Gianna and More Secrets

GIANNA

"HEY, EINSTEIN," someone said as they tapped my back. I was taken aback by what they did and confusedly stared at the perpetrator.

I had to adjust my glasses to see them.

"What the hell, Con," I said when I saw who was giving me a heart attack this early and went back to what I was doing.

I was silently reading the review sheets for our quiz bee competition. It was our break time, so I went to a nearby, quiet location to read in peace. I'm sitting near the school fountain.

"What? You don't even remember me anymore?" she asked as she sat down beside me. "You've got a lot on your plate, my friend."

"Sorry. You're aware that the quiz bee is approaching, and I'm having difficulty concentrating. Nothing has stayed with me. I need to study very hard. I don't want us to lose just because I wasn't prepared, or worse, I can't answer correctly," I said as I flipped through the pages of the sheets I was holding.

"Hello there. Relax. You are the most intelligent person I know. I'm confident you'll win again this time. Your teammates are also trustworthy. So, don't be too concerned," Aria encouraged me. For a moment, her words relieved me. "Here. Consume this to have sweets on your body. It could help you think more clearly," she added and handed me a lollipop. Aria was also munching on one.

"Thank you, Bon-bon," I said as I took the lollipop from her grasp. "You're correct. This can improve your alertness. I'm referring to the glucose found in the sweets we consume." I told her, unwrapped the lollipop, and ate it.

"See? I am a genius. Maybe I should join the quiz bee team," she made a remark.

I laugh. Bonnie was also beaming.

"Thank you very much, Con. I apologize for not spending much time with you over the last few days. I was overburdened with reviewing for the quiz bee competition. You know how I am when it comes to academics; I have this hobby that I can't focus on unless I am confident and satisfied, "I explained.

"That's fine. I'm here to help you. We can hang out after the competition whenever you want. Just concentrate and don't mind me, please. You are welcome to study at my house if you so desire. You are aware that my study area is pleasant and comfortable, "She offered, wiggling her two brows.

"Nah... It's so comfortable that I want to sleep all day. Don't tempt me, the devil."

Aria chuckled. "Anyway, did you get Madison's text?"

"Yeah. I did. Madison even texted us when she can say whatever she wants in front of us because we are always together."

"It appears to be important, don't you think? Do you have time after school?"

"That appears to be the case. Yes, I have free time," I agreed.

"So I'll see you after school. It would be preferable if you reviewed those sheets in the library rather than here." Aria stood up.

"Con, we're just taking a break. If I go there, I'll waste a lot of time," I said.

"You weren't in the classroom. That's why you didn't hear the announcement. The dean canceled the morning class because the staff had an emergency meeting. Instead, they sent us to our respective clubs, "She informed me. That explains why she's here as well.

"Okay. Instead, I'll contact Addison and Hazel and ask them to study with me. Thank you, Con."

"No need to be concerned. I'll see you later, Gia," Aria said goodbye and walked away.

I said my goodbyes and waved. I am overjoyed that Aria is always available. She's always got my back. She is the world's best friend. I'm incredibly fortunate.

I got up and went to the club room. I texted Hazel and Addison to meet me there to review. They are my teammates for the upcoming quiz bee, and we should start practicing our strategy as soon as possible.

~*~

CLASSES RESUME FOR THE AFTERNOON SUBJECTS. Isabella was making these strange quick stares at me whenever she had the chance.

I'm sure she's conveying a message to me, but I'm not sure what it is. I even checked my phone to see if she had sent me a text message, but I had not received any from her.

I recall her asking me to speak, but that was days ago. Yes, it was days ago.

We're both getting busier these days, so our schedules aren't matching up. When I get home, Isabella usually sleeps soundly in her room, but she isn't always there. Then my energy was depleted, primarily because, to be honest, I was preparing for more than just the quiz bee competition.

I belong to a secret society. Only a few people in the secret club were aware of my secret club, and I made them promise not to tell anyone or I would quit. Those people dragged me into that secret club because of that stupid thing I did back then. Ugh! I assumed no one was watching. I was still in my first year at the time, and I am still that mysterious member of my secret club to this day.

I'm preparing for a competition for that club, so I don't have much time for anything else.

Even though I don't tell her everything, Aria is always there for me and cheers me on. I haven't heard her complain that we don't hang out anymore. To be honest, we've been hanging out a lot since she returned. We are inseparable. But one thing I like about this friend of mine is that she is very understanding. She is aware of when she will request time to spend with me.

She and Scarlett are getting along again. It's not the same as when we were in elementary school, but at least Aria was polite to her. Madison is a group member, so she is aware of Scarlett's situation.

She didn't ask many questions, but we filled her in on the details. Surprisingly, the two of them got along so well. And Madison promised to keep her mouth shut about Scarlett's return to the group until Aria fully forgives her.

Scarlett's betrayal had previously hurt Aria. She always tells me that she felt bad about leaving me when I needed her the most. And I kept telling her that it wasn't her fault. Aria was a fantastic pal. I always persuade her to forgive Scarlett already because I can see how genuine Scarlett's intentions are now. Aria simply asked me to give her more time. She said she just wanted to make sure my ex-best friend slash ex-bully didn't change her mind again or put on a show. I trusted Aria and admired her, so I stopped insisting.

