Keep it Secret (5 page)

“Declan, how you've grown.
You’re so handsome. You must have a trolley of girls waiting on
your beck and call.” Aunt Rose coos at Declan. Declan is truly
handsome. He stands at five feet ten inches, messy dirty blonde
hair and soft brown eyes with a squared chiseled jaw like my
fathers. I always tell him he looks like a well-kept surfer, minus
the tan.

“That’s absurd,” mother
interrupts, “he’s too busy with his internship to be worried about
fast girls.” Declan looks over at Daddy. Dad he gives him the same
look he gave me earlier.

Good God, this woman was
going to drive us all mad.

Ava

“So, Ava, are you excited to
start a new school? Start
doing
new things?” Declan asked taking a bite of his
dinner roll. I knew exactly what he was insinuating. A few months
ago I slept with his roommates. They like to give him shit about
it. It didn’t go over well between Declan and I when he found out.
He sat me down for a “lecture,” Declan’s sermon consisted of;
roommates with big mouths, possibility of me getting infected with
something or getting pregnant and or gaining a bad reputation.
Blah, blah, blah. Talk about pot calling the kettle black.
Hypocrite
. Oh, but it’s
all right if he does it because he’s a guy. What steaming load of
bullshit.

Acting coy, I replied, “you
know me, D. Always up for
doing
bigger and better things.” I elongate the word
doing as he shook his head and chuckled. I winked at him, not
missing the glare coming from Aunt Cynthia, clearly directed at
me.

“Luckily, a couple of
buddies of mine are having a ‘end of the summer party’ tonight, you
want to come?” Declan asked looking at me with a deviling grin,
always the shit-stir that one. Even though he was a little pissed
at me for sleeping with his roommates I was still the best wing
man-woman he’s ever had. I was great at hooking him up with the
hottest girls. It’s a gift really.

“Fu—. I mean, yes of course.
Can Vanessa come too?” I asked Aunt Cynthia, ignoring the way she
kept looking at me.

Bitch
.

Vanessa's eyes light of with
hope. “I don’t think so, Ava. Vanessa has an early productive day
tomorrow, maybe next time.” Cynthia spoke with a drop of venom in
her voice. God, she’s such a control freak, she loves having
control over Vanessa. Knowing Billy, he wouldn’t stand up to her.
She has his balls in an iron grip too.

“Then, I’ll stay home too.”
I said smiling at Vanessa. Declan perked up from his chair with
confusion. Don’t get me wrong I love Declan but if it was between
him or Van. I’d choose her. The only reason I’ve seen Declan and
not Vanessa since my father’s death was because hanging out with
Declan promised alcohol. Being around Vanessa felt like a tug and
pull between my love for her and dislike for her parents. Still I
enjoyed being around her more.

“No!” Vanessa said with
force. “Go and meet people. Maybe kids from our school will show
up, it’s a college party but you never know plus it’s a good way
for you to make some friends.” I hated leaving her here bored while
Declan and I went to a party. The thought of her sitting here in
her ivory tower all alone while her brother was able to enjoy his
life pissed me off something fierce. It was harshly
unfair.

“Are you sure?” I asked
trying to decipher whether she was being sincere or
polite.

“Absolutely.” She replied
wholeheartedly. “Come on. I'll help you get ready. May we be
excused?” She asked. Cynthia hesitantly nodded yes.

We rushed up stairs heading
straight to my room. Van shut the door behind her as I walked to
the walk-in closet. She sat on the corner of my bed making herself
comfortable.

“So, what are you planning
on wearing?” Vanessa asked waiting patiently.

“Um, skinny jeans, pumps and
a shirt?”

“Yeah, that sounds good.”
She agreed.

In the closet I picked up my
black ‘come fuck me’ heels, dark denim skinny jeans and a black
fitted V cut-bosom-endorsing t-shirt. There’s nothing wrong with
showing off a little cleavage I always say. Laying the articles of
clothing on the bed I stepped into our adjoining bathroom to apply
my make up, choosing a black smoky eye and nude colored lips.
Heading back into the bedroom Vanessa's eyes widen in surprise.
“Wow.” She whispered.

“What?” I asked. “Do I have
something on my face?” My hand brushed my cheeks
self-consciously.

