Our little secret

Chapter Two- I'm not afraid of you.

"W-What?" I stutter. I couldn't have heard that right "but you just sai-" I start to say only to get cut off "I didn't hurt anyone but I could've stopped it, I just froze when I heard the first scream.." he starts to explain, taking a step closer to me. I take a step away from him and he doesn't move again "I could've done something but instead I ran like a coward." he finishes, shifting his feet around uncomfortably.

"So why didn't you go to jail? What made them clear you?" I ask. "I was the one who told everyone what happened and there were
fingerprints found all over the scene from all three other suspects but not mine." He explains "But unfortunately everyone else in town wasn't convinced. None of the kids at school were allowed around me anymore and everywhere I went people ran from me like they were afraid of me but I got used to it." he says, giving me a sad smile.

I don't know what to say. I've never heard another side to this story and I was so stunned I just stood there silently lost in thought. I don't know how long we just stood there before he finally speaks again "Are you afraid of me?" he asks, stopping my wondering mind. I look up at him and give him a weak smile "No." I answer, calmly. He takes two steps closer so were face to face. "Are you sure?" he asks, his voice almost a whisper. He's a little taller then me so I have to look up a little. Our faces are only inches apart "Yes." I answer confidently. "Prove it." he whispers against my ear. I look down at his belt and notice he's carrying a knife. I reach for it and he doesn't stop me. I take it out of the small case its in and turn it around in my hand so the handle is directed to him. He takes the knife and I position it so the blade touches right above my belly button. His eyes meet mine and he gives me a heart melting smile. "I think if I were afraid of you, I would've bolted a long time ago." I say, flashing him a smile of my own and taking a step back.

He stares at me for a minute and right when he's about to say something, I blurt out "Well it was nice seeing you again but I gotta go." before turning around and starting towards Hannah and Jacks once again. "Wait!" he yells. I look at him over my shoulder. "Hannah and Jacks house is at least three miles from here, let me at least give you a ride." he says, looking at his horse. I think about it for a minute. I really don't feel like walking anymore.

"Were still not supposed to be together, if they knew, I would never hear the end of it." I say, starting to walk again. He doesn't try to stop me, instead he just starts walking with me. I stop and stare at him in disbelief "What? I cant let a girl like you walk by yourself. That's dangerous." he says, defensively. "A girl like me?" I ask, a little insulted. "I didn't mean anything by it. I just meant there are plenty of men that would be happy to snatch you up for the night." he says. "Are you saying I'm attractive?" I ask with a playful smirk. He starts to blush and tries to hide his face "What-t? No. I'm just saying, guys around here would pick anyone up." he says. "So I'm not attractive?" I ask, faking a hurt expression. His eyes go wide "No, you are. Its just I didn't mean it like that..." he trails off running his hand through his hair nervously. I laugh "Relax. I'm just kidding." I say, pushing him playfully.

He smiles "Your still cool." he says. I give him a strange look. "What?" I ask, confused. "When I first recognized you I thought you had changed, turned out to be like everyone else except a snotty city version but your not." he explains, simply. "Your cool too." I say. He raises his eyebrows at me. "I mean for someone who thinks he can scare everyone, that is." I add laughing "Well at least I can walk without falling into ditches." he says with a smirk. "Oh really?" I ask, as I push him sideways to make him fall in the ditch. I start to laugh until I hear a splash. My eyes go wide and I look over to discover I just pushed him in the start of the lake. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" I say as he wipes the water from his eyes "Its okay, just give me a hand up." he says, reaching out for my hand but as soon as I come in contact with his hand he yanks me down beside him. Once my head goes under I immediately realize how cold it is. I come up coughing and gagging on the water. When I finally get my vision back I see Caleb fighting to control his laughter. I narrow my eyes at him "You think that's funny?" I ask. He doesn't stop laughing, just nods his head yes. I place my hands on top of his head and lift myself up, making him go under. He comes back up and we both burst out laughing.

"This could be the start of a beautiful friendship." he says, when he finally stops laughing. My smile suddenly fades. "You know we cant be friends, Caleb." I say, climbing out of the water with him close behind. "Yes we can." he says, stubbornly "We just have to keep it a secret." I look at him for a minute, considering it. Maybe Hannah and Jack had been a little unfair to judge him. I look at him again and smile "Okay, I'm in." I say. The smile he gives me in return makes my knees go weak. "Great! Meet me here tomorrow and we'll think of a place we can hang out." he says, excitement clear in his eyes. I sigh in disappointment "I cant tomorrow. I always spend the first couple of days with my family when I visit, Hannah might get suspicious." I explain. "Okay, Hows Thursday?" he asks, hopefully. I smile and nod. Today is Tuesday.

He whistles for his horse who shows up pretty quick. He hops up on its back and looks down at me "So you want that ride or what?" he asks. I can't help the smile that forms on my lips. "Fine but only for the first two miles. I can walk the rest." I say, grabbing his hand and letting him pull me up on the horse.

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Authors Note: Hey everyone! This is my first attempt at story writing so hopefully your enjoying it so far...feel free to comment & let me know what you think. No rude comments please.