More Secrets

On Monday, like expected there was no letter from Hanna. Mya and Rina concluded that they were either going crazy or that person that they saw looked very similar to their sister. With the worries of seeing her sister off her back, Rina’s life had returned back to, basically normal. 

The school paper was busier than ever, thanks to the constant stream of news, both from the school and global. Which left Rina, Anne, and Rachel extra busy, for the next week. This new surge of writing to do, caused Rina to completely forget about everything that had happened last week, for the better. 

It was the busiest day for writing that week, and Rachel was an hour. Anne and Rina, annoyed and piled high with writing to get done, kept on. Rina, wondered what was taking Rachel so long, after all she was usually the most punctual out of the three. But today, something was different, something was up.

“Anne, do you want me to call Brinn to replace Rachel?” asked Rina. Brinn who was not fully committed to the school paper whatsoever occasionally if one of the writer’s were sick would replace them.

“Let’s wait for another five minutes. I don’t really want to bug Brinn.” replied Anne, with annoyance.

Suddenly, Mya entered the room. “Sorry to interrupt your non existence conversation, Rachel is in trouble.”

“Um… What!” exclaimed Rina with shock and confusion.

“What’s going on?” asked Anne.

“It’s a long story, but can you come with me, Rina.” said Mya, gesturing for them to follow her.

“What happened?” asked Rina, as they hurriedly walked through the empty school hall(it was after school).

“I caught her and her other friends smoking, Marijuana.” rushed on Mya.

Rina couldn’t say anything, she never thought that Rachel was like that, maybe a hippie but not a marijuana smoking hippie.

“I know. But this isn’t her first time. She’s been smoking it on and off apparently, from what I heard, from my friends, for the last six months.” gasped on Mya.

“Where is she?” asked Rina, who got her voice back

“She’s at her house, but I wanted to tell you, without Anne in the same room.” said Mya.

“So what are you saying?” asked Rina.

“I’m just saying that, Rachel isn’t the person that she seems to be. I’ve known her since she first entered high school; and she used be a real nerd and quiet person. Then she met Trinity and Hal, the school hippies; she changed completely after that, she even planned to drop out of high school until she was told that she could probably graduate early, because of her academic abilities.” explained Mya.

Rina realized she actually barely knew Rachel. Rachel was almost a complete stranger, she didn’t even know her birthday. This revaluation made her realize that she actually “didn’t know anyone” including her family; everyone seemed to be piled high with secrets, lies, and things that they don’t want to be exposed.

“I better see her than.” said Rina, after her deep thoughts.

“What! Um, I don’t think this is a good time. I, your sister caught her doing something illegal, so I don’t think that she wants to see you at the moment.” 

“Mya. Though this may seem like a bad time, I am over with not knowing anyone, and also Rachel needs support.” explained Rina.

“Alright. But it’s not my fault if a door gets slammed in your face.” snorted Mya, as she walked off.

Oh well, she sure didn’t look forward to going home tonight. She returned back to the school library, and explained to Anne what was going on without exposing too many details, but she did include the marijunia. Anne, after soberly taking in this information, urged Rina to visit Rachel.

The walk to Rachel’s house was much faster than Rina remembered, and before she knew it she was standing at the front door. After reconsidering a million times, she finally knocked on the door. 

The door cracked open, with a very obvious face behind it. Hanna!

“Oh my goodness! Rina!” exclaimed Hanna.

Rina just started, in shock. She was right, Hanna was in Victoria, after all. Wait till she saw Mya’s face.

“What are you doing here!?” questioned Rina.

“What are you doing here, Rina!?” also questioned Hanna.

“Alright. Let’s start with you. Why are you at my friend’s house?” asked Rina, she was starting to get mad.

“Well, your “friend’s” cousin happens to be my husband.” explained Hanna.

“Alright! I figured that out somewhat. Why didn’t you tell Mom or Dad?’ accused Rina.

“You didn’t answer my question Rina.” replied Hanna, sweetly with a touch of annoyance.

“I’m here to visit my friend.” rushed Rina.

“If you are wondering if I told Mom or Dad, I did. I even went to lunch with them, Derrell, and Mya. You didn’t know?” 

Rina was in shock, Mya knew this the whole time, and so did her parents!? How many secrets was Mya hiding from her?

“I didn’t know. Mom and Dad never told me anything.” replied, Rina after gaining back her control.

“That does not sound like something that Mom or Dad would do, are you sure they didn’t tell you?” asked Hanna, with surprise.

“Exactly. Well sorry to cut off this conversation early with you. I would like to see my friend.” said Rina, she couldn’t bear to speak with Hanna anymore.

“Alright, come in.” sighed Hanna, as she let her in.

“By the way, Rachel is in the garden.” said Hanna.

“Thank you.” replied Rina a little coldly. Why did she have to be nice to anyone at this point? Especially to Hanna.

Rina found Rachel quickly, alone in her garden. “Hi, Rachel.” said Rina awkwardly.

“Are you going to give me a lecture on my smoking.” asked Rachel sadly.

“No. I am not, I just wanted to see how you are doing.” said Rina, as she sat down beside her friend.

“I’m alright. Have you met my cousin’s wife?” asked Rachel, perking up.

“I actually know her?” replied Rina, softly.

“What do you mean?” she asked curiously.

“She’s my sister.”

Note: There will be more chapters to come, I have already written four more chapters after this one, so expect more in the coming days or weeks.