Tyler's Gem: A Teen Romance

by Rua Hasan

  I felt my mouth fall open as I stared at Tyler walking towards as with a smirk on his face. I forcefully closed my mouth as I tried not to drool for the second time today. He was wearing dark blue swimming trunks that matched the color of mine with his chest on display.

  “Like what you see?” he asked as Matt walked away, trying to avoid this awkwardness.

  I was so tempted to say ‘yes’ but refrained from it.

  “You know that line is the most cliché line I’ve ever heard in my entire life?” I asked instead.

  “I know,” he said grinning at me as he dropped his arm on my shoulder, and leaned to whisper something in my ear.

  “But you know you like it.”

  I do.

  “No I don’t.” I shoved his face away from mine and walked towards the pool.

  “Feisty as ever!” I heard him say from behind me.

  “But you know you like it.” I mimicked what he said.

  “Yes I do!” He shook his head as I glared at him.

  I then sat at the edge of the pool as I dropped my feet into the water, wanting to get used to the coldness before I actually began swimming. Tyler sat next to me and did the same thing. I tried not to look or stare at his chest, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.

  “Told you I knew what I was doing.“

  “Huh?” I asked.

  “I’m talking about what you’re wearing. Got better fashion taste than you’ll ever have.” He joked making me punch his shoulder playfully.

  “Shut up.”

  “Oh, come one just admit it! You like it.” He poked my cheek.

  “Yes okay fine it’s nice. Happy?” I asked.

  Tyler was about to say something when Troy called out to him. We both got up but I was only going to take the skirt off so that I could swim. Looking at the pool, it wasn’t that crowded but I recognized some basketball players from school. I turned around to unclip the skirt when a big rough hand stopped me. I looked up to see Tyler looking down at me.

  “Don’t take it off. At least not yet,” he ordered.

  “Why?” I asked.

  “I need to help Troy with something. Just wait until I get back and then we could swim together.”

  I didn’t know what to do so I just stood standing there like a statue. I then turned my head toward the pool when I heard someone called my name. I looked down to see a cute guy in the water waving at me with a bunch of guys surrounding him. They all stared at me from head to toe, but I ignored their stares and focused my attention on the guy who called out to me. He had curly black hair which looked familiar.

  “Hey,” I greeted.

  “What are you waiting for? The water is cool, get in,” Ryder said.

  I bit my lips and felt unsure if I should get in. I mean why shouldn’t I? Tyler wasn’t my boyfriend so I guess it was okay for me to get in without him. Was he even harmful? Nodding my head, I took off the skirt and jumped into the pool.

  I let out a surprised squeal as my skin made contact with the cold water. It took a while for me to get used to it but when I was about to swim forward, I was yanked back behind a large body. Looking up, I recognized the muscular back to be Tyler’s. Well that was fast.

  “I thought I told you to wait for me?” he hissed.

  “What’s the problem?” I asked.

  “The problem is that you took of the skirt without me being there to cover you,” he said as he blocked me from a guys’ view. What was he talking about?

  “I’m perfectly fine.” I said.

  “Well, I’m not,” he said, as he pulled me out of the pool and wrapped the skirt around me then dragged me to the changing room.

  “Dude what’s your problem?” I asked when everyone was out of sight. It was as if I flipped a switch because Tyler suddenly looked very angry. What did I do?

  “My problem is that you attract so much attention,” he said.

  I held in my breath as he pushed me against the wall.

  “My problem is that every guy out there was watching you.”

  I felt my heart beat even faster as his angry face came closer to mine and laid his forehead on mine.

  “My problem is that no one can take a damn hint.” He growled.

  I opened my mouth to say something but he spoke once again.

  “My problem is that you don’t see it.”

  “See what?” I breathed out quietly.

  “That you’re damn mine and only mine,” he said before smashing his lips onto mine.

  Chapter 30

  I froze for what seemed like an eternity. Everything just happened so fast and I didn’t know how to react.

