by Rua Hasan
“Hmm . . . well it depends. Will you buy me Taco Bell afterwards?” I asked grinning as I wrapped my arms around his neck and laid my forehead against his.
Tyler grinned and kissed my lips.
“Anything for you baby girl.” He promised.
I giggled and nodded before jumping off his lap and grab his arm.
“Then come on! Let’s dance,” I said enthusiastically before pulling him to the dance floor.
“Woah someone’s excited to eat Taco Bell.” He teased.
I laughed and shook my body to the music.
“What? I can’t help it. I’m hungry!” I defended myself. Tyler laughed before placing his hands on my hips and rested his forehead against mine.
“You’re gorgeous,” he whispered. As I looked into his eyes, I immediately forgot about everyone else around us. My attention was slowly focused on him and I felt my cheeks become warm. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Thank you.” I grinned, pecking his lips but pulled away quickly before we would get lost in the moment like before. This time we weren’t alone in the corner and were surrounded by a bunch of strangers. Tyler’s hands moved on their own and gently tugged a strand of my hair behind my head.
“I was just pointing out the truth, Gem.”
Chapter 46
I let my attention focus on the paper in front of me, refusing to let it go elsewhere. My hands were starting to hurt because of how fast I was writing. Right now, I was in my fourth period class and was sitting next to Tyler as usual, filling in the answers of the exam our teacher decided to surprise us with.
I didn’t study. In fact, the minute I heard the word ‘pop quiz’ from the teacher, I could have sworn I had a mini heart attack right then and there. If it wasn’t for Tyler comforting me, and promising to somehow hack the school’s website and give myself an A+, I would have fainted.
Oh how I wish he could do that but unfortunately, the only thing Tyler knows how to do is scare off any random guys within seconds and still be loved by the entire school.
How? I have no idea. It’s as if everyone in this horror place were blind but me.
Once the bell rang, everyone got out of their seats, many of whom sent the teacher icy glares including myself. While I was too busy mentally strangling a certain teacher to their death, Tyler took ahold of my hand and smiled as if he just won the lottery. I grumbled to myself and handed in my paper, mentally wishing that somehow a huge hairy spider would pop out of nowhere and eat the damn lunatic alive.
“What are you staring at?” I grumbled.
“What crawled up your beautiful bum?” Tyler asked grinning.
“Really? Beautiful bum?” I narrowed my eyes and gave him a bewildered look. Tyler shrugged and pulled me to his chest.
“Beautiful bum. Nice behind. Sexy looking ass. Attractive butt. You get the point.”
My mouth fell open as I stared at him as if he grew two heads. “Tyler!” I shrieked. My cheeks going pink as I hoped and begged to the heavens that nobody around us heard what my idiotic boyfriend just said.
Tyler’s smile got wider as he tilted his head back and let out a loud laugh. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. We were walking towards the cafeteria, holding hands as we tried to ignore everyone’s stares of awe, curiosity, and jealousy.
Wait, let me rephrase that. I, at least was trying because Tyler really couldn’t give a damn about what other people thought. Not that I blame him. It was so much easier this way. He was used to the attention while I tried to get rid of it ever since elementary school.
“Ugh, what am I going to do with you.” I ran my hand through my hair and let out a sigh.
“Babe, I know you’re stressed out and all because of that stupid exam but please don’t take it out on me,” Tyler said in a fake defensive tone.
“Trust me, babe. If I was taking my anger out on you then you wouldn’t be able to walk for days.” I shot him a fake smile but instead of him flinching as I expected, he chuckled and pulled me closer.
“Kinky. I like it.”
After punching his shoulder, I walked over to the lunch line and took a tray and started filling it with random food which I hoped would make me forget all about my misery.
“Hungry?” Tyler asked as he stared at my tray.
I groaned in response.
