Dark secrets tear apart the soul

Arya:

It had been about a week since I got my voice back.

It was difficult at first, talking about what happened and trying hard to not flinch at every loud noise or hug.

Issac suggested that I go to a therapist, but I declined the offer. While I knew that therapy helps many people, I personally did not feel comfortable opening up to a stranger. It gave them too much power. Instead, I chose to slowly unburden myself by writing in a diary. The others didn't know I had it and I burned it the second I finished writing in it.

That lead to a very awkward conversation after the smoke set off the fire alarm.

Surprisingly, Sparklemuffin had really helped. When I felt down, he would gently nudge me and allow me to hug his furry neck. Issac finally caved and allowed Sparklemuffin to stay inside.

Today, we had made a plan to go to the beach. It would be our first outing in quite some time and the boys had managed to get a day off from their work. We'd invited Wyatt and Renée, but the former didn't pick up our calls and Rey was unable to get off her shift.

As I was haphazardly shoving an extra book in my bag, a knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Cheekbones!" I greeted with a wide smile.

"Greenie!" He responded in the same tone, striding forward and giving me a quick embrace, "How you feeling?"

"Could be better, could be worse." I answered with a tight smile, "how's life treating you?"

"Alright... signed a deal with another company a few days ago."

"Hey!" I punched his arm lightly, "Way to go! That's like the fifth deal this week."

"Thanks." He chuckled bitterly, "Yeah we both know I didn't come here to tell you about my deal."

"A girl can hope." I sighed, flopping on my bed.

"Arya, you gotta tell the boys... I mean, after what you said about your last report-"

"I know." I said sharply, "Lucas, I know. Please don't- please don't make me repeat it."

He quietly sat next to me and took a deep breath. "How long?"

"Months at best. A few weeks at worst." I exhaled deeply. "I'll tell them soon."

"When? After they come home one day and find your body?" He growled. "That will destroy them."

I flinched. "Don't say that."

"I have to, Arya!" He exclaimed, then lowered his voice. "I wanted to tell them years ago... but you made me promise not to! Back then- back then we had a chance. Now..." Tears filled his eyes.

"Hey... Cheekbones..." I wrapped my arms around his neck. "It's okay-"

"No it's not." He sobbed, "You're dying Arya, and it kills me that I can't do anything about it."

I drew back and paused. "Would it be inappropriate of me if I made a joke right now?"

"You're impossible!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" I said, but I could see a tiny smile lift his lips. "Okay... tell you what... I'll- I'll tell them when we come back from the trip."

"You promise?"

"I promise." I smiled.

X

We parked our car and walked to the beach. It was a gorgeous day- all blue skies, no clouds and smiles all around. Naturally, that meant the beach was so packed we could barely find a spot.

"Hey guys!" Caleb beamed, hands on his hips, "What did one ocean say to the other?"

"I swear, Caleb," Nick glared, "if you make one more ocean pun, I will throw you in the sea and tell everyone you died in a shark attack."

"....Well someone's salty."

It took all of us to restrain Nick following through with his threat.

Finally, we set up our spot and I tasked myself with guarding it.

"Are you sure?" Kit asked worriedly. "We're probably gonna go in the water and play a few games."

"I have a book."

"You won't get bored?"

"I have a book."

"You sure you'll be okay?"

"I have a book!"

"What if you finish it?"

I waved my second book.

"Come on, Chris!" Caleb sighed, slinging an arm around Kit's shoulder, "Let's go! I wanna play and sing 'Under the Sea'!"

Nick stared at him. "Sometimes I really wonder if you were switched at the hospital."

I leaned back and sighed, feeling joy spread through my body as I cracked open my book and read the first sentence.

I didn't make it any further when a loud 'ahem!' demanded my attention. I ignored the cough and carried on.

"Excuse me?"

Nope.

"Hi? Uh... Girl reading the book? Hi?"

Please don't.

"Excuse me, can I-"

"Buddy, when my book is open, your mouth should be closed." I snapped, finally glancing over. The boy interrupting my reading was tall with unmemorable features and an arrogance that told me he believed himself to be God's gift to womankind.

"Hey I finally got your attention!" He said with a sleazy grin. I gagged internally. "I saw you reading and I just wanted to say that you look really, really hot."

"Thanks." I mumbled, going back to my book. But then it became clear that he had more to say.

"I mean that's how you really fill a T-shirt y'know?" He whistled lowly and revulsion seeped through my bones.

"Leave me alone." I growled, scanning the beach for the boys. But they were too far away to notice me.

He looked angry. "C'mon sweetie, I just complimented you. I didn't do anything wrong! You should return the favour."

"Hey! Sleaze-ball!" A woman called out, crossing her arms, "Leave her alone. She didn't ask for your attention and she owes you nothing."

Sleaze-ball turned to her and disgust spread across his expression. "Stay outta it. You're just  jealous 'cause no guy would wanna be with you. You know why? 'Cause you're an ugly, fat troll."

I fumed and opened my mouth to reply, but the woman coolly raised an eyebrow and chuckled darkly.

"So what? So what if I maybe need to lose a few pounds? It literally does not matter. You were harassing her and acted like a real idiot right now. So I suggest you get lost before I call the police."

Sleazy towered over her. "And if I don't go?" He grabbed her arm.

"Hold up." The woman raised her voice. "Can everyone see this man's arm on me? Yes? Okay good. What I do next is purely in self defence." She kneed him harshly in between the legs.

Several people 'oohed' and winced in sympathy as Sleazebag staggered off, tail between this legs and pride severely diminished.

I thanked the woman, but she looked quite familiar so I awkwardly asked her which university she studied in. To our surprise, we found out we studied in the same university and were even in the same classes.

"I'm Amara," she introduced.

"Arya." I grinned and shook her hand. We chatted for a bit, realising we had a lot in common and exchanged numbers.

By this point, the boys had joined us.

"Hey Ree," Nick greeted, then narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Amara, "who's this?"

"This is my friend from university, Amara. We bumped into each other and started talking." I decided not to mention Sleazy- I knew the boys would blame themselves for not being there. One little white lie can't hurt, right?

"Nice to meet you." Caleb smiled and turned to me, "Wanna go for a swim?"

I hesitated. I was wearing a swimsuit underneath, but my scars still hasn't completely healed. But I looked at Amara and thought about how she stood up to the Sleaze-bag.

"Sure," I smiled and looked at Amara, "wanna join us?"

End of chapter 20.

Next chapter will include a lot of drama!

Qotc:

1. Thoughts on Amara?

2. Think Arya will be able to tell the boys about her sickness?

3. What's your favourite book? (Either on or off Wattpad)

I hope you guys liked it!

Stay safe and thanks for reading :)