Scarlett and I have re-established our friendship. When we're at school, however, we speak more cautiously. Scarlett wanted to talk to me and hang out with me in public, but I told her to be careful. I wanted to get Aria's permission before publicly hanging out with us. She didn't have a choice but to agree because she needed to tell her friends that she was no longer friends with me.

However, she occasionally forgets, and if she has a chance to talk to me when no one else is around, we talk and tease each other as if it were old times.

I must admit that I missed my old friend Scarlett. And I'm glad she's returned as one of my closest friends. She's also one of the few people who knew about my secret club.

She is a new member who met me at the club. I always hid my identity by wearing a mask and a cap. Scarlett, on the other hand, knows me well, and she caught me the first time she saw me at my secret club.

Anyway, the school was over, and we promised Madison that we would have time for her today. She stated that she was going to inform us of some critical information.

Scarlett is unable to attend due to The Bewitcher's cheerleading practice. Only Aria, Madison, and I were present. We went to the rooftop because it was quiet there, and we couldn't go anywhere else because we needed to get to our clubs after this.

"Thank you for coming, guys," Madison stated solemnly.

Aria and I exchanged glances before returning our attention to Madison.

"Are you going to die, Madison?" Aria enquired.

"What? No?" Madison laughed.

"Are you going to marry?" I inquired.

"What the hell is going on? No!" Madison looked at us perplexedly, then laughed.

Aria and I exchanged another look. What was going on with Madison, our eyes wondered?

"So, what is this important matter you wanted to discuss with us?" Aria enquired.

"Your questions are ridiculous," Madison still can't get over it. She was still laughing.

"Come on, Kim. Did you know we're worried about what you'll say? Come on, tell us," I stated.

She stopped laughing and returned to her serious demeanor.

"Alright. So, Uhm... I know you're lovely people, and I'm grateful that you're the people I met when I first arrived at Justice High. And I believe you have the right to know who I truly am before others tell you about the real me." Madison got things started.

"Are you the real you? What do you mean? Are you a vampire or something?" Aria cracks jokes.

Madison's expression remained solemn.

"I'm gay," Madison admitted.

For a while, we were deafeningly silent. We're waiting for Madison to tell us more.

"I'm sorry. If you don't want to be friends anymore, I understand. I just wanted to tell you and come out to both of you because, as people I adore, you deserve to know the truth about me." Madison looked down as if she'd said something terrible.

"Oh, Madison. Is that the most important thing you're going to tell us?" Aria approached Madison, and I followed suit. "We don't mind what you prefer. But we're glad you told us about it." Madison looked at Aria. Her eyes glistened with tears. Aria smiled at her.

"We accept you for who you are, Madison," I said. She smiled at me. "And I believe you deserve to know that, like you, I am gay," I told her.

"Really?" she inquired.

I nodded. "And Aria is bisexual. So you don't have to be concerned about your preference. But, regardless of our preferences, we are still friends. And we accept you for who you are."

"Oh my God! Why did you tell me now?" Madison was taken aback by our news.

"We assumed you already knew. And we heard rumors about you being gay, but we don't mind; that's why we didn't ask you about it. I assumed you were aware of our preferences, which is why you made friends with us," Aria stated.

"No. I had no idea," Madison told us.

"Your gaydar stinks," I joked.

Madison's smile is back.

"Do the students know about your preferences?" Madison enquired.

"I'm not sure. In any case, we don't care. Just let others think what they want. What matters is that you care about those you love. That they recognize and accept you for who you are," Aria stated.

"You're correct! Thank you so much, girls! I found people who have a big heart and can see the real me. I'm so glad I moved here." Madison hugged us, and I think she's crying.

"You don't have to thank us, Madison. We are your friends. And if you're our friend, it means we'll be friends for life."

Madison is sniffing. "I am overjoyed. I met genuine people. Thank you so much," Every time she said those words, her voice cracked. She's crying now. Madison is a wuss.

"Is that why you moved here?" Aria enquired. Madison let go of the hug. I was now wiping her tears with her handkerchief.

"Yeah. My previous school's students and teachers were abysmal. They are quick to judge, especially if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community," Madison admitted.

"Ah, well, we can't please everyone," I remarked. Madison nodded. "But that's okay. You've got us now. Don't be concerned. We're still in high school, and there's a lot to learn and do."

"That's right," Aria agreed. "Let's talk more about it and hang out soon, but for now, I think we should go to our respective clubs. My phone is vibrating incessantly. I believe my colleagues are looking for me right now."

"Yeah. I agree," Madison said as she checked her phone. I returned her hankie. "Oops, ten missed calls. We have to leave. But thank you so much for listening to me, girls. This means so much to me," Madison said, looking at us with relief in her eyes.

We both smiled at her and said, "You're welcome," simultaneously.

We three held hands on our way downstairs and parted ways when our path to our clubs diverged from the one we were on.

I adore my friends. I only have a few, but they are the most beautiful and unique people I've ever met. This is life!