It Started with a Secret

Chapter 2 - I have a reputation here

"Now that we've seen everything in the education building, why don't you come back to my office for a quick meeting?" Pastor John offers, as if I have a choice.

I follow him into a quaint office area with other stern and proper looking adults. I am bombarded with one as she makes a beeline towards me and immediately sticks out her hand. I shake it cautiously.

"Hi there! I'm Miss Holternest and you must be Harley Adams. I'm going to be your new school counselor. I can't wait to get to know you!" She introduces enthusiastically. This woman is like a cartoon character on crack.

"Let's go into my office so we can all chat," She offers with lively hand gestures and animated expressions.

We go inside a small, but nicely decorated office and I sit across from both Pastor John and Miss Holternest.

"Harley, we'd like to start with understanding your situation, so we can figure out how to help you," Pastor John offers.

"I don't need any help, I'm fine," I protest, crossing my arms.

"Your parents disagree. So please, tell us about this conflict," he continues.

"My parents found out that I'm bisexual so they sent me here because they're homophonic and afraid I'm acting out in rebellion by 'choosing' to be gay," I unleash gruffly, making sure to use air quotes around the word 'choosing' while Pastor John purses his lips and Miss Holternest's face softens, looking sympathetic to my surprise.

"I think we can have one on one talks often and further immerse you into the catholic faith. Our youth groups and sermons will be great for that," Pastor John explains, seeming so kind and supportive, yet he's trying to take away my identity and pride.

"I don't feel comfortable with one on one sessions," I state firmly.

"John, maybe we shouldn't-" Miss Holternest starts before being cut off by him.

"No, I think it's necessary. How else will we know of her progression?"

"But if she's uncomfortable then-" Miss Holternest is cut off by Pastor John again.

"It's necessary, end of discussion."

"Harley, there are a couple girls who have offered to help you get settled in, just follow me," Miss Holternest instructs softly, leading me away from Pastor John and I immediately feel some relief.

I approach two girls, one looking preppy and put together with bright, warm eyes and matching chocolate brown hair cut to her shoulders, the other seems unkempt and tired with a messy ponytail and dull green eyes accompanied by dark circles.

"Hi! I'm Emma Simon, it's nice to meet you!" the preppy one introduces, having similar energy to Miss Holternest.

"Hey, I'm Dakota Brady. Welcome to HGA!" the other says cheerily, unmatched to her messy and fatigued exterior.

"We can show you to your dorm and help you unpack, if you'd like," Emma offers with a welcoming smile. I nod my head and follow them through the winding hallways and lengthy staircases.

"So this is the dorm building, what's your room number?" Dakota asks me.

"408," I reply.

"Awesome! Top floor!" Emma cheers. I'm already exhausted by her energy.

We reach my room and I swing open the door, I'm taken aback by the luxury. Lush quilts cover double beds, bright sunlight pours through tall windows, plush chairs sit next to polished desks and rustic doorways open to a closet and ensuite bathroom.

"What the hell? How can a school have rooms this lavish?" I question as I turn to face Dakota and Emma.

"We have a lot of donors, plus tuition is a lot so it's expected," Dakota explains.

"It doesn't look like you have a roommate, did Pastor John mention anything about that?" Emma observes as I realize the room is empty except the basic, but luxurious, furniture.

I suddenly connect the dots in my head; he probably don't trust me to share a room with anyone given my "rebellious" sexuality.

"No, he didn't say anything," I reply with a shrug, this just means one less person breathing down my neck.

My bags sit on one of the beds so Emma, Dakota and I start to unpack my things. I know I said I couldn't trust anyone at this school, but I really am grateful to have Emma and Dakota here.

"Sorry about Jaxon and all that," Dakota breaks the silence suddenly.

"Yeah, I don't like to judge people, however I advise you stay away from him. He's nothing but trouble and heartbreak," Emma adds.

"Yeah, I don't plan on getting attached," I reply gruffly. Emma and Dakota exchange a glance.

"He likes to target new girls, we just thought we'd warn you," Emma explains as she looks me in the eye.

"Yeah, thanks," I say with a nod. I want to show my appreciation for their protection and help, but I'm too afraid of being vulnerable.

"So how come you're coming here a month into the school year?" Dakota asks.

"Yeah, what's that about?" A new voice adds, I spin around to face Jaxon.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I roar with anger.

"Woah, cool it. I'm just on my way to my room," He replies, putting his hands up as if I'm holding a gun to his head.

"So go. What are you doing here?" I say as I cross my arms.

"I know how to get what I want," he replies with a wink and a cocky grin then leans against the doorframe.

"Well you're not gonna have any luck here, so you can just go fuck yourself," I retort blatantly.

A couple older guys walk past my room as I say this.

"Damn Jax, she told you," one of them says as they continue to snicker and joke down the hallway. He huffs angrily and steps too close to me, so close that I can see the light freckles dotted across his face that I didn't notice before.

"I have a reputation here, and I'm not gonna let some cocky bitch ruin that," he threatens in a low voice.

"Being a dick won't make yours bigger, you know," I retort. Fury flashes through his eyes.

"I'm gonna make your life here a living hell," he replies hotly.

"Have fun trying."