by Rua Hasan
My mouth fell open.
“I was not!”
“Yes you were!”
“No I wasn’t!”
“Fine say that if it helps you sleep at night.”
“I was only thinking.“
“Of how much you love me?” he asked in a teasing tone.
“No. I wanted to drag you into the woods and bury you alive without anybody noticing you gone so I could move to Japan,” I said as I smiled up at him.
“That’s impossible because I’d still be haunting you after death.” He winked.
“So, what you’re saying is I’ll never get rid of you. Even after you die?” I asked in horror.
“Oh, come on. You say it like it’s a bad thing. You know you like it.”
I noticed that we were in the front of the line as the guy behind the cashier and some students from behind us gave us annoyed looks.
“Are you going to order what you want or are you going to keep the line waiting all day?” he asked.
Tyler rolled his eyes and looked like he was about to say some stupid comeback that would probably get us kicked out of the place, leaving me with him whining about not eating his god damn pancakes! So, I jabbed him in the stomach with my elbow causing him to hiss in pain.
“Uh yea, we would like two of number three,” I said as, I pointed to the sign which had a pancake picture on it, trying to ignore Tyler’s mutter in pain standing next to me.
“They’ll be sent to your table in ten minutes,” the guy said before I dragged Tyler to an empty table.
“What are your elbows made out of? Steel?” he asked as he shook his head.
I rolled my eyes.
“You’re exaggerating.”
“Sometimes I think you hate me,” Tyler said under his breath a bit too dramatically as he ran his hand through his hair. I had to close my mouth from drooling because he looked so damn hot doing that. I don’t know what came over me but remembering that I woke up in his arms today made me blush.
Ugh, why was I thinking about that? It was a mistake and would never happen again! But if it was a mistake then why didn’t it feel wrong? Today was so different then my other days. I laughed so hard this morning, well it was Tyler’s fault since he was the one tickling me in the first place but you get the point!
Tyler’s presence just made me feel even more alive.
“Oh you just noticed that right now?”
“Gem! I thought we went over this already!”
“The day you stop calling me “ Gem” is the day I’ll stop hating you.”
“Then I guess I should give up then because that day will never come.”
“Really you’re going to give up?”
Tyler looked at me as if I’m crazy.
“Geez I was kidding. Why should I try in the very beginning if I know you’re lying?” He scoffed.
“What? I’m not lying.”
“Yes, you are. End of story.” Tyler gave me a pointed look once I opened my mouth. Rolling my eyes, I crossed arms and looked away. Why does he always have to affect me? I looked back at Tyler once I heard his phone buzz in his pocket.
Lifting an eyebrow, I watched him take it out and read a message someone sent him. Not sure why but his mood suddenly lifted up and smirked to himself as he closed his phone. His smirk got even bigger when his eyes made contact with mine.
“What?” I asked.
“That was Matt,” he said
“Okay . . . ”
“And he told me about the pool party today.”
“So why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re one of those clowns in the woods ready to kill me with your freakin’ axe.”
He laughed. I mean his eyes opened wide as his mouth led out a cheerful laugh.
“Of all things, you compare me to that?” he asked between breaths.
I gave him a pointed look.
“Are you going to keep laughing or are you going to tell me?” I asked.
When the waiter came with our pancakes in his hands, I couldn’t help but lick my lips at that delicious sight in front of me and I’m pretty sure Tyler was thinking the same thing because his eyes followed the plate like an eagle. Once the waiter was gone, I didn’t waste any time taking the first bite as I let out a small moan of satisfaction. These were so damn good.
“As I was saying,” he said, as he wiped off some syrup from the corner of his lips.
“ Matt told me about your lack of sense of fashion.” He grinned.
I groaned to myself as I ran my hands over my face.
Please don’t tell me we are doing this right now! Please no! Anything but this!
I was going to strangle Matt when I got my hands on him.
“Please don’t tell me what I think you’re going to say.” I groaned.
“We . . . ”
“Don’t!”
“Are going to . . . ”
“Stop!” I yelled
“Go . . . ”
I placed my hands over my ears, shaking my head.
“La la la! I’m not listening!”
“Bikini shopping!” he yelled as he threw his hands up in the air and started laughing.
“No!” I yelled as I placed my hands over my face.
“The horror! Anything but that!”
I was so thankful we sat next to a window in the back so that nobody could hear our conversation or else they would probably think we were some crazy teenagers that needed to visit a doctor.
“Oh, come on! It’s not that bad.” He assured me but I couldn’t help but glare at him.
“We are not going bikini shopping if it’s the last thing I do!”
“Do you have any at home?” He grinned. I blinked a few times as I tried to remember.
“That’s none of your business.” I pointed out.
“So, you don’t? Then that leaves us no choice but to go buy some.”
“I’ll do it myself! I don’t need your help.” I glared at him.
“Well you’re not getting rid of me that easily,” he spoke before taking another bite from his pancakes.
I stayed glaring at him as I shoved some food into my mouth before I could say something I would have regretted later on. This was surely going to be a very long day.
