s e c r e t  b o y f r i e n d
COVEY'S POV:

Conrad dropped me off before the start of his lecture today, so I stop by my dorm that is my dorm but isn't really my dorm because I'm never there. I've considered moving in with Conrad. In fact, I thought about it all week. Like when he thinks I'm sleeping as he plays with my hair, during all my different lectures, as we do the dino chicken nugget tango.

But I'm scared. And maybe he doesn't see the consequences of us moving in together, but I do.

My parents knew they were going to have a kid. Obviously, I mean, why else did my mom carry me in her tummy for nine months? But, even though they knew they were going to have a child, that didn't necessarily prepare them for what came after. After the happy smiles. After the baby pictures. After the attention they received from relatives of having a newborn child. They didn't prepare for the stinky diapers, the debt, or the family responsibilities. They didn't want me after that. I was a burden.

Likewise, Conrad has only known me for two months. And we've done a lot of things in those two months. And you also can't put a number on how long it takes to fall in love with somebody. But our love is not normal. It's different and unique and shouldn't have ever happened. But it did, and I don't regret it. Still, because Conrad doesn't know if he can handle me twenty-four hours for seven days a week—all the time—I'm scared he'll get sick or bored of me too. Just like my parents did.

I open the door to my dorm and immediately roll my eyes when Kayley turns to look at me. "Hi," I say in monotone before walking to my bed.

"Hey," she says, giving me a once over. She quirks her face up with a smirk. "You're walking funny, who's the guy?"

I stop in my tracks and widen my eyes. "Who said there was a guy? And why would I ever tell you?"

She scoffs, crossing her arms. Then she gives me a smile that actually looks genuine. "I was with Venice last night so I know it's not him, and therefore I'm open to knowing." Kayley shrugs, tilting her head. "And you're never here anymore. So... who's the guy?"

"I never said there was a guy," I remind her, my face feeling hot.

She points a finger at me, snapping. "No, but your defensiveness says there is."

Dang you, Covey.

"So, a secret boyfriend?" she interrogates even more. "That's interesting. Is he hot?"

I think hot is an understatement. Conrad Monroe sets the new standard for hot, attractive, and godly.

"Better than Venice," I grumble, laying down on my bed, face up towards the ceiling.

Kayley lets out a girlish shriek, throwing a pillow at me. "Nu-uh, no way. Really?"

"Positive. He's way better looking than a college dude," I say, a smile finding its way to my face. I can talk about this, right? ...right? 

"What's his name?" she asks, leaning on her elbows on her bed. 

I stall at this question, shaking my head. "Nobody you need to worry about."

"Covey, don't leave me hanging," she teases, trying to act like we're all buddy-buddy and girlfriends. "Is he older?"

"Mature," I say, sitting up straight. "He's mature, in more ways than one." If you know what I mean?

She looks proud almost, clicking her teeth. "Get that vitamin D, sis." 

I get my dino chicken nuggets, that's for sure. That's besides the point.

"Since when were you so nice to me?" I ask, furrowing my eyebrows together. "I thought you had a problem with me."

"Yeah, well I haven't had to see you around Venice and suffer silently," she shrugs, nonchalantly. "I told you before, he's mine. We've been on and off for forever, but as toxic as it sounds, we're just a package. You know, never one without the other?"

"But you saw him kiss me," I say, cringing. He kissed me. "You looked like you wanted to take a knife to my throat."

"I did," she deadpans, clenching her jaw. "But he told me why he did it. That professor or something?" Then she adds, "And then I got laid afterwards, so it's fine. Sometimes you have to pick your battles, and apparently you're not one to fight anymore."

"I'm not?" Good grief. "And why not anymore? I wasn't ever one to begin with."

"Venice and I are back together, at least for a couple months and then we'll see how things go. I'm happy with that." Kayley gives me a wicked grin, happy and mischievous all at once. "When him and I are back on, he's very loyal. Try not to get in the way?"

I raise my hands in surrender. "I didn't want anything to do with him in the first place."

She nods her head at my statement, taking a step back in a sense. "You should come to the party at West's house tonight after the game, yeah? And you can bring your boyfriend or whatever?"

I purse my lips in a fine line, offering an apologetic smile. "I have plans."

"Please?" she pouts. No. I have Conrad. "Your plans can come." Kayley winks. He really can't.

"Secret boyfriend," I remind her, getting up from my bed. "Another time?"

She nods. "Sure. You know, I hope we can be friends. I started this off on the wrong foot, and I'd like a second chance." But I have trust issues, oh what the dinos.

******

Halfway into Conrad's lecture, he hits us with a question; "What in literature is important to you?"

A lot of things. Character development. Strong female leads. Non-toxic relationships. Communication. Sweet moments. Romance. Suspense. Plot twists. Hidden pasts. Tragedy. Real life scenarios. 

"Yes, Miss Lee?" he says, calling on Margot. Great. I thought she was gone.

"I like the falling action of the plot," she says, shrugging. "I feel like that's the hardest part to write and is the part that ties everything together. It's what brings forth closure." Getting all smart now, aren't we, Margot?

Conrad nods appreciatively. "Very true. It is indeed very hard to tie all the knots of the story in just a few chapters. Anyone else?"

I raise my hand. "I think the little details, such as dialogue tags and small interactions with characters are what matter the most."

"And why is that?" Conrad asks, inquisitive and solely attentive to me. 

"It's what builds character. Little things in life that we notice but never say. That's what builds character, that's what defines us as human beings. The quirks and preferences of an individual. That's what adds depth to someone and, as a writer, is what can separate your work from the rest."

That's what makes me... me. My quirks and funny attributes. Sue me. I'm a legend.

"Correct," Conrad says, giving me a proud look with his eyes. "Very valid statement. And that is why I asked this question. Because while we cannot go over every book that you guys rewrote a scene to, there was a meaning behind why you wrote it. Why you chose that scene, that part to rewrite. After all, they are still the same characters and still the same people. But changing and twisting the plot to fit your wants and desires and thoughts is what I wanted you all to think about.

"Because as the author, you write the story. You determine their fate."

Let's hope the author of our story determines the right one, Coco Puff.

******
AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Short and sort of crappy chapter, but should we give Kayley a second chance? I think Covey needs a girlfriend to connect and talk about these kind of things with. Hopefully it doesn't get too complicated with #VENLEY together ;-;

ALSO, the next chapter will be a lot better lol.
CHAPTER NAME SNEAK PEAK: LITTLE INFINITY

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