  I was ready to swim five minutes ago but now; Tyler was kissing me!

  Holy shit! Does he like me?

  I wanted to pinch myself to check if I was dreaming but he was holding my hands in place. Should I push him away or kiss him back?

  I wanted to push him away and slap his face for all that he has done but I couldn’t. It wasn’t that I was weak. In fact, I could make him moan in pain on the ground if I wanted to. But no matter how much it took me, I just couldn’t push him away. I probably did the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life–I closed my eyes and kissed him back.

  I couldn’t believe what I did and thought of withdrawing from the position that I was in, but I knew there was no turning back. The kiss seemed like an irresistible temptation as he pulled me close and bit my bottom lip. I held back the moan as I rushed my hands to his neck and soft, fluffy hair. I didn’t know what was happening to me but I only knew one thing; I liked him. It could be wrong but I couldn’t stop this growing feeling for this stupid nincompoop. After all, there still weren’t any flying pigs.

  Yeah, you can always count on me for flying pigs in any kind of situation.

  I snapped out of my thoughts when my brain went cloudy. I couldn’t concentrate as Tyler’s hands wrapped around my waist. He brought me to his chest and felt his heart rapidly beating. I held his hair as he bit my lip forcefully this time and I hissed quietly. What was he doing? Was he trying to draw blood? I tugged on his hair and groaned. I smirked a bit as our lips molded. Suddenly, I felt his tongue asking for entrance and made me realize I had to stop.

  Kissing Tyler was a whole new experience. It scared me to think how deep his effect was on me, but I knew I shouldn’t let it go further. Besides, I wouldn’t want anyone catching us making out in the changing room.

  I pulled back from his greedy lips and pushed him away. I was confused whether I was happy, pissed, or excited. I knew I didn’t belong to anyone and now wasn’t the time. I needed to clear my head so I took a deep breath as I nervously played with the bracelet he gave me. I walked out of the changing room and ignored him calling my name. It was a good thing he didn’t follow me, or else I would have been pissed. Why didn’t I stop him from kissing me? How did I even have feelings for him?

  I walked into Troy’s house with flushed cheeks and swollen lips. Thank goodness, I didn’t run into anyone on the way here. I found the closest bathroom and got dressed. I walked out the front door and headed to a park nearby. I wasn’t going to ditch the party; I just wanted to breathe.

  It would have been more comfortable if I weren’t in a dress. Shrugging my shoulders, I kept walking towards the park situated near the woods.

  Perfect! I guess this will do.

  I walked past some children playing around and farther into the trees where I could hear the birds singing.

  Once I was alone, I started to stretch slightly and began to run. I knew we would still bump into each other but this wasn’t the right time to talk about it. Perhaps running was the best thing to do for now.

  About twenty minutes later, I started to get tired and slowed down to sit under a tree to rest. I wish I had brought water with me; but who would have known I’d be running? I wasn’t expecting to kiss Tyler either but it looked like destiny had surprised me a lot today. I wondered what else could happen? I’d probably be attacked by werewolv
es in these woods and no one would ever know.

  I wiped the sweat on my forehead and got up. I looked around the trees, trying to figure out my way back. I was distracted when I heard something moved behind the bushes. I checked it slowly but saw nothing. I was about to go on when I heard a branch snap.

  Shit. I wasn’t alone.

  Then I heard something coming closer like paws hitting the ground. Damn it! Why did my thoughts always had to come true? What could be running towards me right now? A bear? I took a step backwards, cursing under by breath. Could this be the end? Would I die right here and never see my friends ever again? I was about to run away when a furry animal jumped over me. I squealed closing my eyes and fell to the ground.

  I felt the pain spreading through my back, shoulders and head. I was so frightened to see what it was and felt like I was going to pee, when I heard the creature barking on top of me.

  Shit. It was definitely a wolf and I know it.

