Secret Betrayal: Chapter 3

 “Hey Cally! Have you heard? Kye’s friend, Rick just came back from overseas!” Michelle was shouting from the far end of the school corridor. I was embarrassed yet happy for her. Michelle and Rick start dating before he went away, even apart, they still stay in contact with each other. As she goes all about Rick, I was thinking about how Kye felt as his best friend is finally back. Kye is my first crush and I always loved everything about him. However he’s dating someone else so I kept the feelings to myself.

  “Am I right, Kevin?” Michelle turned to a boy from our class. He knew almost everything that happened in the school and he’s also our class representative.

  “Yes, that’s what I heard.” He confirmed it sheepishly. After that, the three of us got carried away and start talking about much other stuff.

    As I was thinking about Kye, he happened to walk passed by us. Grabbing me along, Michelle went over near the corridor and stopped him to confirm again about the return of Rick. Instantly he nodded. That best friend of mine was happy beyond words.

  “Are you guys going to have a homecoming party or something?” She asked as soon as she finished hopping of joy. Kye nodded again. He’s a quite type so he doesn’t talk much but it also could be that we are not as close as it seems.

  Michelle grabbed my arms and insisted that I come along. Seeing her so happy, I couldn’t spoil her fun so I agreed. Kye stood there long enough to see how close were the two of us. When I realized he was still there, I blushed and grabbed Michelle’s hand and walked away.

  Going to a place where he might be is the first thing I would do. I was too excited that I couldn’t get a wink of sleep. As I toss and turn on my bed, my cellphone starts to ring. I got hold of the device and saw Michelle’s name on the caller id. I knew she too is having the same problem as me. That night we chat with each other until late night.

  Finally a few long waited days, it’s Saturday night and the party was held at Rick’s mansion. His place as usual always amazed me since his place is three times bigger than mine. The maidservant who opened the door led us to a room where it held. A few of our classmates were there but most of them were guys. My eyes scanned for Kye and I found him happily having conversation to the host of the party. That was pretty much the first time I see him smiling so brightly.

  “Come on!” Michelle grabbed me as I was still staring at him. She knew I had feeling for him and she supports me. We went over to the boys and asked if we could join them; they didn’t mind so we did.

  As Michelle and Rick were happily cuddling each other, Kye and I could only stare at them. Though there are four of us, I felt as if I were there with only Kye beside me.

  “I go get some drinks.” He said as he stood up. I immediately nod my head. I swore my face could never goes even redder than it was that time. I finally get to talk to him after two years of watching him from afar.

  While I was fantasying about him, I could feel as if someone is watching me. I looked up and saw Rick kept his eyes on me while the girl beside him was sleeping soundly. Feeling uneasy, I turned my knees the opposite direction and hoped that Kye will be back soon. My eyes search for Kye and I saw that a few friends were talking to him near the drink corner.  I sat there, trying not to let our eyes meet. Suddenly a short toned music came from my phone indicated a message received.

Why so shy? Don’t look away.

Who’s this? I replied the message from an unknown number.

Oh come on! I’m right in front of you! ;)

As soon as I read that, I looked at the direction stated. It was Rick and he held up his phone while smirking at me. Disgusted, I immediately replied his message.

What do you want from me? And how do you get my number? I never give it you!

I think you’re forgetting something. I can have your number by searching my girlfriend’s phone! Her possession is also mine possession!

What? Are you kidding me? How could you say that about her! You totally taking advantage of her! Don’t you love her??

Love? Hah! No way! I never love her. It was all just an act to avoid people from accusing me of playing other men’s girl.

What? Michelle loves you and she always talked about you!! Every night she was waiting for your safety and return! And this is how you treat her?!

Well that’s sad for her then. The person I’m most interested now is YOU! Want to get together? =D

  I was about to get up and slap his face hard as soon as I knew of his dirty intention, but Kye returned. I was really pissed and I looked as if I was snarling at him.

  “I’m back. What’s wrong? You looked red…” the brown haired boy came back with two glasses of drink asked. I took a deep breath and told him that everything is fine. Drinking the juice, I glared at Rick as he still has that smirk on his face while his hand explored Michelle’s body.

