Keep It Secret: Time Starts Now (Part Book 1)

  KEEP IT SECRET

  PART 1

  TIME STARTS NOW

  ELAIN PARKINSON

  DEDICATION

  I dedicate this book to every beautiful soul who is holding a copy of it in his or her hands!

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I have so many people who I have to thank. My publisher and manager Matthias who always believed in me and made me keep going. My mum who also believes in me who helped to edit this book. My best friend Viviane and so many more.

  Thank you! I couldn´t have done this without you!

  ◆◆◆

  Chapter 1

  Alison

  And then I really see him for the first time. His piercing green eyes. His curly dark hair. His lovely smile and his white teeth. It was like looking at something holy. For that moment I felt nothing but a warm feeling, maybe that is what pure joy feels like…

  I am in such a rush. However, I am still in the office, although I had planned to already be home by now. I am rushing to my colleagues to make sure I said goodbye to everyone. It’s my last day at the office after three years of working there. I’ve decided to quit because I’m starting my own business with my best friend. But first I will have one week off. I am so looking forward to this holiday. Usually, I don’t really have anything planned. I just stay home and enjoy the sun and my little garden or I drive to my mum’s place which is only a couple of hours away. But this time I do have plans. Nothing extraordinary, for other people it might even seem boring, but for me, it is something special. My cousin whom I haven’t seen in ages and my best friend are coming to my place and staying for a week. Oh, and my cousin is also bringing a friend whom I don’t know, but I am sure he will be very nice.

  So finally, after the hundredth time of saying goodbye, I am standing in the lift on my way down. I am so excited. I step out into the sunshine and rush to the underground station. Thank goodness it’s only a ten-minute ride until I’m home. I have to take a shower and prepare a few things before I leave again to pick up my cousin and his friend at the airport.

  When I’m at home, I’m running around like a lunatic. Probably my uncoordinated rushing of things, which then go wrong because I am too clumsy and uneasy, wastes more time than it saves me, but I still do it.

  After having a shower I put some make-up on and a loose maxi-dress. It is sooo hot outside that I don’t want to wear anything at all, but that might be weird and give me some curious looks in public. I grab my handbag and rush outside. I wasn’t able to properly prepare anything, of course, but at least I‘ll make it to the airport in time. Slowing down a bit now because I don’t want to start sweating in the heat. Why get yourself all freshened up just to ruin it in the first ten minutes?

  So back in the underground I start getting excited and I am really glad when I reach the airport. I haven’t seen my cousin for a very long time, and I have never even met his friend. Actually, I get nervous in all sorts of situations which can be good and bad. On the one hand, it is quite annoying to have this restless feeling in your stomach, but on the other, it is kind of nice to be so emotional and excited about the small things in life.

  Anyway, I walk to the terminal where my cousin and his friend are supposed to arrive and wait…and wait and wait, whilst looking at all kinds of people being happily welcomed. Why is it that I always have to wait no matter whether picking someone up or being picked up myself? Sometimes for ages. I have never ever met anyone who has told me “I got out first”. Who are these people who come out first? It’s kind of mysteries!

  Still waiting.

  There.

  I see him.

  My cousin is a very tall, blond, handsome guy, you can’t miss him. Next to him walks a guy, who is just as tall as him wearing a hoodie and sunglasses. I guess that’s his friend. Weird guy, I mean it’s July and really hot. Who would wear a hoodie in this heat? And what is up with sunglasses at the airport?

  I constantly wear sunglasses myself, but in a building? Especially at the airport? Who does he think he is? Mister too cool to be true, I wear my sunglasses everywhere?

  Oh, I am really good at that kind of stuff. The most frightening horror movies, the most intense drama, the worst scenarios of all times, all there right in my head. I could fill libraries or cinemas with the stuff that happens in my head. But I am not getting to my next saga of who this weird friend of my cousins could be because there he is. Picking me up and turning me in the air.

  “Alison I have missed you so much,“ my cousin Tyler says.

  “I missed you too,“ I reply.

  “Alison, this is my friend Henry, Henry this is Alison,“ Tyler introduces us. I stretch out my hand and Henry does the same thing, we shake hands.

  “Nice to meet you, Henry.“

  “Nice to meet you, too, Alison, I have heard a lot about you,“ Henry says with a smile.

  “Oh dear, if you heard it from Tyler than I can assure you half of it isn’t true,“ I answer him laughingly.

  “Don’t worry; it was only good things, at least to me. Anyway, it was enough to bring me here and wanting to meet you,“ he says still smiling. I just look at him and smile not knowing what to answer.

  Strangely enough, I am quite overwhelmed in situations in which I feel that someone I could be fond of is interested in me. I never know what to say so instead of saying something stupid (which I usually do) I just smile.

  “Okay boys, let’s go then, the underground is this way,” I tell them and march off in the direction of the underground station. I feel a hand softly land on my shoulder from behind and gently holding me back. I turn around and look into Henry's eyes. Well actually into his sunglasses.

