Secret (Peters Junction Series Book 1)

April bent down to pick up her cup and drained the now-cool contents. Her breath came out in white puffs of air, reminding her that the chill she felt was not only due to her morose thoughts. Lachlan had surprised her when he’d recognised Shaewal, but that wasn’t why she was miserable. In fact, his recognition had set free the butterflies in her stomach, transporting their pleasant sensations all over her body.

  What scared her was that he knew her so well. And to share such a private and sacred part of herself with him was to acknowledge that he meant more to her than she was willing to allow.

  But maybe he did at least deserve an explanation. She could give him some of the answers he was looking for, then maybe he would understand. Just like he’d understood about Shaewal.

  April made up her mind and walked into the kitchen. Marie and Ben were laughing at something, which raised alarm bells in her head. She didn’t like seeing this mature, flirty version of her sister.

  Lachlan was staring at the untouched toast on his plate. He looked up as soon as she came in and narrowed his eyes. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but he must have read something in her face because the corners of his mouth kicked up slightly and he nodded his head.

  “Lachlan and I are going for a drive,” she announced, then frowned at her sister. “Aren’t you getting ready for school?”

  “Actually I was hoping you’d let me stay home. I’ve got two free periods between English and Art and I’ve finished my English work for the term. In Art we’re working on our projects and I can do that here.” April didn’t like the way her sister’s eyes flickered to Ben.

  “I don’t know…”

  “Oh come on, April. School holiday’s start next week anyway, so it’s not like we’re doing anything important and I’ve finished all my other assignments.”

  Lachlan stood up and reached out his hand to hers and gripped her fingers. He seemed to read her concern because he spoke quietly so only she could hear. “It’ll be all right, she’s safe with Ben. He won’t do anything.”

  She glanced over at Ben who must have been aware of what Lachlan had said, because he nodded reassuringly. Swallowing hard, April decided being a parent to a teenager was worse that parenting a grieving six-year-old. More stressful. “Fine. But stay here.”

  Marie beamed with pleasure, unaware of the undercurrents in the conversation, and April couldn’t help but smile at her sister’s naivety. Maybe she didn’t have to worry about her growing up just yet.

  While April and Lachlan took turns showering and getting ready, Marie surprised them by putting together a packed lunch and making coffee in travel mugs. Then she hugged her sister tight and promptly kicked her out of the house.