Once we were done, we walked to our table where we usually sat in and I dropped my tray roughly next to Matt’s. He jumped up slightly, startled while I sat down, ignoring everyone’s stares and shoved a fry in my mouth.
“What’s up with her?” I heard Troy ask as I flickered my eyes up to see Tyler shrugging.
“I don’t know man. Maybe it’s that time of the month?” Tyler whispered back, not wanting me to overhear but it wasn’t quiet enough. I grabbed another fry and threw it at his head. His eyes immediately averted from Troy’s to mine, and I sent him a glare which would have him six feet underground if look could kill.
“Babe, I appreciate it if you didn’t talk about my personal life with others.” I then glared at Troy who hid behind Jasmine. The latter slapped him across the head and mumbled ‘idiot.’
“Heh sorry.” Tyler scratched the back of his head nervously.
I went back to stuffing my face with food as I listened to the conversation around me. I looked around the cafeteria to see it full with hungry students like me. I felt myself drift off into my own la la land, not listening to what my friends were saying. I had to go home today and get ready for my job. I haven’t been working lately because I was too busy training for the big race but since that’s out of the way, I had no choice but to go back.
“So Crystal what do you say?”
I snapped out of my thoughts and whipped my head to the side to look at my friends.
“Huh?” I asked.
“We were talking about meeting at the twins’ place,” Jasmine explained.
“Yeah it’s been a while since we had a movie night.” Sydney pointed out.
“You in?” Tyler asked wrapping his arm around my waist.
“Uh I don’t know. Depends. When will it be?” I asked taking a bite out of my burger.
“I was thinking tonight,” Eva said.
Everyone nodded but me.
“Guys I can’t tonight. I’m working.” I pointed out.
“Then what about tomorrow? It’s better to have a movie night on a Friday than on a Thursday anyway.” Troy pointed out to which everyone agreed.
“That’s fine, even better.” Eva shrugged. I smiled at all of them and leaned over to Tyler as I took a fry from his tray and ate it. He sent me a playful glare to which I only gave him an innocent look. He leaned over to kiss my cheek. It always amazed me how Tyler showed his affection for me in front of everyone. It was as if he was stating a claim. That I belonged to him and that he belonged to me.
“What time does your shift finish?” he asked.
“I usually finish at nine thirty but today I’m getting of at seven because the manager has to close the shop early,” I explained. “Why?” I asked.
“So I could pick you up of course.”
I nodded and gave him a grateful smile before I continued eating. Just when I was about to get up to throw my tray away, I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket. Sitting back down, I took it out to see Ethan calling me. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Doesn’t this man know that I have school?
“Hello?” I spoke into the speaker.
“Hey! You busy kiddo?” Ethan asked.
“No not really. What’s up?” I asked.
“Well Ally didn’t quite get to see you very well during the race so she insisted that you come over for dinner,” he spoke.
I smiled at the mention of Ally’s name.
“Like the last time?” I asked recalling what happened the last time I ate dinner at their house.
“Yeah like last time but this time I promise ma will take her pills.” He chuckled.
“Sure. I’d love to.” I grinned.
�
��Okay that’s great. Ma’s making spaghetti and tacos.” He cheered, making me laugh.
“I can’t wait. I’ll be there at eight,” I said.
“Okay see ya then.” And with that, we both hung up. I placed my phone down to see Troy, Jasmine, and the twins having a heated conversation while Matt and Tyler gave me confused looks.
“Who was that?” Tyler asked.
“Ethan. He wants me over for dinner tonight.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Oh.” Tyler said, nodding his head slowly.
“Wait. So you can have dinner at some crazy families house but you can’t hang out with us?” Matt asked in disbelief. I rolled my eyes.
“Matt. It would have been rude for me to decline and it’s much better to have the movie night tomorrow on a Friday anyway.” I shrugged my shoulders. Tyler nodded, agreeing with me. his head along with me.
“True true,” he muttered.
“I’ll take you there then.” Tyler suggested.