  “Sorry, I don’t want to make any trouble, but could we take a taxi instead?“

  “Oh, sure, of course, no worries. In that case, we have to take this exit the taxis all stand there,“ I point out and head out to the front exit where the taxis always stand waiting for passengers. I mean I totally get it and I am a bit annoyed at myself that I didn’t think of it. When I travel and especially when I fly I always book a car as a transfer. Because after waiting at the airport and then checking in, checking out and this and that, you just want to sit in a car that brings you directly to your final destination; and not get on and off public transport again, and then walk. That way it is just so much easier. The boys put their luggage in the boot, whilst I tell the driver where to go.

  They get in the back and I take a seat in the front. It’s only going to be a short drive because I don’t live far away from the airport. About twenty to thirty minutes depending on the traffic.

  It’s quiet in the car, nobody is talking. Something I can’t stand. Also, I keep thinking about why Henry is wearing a hoodie and never once took off his sunglasses. I keep thinking about how I can ask him without being too direct or even rude, but I can’t hold back any longer, so I finally ask:

  “Aren’t you hot in that hoodie?“

  “Me? Oh yes, and how. The heat is killing me,“ Henry answers.

  I wait.

  I wait for more to come.

  But that’s it. Nothing else. Great, now I know exactly as much as I did before. And now I can’t dig in any further without seeming nosy and weird.

  I can see Tyler smiling because he knows exactly what I was trying to do. Somehow I think Henry did, too, but just didn’t respond on purpose. Which means that either he was teasing me or, more likely (in my weird brain), he has something to hide. But what?

  Being a hobby FBI agent, I am already plotting on how I am going to find out. Wow, this is going to be interesting. When I start plotting on how I am going to start the mission: “Find ou
t who Henry is,“ the taxi driver interrupts my thoughts because we have reached our destination. My home.

  Tyler and Henry get out of the car, opening the boot to take out their luggage. I grab my handbag to take out my purse and pay the taxi driver, but then my car door opens. Henry reaches me his hand to let me get out of the car saying:

  “It’s on me.“

  I was a bit irritated and usually, I would have started to argue that I am going to pay. But I was literally so shocked, that someone opened the door for me and reached me his hand to help me get out of the car like a lady. I thought:

  “Oh my god, this is the last gentleman on earth and he is here, standing in front of me. Wow!!!“

  The taxi driver rushes off and I walk to the gate door of the house I’m living in, open it and lead the boys the way. I show them the guest rooms where they will be staying.

  “Okay, you two make yourselves comfortable, and I just go and prepare some drinks and snacks.“

  I leave them there and walk off to the kitchen. I start fiddling about preparing some fresh ice tea and some fruit. Suddenly someone yells “booooohhhhh,“ in my ear. Of course, it is Tyler. We are nearly the same age and when we were kids we used to always get in trouble together. I think sometimes we were our parents’ biggest nightmare because we also did very hazardous stuff not realizing what we were up to. Right until now, Tyler loves to annoy me. The problem is that today he is about two heads taller than me; I don’t have a chance. I leap off the floor, nearly frightened to death.

  “Tyler, what the hell?“

  He just falls apart laughing.

  “Got you!“ he says still laughing.

  “So, where’s your friend?“

  “Why? Do you already miss him?“ Tyler asks teasingly.

  “No, oh my goodness, Ty, don’t you start that. I was just curious. Besides, I haven’t really seen much of him anyway. What’s up with this incognito outfit? Is he a criminal? What is he hiding? Oh god, Tyler you didn’t bring a hooligan to my home, did you?“ I can’t stop myself now.

  “Relax Ali, there is a reason he was so dressed up and incognito as you say, but it’s nothing like what you think. Just wait and you will find out eventually. And stop worrying!“ Tyler looks deep into my eyes and smiles.

  “So, where is he then?“ I ask again.

  “Who?“

  “Tyler, you know exactly who I am talking about. Henry!“

  “Oh, yeah he is taking a shower, wanted to freshen up after spending all that time under that thick hoodie. Do you need any help?“

  “Yes please, you could help me carry the things out into the garden.“

  “Sure,“ Tyler answers and follows me into the garden, carrying a tray with glasses and the ice tea.

  I sit down on a lounge chair and Tyler takes a seat next to me. We start to talk about how things are and catch up. Tyler lives in England, as half of my family does, and I live in Germany where the other half of my family lives. So I am here and there, but we don’t get to see each other as much as we would like to. Tyler is just telling me about his new project for his company, when all of a sudden Henry walks out into the garden.

  … And then I really see him for the first time. His piercing green eyes. His curly dark hair. His lovely smile and his white teeth. It is like looking at something holy. For that moment I feel nothing but a warm feeling, maybe that is what pure joy feels like…

  ◆◆◆

  ◆◆◆

  Chapter 2

  Poppy

  "….Feel the rain on your skin

  No one else can feel it for you

  Only you can let it in

  No one else, no one else

  Can speak the words on your lips

  Drench yourself in words unspoken

  Live your life with arms wide open

  Today is, where your book begins

  The rest is still unwritten…"

  (Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield)

  Oh, I just love this song. I used to sing it with Alison all the time. I am looking forward to our week together.

