secrets or lies: a johannie story

eight.

she says handing her a yellow paper.
a: hi coach mary.
annie took the paper and hugged her.
a: these are my friends i don't know if you remember jayden and this is johnny.
cm: i do remember jayden nice seeing you again and nice meeting you johnny.
jay: good to see you.
j: you as well.
we said back to her.
cm: well you guys get going and julianna i'm expecting you here tomorrow.
a: yes of course.
we left and went back out to annie's cars and she read the note.

"new clue: highway"

"a trip down memory lane, you'll find your next clue at the flag of our hometown state."

a: a maryland flag.
jay: you weren't born there.
a: we were all born in different states though.
j: you moved that much.
a: yeah we moved around quite a bit, my dad was in the military.
j: which place do you call home.
a: maryland, it was the only places we actually settled.
j: if that's where you felt at home that's your hometown.
jay: well where's there a maryland flag?
a: my cousin owns a diner down the street, and she has a maryland flag.
j: where is it.
a: next to boba shop.

i drove there and we got out the car.
j: your cousin owns danielle's diner, i come here all the time.
i say excited.
a: yeah.
she says laughing.
we walked inside, and annie went to the counter, but stayed lowkey while doing it.
she had her hood up and her head looking down.
which is something strange to do in a town diner.
they were talking at that counter
but we couldn't hear them.
jay: hopefully she gets food.
j: i'm starving, who's idea was it to eat after the game.

jay: mine. i know it was a sucky one.
j: not my favorite moment.
annie started walking back with a brown bag.
a: she gave us dinner. burgers and fries fine?
j: yes please!
i say taking the bag then handing it to jayden.
a: okay so basically calebs team was just here so we have to hurry. our clue was an address. 52 highway ave.
j: isn't that the movie theatre.
a: yeah. the highway theatre.
j: what are we even looking for?
a: something yellow.

once we got to the theatre we immediately noticed the yellow card.
i opened it and read allowed.

haha the prize is with me, but it's still a race! so hurry annie!!

a: it's at the house.
jay: cmon
i drove back to annie's house and when we got inside caleb was already sitting in there.
a: we lost.
annie says laughing.
k: yeah, but wait for everyone to get here. the prize is still yours annie.
a: i love losing, but still winning.
she says walking into the kitchen and i walk behind her.
j: hey.
i say sincere.
a: what's up, you okay?
she says curious, while hanging up her coat. j: yeah i just have to tell you something, but i don't know how you'll react.
a: is it bad? i try to always be levelheaded-
k: julianna cmon out.
a: we'll talk later.
j: okay

k: the prize was always annie's, but now she forced to have caleb, caitlin, and connor tag along.
annie opens the envelope.
a: it's a ski trip in big bear.
she said smiling.
c: no way!
h$: mom, literally you can't send them both and not me.
k: you're allowed to invite eight more friends, i didn't know if you wanted back home friends, gym friends or school friends so that's up to you okay!
a: yeah thanks mom.
her mom walks out of the room.
ash: jules please let us go!
he says begging but it would be a really cool trip.
a: if its cool with all of your families, id love to have you guys.
n: rubs and i are so down.
jay: same here, i love skiing.
they were all talking and excited.

everyone went in the kitchen to eat and annie sat down next to me.
a: so what'd you want to tell me.
j: nothing i forget now.
a: are you sure?
j: yeah, it's whatever.
a: i'm sorry i didn't listen right away.
j: no no it's completely fine.
a: okay.
she says smiling at me.
a: so are you gonna come with us?
j: to big bear?
a: yeah.
she says in a duh tone.
j: i didn't know i was invited.
a: i said i'd love for you guys to come.
j: i thought you were referring to your friend group.

a: you're practically in it now.
she says opening her phone to a bunch of text messages that say "add johnny".
and she responded with "idk if he wants to be added."
a: they all want you there, it's up to you though.
j: your friends are cool and i'd love to be added to the group chat.
a: it's because i'm leading the pack.
i start to laugh
j: i haven't forgot that you kissed me today. i think you're pining over me.
i say smirking.
a: you're the worst.
j: yours words not mine.
i say laughing.
a: are you coming or not.
j: well now i know why you want me there.
a: oh my
she starts to laugh.
j: yeah i'd love to go.

a: great and you can bring a friend i don't know if you're close with anyone downstairs.
j: i'm pretty tight with hayden.
a: oh yeah, i forgot.
she says curious.
a: well everyone downstairs is going and i'm gonna bring three of my best friends from back home. so you'll meet some new people.
she says smiling.
her smile makes me happy.
i have to tell her now about the bet, it's the perfect time.
i grab her hand.
j: you know what i wanted to tell you was that the reason all of this-
c: annie we're singing happy birthday.
a: okay.