“No! You just look…not
eighteen.” She responded. I chuckled at her answer as I start
dressing myself careful not to ruin my makeup. Being naked in front
of people had never bothered me. I feel entirely comfortable with
my outer-self it’s my inner-self that sucks. I hate strutting that
around.

“You have tattoos.” Vanessa
tilted her head observing my skin.

“Yup, three, so
far.”

I started getting tattoos
when I was around sixteen. My first one was the most painful; it
spreads down my entire left side. The three dimensional design was
drawn out to look like a piece of my skin was torn off, because
really, a big part of me was missing. The ink was drawn directly on
my ribs depicting my bones and inside organs including shreds of
skin hanging off my side. The tattoo is extremely intricate and
beautifully detailed. It’s pretty gruesome but still beautiful. The
second tattoo is a black wilted single rose with falling petals
laid slanted on my left shoulder, third and final is on my lower
neck, it’s the Roman numeral for thirty-eight (XXXVIII); That’s how
old he was when he died.

“Back again for more
pain?”

“Yeah, this time I want a
roman numeral on my neck, straight across.”

“Now, will this be your
last tattoo?”

“Probably, not.”

“You know, a girl covered
in tattoos is very unattractive.”

“Says the man that tattoos
for a living.”

“Hey, I’m just letting you
know how guys think. Too many tattoos will land you with the wrong
type of guy. I’m just looking out for ya, jail bait.”

“Just stick to what you
know, Hector and I’ll stick to what I know. I can take care of
myself.”

“All right, don't say I
didn't warn you. What number you want?”

“Thirty-eight.”

“Thirty-eight? What does
that stand for?”

“Fuck, you're nosey today.
Just tattoo my God damn neck!”

“Damn, chillax baby. Come
on, let Hector take care of you. What type of payment we dealing
with this time?”

“Cash.”

“Fuck, that’s a
shame.”

“Ava?” Vanessa asked a bit
puzzled tearing me away from my thoughts.

“Yeah?” I responded clearing
my throat.

“Aren’t you going to put
panties on?”

I smile brazenly. “Fuck no.
It gets in the way.”

“Gets in the way…of what?”
She asked with an uncertain voice, like she knew why but couldn't
possibly fathom the idea I’d not wear panties for easier access.
Before I could answer there was a knock at the door, “Come in” I
call as I finished slipping my heels on.

“Ready to go?” Declan asked
leaning against the doorframe.

“Yup. Let’s go.” I hugged
Vanessa goodbye kiss her on the head before leaving the room. I’m
surprised to see Rose standing outside the den like she was seeing
me off. I quickly nod goodbye, she smiles warily but knew better to
say anything parental like. Outside, I noticed Declan’s SUV parked
next to my baby. I blew a kiss in his direction before getting
inside Declan’s car.

“Who are you blowing kisses
too?” Declan asked looking at me like I’m crazy.

“My baby,” I said
matter-of-factly pointing to my truck.

“You and that truck, I swear.”
He laughed. What? I
love
my Titan.

“Hey! It’s the
only
good thing that’s
come out of my father’s death.” Declan instantly stills in
awkwardness before climbing into his SUV. I ignore his discomfort
continuing our talk about cars. “This is a nice ride, D.” I buckle
the seat belt admiring his new black Mercedes-Benz
G-Class.

“Thanks, birthday present
from mommy dearest.”

I grunt. But of course it
is, love wouldn’t be love to Cynthia Saint John if it weren’t
materialistic.

“Can I ask you something?”
He asked pulling out of the dark driveway onto the main
road.

“If you must.”

“Are things better between
you and Aunt Rose?”

“Oh, it’s fuck-tastic! We do
each other’s toenails and sing to the Sound of Music on a daily
basis. I even shit rainbows.” Clearly, I was being sarcastic with a
touch of bitch.

“Damn! Chill, I was just
asking and it’s fan-fucking-tastic, by the way. Have I taught you
nothing?” He smiled at me sideways.

“You know. I wouldn’t have
told you anything if I knew you were going to bring it up.” I
sighed in frustration directing my attention to the night
sky.
The stars were so clear up
here
.

“Like you had a choice Ava,
you were so damn drunk. You spilled your guts...before you
literally…spilled your guts.” He laughed remembering that night. I
rolled my eyes at him. “Hardy. Har Har. I’d rather not talk about
that night, all right? By the way, how are Eric and Jordan?” I
asked knowing it would make him mad and stop asking me questions
about my relationship with Rose.

