Keep it Secret Read Online Free PDF

participating in ‘enriching’ activities during the
weekend; piano lessons, Pilates, Spanish lessons, violin practice
and tutoring the list was endless. I used to get invited to parties
all the time but the kids at school quickly gave up after my
constant I cant’s
    “You’ve…never been to a
party?” Ava asked her forehead wrinkled in confusion.
    “The last time I went to one
was Katy Alexander’s twelfth birthday party. I bumped the cake
table.”
    “Oh my God, did it fall to
the ground?” Ava snorted half chuckled.
    “It’s not funny, Ava. No one
could have cake. She’s hated me ever since.” The cake was a giant
pile of pink and purple. Plastic Hannah Montana drowned in a sea of
frosting. It was tragic.
    “Oh, damn I remember that.
Cynthia called Rose that day she was mortified, thought her place
in the ‘inner circle’ would be ruined.” Yeah, that sounds like
mother all right.
    “Okay, so no parties.
Boyfriend?”
    I looked down kneading my
fingers together feeling the embarrassment creep from my toes to my
face.
    “You do!” It wasn’t a
question Ava was intrigued. This was not good. She crossed her legs
patting the bed calling me to sit. Plopping down, I was having a
hard time looking her in the eyes. I felt like such an
idiot.
    “No, he’s not my boyfriend.
Just a guy I’ve been crushing on forever. He’s the wrestling and
swim team captain this year. He’s gorgeous and basically out of my
league.” I’m completely mortified. Ava had a way of reeling
information from me without even trying. It’s her stare. That’s
what it is.
    “You’re shitting me right?”
Her eyebrow arched freakishly high.
    “What?”
    “Vanessa, you’re
beautiful.”
    “No, you are. I’m just okay
looking.” I said looking her straight in the eye. I’m not ashamed
of my looks I know I’m nothing special. Mother has made that very
clear.
    Ava snorted. “Do you not own
any mirrors?” There went that eyebrow again.
    “Ava, come on, you’ve always
been the one who’s gotten the attention—”
    “Because.” She cut me off.
“I’m loud and obnoxious. I make it difficult for people to ignore
me. You're crazy to think your ‘okay looking’. Hash tag
don’t-be-an-idiot.” I laughed it felt like old times. Man, did I
miss her.
    “I’m so glad you’re here
Ava, I really missed you.”
    “I missed you too, Van.” She
said with a tight but sincere smile.

    After helping Aunt Rose and
Ava unpack and get settled, we were called down for an early
dinner.
    “When will Declan be
arriving?” Aunt Rose asked mother while she sat down at the dinner
table.
    “He should be here any
minute. He's been so busy with his internship this summer. He
hardly has time to come see us.” mother replied reaching over for
her wine glass taking a rather large sip.
    “Dolores, darling, can you
go upstairs and tell Ms. Ava dinner is ready.” She orders. Dolores
was our housekeeper and cook, amongst other things.
    “Sure, Mrs. Saint John.”
Dolores responded with her thick accent. I innocently teased her
about it all the time. I thought it was adorable. I’d make her
repeat different words just to hear her say them. She thought it
was strange.
    “Mother, I could have gone.
Ava is probably getting out of the shower.” I said trying to cover
my annoyance with concern.
    “Nonsense, Vanessa, just fix
yourself a plate, here, have some salad.” She shooed with her hand
towards the salad bowl. Glancing at Daddy he gives me the ‘you know
how your mother is, just do as she says’ look I smiled at her
demand. Silently sighing to myself I do as I am told.
    Of, course . Just as I was prepared to do as mother said the front door
opens. The robotic voice from the alarm system calls: FRONT DOOR
OPEN. Declan’s home! I hurry out of my seat to the foyer just in
time to see Declan setting down his overnight bag.
    “Declan!” I screeched jumping
into his surprised arms. Declan and I weren’t the closest of
siblings, but he