  I knew I turned pale when I felt its hot breath against my neck and face. Oh no, it was going to eat my face! I was about to scream for help when a soggy, wet tongue licked my face like a lollipop, instead of canines sinking deep into my skin. I groaned to myself and opened my eyes slowly to see a … dog? How could I be so stupid?

  I was about to push it off of me when I heard someone yelled. “Sky! Where are you, boy?”

  I looked at the dog’s leash and saw ‘Sky’ written on it. It was Tyler’s cousin’s dog!

  Sky barked repeatedly. It wasn’t long before I saw a pair of sneakers coming towards me.

  “Crystal?”

  “Dan?”

  “Why are you lying on the ground?”

  I pointed to the dog on top of me. He rolled his eyes and chuckled a bit before pulling him off. I got up and dusted off my dress.

  “What are you doing in the woods?”

  “I was going for a run. How about you?”

  He pointed to Sky.

  “I was walking my dog.” He shrugged.

  “Your dog?”

  He nodded his head.

  “Yeah, my dog.”

  I couldn’t believe Dan was Tyler’s cousin! I knew Tyler seemed to despise him but I definitely had no idea they were cousins!

  “So you’re Tyler’s cousin, huh?”

  Dan rolled up his hand into a fist.

  “How did you know?”

  I pointed at Sky.

  “I saw him at his house the other day. Tyler said he belonged to his cousin so I just put two and two together.” I shrugged wondering why he became serious. He nodded his head as he averted his eyes from me.

  “Well, it was nice seeing you around but I really have to go.” Dan smiled as he grabbed Sky and walked away.

  Well, that was weird.

  It took me a while to find my way out since the trail was confusing but I was able to find the way back before sundown.

  First, I woke up in Tyler’s arms and went shopping for a bikini with him. Second, He said that I was his. Third, we kissed. And now, Dan is his cousin! Isn’t it such one heck of a day?

  I could see that we enjoyed each other’s company but I didn’t take it seriously, and I shouldn’t be jumping to conclusions. After all, it was just a kiss. He never said that he liked me. It could mean anything else.

  Does he like me? Cause I hate to admit it but I do, and I should not show it!

  I knew I shouldn’t hold a grudge against him forever. Besides, we’ve already fixed it and I was going to change for the better. We both changed for the better.

  Matt was standing near the front door when he saw me and rushed towards my direction.

  “Where the hell were you? We’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

  “Sorry. I just needed some fresh air, that’s all.”

  “Wasn’t the backyard enough?”

  “Relax, I wasn’t eaten by a wolf! See?”

  “Yeah, I can see that. You wouldn’t be here right now if you were, would you?”

  Matt changed the subject.

  “Come on, the food is ready. We are just waiting for you.”

  I stared at Matt with a smile and hugged him. We rushed to the backyard and saw my group of friends huddling over a box of pizza. Tyler was there but he looked uninterested. His eyes were darting from place to place but seemed relieved when he saw me.

  “Shit! Crystal, please, let me explain.”

  For some reason, I got disappointed when he didn’t call me Gem. He rarely calls me by my real name.

  Tyler grabbed my hand but I pulled away when I noticed a couple of people staring at us.

  “Let’s talk later. I want to do right now is enjoy the party.”

  He was frustrated but nodded his head.

  I tried to ignore my friends’ eyes staring at me. They could probably be wondering why I left. The tension took a moment to disappear, but in a minute, we were stuffing pizza and junk food as we laughed at Matt’s stupid jokes. I continued to eat slices of pizza with my girlfriends while the guys, including Tyler, went to swim. Awesome! I could finally breathe!

  “Earth to Crystal!” Jasmine waved her hand in front of my face.

  “Huh?” I uttered.

  “I just asked if you wanted to go swim with us. What’s wrong? You’ve been spacing out a lot.” Eva said.

  I gave them an assuring smile but shook my head.

  “I’m fine. I’m just tired. Not in the mood for swimming.”

  The entire day was literally overwhelming and I just wanted to go home and sleep.

  “You sure? I mean, you looked awesome in your bikini. Didn’t know you had such great taste.” Jasmine said.