  When most people started to leave, I woke Michelle and told her it’s time to go. Sleepily she agreed. With her arm across my shoulder, I told them that it’s time for us to take our leave. Since Kye offered his help, I let him carry Michelle on his back instead.

  “Walk them home safely, bro!” Rick bid his friend. After that he turned to smile at me. “I hope you kept that as a secret, who knows how your friend there would feel if she knew.” He whispered near my ears and then pushed me away.

  The whole time walking the way home, I kept thinking about what he told me. What should I do? He’s been playing with my friend’s feeling but I couldn’t gather enough courage to tell her.

  “Cally? Cally?” My thoughts snapped when I heard someone calling my name. Then I realized that I was still with Kye and Michelle.

  “Uh? What?”

  “Can you show me the way to Michelle’s?” Feeling embarrassed, I apologized and lead the way.

  Michelle’s parents thanked and apologized for the trouble of bringing her back this late. The both of us just smile and wave at them. Even when it was just the two of us left, what runs in my mind before is still there.

  “Are you okay? You’ve been spacing out since I was away for drinks. Did anything happen while I was gone?” He seems worried and I was thankful for his kindness.

  “I’m fine. Just some personal issues, that’s all. Don’t sweat over it.” I knew he was kind but I never really notice how kind he was to strangers too. Feeling the chill of the night, I rubbed both hands together. He saw me doing that and offered his jacket. Hesitantly I accept his offered and we walked closer to keep warm. That moment, the awkward feeling I had before today was gone. All the way, we talked and shared stories. Being with him, all my worries seem to be forgotten and I got to know him better.

  Since that night, we exchanged numbers and started to get closer to each other. After a week later, he told me that he’s also have been watching me. The mutual feeling towards each other makes us more than friends in just a week being together. Michelle knew of this and she was really happy for me. As a proof of our further relationship, he bought us a pair of matching key straps. I had it on my phone since I use it very often.

  Just when everything was turning well and I forgotten about the day of the party, a message received from Rick.

Hey Babe! What’s up? I see you and Kye have gotten closer to each other. It’s a pity for me. I guess I won’t have my chance with you. Anyway, I invited Michelle to my house this Saturday. Just the two of us will be together. I’m sure you are worrying about your friend! Hahaha! I promised I wouldn’t do anything bad to her… on one condition. You must come along! Nice deal, isn’t it?

Nice deal you say? I can just stop her from going to your house! And I’m not your babe!

Don’t be so serious! I’m just having my fun!

You disgust me! Leave us alone! I don’t care if you are Kye’s best friend, I’ll report you if you continue this kind of treat!

Let’s see how you can do that! J

  The happy and joyful feeling I had is gone due to just exchanging messages with him.

   I couldn’t get my beauty sleep that night, for that I slept in class the next day. Since I couldn’t concentrate much, the teacher asked me to wash my face. I instantly stood up and head to the washroom. I went into the room and there were two girls in front of the mirror, putting on make up. Wouldn’t want to feel awkward with them there, I went into a cubicle and do my business instead.

“Hey, have you heard? Rick from class 3-D is back from America!” Said one of the girls.

“Isn’t that a week ago?”

“Yeah? He’s hot, isn’t he? I wished I could date him!”

“He’s taken, you know! Besides his look, his habit is horrible!”

“What do you mean by that?”

“He’s a player! He never stayed loyal to his girls and loves flirting other men’s. What’s worse, he use the girl until he has no need to her.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes! He once tried to rape my brother’s girlfriend. Even though she is perfectly fine, hearing his name gave her trauma and she’ll be hysterical.”

“That’s scary!”

“You know what’s more scary?”

“What?”

“Mr. Bauhaum face if we were late!”

“You’re right! Let’s go!”

  As soon as the girls ran out of the washroom, I opened the door and walked towards the sink. Looking at the mirror, I felt more uneasy and scare especially for Michelle. I knew she wouldn’t believe me and she’ll definitely ask for explanation. The only way I could save her from being his victim is to follow her to his house this Saturday.

  I walked to class slowly, without realizing I passed through the class 3-D. I looked into the room and there he was. Sitting opposite a girl, he was flirting with her but it wasn’t too obvious since Kye was beside him. Rick saw and smiles at me, immediately I made my move, away from there.