“Okay. Fine with me.” I smiled before I leaned over to kiss his cheek. Matt and Troy pretended to gag while the girls swooned in awe.
“Hey! How come no one swoons when they see me and Troy together?” Jasmine pointed out.
“Because darling, Troy’s looks are no where near Tyler’s level.” Sydney grinned.
Jasmine’s mouth fell open before she began to laugh while Troy placed his hand over his heart.
“Well geez thanks. I feel loved.” He rolled his eyes.
“Well, I got to say I agree with Sydney,” I said with a nod. I laughed when Tyler cheered in approval before lifting me up to sit on his lap. He kissed me on the lips and grinned.
“Now that’s why I like you.” He started to kiss every inch of my face. I noticed a lot of people staring in awe from the corner of my eye.
“Baby! Why aren’t you doing something? Defend me!” Troy cried out dramatically.
“I would honey but just look at those two. They’re probably the cutest couple in this school,” Jasmine said.
“Damn it!” Troy cursed as he crossed his arms and glared at Tyler.
“I hate you,” he mumbled in a low tone.
“The feelings mutual, brother.” Tyler smirked.
I laid my back against Tyler’s chest, trying to get comfortable and enjoy the last remaining minutes of my free time before classes started. I couldn’t wait for tonight. If it was just like the last time then things were definitely going to be good.
***
I made my way towards Tyler’s car after locking my front door. Since Tyler wanted to take me to Ethan’s house after my shift, I decided not to drive to work since I was going to go to Ethan’s home after I was done. I also wasn’t going to stop by my house so Tyler suggested that it would be much easier to just pick me up.
After I hopped in, I kissed his cheek in greeting.
“You know the way right?” I asked placing my purse on my lap.
“Yup.” Tyler nodded.
It didn’t take long before he had his car parked in the parking lot.
“You stopping by?” I asked.
He shook his head.
“Nah. I’m going to go back home to finish some work and then pick you up later. Text me when you’re done,” he said.
“Okay. See you later then,” I said waving him goodbye before hopping out of the car and towards the entry. I greeted the manager before taking my place behind the cash register. Popping some gum into my mouth, I greeted a couple of customers and checked their items. This went on for an hour before the place started to get empty. I sat down on my chair and read a text which I just received from Tyler.
‘Text me if you need anything.’
After replying to his text, I placed my phone back into my pocket and walked down the aisle of random junk food. I looked around before grabbing a box of chocolates chip cookies and chocolate. I walked back to the register with both boxes in my hands and placed a ten dollar bill into the register. I couldn’t just go over to dinner empty-handed. Especially since I knew that Ally loved chocolate so much.
“Crystal?” I heard the manager call out for my name. I placed the boxes which I now had in two plastic bags on the ground by my chair so I wouldn’t forget them on my way out and looked up.
“Yes? Is there anything I could do?” I asked sending her, sending a polite smile.
“Yes actually. I need you to bring me some light bulbs from the back and place them in aisle three please.”
Nodding my head, I moved away from my desk and walked out the door to the back. Opening the door, I turned on the lights of the dusty room and looked around for a box of light bulbs. Once I finally found one, I took a hold of the big box and made my way out the door. As I walked back into the market, I saw a muscular back walk through the door and down aisle four but I couldn’t make out who he was because of the hoodie covering his head.
Shrugging my shoulders, I struggled to keep the box balanced in my hold before finally placing it on the shelf where it belonged. I then stretched my arms out and made my way back to where I was supposed to stand. As I turned around, I couldn’t help but jump back a bit in surprise when I saw some one make their way towards me. It was the same guy in a hoodie I saw not too long ago, but that wasn’t the reason why I was startled.
It was because he was the same stranger I met at the party not too long ago. The same one who saw Tyler and I kissing.
Great! How embarrassing.
