes wandered to Meena who was about to leave. I raised my hand in the air.  “Erm…Mrs. Bones?” I gripped my pencil firmly in my hand.

   “Yes, Marilyn. How can I help you this time? Did you too, forget your binder in your locker?” she looked at me a little cynical.

   “Er…No. I needed to go to the bathroom.” Then I added, “Please?”

She licked her lips. “Okay, just don’t take your time though, because I need to start the class and you’ll then miss out.”

“Mm-hm.” I swiftly, grabbing the hall pass, speed-walked out the classroom and down the hallway. I spotted Meena turn to a corner down the hall and discretely I did the same. She then stopped at a room that read rm216. That was no mistake. This was Mark’s class. What was she doing here? Then taking a deep breath she knocked. The door opened after a minute or two and the teacher-Mrs. Brown- stood there at the class entrance.

   “Yes…Meena? Came to see your-” she didn’t finish her sentence and instead she gave her a wink.

Meena smiled, tossing her braid in front.

   “Wait here okay? I’ll let him know that you wish to speak with him.” she went back into the classroom. Meena poked her head in the classroom for a second before she removed it.

   What was that? She wanted to speak with Mark, about what? Me? Is that it? I slowly took a peek from behind the wall, just in time to see Mark standing there.

   “Mark, can you meet me during lunch today?” she asked. “I really need to discuss something important with you.”

What?

   “Discuss something important?”

   “Yeah, please?”

Please say no!

  “Why? Can’t you just tell me now?” he asked.  “What’s so important?”

   “I can’t tell you now or here. Anybody can hear us!” she looked down the hall, for anyone. Before she would notice me I quickly pulled my head back. “No one should know about this other than us.” she shook her head quickly. “It doesn’t matter…you’ll just have to wait. I’ll tell you everything during lunch, okay?”

Please say no. Please say no-…    

Mark shrugged his shoulders. “Fine... Whatever.”

   During lunch time I looked everywhere for Mark and Meena but, I couldn’t spot them anywhere in the school cafeteria or near the school grounds. The only place they could’ve been to, is the restaurants nearby. Something made me feel both sad and irritated, and I knew absolutely why. Both of my friends were hiding a secret from me, just like my parents were.

   “Humph!” I stormed angrily into the school hallways and turned around a corner bumping into something hard. Or I think someone.

   “Owww!” the voice belonged to a girl.

   “Oh! I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” I rubbed my forehead.

   “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.” She said. It was Christina Sanders, my best friend. “But, that totally hurt. Are you okay?”   

   “Yeah, I’m good.” I smiled. “I just hope I didn’t get any bruise on my forehead.”

“Nope, not a single bruise.” She said reassuringly. She put her dirty blond hair back and squint her blue eyes. “But, you don’t seem okay. I mean…you sort of look like you’re angry.”

   “I do?”

She nodded. “Is there something bothering you?”

   “Wow. You can really tell, eh?” I laughed a little.

   “Yup…I could tell from your expressions. You’re very readable Marilyn.”Then she looked around her. There a bunch of students roaming around the hall. “Let’s go to the bathroom. We could talk there.”

   “Sure.” We entered the girl’s bathroom and to our surprise, there were a few girls with their iPod’s out playing “Sorry” by Justin Beiber. Some were either dancing to it or singing. “I think we should just go someplace else.” I rolled eyes.

   “I mean c’mon! The bathroom isn’t a place where you can just jam in there whenever you like!” She said tossing her hair over her shoulders. I laughed, and did the same, and then doubled in laughter. We walked silently across the pavement to sit on a bench that was placed near the school wall. “So tell me. What’s wrong?”

   I sighed. My family’s been keeping a secret from me lately. They wouldn’t even share. “Actually it’s nothing.”

   “Marilyn…I know it’s not nothing. I could tell!” she grabbed my hands in hers. “Tell me Marilyn.”

I shook my head. “I’m grateful that you’re worried for me but, to be honest it doesn’t make matters any better, or anything. So it’s better for me to just…”

   “But, at least it’ll make you feel better after you’ve spoken to me. Wouldn’t it?” she insisted.

