The Secret Life Of Us

**Hi everyone! Here’s my new fic!!! Woohoo!! This is actually a 4-part fic, so (theoretically) it’ll be pretty long! Enjoy!!! –Sam xoxo**

Paul’s Story – If Only She Knew

‘Hi Tara…’ I sighed, looking up at the girl who was walking past me.
‘Oh, hey Paul!’ she smiled, not stopping.

‘Earth to Paul!!’
I snapped out of my daydream, and turned to face Chris, one of my best friends.
‘What?’ I asked.
‘I don’t think Tara has anything to do with the Romans.’ He smiled.

I felt my cheeks heat up, and I shifted my gaze onto the table in front of me.
‘Shall we get back to it?’ Chris suggested.
‘Yeah…’ I replied, turning the page of the book in front of me. My brow furrowed, as I tried my hardest to concentrate. But it wasn’t long before my mind drifted on to other things…

~*~

‘Paul!!’ Chris yelled, bringing me back to reality for the second time that morning.
‘Huh?’ I mumbled, looking up. Chris loomed over me, an annoyed expression masking his face.
‘The bell is ringing Paul. So one would assume this is where we are meant to go to Period 2.’

I stood up, and grabbed my books, before following Chris out of the library, and into the crowded halls.
‘You’ve got it bad mate.’ Chris said smugly, swerving around a junior.
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ I lied, trying to keep an innocent face.
‘You’ve fallen so hard for Taz you can’t even see straight!’ Chris elaborated, now laughing slightly.

I stopped in my tracks.
‘I do not fancy Tara!!!’ I said loudly.

Everyone in the corridor stopped, and the talking ceased. All of the people surrounding Chris and I looked at me. Some people sniggered, while others stood, staring at me with their mouth open in shock.

‘Well…Well it’s true!’ I stuttered, my cheeks burning.

I pushed through the crowd, my pace quickening with every step. Chris ran up behind me, and grabbed my shoulder.
‘Well that had to be embarrassing!’ he commented.
‘No shit.’ I said simply, still walking.
‘So you admit it then!’ Chris said, smiling.
‘Admit what?’
‘That you fancy the pants off of Taz!’ Chris said triumphantly.

I sighed, frustration visible in my voice.
‘What does it matter to you?’

Chris grinned, and ran to his locker, knowing full well that our other best friend, Ben, would be waiting for us.

I reached the lockers minutes later, and, sure enough, Chris and Ben were both shooting me knowing looks.

‘Get over it!’ I growled, ‘A 16 year old guy is allowed to have a crush ya know!’
‘Yeah, but Paul – this is you!’ Ben countered.
‘Your point?’
‘We were sure you were going to come out of the closet any time now.’
I rolled my eyes, and slammed my locker shut.
‘Guess I’ve ruined that theory haven’t I.’

Ben and Chris nodded.
‘Thankfully!’

The three of us walked into History, and took our seats. Mrs Stanson picked up a piece of paper, and started to mark to roll.
Suddenly, the door opened, interrupting the class.

‘Nice of you to join us Mr Read.’ Mrs Stanson said dryly.
‘Well, I thought you might all be in need of my expertise.’ Mark retorted, sitting down.
‘And what expertise would that be?’ Mrs Stanson asked.
‘A lot of things…intelligence, sporting ability, musical talent, fashion…’ he trailed off, and looked Mrs Stanson up and down.
‘And judging by that outfit you’re wearing, I’d say you’re first!’

The class laughed, and Mark smiled smugly. Mrs Stanson didn’t flinch.
‘Well Mr Read, perhaps you’d be so kind as to demonstrate you’re expertise to me in detention at Break 1, while I introduce you to a concept known as punctuality.’
‘If you’re lucky!’ Mark said, smiling.

I stared at the back of Mark’s head, scowling.

Stupid Mark! Thinks he’s SOOOOOO good just because he can make these immature twits laugh. Hmph!

Mrs Stanson continued with the roll, before she began that day’s lesson.

Ben nudged me, and pointed across the room. My eyes settled on Tara, who waved and smiled. A smiled back, and raised my hand to wave.

‘Yes Mr Marazzi? You have an answer?’ Mrs Stanson asked.
‘Uh…Umm… I’ I stuttered, trying to think of something to say.
‘Could I please have the question again?’ I finally asked.
‘ What was Theodore Rosevelt doing when he named ‘The Teddy Bear’?’

I thought for a moment, before answering.
‘Getting in touch with his inner child?’

Chris and Ben sniggered as Mrs Stanson’s face clouded over with disappointment.
‘I see you shall be joining Mr Read in detention today.’

I sighed, and slouched down in my seat, wishing the ground would swallow me up.

It’s going to be a looooonnnnngggggg day!