secrets or lies: a johannie story

seven.

annie's pov:
i was at johnnys house by seven fifteen.
and to my surprise he walked out on time.
but his sister was a different story.
he gestures for me roll down the window.
j: lauren's taking forever, you can go.
a: i didn't know if either one of you would be late, so i made it earlier, you're fine.
j: okay.
he says getting the car.
j: i was thinking we hang out after school.

a: weren't we doing that anyways.
j: yesterday was kind of vague, wanted to make sure.
a: well sure.
i says not fazed.
j: and i'll drive.
he says smirking.
a: you're driving?
j: yeah if you let me.
a: i have to see how you drive before you're behind the wheel in my car.
j: fair enough.

lauren walked out at 7:37.
i unlocked the door.
and she hopped in.
l: hi i'm lauren.
she says exhausted.
a: nice to meet you i'm annie.
i say smiling.
l: sorry i'm late.
j: you're always late laur.
a: you're all good, caleb went to starbucks this morning and got coffee and croissants for you guys. it's in the back.

l: thank god, i really didn't want to ask you to stop but i was dying.
a: help yourself.
j: why'd he do that?
a: that's just who my brother is, everyone is family.
i say smiling.
l: wait his names caleb.
she says confused.
l: and you're annie?
she knows, i don't have a problem with people i'm close to knowing, but i don't want everyone to find out.
people are judgmental, they'll treat me different like i'm weird.
especially johnny, i'm just not quite comfortable with him knowing that part of me yet.
sometimes i wish it'd disappear.

l: that sounds oddly familiar, and your face too.
j: laur don't be weird.
a: just common names and face i guess.
i say laughing it off
she shrugged her shoulders and started typing away on her phone.
johnny looked at me strange.

a: we should get going.
i say shifting gears and driving off.
we pulled up to the school and parked.
l: she has a good parking spot. out of all the girls who have been with my brother annie you're my favorite.
j: we-
a: how many have their been?
i say looking at him shocked.
l: he's dated a bunch.
a: a bunch?
i say smiling at him.

j: i haven't dated anyone.
he says reassuring me.
l: hooked up dating it's all the same in my eyes.
lauren says getting out of the car and walking towards the building.
l: thanks for the ride annie.
a: of course.
j: why'd you entertain her.
a: i don't know, people talking about my dating life isn't new, i just roll with it and take it lightheartedly. if you're uncomfortable with that i'll stop.

j: who thinks we're dating?
he says confused.
a: asher and caleb.
j: really?
a: yeah they didn't know we had a project, so they were really shocked to see you yesterday.
j: so since you're entertaining these theories you shouldnt have a problem actually going on a date with me.
a: you're like eighteen.
j: i'm seventeen, almost eighteen, but still seventeen. it's not even a big age gap, you're just making excuses.
today is my birthday so i was making excuses, but he doesn't know that.
j: just give me a shot.
he says sincere.

a: that's exactly what some other boy said to me and my gut is telling me it's not a good idea.
j: what boy?
he says curious.
a: hayden summerall, we were talking for a while yesterday.
j: when? and how long?
he says concerned.
a: when i got back from your house he was at mine playing video games with asher and caleb.

—flashback—
a: i'm back.
ash: thanks for stating the obvious.
asher says staring at the video game.
i went over to the tv and turned it off.
ash: you turned it off annie.
he says huffy and puffy.
a: thanks for staring the obvious.
i say glaring at him as i walk in to the kitchen.
i hear him utter.
ash: you're sisters the worst.
after that i couldn't hear anything else.
i was just scrolling through my phone and i got a text from johnny.
that said "howdy."
i went to respond.
h: hey.
hayden says scaring me.
a: oh hi.