The Secret Life Of Us – Chap 3

If Only She Knew

Finally, the torture was over. All of the pizza had gone, and we were ready to leave. I stood up, and grabbed my jacket.

‘I’d better go. See you guys tomorrow?’ I asked.
Mark smirked, trying to hide his laughter.
‘Yes buddy. I’ll see you tomorrow so we can swap ideas for the bake sale!’ he said mockingly.

‘Mark! Be nice!! Yeah Paul – I guess we’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks for the pizzas!’ Tara smiled.

My heart skipped a beat as I left the Pizza place, and started off home.

…Maybe I had a chance after all.

~*~

The next week, I felt like I had a new lease on life. Tara and I were actually chatting regularly, and Mark and I were mates! …Ok, so maybe not mates…but at least he wasn’t banging my head into my locker whenever he saw me! That had to be an improvement – right?

‘Oi! Give it ‘ere Adams!!’ Chris yelled, trying to snatch his wallet back.
‘Not till you say sorry!’ Ben yelled back, dodging Chris’ arm
‘But-‘
‘Say Sorry!’ Ben repeated slowly.
Chris sighed.
‘Sorry I called you a squealing girl with long hair. Now can I have my wallet back?’

Ben handed it to him, grinning triumphantly.
‘Now, could a girl get you to do that?’ he asked, putting his hands on his hips.
‘Actually, yes!’ Tara laughed, snatching Chris’ wallet and running a few feet away.

She stopped, smiling proudly.
‘Hey! That’s my trick!’ Ben whined, stamping his foot.
Chris rolled his eyes, walking over to Tara.
‘What is this; pick on Christian day?’

‘Every day is pick on Christian day! You should know that by now!’ I joined in, smiling at Tara.

She handed back his wallet, and grinned at me.
‘Hey Mazza. How’s it going?’
‘Didn’t fail any exams this week, so all in all – pretty good!’ I joked, shifting my bag.

Just then, Mark walked up behind Tara.
‘Boo!’ he yelled, making Tara jump.
‘Mark! My God! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!?!’ She snapped, folding her arms.
‘Well, I wasn’t trying to…but seeing as though I did…do I get any bonus points?’
Tara rolled her eyes, huffing slightly.

‘Awe, sorry Taz…I just wanted to know if you needed a lift.’ Mark apologised, ‘But since you’re angry at me…’

Tara spun around.
‘Me? Angry? Who said I was angry?’
Mark laughed.
‘C’mon goofball, I’ll drop you home.’
‘Thanks Mark.’

She turned around to face us, smiling.
‘Bye guys! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!’
‘Does that mean we can’t act sane?’ I called back, grinning.

I heard Tara laughing as she walked away with Mark.

Feeling proud, I continued to walk home with Chris and Ben, who were still arguing over Ben being a girl or not.
I smiled, only half listening to the argument. Suddenly, they both stopped, and spun around to face me.

‘Are Mark and Taz dating?’ Ben asked, tilting his head.
‘Not that I know of.’ I replied, still walking.
‘They sure get along well don’t they?’ Chris commented.
‘I suppose.’ I agreed calmly.
‘If they aren’t dating, they’ll probably start soon – don’t you think?’ Ben exclaimed, more to himself than to Chris and I.

I turned around to face them, my eyes blazing.
‘Are you trying to make me feel bad?! Or does it just come naturally?!’
‘I…I’ Ben stuttered, reeling back.
‘Because it’s working!’ I continued, ‘Don’t you think I’ve noticed how close Tara and Mark are?! Don’t you think I’ve spent hours wondering if they are together, and if I have a chance up against him?!’
Chris shrugged feebly, not knowing what to say.
‘Well I have!!! So just drop it – ok?!’ I snapped, my shoulders sagging slightly.

‘Gee…sorry man.’ Chris apologised, looking totally guilty.
‘Yeah – what he said.’ Ben added, looking equally guilty.
I shrugged, trying to look like I didn’t care.
‘Don’t worry about it. Can we just get back to my house to work on that project please?’

They both nodded, as we set off for my house. I knew they hadn’t meant to make me upset – but they had. Except now, I couldn’t blame it on my over-active imagination. I wasn’t the only one that had noticed the increasing closeness of Mark and Tara – now it was the real deal.