Once we were done with breakfast, I was finally at peace because Tyler wasn’t whining like a baby. We paid for our food and walked out of the place all while I continued to send daggers at the side of his head but Tyler didn’t seem to mind it because he shoved his hands into his pockets while whistling as if today was going to be the best day of his life.
He lead me back to my car but before I could open the driver’s door, he took the keys from my hand and got into my place. My mouth fell open as I stared at him.
“What are you doing? I’m supposed to be the one driving us home!” I said.
He shook his head and looked at the time on his wristwatch.
“We aren’t going home Gem. We got a couple of hours before the party starts and we need to get you something to wear.” He grinned.
I blinked as I tried to register what he was just saying. God he was so stubborn!
“Why don’t you just give up! There’s no way I’m going bikini shopping with you!” I hissed as I grabbed his arm, trying to pull him out of my seat but he was as heavy as a rock it wouldn’t even budge.
“Gem, relax! We are only going to get you something appropriate to wear. No big deal.” Tyler assured me but I only shook my head.
If anyone was as stubborn as Tyler then that would be me. I took a hold of his upper arm and put them over my shoulder hoping that I’d be stronger like this, then pulled. It was probably was a bad idea because he just yanked his arm back, causing me to stumble backwards and landing on his lap. I opened my eyes, silently thanking that Tyler’s lap was there to cushion my fall. Not like I fell in the first place but I did end up laying in his lap which was pretty awkward. I looked up and blinked once to
see him looking down at me with an amused expression.
“You done yet?” he asked.
I glared at him before letting out a huff. I got off his lap and turned around, crossing my arms under my chest.
“You won’t say ‘no’ will you?” I asked in frustration.
He shook his head and sent me a charming smile.
“Fine but only one hour! And that’s it!” I hissed.
Tyler let out a chuckle before nodding his head.
“One hour is enough,” he said.
I glared at him one last time as he sent me a wink before slamming the door closed, and hit his nose. I saw the look of pain flash on his face as he held his red nose. He glared at me through the window as I sent him an innocent smile as I shrugged my shoulders. He rubbed the soreness of his nose as he signaled me to get in. I sent him a wink before walking around my car and into the seat next to him. I looked out the window as my car purred to life. Tyler then drove to the nearest mall as he hummed to himself happily.
Why on earth was he this happy to buy me a freakin’ bikini in the first place?
Oh, never mind, Do not answer that question.
Once he had my car parked into place, I hopped out of my car and made sure Tyler locked it before walking into the entrance doors.
Let’s just get this over with before I could die from embarrassment!
We walked to the nearest shop and looked around as I tried to ignore Tyler’s immature comments. Did you know what I wanted to do at that very moment? Grab an axe and chop his head off but I knew he was just too damn sexy for that. Poor me! Why did I have to get stuck with him of all situations.
‘You know you like it’ That little annoying voice inside my head said.
Since when did you get here?
Okay I’m officially going nuts . . .
I was brought out of my thoughts when I saw a cute bikini hanging on a hanger next to other ones. I saw a bunch of bikinis but this one caught my attention. I rushed over to it, ignoring Tyler who was following right behind me. I studied the cute black two-piece. I smiled to myself as I imagined myself wearing it. I got to say it showed a lot of skin but it was a pool party after all. And I’m pretty sure others will show much more than I would.
I took a hold of the fabric and nodded my head. I wanted this one. I was about to turn around to tell Tyler that we were done for the day when he snatched the bikini from my hand.
“No.” He growled as he placed it back on the hanger.
My mouth fell open as I stared at him.
“What?” I asked.
“Not that one! Choose another one,” he ordered before turning me around to face the other bikinis.
“Why?” I asked.
“That one was perfectly fine,” I whined.
“I said no.”
I groaned to myself and muttered a ‘whatever’. There were a bunch of other bikinis here and I had a bunch of other choices to choose from. I also didn’t want Tyler’s grumpiness ruining my day so I decided to ignore him. I walked over to a bright yellow bikini that didn’t show much skin as the previous one but it was still nice.
“ Too bright. Will attract too much attention.” Tyler swatted his hands as if telling me not to choose that one. Rolling my eyes I looked around and saw a one piece swimsuit that had laces coming down from the back.
“Nope. Too tight.” Tyler argued.
I let a groan out. Was it bad that I wanted to punch him right now?
I walked over to red bikini that looked pretty sexy. I was about to reach for it when Tyler slapped my hand away.
“Definitely not that. The color is too alluring!” He grumbled as he wrapped his hands around my stomach and turned me around. I glared at him before punching his chest.
“How on earth do you expect me to buy a damn bikini if you keep saying no! Are you my father?” I asked as I placed one of my hand on my hip.
Tyler rolled his eyes.
“I’m just helping you! All those you chose were hideous! I knew Matt was right but I didn’t know you were that bad at choosing,” he said.
I grumbled to myself as I pinched his shoulders in an angry manner.
“Fine! If you’re so much better than me then you choose,” I said as I waved my hand in the air.
“Why I’ll be delighted.”