  That rumor from the two girls kept me thinking about Michelle’s safety and how to keep her away from him. I went straight to my seat and sat there, thinking the whole time until school ended for the day.

  “Hey want to walk home today?” A girl with raven long hair came by my seat when the bell started ringing.

  “Michelle, there’s something I have to tell you…” I knew I sounded misery while she looked at me with her honest eyes. She nodded but my voice betrayed me.

  “Never mind, it’s nothing.” I sighed.

  “Guess what, Rick invited me to his house! What should I do? Should I just accept?” Both her hands cupped her flushed cheek as she squeak of joy. I always see her cheery part but this time I could tell she’s really excited about it.

  “Erm… you’re not going there alone, are you?” I didn’t know what else to say besides stopping her from going. She nodded again while pointing at me.

  Wide-eyed, I was surprised by that. “ Do you mean I’m going along too? You mean I’m invited too?” Even if I decided to go, I never expected that she would invite me since it’s her time to be with him, just the two of them.

  “Kye too!” She smiles brightly.

  With that, I feel more secure going there. I hesitantly agreed and she really looked excited about it. If Kye is going means Rick cannot do anything to us. But if he’s invited too, why didn’t Rick mention that?

  When Saturday arrived, Michelle came over to my house and get ready here. Her mother would never approve her going to a guy’s house with just us, so she got dress secretly at mine.

  The first rang of the doorbell; Rick’s butler is already there to open the door. We went into a room where the old man led us. Since we were quite early, we were asked to wait while Rick got dress. When he arrived, I could feel every hair of my body stand up, as if something bad was going to happen. Again, he had that smirk on his face.

  “Welcome, do you guys want some tea and biscuit?” He welcomed us.

  “Where’s Kye?” Instantly I got up, trying to avoid him, as soon as he was near to the both of us.

  “Sadly, he couldn’t make it. He has a family trip to somewhere.” Pretending to be sad about that.

  No. He’s lying. I could feel it. I don’t trust him. I scanned the room and saw dark curtains covered the windows. There’s only one exit and the room seem too spacious for just the three of us. As Michelle trying to have a chat with Rick, I kept thinking of an escape route. I regretted coming along, but I couldn’t let Michelle to come alone.

  “Now, why not enjoy the tea prepared for you two.” Just when the both of us going to take a sip; there’s a knock on the door.

  “Young master, I’m sorry to interrupt but Miss Eliza is here.” Said the same butler when he opened the door. Beside him, stood a beautiful lady wearing casual clothing. I never see her before but she seems nice and well educated.

  Rick clicked his tongue. I could see that he’s pissed upon her arrival.

  “Rick, who is she?” Michelle asked due to curiosity. He looked away and told her that she’s an uninvited guest.

  “How rude of you to say that. Excuse him. My name is Eliza and I’m his cousin. I often came by to visit him” She introduced herself while she let out her hands to shake hands with the both of us.

  “ Why are you here?” Rick asked in the most annoyed voice. It seems that Eliza had interrupted somehow in his secret plan. The young lady’s eyes fixed on him, not saying her reason for visiting.

  “Anyway, how about a drink.” This time he tried being nice as he passed her a cup of tea.

  “Oh… How nice of you to be the one serving tea” She smiled as she held the cup to near her lipglossed lips.

  At the same time, the both of us held up the cup. With my doubts about his attitude and initial attention is what make me wary of his kindness towards us. For that reason, I couldn’t get myself to drink, even if it was the maid who brewed the tea.

 Pretending to drink, I looked at his face for an expectation. True enough, he seems to be smiling. I immediately put the cup back on the table and Michelle started to fall asleep. Wide eyed, I turned to look at Rick. He had a sinister smile on his face.

  Eliza coughed. She looked really angry with Rick for putting sleeping pill into the tea. “I should have known…” before she could finish her sentence, she fell into a deep slumber.

  “You… how could you!” I was scared at that moment. I instantly stood up and was heading for the door but he managed to grab my wrist.

  “My…my… why aren’t you sleeping?” He smiled again. He looked over to my tea and he found out that I didn’t get a sip of it.

  “You’re a smart fella. I liked that.” Slowly, he hands started caressing over my body. I tried to push him away but he was quite a tough guy. Knowing I can’t out from that situation, I was about to scream at the top of my lung but he covered my mouth with his hand.

