Hacked

Chapter 23

There are some secrets everyone vows to take to their graves. We're terrified of being shunned for how embarassing, revolting, heart-breaking or truly unbelievable these secrets are. The harsh truth is that nobody ever truly knows you, they only know what you want them to know. I can admit that I fall into the above category and at the top of my list of secrets to never reveal would be my experiences with Griffin and Silas.

But, somehow I found myself standing in the same room as two people who are now sharing this ugly burden with me. I simply stared as my old whiteboard was brought out and a plan was being formulated, all while I stood there like an idiot with my mouth gaping like a goldfish. 'The two of them really are incredible. How are they not disgusted? How are they so level headed and-'

My train of thought was broken by Chase snapping his fingers in front of my face. I jerked back in response while he held up his hands in apology,"Sorry, you just looked a bit lost there." I smiled to let him know that I was grateful but froze as Ashleigh slammed her hand against the board drawing our attention back to her. She crossed her arms confidently,"Well, while you were letting your mind travel to who knows where. Chase and I have worked out the major details to keep you safe." I raised my hand slightly to inquire just what her words meant because the entire board was blocked by her.

Chase turned to me and held my hand gently while whispering,"Don't worry about the little things, leave that to us. Besides I wouldn't be living up to my reputation as a top student if I did something as stupid as reveal all out plans while there's still a risk of cameras being around" he finished with a slight smirk.

"That's why we've been writing it all down on the board extra tiny, so there isn't anything for them to hear and the words will be too blurry." Ashleigh continued smugly. "Wow" was all I could say after hearing that they'd already thought so far ahead.

"Now the only thing left to confirm, and honesly I don't give a flying fuck if those guys hear about this, but I was thinking that Chase should probably move in with you you, Luna." she said while looking at me expectantly. "What!?", he and I yelled at the same time in shock. "W-wouldn't it make more sense for you to stay here!" , I sputtered.

Ashleigh titlted her head while tapping her index finger against her bottom lip,"Lulu, we both know you're smarter than that." I scrunched my face at the childhood nickname as she continued,"The twins would outsmart and overpower me as if it were a piece of cake...but dear old blondie!"

"Did she just insult herself or praise me?" Chase mumbled, making Ashleigh glare at him.

I looked at Chase and couldn't help but be hopeful and agree with her. From what she said, he was definitely intelligent and as my eyes took in his appearance, I coulddn't deny that he did have muscle. He awkwardly coughed while grabbing a pillow from the couch and setting it on his lap. I looked away quickly and tried to play off the fact that I'd been staring at him. I sighed while saying,"Well Astro, did you forget that he has a life of his own and a little sister to care for as well."

He shrugged nonchalently,"I don't mind amd your home is closer to town so it's more convenient for me as well. Plus Eden loves you and has been pestering me to see you again." I would have gawked at him for being able to stay so calm if his red ears didn't sell him out. They both turned to me awaiting my response but it was as though my throat had been dry for days and not a single syllable would come out.

The next day my hands shook due to both my nerves as well as excitement as I opened the front door for my new housemates. Chase leaned against the doorway while holding a large duffle bag and backpack while Eden bounced up and down, clutching a small blue suitcase.

She beamed at me before capturing my knees and rambling about how happy she was to have her first sleepover at my house. I smiled back while patting her head as I experienced a sense of deja vu about our first meeting. I lead them inside wordlessly as my throat felt constricted and my was fogged, I still had my reservations about this arrangement and surely so did he. 

I turned to them while gesturing towards the kitchen and saying,"I baked you both some chocolate muffins as a welcome treat. I hope you have enough room in your tummies for it." Almost as soon as I finished speaking, Eden was out of sight and already trying to find the muffins in the kitchen. Chase shook his head as he walked forward and whispered,"Sorry about her, she's just really excited about this."

I waved him off and laughed,"Please don't apologize. This is probably the funniest thing that's happened in a while." I handed them both the tray with a glass of milk and the kitchen was filled with the sounds of chewing and gulping for the next few minutes. "These are delicious, Luna. I'm definitely taking seconds." He winked, "Still not as good as Mrs. Singh's café".

I raised my eyebrow and was ready to retort but I didn't have to as Eden snatched another muffin and stuffed it into his mouth. I pursed my lips to try and hold in my laughter as his eyes widened and his words became muffled. "There, now you can eat more and see that Luna's cupcake tastes the bestest ever", she said while crossing her arms.

My put my hand over my mouth and let out an uncontrollable laugh while watching Chase sputter and struggle to chew it before just spitting it out and downing the entire glass of milk. He glared at us both making me shut my mouth while his sister on the other hand gave him a wink. I was again reminded of how similar the two siblings were and couldn't help but smile. His eyes came back to me and he grit his teeth and grunted,"You two are going to kill me one of these days, aren't you?"

Eden giggled but I tried to diffuse the situation by clapping my hands and saying,"Why don't I take you both to your room? I think you're really going to like them." Eden eagerly held my hand while Chase grumpily walked behind us, clutching his and his sister's bags. When we reached the top I lead them to the room next to mine which happened to be our spare room. "This room hasn't been used for awhile but I tried my best to clear it out for you two. Oh and if Eden wants, she's welcome to sleep in my room whenever she wants to", I said as I opened the door.

They stepped into the room and were mostly silent as they surveyed the white bed spread with a few teddy bears laying with the pillows and bright yellow curtains that I had picked out years ago with my mother. My heart panged as I recalled the numerous voice messages and calls from her that I'd left unanswered and I realized that I'd have to work up the courage to speak with her.

I smiled as Eden squealed and Chase expressed his gratitude but my vision and hearing seemed fuzzy as I unintentionally tuned out everything. A hand grabbed mine and I felt a tug but I stayed rooted in place lost in thought about everything and nothing at all. Something soft and warm pressed against my left cheek then my right and a whisper against my ear,"Snap out of it, Luna. I'm right here for you, you aren't alone now."

I blinked rapidly and gazed into his eyes as he put his forehead against mine,"You're safe now. I'm all your's and I'm going to protect you." And I knew it was the truth because after all eyes don't lie, do they?