   “It’s true…but, I just can’t say it out loud. I’ve already done that.” I’ve told my secret to Mark and, he’s shut with one, too. 

    I entered into my third period class, after lunch. Right now, I had English class with Mrs. Medley. Her frizzy white-blond hair hung behind her shoulders rather heavily and untidy and, her makeup less face seemed to glow with excitement. Her brown eyes-magnified behind huge black, thick rimmed glasses- searched out the class while she called out our names for attendance.

   “Peterson Molise?” she called.

  “Here, Mrs.” He answered raising his pencil in the air.

  “James Spall?”

   “Here…” he called out.

   “Luigi Amatucci?”

   “Present.” He raised his hand. Everyone snickered. Luigi looked around in confusion and then noticed the look on Mrs. Medley’s face. She shook her head. “Luigi you already had your name called out.”

    “Oh…I” he looked down embarrassed.

   “You’re the Event Planner, right?”

   “Yeah…” Luigi replied.

   “Is there anything happening for Halloween? I suppose it is next week on Friday.”

   “Er…well we’ve decided on having a Halloween Dance Party. But, we’re not sure about the details and the rest.” He said.

   “Ooh a Halloween Dance Party.” She nodded. The rest of the class cheered at the news while some of the students whistled loudly. “Settle down everyone!”

   “She seems to have us look back and forth at them, like as if she was having a private conversation.” I whispered to Christina, who laughed rolling her eyes.

   I shut my locker door and turned around and came face to face with someone I totally didn’t want to neither talk nor see.

Mark Polymor. What was he doing here?

   “Marilyn-“he began, but was abruptly interrupted by Meena. Strangely, I was relieved for the disruption. Good. Escape time.

   I turned on my heel and walked away down the hall and out of the school, my ponytail swinging angrily. I guessed that’s the only thing that let out my anger. That showed it.

Good, I thought.

   That evening I got a message from Mark.

Ding! Ding!

     Mark.P: HEY. WHTZ THE MATTER?! U LOOKED SO MAD! L                                                                  

    WROTE AT 4:50 P.M

I ignored the message and decided to take a shower to get my mind off of things. Half an hour later my phone buzzed again for the second time.

Ding! Ding!   

 Mark.P: CAN U PLZ TELL ME WHY’RE SO MAD?

     WROTE AT 5:20 P.M

Then the messages kept coming.

Ding! Ding!

     Mark.P: R U MAD AT ME?

                    WAT DID I DO? TELL ME

      WROTE AT 5:23 P.M

Ding! Ding!

      Mark.P: OK. I THOT ‘BOUT IT… U MAD

                    CUZ WE COULDN’T TALK?

     WROTE AT 5:24 P.M

Ding! Ding!

      Mark.P: MARILYN U THERE??

     WROTE AT 5:26 P.M

   That was it. There wasn’t another message from Mark. Even though I knew he wasn’t going to text me again, I still had the phone in my hand, for reasons that even I didn’t know myself. I looked at the time on my iPhone’s screen, it read: 5:33p.m. Is he going to text me any minute? Will he? Then I heard my iPhone buzz. I hastily looked at my screen and a tiny gasp escaped my throat.   

     Lovzsweet: WE NEED TO TALK

     WROTE AT 5:55P.M

What?! Meena wanted to talk? Was this got to do with what she and Mark had talked about at lunch? I stood up from my bed and started to pace and suddenly, I paused. Wait…could it be that they texted each other just now? Is that why Mark didn’t text me?  

   I hesitated before typing.

     Live2perfection: WHEN??   

Ding! Ding!

     Lovzsweet: WAT ‘BOUT NOW?

Why now? Was she kidding me? Was it that urgent?

     Live2perfection: Y NOW? CAN’T U JST TXT ME?

Ding! Ding!

     Lovzsweet: I CAN’T. NOT ON PHONE.

My heart raced as I thought about my answer.

     Live2perfection: OK. I’M COMING AT UR PLACE.

                                    I’LL B THERE IN 15 MINS.

