Our Little Secret

Sam and Carter walked down the hallway after 4th hour let out. As they walked to Sam's locker they saw an endless line of posters asking if anyone has seen Cinderella. Sam became more and more uncomfortable as the day dragged on. "Carter, I don't know what I'm going to do. I really don't wanna run away, but how would I tell him?" Carter went blank.

"I don't know, Sam. I just can't believe how Shelby reacted when I told her. I mean, who does she think she is?" Sam shook her head.

"I tried to warn you about her but you didn't listen. I'm glad you came around, though." They finally reached her locker and continued talking. "So, are you going to need a ride after school or is your dad coming in his rent a car?" Carter sighed.

"I believe he is going to come get me and scream at me some more. I got chores everyday after school and on the weekends too," he said while dreading it. "Well, Sam, I better get to my drama class I get to do a kissing scene with Astrid. I can't wait! See ya." Sam couldn't help but giggle.

"Okay, see ya." Before he walked away he gave Sam one last piece of advice.

"Remember, you can't hide from Austin forever. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to tell him," he stated in a serious tone.

"I know. Thanks again." Carter walked away towards the auditorium. Sam gathered the last of her supplies and slammed her locker shut. However, she found that Ryan was smiling on the other side of the door. Was he listening to everything they said? Sam jumped. "Oh, my god. You scared me," she said nervously.

"Sorry," he replied with a chuckle. "So, am I crazy or are you who I think you are?" Sam gasped. Oh, geez. He must have been listening to us the whole time! She thought.

"I don't understand what you mean?" Sam lied.

"Come on, don't lie to me. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to tell him?" Quoting Carter to a T.

"That can't be just a consequence. Why are you hiding from him?" He demanded. Sam wasn't sure how to react. He obviously knew it was her. She decided to come clean.

"Well, considering who his is ex-girlfriend is I feel like he'd be disappointed. Plus, her and David do nothing but make my life a nightmare," she replied. Why is he acting nice?

"I don't think you should worry. Austin isn't anything like David and Shelby. He is a pretty accepting person. You have no idea how much he likes you. I'll tell you what. I won't tell him anything, but I really think you should tell him soon. He deserves to know." Sam nodded then looked down with doubt.

"I know. I'm just so scared."

"I understand that, but it isn't fair to him. Do you like him?"

"Of course, I like him," she quickly replied.

"Then tell him. This will be our little secret only if you promise to tell him. Deal?" Sam swallowed hard and nodded.

"Alright," she whispered. Ryan felt bad and saw how terrified she was. To a point he understood where she was coming from.

"Look, I'm not trying to be a jerk. I just want him to be happy. And after last night he's the happiest I've seen him in years," he told her as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "What's your name by the way?"

"Sam," she said as she lifted her head.

"Okay, Sam, if you need anything just let me know if we cross paths, again. Alright?"

"Okay, I will. Thank you for being understanding," she said trying to figure out his name. "What's your name?"

"I'm sorry. I'm Ryan. Didn't mean to be rude."

"It's okay. Well, I better go to class. I'll try to tell him tonight."

"Alright, Sam. Just watch out for Shelby. She's on a war path to find you as well," he said with a smile.

"Thanks for the warning," she replied as they parted ways. Maybe, Ryan's right. Austin seemed to be a very down to earth guy. Next time I see him or talk to him online I'll gather my courage and just do it.