  “Tsk tsks …don’t even think about it. I told the servants that we would be playing a game. So… they will ignore any sound from this room. While he was talking, I realized he loosen a little strength. Without hesitation, I hit him in the place where it hurt the most, between his legs. I searched for another exit besides the room but there’s only one door, which is where he groaning of pain. Leaving me no choice, I took a chair nearby and broke the window. I hurried grabbed Michelle, who was still sounded asleep, and jump of the window. Luckily she was light. Since it was the second floor, I held her tight to my chest to make sure she doesn’t get injured.

  From the bottom, I could see him glaring down at me. That intense aura makes me feel that this is just the beginning and he will make me regret for what I have done today. Speechless, I ran my way out with Michelle on my back. I sent her home. After that, I thought I should head home but that’s where I felt a sting across my shoulder. I touched it softly but it still hurts. Bringing my hand to a view, I saw blood. Checking my pocket money, I have enough to see a doctor. I wouldn’t want my family to know about this; I consult another doctor besides our usual family doctor.

  Ever since that event, I never see Rick again in school nor outside of it. Michelle doesn’t recall anything from that day. She asked me what happened and I told her that she was having so much fun that she probably had forgotten. Kye somehow knew what happened to his friend but he kept to himself. Since Rick’s disappearances, Kye and I are not as close as we used to be. I don’t why but I felt that Kye knew I was behind it.

  A week later, there’s still nothing about that guy. Kye seems uneasy and worried about his best friend. The rich boy was never the quite type and he would always tell Kye of his situation, or so he thought. That whole day, he kept eyeing on me. Not lovingly, but full of anxiety and curiosity.

  After class, Kye called out to me. We met at our usual spot, under the big tree in the school park. He looked very serious and I knew what he was about to ask.

  “What happened to Rick? I know you knew. From the day he stopped coming to school, you’ve been acting strange. I tried calling his home, his butler always say that he’s not in.” Without hesitating, he blurted out his question that he’s been asking himself.

  Silent as still water, I stood there, not answering his question. He began impatient that he held his hand and turned my head facing him. As soon as my eyes fixed on his, he was wide eyed.  Tears were streaming down my cheek and seeing his expression, I just realized that. I quickly held the back of my hands and wipe off those droplets.

  “Why are you crying?” This time he was worried about me. He wiped the remaining tears with his thumb while comforting me.

  “You want to know what happened? That day you were suppose to come, but you didn’t.” I sniffed and continued. “If you were there, this wouldn’t happen!”

  “That day? What day? What are you talking about?”

  “Are you kidding me? You were supposed to be at Rick’s house on Saturday last week, where we are there for tea. Rick told us that you were busy! ”

  “What? He didn’t invite me over for anything. I was at home the whole time, watching tv.”

  “Huh?” Rick lied to us for the sake of his pleasure? What’s worse, he made a move on me instead of his girlfriend? Not that I want that to happen to Michelle, but still….

  “ What happened that day?” This time, he insisted an answer.

  “He drugged us and tried to rape me…” I said in a soft mutter.

  “No way… he wouldn’t do that. I knew him since we were just kids.”

  “You don’t believe me? Are you saying I’m making this up?”

  “ It’s not like I don’t believe you but I can’t. I just can’t. The Rick I know is a nice and kind man, he would never do such thing. Whatever he does he would tell me.”

  “Well, maybe he didn’t want you to know his true self!” Everything seems to be out of place. He should believe me instead of that monstrous man. Why? Even with all those rumors about him spreading, yet he never heard? That’s preposterous.

  “I’m sorry but I can’t accept that! Maybe if you could be a little honest, I would help you. I’ll ask you again when your mind is clear and cool”

  Oh no… he sounded like a jerk! Why?! Why is it you trust him more than I? Is it because he’s your best friend? I couldn’t ask him that.

  “MAYBE YOU’RE THE ONE, WHOSE EYES ARE TOO BLIND TO SEE WHAT A MONSTROUS MAN RICK IS! A MAN WHOM YOU TRUST CAN TRICK YOU THROUGH HIS TEETH.” I couldn’t stand being the bad guy when I did nothing. He was furious as I ran my tongue saying all those bad things about Rick.

  After that, a slap came stinging my face…