I stepped aside as I watched Tyler look around for the perfect bikini. It took him a while to actually pick one. It looked like he didn’t even want to but I knew that he was too stubborn to back down now. I waited on the side as I watched him inspect each piece. Sometimes, he would stare at one and shake his head as if he was saying a big ‘no way!’
After what seemed to be forever, he chose a dark blue bikini which didn’t show off my chest area that much. I wasn’t saying I was complaining though, but I liked its long fabric coming down from the bottom piece like a removable skirt. It would make feel less conscious. I didn’t want to admit to Tyler that I actually liked it or else he would get a little too cocky so I nodded my head and simply shrugged my shoulders.
“That’s fine.,” I muttered as I took it from his hands and inspected it even closer.
I loved the feeling of the fabric.
“Fine?” he asked. “It’s perfect,” he corrected me.
I rolled my eyes.
“Yea, yea, whatever. Can we just go now?” I asked changing the subject.
He nodded and placed his hand on my lower back as he guided me to the cashier. After paying for my bikini, we walked out of the mall and to my car. We decided to go home and get ready so that we could be on time and help Jasmine and Troy around. It was a quiet ride home but very relaxing. I tried to ignore the looks Tyler would shoot me every now and then as I hummed to myself.
I kept my eyes on the window and I watched the trees and building fall behind us as we got closer to my house. Once Tyler parked my in the drive-through, we hopped out.
“ I’ll pick you up in an hour,” Tyler said.
“ Uh that’s not neces—”
“ Just listen to what I say without arguing for once.”
I shook my head as if letting him pick my own bikini wasn’t enough for me to be ‘listening’ to him. I was afraid I would strangle him any minute and kiss the life out of hi—
What the hell was I thinking?!
I walked through my front door as I hit my head with my fist. Tyler had been in my head these past few days and he was affecting me. I didn’t know whether it was a good or bad thing. His continuous presence has taken over me.
Shaking my head, I reached for my phone and saw a text from Sydney, asking if I was going to the party at Troy’s place. After texting her ‘yes’, I walked upstairs to the second floor then slowly into my parents’ dusty old room.
I swallowed the lump in my throat as I closed the door slowly staring at the empty bed by parents once shared. I knew I had to come in here more often but it was too painful. I found myself dodging the subject so many times so that I could just ignore the pain but what I was doing was disrespecting my parents. I had to make sure this room stayed clean so that I could feel their presence.
Pushing back the tears threatening to fall, I embraced the pain in my heart, and grabbed the towel I brought with me, along with the spray I used to clean the dust. Starting with the windows, I wiped it clean to see my reflection. I had to do it even though I had a party waiting for me.
I was going to wear a bikini in less than an hour. I know I wasn’t forced to wear it but I wanted to. I wanted to show myself that I was not the old me anymore and I thought I would feel accomplished by wearing it.
Moving away from everybody had changed everything in me, but not the way I feel. At some point, I felt happy for what I had become but empty at the same time without my parents. Cleaning my parents’ room made me feel like my old self in some weird way.
Pushing the thoughts into the back of my head, I finished cleaning the room before getting dressed into a simple floral dress over my bikini. I then braided my hair int
o a fishtail and did not wear makeup. I would be in the waters anyway.
I was walking down the stairs holding my bag in my hand when I heard a car honking from outside my door. Knowing it was Tyler, I put on my sandals and walked out of my place. After locking my front door, I hopped into Tyler’s car. Tyler was wearing a white t-shirt and shorts that came to his knees.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Yup.”
It didn’t take long before we made it to Troy’s house. It looked pretty big and I could already hear the music blasting from the backyard. I felt chills run down my spine as I jumped out of the car and smelt the fresh air. The weather was perfect for this! And I couldn’t wait to get into the cold water.
I looked at Tyler who was walking beside me to the front door with a smile on his face. He grabbed my hand and twirled our fingers together as if it was a normal thing. I couldn’t help but feel my heart jump up in excitement. He did it as if it was an everyday thing and I kind of liked it.
Once Troy opened the door and saw us, he gave each one of us a hug. I didn’t fail to notice his eyes flicker to our hands which caused the grin on his face to get bigger. I was not sure why I didn’t pull away with everyone staring at us. All I knew was I liked it and his presence brought me peace. So instead of pushing it away, I welcomed it with open arms. We wasted no time in heading to the back yard where the pool was and greeted all our friends.
“So happy you guys made it. The changing room is over there. You can get changed so that Matt could bring out the food and start the barbecue,” Troy said.
We nodded and pulled apart awkwardly as we rushed to change into our clothes. I felt the excitement inside me increase when Troy mentioned food.
Hey, don’t blame me! That was one of the most important things in a party! After removing my dress, I made sure my bikini was in place and kept the skirt that looked pretty cool. Tyler didn’t have any fashion sense. I took a deep breath and walked towards the pool to see Matt smiling. I sent him a glare and flipped him off causing him to laugh.
“I hate you,” I said causing him to laugh even harder.
I know you do.” He grinned as he pinched my cheek. I slapped his hand away and was about to say something when my attention was pulled to someone else.
Holy shit!