I swallowed the lump in my throat as I watched him walk towards me, holding a bag of spaghetti and cake batter. I smiled at him politely as he placed the items in front of me but said nothing. I took the items in my hand and swiped them under the sensor.
“That’ll be twelve ninety nine,” I mumbled flickering my eyes to look up at him. He was staring at me as if he wanted to say something but grumbled in response and took out his wallet. He handed me thirteen dollars after placing his stuff in a paper bag. I handed the change and the receipt over to him and sent him another small smile.
“Have a nice day and come back again.”
Please don’t . . . You creep me out.
He nodded before turning around. Just when he was about to walk through the door, he stopped and turned back slowly. I lifted an eyebrow in confusion as I watched him walk back towards me.
Was there something else he forgot?
“Um can I speak to the manager?” he asked shoving his hands into his pocket. I pointed to the door to my right, not looking away and spoke.
“Her office is right there.”
He nodded and slowly walked towards the door, knocking on it before walking in. I watched in confusion as he disappeared behind, not missing the single glance he sent me before closing the door. I shrugged and shook my head slightly, trying to figure out what on earth he wanted from the manager.
Maybe he needed a job?
After what seemed to be ten minutes, the stranger walked back out and towards the door, staring at me the whole time. I shifted my feet awkwardly as I tried to give a polite smile, since he was a customer after all but I just couldn’t. The looks he was giving me were putting me on edge and was creeping me out. He nodded, acknowledging me before finally walking out the door with the plastic bag in his hand.
I let out a breath of relief as I watched him disappear.
Well, that was strange.
Chapter 47
It wasn’t long before my shift was finally over. I took my purse and slung it over my shoulder as I took the two bags of chocolate and cookies in my hands. I texted Tyler not too long ago to pick me up so he should be here any minute now.
Walking out of the small market, I made sure to tell the manager that I was leaving. I stood outside of the shop, just waiting for Tyler’s car to arrive. The bags in my hands were starting to feel heavy so I placed them on the ground and I took my phone out of my pocket, realizing I received a message from Tyler.
‘Just got in the car. Be there in a second.’
Once I was about to place my
phone back into my pocket, I felt it vibrating in my hand. I looked down to see Ethan’s name flashed on the screen. I clicked on the green button and answered the call, placing it over my ear.
“Hey what’s up?” I asked.
“Nothing much. I was just wondering if you needed someone to pick you up?” he asked.
“No that won’t be a problem. Tyler will be the one picking me up but thanks anyway.” I told him.
“Hm . . . your little boyfriend?” He teased and I could already see the smirk on his face, making me roll my eyes.
“Yeah yeah whatever.” I huffed.
“I knew that boy had a thing for you,” he said, making me roll my eyes once more. “It was clear as crystal, my dear even a blind person could see that.”
I scrunched my eyebrows and opened my mouth to say something when Ethan suddenly excused himself. Over the line, I could hear him talk to someone else. I didn’t know who it was but it sounded like a guy’s voice. I then heard Ethan thanking the person along with the sound of plastic bags in the background. It wasn’t long before Ethan return.
“Who was that?” I asked.
“Blake, Sam’s son who just returned the other day from New York,” he explained.
“Oh.” I said with a nod. Once I looked up, I saw Tyler’s car parking right in front of me. “Well my ride is here. I’ll see you in a bit.” And with that I hung up. I then hopped into the car to see Tyler grinning at me. I sent him a smile before I gave him a skeptical look.
“What?” I asked suspiciously, lifting an eyebrow.
“Oh nothing really. It’s just with all the places I’ve been taking you in my car, I was kind of expecting something in return.” He grinned like an idiot.
“You’re the one who suggested picking me up.” I pointed out, but he shook his head.
“Still! Can’t a guy get something in return?” he asked while placing his hand over his heart, making me roll me eyes.
“Fine.” I huffed as I crossed my arms and stared at him as if I knew that whatever he was going to come up with wasn’t going to be good. “What do you have in mind?” I asked.