  I gave her a tight smile and controlled the urge to roll my eyes.

  Great! Tyler had better taste in fashion than me!

  “Thanks guys, but I’m fine sitting here. You can go join the boys.” I insisted.

  They nodded their heads and jumped into the pool. I nibbled at the remaining slices of pizza while debating with myself whether to wait until they were done swimming and leave with Matt, or to book a ride. My thoughts flew away when Tyler caught my eyes and took his chance. He immediately excused himself and got out of the pool. His chest was displayed and I couldn’t resist my eyes from watching his body to his face.

  Control yourself Crystal!

  I took a deep breath and ran my hand through my hair nervously, as he came closer.

  “Can we please talk?”

  I sighed.

  “Fine. Where do you want to go?”

  He smiled. He grabbed my hand and led me into the house. We walked in silence to the empty kitchen. He pushed me against the kitchen counter as he laid his forehead on mine. I watched him close his eyes as he took a deep breath.

  “I’m sorry.” he whispered. “I got so scared when you disappeared and that something might have happened to you because of me.”

  “I just went for a run into the woods to clear up my mind.”

  His eyes widened.

  “The woods?”

  I nodded my head.

  “Yeah. What’s wrong with that?”

  “You could have been lost.”

  “Yeah, Yeah, I know. But nothing happened. I only ran into Dan.”

  I looked up to see him pissed.

  Shit!

  I shouldn’t have brought it up. I could only blame my big mouth and curiosity for being unstoppable.

  “Dan is your cousin, right? How come you never told me?”

  Tyler closed his eyes as he breathed in and out.

  “How did you find out?”

  I shrugged.

  “I saw him walking Sky.”

  He nodded his head as he looked away from me. I was surprised to see him backed away as he had never done it before.

  “Listen, Crystal. We’ll talk later. I have to go.”

  Tyler left me trying to figure out what made him upset. I leaned against the counter as the tears threatened to come out. What did I do? How could I be so stupid? Boy, I messed up.
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  Chapter 31

  I lifted my head off of the desk when I heard the bell rang. I looked around the classroom to see the students dashing out through the door. I wanted to go home too, but I still had to stay two hours more for the training. I used to be excited for the training but lately, I wasn’t in a good disposition.

  It’s been five days since I haven’t interacted with Tyler. Five freaking days of torture and I hated it. This was the longest time that he hadn’t talk to me. I guess I was used to him bothering me so much. Matt, and the others, noticed Tyler’s change of behavior, too. He wouldn’t sit with us. If only I could turn back time, I’d shut my stupid mouth.

  Tyler didn’t come to school on Monday. I guess he wanted some time alone but I couldn’t help but feel guilty. And when he returned on Tuesday, he simply ignored me. I never thought that I’d be wanting Tyler’s attention.

  Tyler’s eyes weren’t furious when I’d see him in class. He wouldn’t fret over worthless things but this thing about Dan might have been serious.

  I tried approaching him a couple times but he was always gone before I could even take a step forward.

  I grabbed my bag and walked down the hall to the girls’ locker room and changed into my sport clothes before heading to the training field.

  I could tell that Emma was proud of me but she had gone tougher by pushing me to my limits. I just hope I could make it. I knew I needed to work my ass off to win the race. The prize would help me a lot with my financial problems. Thankfully, the job I had was enough to make ends meet.

  I walked my way to the field, playing with the bracelet. I stopped and hid behind a tree when I saw Emma standing in front of Tyler with an irritated look on her face. I moved from my spot to hide behind a tree closer to them. I knew it was wrong but I couldn’t help myself. I was so damn curious to know what was going on, especially that Tyler had been acting weird.

  “I don’t give a damn what happens between you and Dan, boy! But don’t let it get in the way with you and Crystal!” she hissed as she slapped the back of his head.

  “I know! I know! It’s just don’t know what to say when she asks.”

  “Tell her it’s personal.” Emma said, making me feel even more guilty.