Fourteen

Austin and I head back to his car, both extremely satisfied with how the day went. I felt like I could fly off the ground at any moment in pure happiness.

We drive back home, continuing to make jokes and fun conversation. If I knew that this is what an amazing first date was supposed to be like, I wouldn't have even said my date with Sammy was good. It was subpar compared to this. The connection we have with each other and pure chemistry, despite nervousness, made everything just so perfect. I'm damn lucky.

The two of us pull back into his driveway and hop out of the car.

"This may have been the best day I've ever had. Thank you Aus," I say, trying to express as much gratitude without showing visible affection in front of our houses.

Right away, before I even have the chance to head back nextdoor, Tristan comes bolting out.

"Hey guys, what are you up to?" he asks, trying to act chill, but clearly having a different intent.

"We were hanging out with Marie and Sammy," I lie. Austin makes a fleeting gesture with his hand, letting me know he's just going to tell his brother.

Austin pulls Tristan off to the side and talks to him. Instantly, Tristan walks back.

"I knew it!"

Austin rolls his eyes. I laugh.

"He was onto us yesterday," I mention. He nods, seeming a little too proud.

"I know how you guys act, y'all were being weird," he says confidently.

"It helps that you already knew I liked him, to be fair," Austin says, rolling his eyes.

Tristan may be a jock, but at least he's accepting of his brother's sexuality. He doesn't fit that stereotype.

"Tristan, you can't tell anyone. Neither of us want to be out yet," I tell him firmly.

"I know, I know. Your secret is safe with me," he says, extremely confident.

"Dude, you're probably the worst at keeping secrets out of anyone I know," Austin says, concerned.

"I didn't tell anyone you were gay, now did I?" he replies, trying to prove himself.

"No, but you've told every other embarrassing secret to all of our friends at one point or another. It's like you'll explode if you don't tell someone," Austin lectures.

Tristan shakes his head. "Trust me, I won't tell a soul."

"Oh my god, I can't believe you two are dating!" Jade scream-whispers to Austin and I. My face goes flush and I notice that Austin is in shock.

"Tristan?" he asks, horrified.

"Yep, he said he was going to die if he didn't tell someone," Jade says.

"Literally said that yesterday," Austin grumbles.

"I'm so excited for you guys! I would've had no idea, but you're super cute together!" she gushes.

"Listen, Jade. It's fine that you know, we know you support us. But you can't tell anyone. I literally mean anyone. Especially not Sammy or Marie," I tell her, as directly as possible.

"As excited as I am, I'm not going to. I don't suck at keeping secrets as much as some people," she smirks.

"Well, okay. Thanks," I say, still somewhat skeptical.

She notices my doubts and furrows her eyebrows. "You don't trust me, do you?"

I stare at the ground awkwardly. "It's not that I don't trust you, but I don't trust you," I tell her. Austin smirks.

"I'm so good at keeping secrets, just watch!" she says, extremely determined.

I give Austin a glance of distrust, but shrug and end up heading to class anyway.

The whole time, I find myself making scenarios in my head of every single thing that could go wrong today. If I know anything about Jade, it's that she loves talking.

I sit through history, followed by chemistry. As per usual, at least lately, I don't pay much attention to class at all. I spend my time waiting for my study hall that I share with Jade, to keep a close eye on her.

I walk into the classroom, taking my regular seat. Before I can blink, I get a text from Marie.

"Oh my god! You and Austin??"

Both rage and fear bubble up inside me. This is spreading way too fast, I'm going to die.

Jade enters the room, seeming chipper. Taking her seat next to me, I whisper, "Didn't I tell you to not talk to Marie about it?"

"Okay, listen. It wasn't my fault," she says, putting her bag down.

"Then whose fault was it?" I seethe quietly.

She grimaces a little.

"Marie wouldn't leave me alone! She knew I was acting weird," she defends herself.

"Jade..." I grumble, putting my head in my hand.

"It's okay though! She said she wouldn't tell anyone, not even Sammy!" she insists.

I take my head out of my hand and look at her. "Out of all three of you that know, Marie is probably the biggest gossip. You think she'll hold onto something that sacred?"

She quiets herself, knowing what's going to unfold.

"Sorry?" she says, cringing.

I stare into space, thinking about how bad things are about to be. Both Austin and I lying to Sammy to protect ourselves without any regard for her feelings is not a good look.

"Dylan, is everything okay?" Jade asks.

I feign a nod, not answering.

My last class of the day, of course, is with Sammy.

I head to English. Dreading everything.

But, to my surprise, Sammy looks happy, both to see me and in general.

"Hey! What's up dude?" she asks, feeling chipper.

"Oh, hey! I'm good," I tell her, feeling a lot more relaxed.

"I learned something really exciting today!" she grins.

"Oh, you think it's exciting? I'm glad to hear. I was worried to tell you," I say, scratching my head.

She furrows her eyebrows. "Wait, what? I'm excited because my parents adopted a cat today. What do you mean you were worried to tell me?" she asks, confused.

My face goes flush. Before I can say anything to defend myself or lie, she looks down at her phone, reading something.

She looks up at me, face shifting to a frown.

Sammy gets up and leaves, trying to play it cool but clearly not doing well.

I should've just told her myself.