Ding! Ding!

     Lovzsweet: CAN’T WAIT!

What? She can’t wait for what? She can’t wait to talk to me about her and Mark? That she needs me to stay away from him?

   I got dressed as quickly as I could, and went down stairs. I was about to wear my shoes, when dad appeared dressed in his grey knitted cardigan. I guessed it was grandma had knitted for him for his Christmas present last year.

   “Hey, dad.” I said trying to put up an innocent smile.

Dad’s eyebrows narrowed and the crease lines appeared in the middle. “Where are you going? Dinner’s ready and it’s-“

   “6:17p.m. I know. I’ve got to meet up with my friend-“

   “Who is it?”

   “Meena…”

   “You can’t take long. “

   “I won’t take long, dad.” I smiled before shutting the door silently behind me. I could still hear mom’s voice carry out.

   I walked on, in the dark night. I could see the stars shine serenely. There really wasn’t anyone out. Many homes had already hung up their decorations for Halloween. We still had to hang our decorations. There was a week left before the Halloween Dance Party. Halloween…maybe Meena wanted to talk about that? That she’s going to be Mark’s date for the Halloween Dance?

   I turned to a corner and walked up to a house that was fully lit up, and rang the doorbell. Footsteps slapped across the floor and stopped in front of the door. A second later the lock was turned and the door was yanked open to reveal an older version of Meena.

   “Hello! Come in! Come in!” she said ushering me inside. “Meena’s waiting in her room.” I guessed that she was her mom.

   “Thank you, Mrs. Patel.” I smiled. I removed my shoes and entered. The house was gigantic. I smelt a mixture of Indian spices in the air. I crept up the stairs and found a room with a sign that read “Meena’s room”. I knocked gently and, after a few seconds I heard a voice yell, “Come in!”

   I opened the door slowly and music blasted loudly over the speakers that were set beside her laptop. I hadn’t heard any music playing when I had knocked on the door. Weird…

   “Hey, Marilyn!” a voice shouted over the loud music. “Come sit down!”

   Meena sat on the floor with a Lays BBQ chips bag opened up and settled on the middle of the rug. There was a huge pot with butter flavored popcorn, cans of sprite and coco cola which sat on a tray. “Hi.” I said as I sat down, carefully tucking my skirt behind me.

   “Hey.” I heard another voice now. I turned to the voice and gasped.

   “Mark?” He was there, too? So were Christina Sanders, Luigi Amatucci and James Brooke. Why was everyone here if she wanted to talk to me?

   “I thought you wanted to talk to me?” I shouted. The next song that now played was “Work” by Rihanna.

   “I didn’t want to spoil my plan, I mean my secret!”

What secret? Did she want to announce about her and Mark in front of us all but, not just me? Did she plan to throw me off in front of them?

   “Does anyone want cake?” Meena asked as she sliced a vanilla cake.

   “Yeah, I’d like a slice.” James spoke.

   “I want cake, too.” I heard Mark say.

Wait a minute. There’s cake, too? Does that mean she’s celebrating their now “boyfriend and girlfriend” thing?!  I glanced at Mark as he took the cake slice from Meena, and as he quickly gave her a wink. Meena punched his shoulder giggling slightly. Wow. Now were they really flirting? This was getting on my nerves. Without thinking twice I blurted out, “I had enough. I’m leaving!”

   “What?” I heard Meena say.

   “Marilyn?” Mark asked confused.

   Before I knew it tears had happened to roll out of my eyes and I happened to be looking angrily at Mark and Meena. They both stared back at me confused. I stormed out of her room not bothering to say ‘good bye’. I stormed out into the cold, dark night. The cool breeze swept through my hair and it felt chilly on my wet cheeks.

   Meena didn’t want to talk. She wanted to make a fool out of me. She did this on purpose, just so that I could get jealous of her and, to let me know that Mark is hers now. I and Mark are just friends. Nothing more….

   I know it’s true but, just hearing me say this hurt me so much that even more tears had begun to spill down my cheeks. I didn’t know then…but, I know now.

   I’m in love with Mark Polymor…