  I am on the motorway driving to Ali, singing at the top of my voice at the same time. It's annoying that we don't get to spend as much time together as we used to when she still lived in our hometown, but that will change again very soon. I'm really glad about that. We finally started our own fashion business and are going to open a hotel. Actually, we partially started two years ago, but now we intend to do it full time. We've always wanted to do so and now the time has come.

  But this week is not supposed to be about business. We decided to have a short break before it all starts.

  My navigation system tells me that I will arrive at Ali's in thirty minutes but I have to take a break to let Prince, my dog, out; besides, I desperately need a cup of coffee! The moment I stopped at the motorway station, my phone rings. It's Ali,

  "Hey Ali, what's up?"

  "Hey Poppy, whereabouts are you now?"

  "Well, according to my navigation system I am going to be at your place in thirty minutes. Just pulled over to let Prince get out for a minute and grab a coffee. But I'll hurry."

  "Okay, but drive safely,"

  "Of course, I will. See you in a bit. Love you,"

  "Love you, too,".

  I put Prince back in the car and quickly jump into the petrol station to get myself a cup of coffee.

  Back on the road, I turn the radio up and off I go again.

  "…Oh, Oh,

  Staring at the blank page before you

  Open up the dirty window

  Let the sun illuminate the words…"

  Then I arrive. I park my car in front of the house and Ali runs into my arms. We always act as if we haven't seen each other for ten years. She opens the back door, to let Prince out.

  "I have to tell you something," Ali says straight away.

  "Okay, what is it? Did something happen? Where are the boys?" I ask.

  "They are in the garden. So let's try to be quiet," she whispers.

  "Okay, you make it sound really mysterious. What's going on?"

  "Tyler brought his friend, as you know, his name is Henry. And, I don't know, but there is something about him…"

  "What do you mean?"

  "I don't really know. Well, first of all, he acted really weird, as if he was hiding something. Then Tyler told me that there was a reason for that but he said no more. And I somehow have the feeling that I have seen him before or know him from somewhere. Isn't that strange?" She pauses for a moment and adds with an embarrassed look on her face, "And I can't stop staring at him because he just looks so familiar" Ali lets out a deep breath and looks deep into my eyes, as though looking for help.

  "Okay, okay. Now, calm down. Ali, I didn't even get my handbag out of the car yet and you are already in a crisis. Don't panic, we will sort this out; we always do. Now let's go upstairs. I want to see Tyler and I want to meet Henry, the boy who has already occupied your mind!" I answer her with a smile on my face and get one back in return.

  So we take my bags and Prince and walk up the stairs into Ali's garden.

  "Hey, you stranger!" I say whilst walking up to Tyler. "Long time, no see. What have you been up to?"

  "I could ask you just the same, Poppy, looking lovely as usual," Tyler responds and takes me in his arms for a big hug.

  "And you must be Henry then," I say turning to Henry who stands behind Tyler now.

  "Yes, I'm Henry," Henry answers and stretches out his hand. I take his hand in mine and shake it.

  "Nice to meet you, Poppy,"

  "Nice to meet you too Henry," I say and turn back around to the others.

  Tyler is already playing around with Prince. I sit down on one of the lounge chairs and close my eyes for a second. Breathing in and out, thinking to myself: "Okay I am here. My holiday starts now."

  "So, any plans yet?" I ask all of them.

  "We thought maybe we could have a barbecue, as the weather is so nice," Tyler answers me.

&nb
sp; "Yeah great, let's do that. Anything we need to get? Or do we have everything here?"

  "Well, we do have to go and get some meat I don't have any in and maybe some bread. I do have salad and all that," Ali answers me.

  Then I have a brilliant idea.

  "Okay, well, why don't you and Henry go down to the grocery and get what we need and I stay here with Tyler and Prince and prepare the rest." I love my brilliant ideas.

  Ali is looking at me a bit angry but more in shock. Ah, she'll get over it. I know that. Sometimes she just needs a little push.

  "Oh, ah I would like to, but I am kind of tired so I would rather stay here if that's okay," Henry says all of a sudden.

  Oh dear, this is not how I had planned this. I hardly dare, but when I look into Ali's eyes I can see her disappointment. Nobody else can, but I just know her.

  "Sure, I'll just go on my own," Ali says.

  "Don't be silly. I'll come with you and Tyler and Henry can play with Prince whilst we're out."

  And so off we go. Oh dear, I can tell that Ali is disappointed and confused by Henry´s reaction. Maybe I shouldn't have forced them into going together, but I'm not stupid. Yes, she keeps looking at him, but what she can't see is that when she does not, he does and I have only been there for an hour.

  "Ali, come on talk to me."

  "Oh my god, Poppy, that was so humiliating."

  "Well, I'm sorry, but I thought he would say yes. He keeps looking at you all the time in this weird I'm interested in her way."

  "It's not your fault; you don't have to be sorry. I guess now I know what it feels like to be rejected. Not a very nice feeling, but I'll get over it," we both have to laugh.

  "Come on Ali, I mean maybe he really was just tired."

  "Seriously Poppy?"