Five months
ago...

I found myself in rare form
that night. Declan, had invited me over to his apartment for a
small party as soon as I arrived D, was handing me shots of tequila
and jagerbombs. Lucky, for him I was in the mood to party hard and
have a good time. I grabbed a few girls and started doing body
shots off of them, once I could sense which one was the sluttiest,
I handed her over to Declan. Soon after he took her into his room I
was bombarded with pick up lines from every single guy in the room.
The one that stood out the most was Eric, one of Declan’s
roommates. Eric was cute and charming, typical rich pretty boy. One
who thought was the next master of the universe, who would brag to
his friends about how he screwed his roommates hot cousin for weeks
to come. After I was done with him, it was pretty early in the
morning and I was still very drunk. Declan, was sitting alone in
the living room playing his game console, I guess he’d sobered up
by then. I vaguely remember how the conversation started but I
vividly remember how it ended, me, throwing up on his bathroom
floor. I wasn't fast enough to make it to the toilet. Three weeks
later, Eric had invited me to another party but I ended up leaving
with Jordan, the other roommate. Well, technically, I didn't leave
the party. We just took our two-person shindig outside where he
took me up against the side of the house. Word of advice, never mix
tequila and jagerbombs. The aftermath is disgusting.

“Deflect much?” He replied
annoyed I’d ask about his roommates. Serves him right for being so
God damn nosey.

“Yup! Just don’t say
anything to Vanessa.” I rushed to say. I knew he knew I wasn’t
talking about the roommate situation.

“Yes, I know Ava, but if you
ask me she needs to grow up sooner or later. The faster she learns
our parents suck at life, the better.” I just shook my head. Isn’t
he meant to protect his little sister? Why would he purposely tell
her something that would break her heart? Some kind of big brother
he was.

After driving for about
fifteen minutes we arrived at the party. There were cars parked all
over the enormous stoned driveway spilling out past the gate.
Declan found a spot a block away from the house, he said we would
have to walk a little but when it was time to go it would be easier
to leave. Nearing house...err...mansion the music began to get
louder I noticed the front door was left wide open inviting anyone
to enter. Declan ushered me inside the place was packed with
bodies. It reeked of beer, pheromones and pine trees, only in
Vail.

Immediately, after passing
the threshold I heard girls calling for Declan as if he was some
sort of celebrity. I guess he won’t need my assistance tonight. I
snorted in amusement looking at him getting pulled in different
directions by different girls. He looked over at me with pleading
eyes.

“Go. Do your thing!” I
yelled over the loud music, “I'll be okay!”

“You sure?” He asked. “Go!”
I ordered.

“Cool, text me when you're
ready to leave, okay?” I nodded yes smiling at the thought that
maybe tonight he’d get that threesome he’s always wanted.
Manwhore
.

Walking further into the
monster of a house my eyes scan around the room looking for the
alcohol. Like, some holy revelation the clouds part and a beautiful
light shone on the keg.
Thank you alcohol
gods
. I grabbed the hose pumping some beer
into a red plastic cup just as the music changed from a Lady Gaga
song to Chingy’s
Right Thurr.
Without any care my hips take charge leading me
to the empty space cleared for dancing. These college kids don’t
know how to party. I dance alone not giving a damn what these
people think, this is my jam and damn it I will dance to it! I
swiveled my hips taking the occasional dip with one hand in the air
and the other holding my almost empty cup. Deep into the song I
almost didn’t notice when a body presses behind me. Turning around,
eager to tell this fool to back up, I realize it’s a very pretty
blonde girl. She was a couple of inches shorter than me, big
dazzling apple green eyes with a cute petite athletic body. Her
curly bright blonde hair is braided to the side making her look
like a fairy tale princess. It’s surprising she looks so innocent
but contrary to her appearance, she’s ready to do some dirty
dancing with another girl.
This chick
can’t be serious
. Calling her bluff I
start grinding against her she steps in closer gripping my hips she
begins to dance on me, moving her hips slowly, lowering herself
then moving back up just as slow. She was my type of girl, this
obviously gets the attention of all the guys in the room as the
song comes to an end I wink at her.