Tyler's Gem: A Teen Romance

by Rua Hasan

  I was pulled out of my thoughts when Tyler squeezed my hand in his hold and brought me to his chest, kissing the top of my head.

  “What are you thinking about?” he whispered him my ear, only now that I realized that we were standing outside of the school.

  “Us,” I answered, looking up at him with a smile.

  “Hmm . . . ” he muttered before dipping his head down to capture my lips in his. As I said before, I wasn’t such a big fan of PDA so I didn’t really let our kiss go too far with everyone around us staring, but I couldn’t exactly resist his soft lips either. They somehow always managed to blow my mind away.

  Pulling away, I gave him a look which said ‘no more.’ Tyler rolled his eyes although the playful grin still remained on his lips. He then muttered something which I couldn’t make out and took my hand before leading me to the parking lot and towards his car.

  Today was another day where I came to school in his car. I’m not sure why but Tyler enjoyed picking me up in the morning. Maybe because he liked being around me or because he liked the awed expressions on everyone’s faces when I get out of his car. In a way, he probably wanted to prove to everyone that he really was my boyfriend, and not just someone who was taking advantage of my feelings.

  Once Tyler unlocked the car, I hopped into my usual seat. I watched as he inserted the keys in the ignition and started the car. Right after he drove out of the school’s parking lot, I spoke, interrupting the silence.

  “So at what time will we meet at the twins’ house?” I asked. Today, I was going to drive myself there. I knew for sure that if Tyler didn’t have an evening shift at work today, he would have insisted on taking me there. I turned my head from the window to see Tyler flicker his eyes towards me then back at the road. He shrugged.

  “Well since it’s movie night, Troy said it’ll be around seven to seven thirty. I might not make it until seven thirty though because my shift doesn’t end until seven fifteen,” Tyler explained.

  I nodded.

  “Okay that’s good. I’ll probably be there before seven to help Sydney and Eva with the snacks,” I said.

  “Sounds good to me,” Tyler murmured as he parked his car in his drive-through although neither of use left. We stay seated, enjoying the silence around us before we had to say goodbye. I turned to look at him and grabbed his hand.

  “How are things going?” I asked, referring to the situation with Paul. Tyler ran his hands through his hair in frustration and turned to look at me, giving me a reassuring smile.

  “Things are getting better,” he said honestly with a nod before he swallowed then looked away. “I mean at first I was mad. I-I felt betrayed and broken but things weren’t all that bad.” He paused to look at me with sadness in his eyes.

  I felt my heart break at the sight so I did the one thing I could do. By doing the one thing he liked. The one thing he was asking for yesterday. I unbuckled my seat belt and hopped onto his lap. I saw the look of amusement flash in his eyes for a second before it disappeared. My arms made their way up his neck as I rested my forehead against his.

  “Things will get better.” I promised as I looked into his eyes. His lips twitched upwards before speaking.

  “Yeah, I know. As long as you’re by my side I’m okay.” He rested his head on my neck and inhaled my scent to calm himself down.

  “Remember the promise you made yesterday.?” Tyler lifted his head up to look at me with such glint in his eyes. I couldn’t help but grin.

  “Yeah what about it?” I teased, breathing against his cheek as I tried to hold in my laughter.

  “Well, we are in a car, and you were sitting on my lap.” Tyler smirked as he pointed at me then at him. “All we need now is dramatic music and we’ll be in a cliché movie.” He joked, making me laugh. I then moved myself closer so that my chest was pressed against his. I pecked his lips before pulling away but Tyler was nowhere near being finished because he placed his hand behind my head, bringing me closer to his lips. He kept me firm against him before he molded his lips onto mine.

  I tilted my head to the side so that I could get better access of his delicious lips. I felt Tyler grin against my lips as I bit his bottom one.

  “Easy there.” He chuckled. “If you wanted me that bad you could have said so.”

  I pinched his shoulder as I sent him a glare.

  “Way to ruin the moment with your cockiness.” I rolled my eyes and open the car door, hopping out and off his lap.

  “Aw come on! We still didn’t even make out yet!” Tyler whined as he rested his head on the wheel. I tilted my head back and laughed.

  “That’s what you get for being a show-off,” I said as he walked out of his car. He shook his head slightly before pulling me back to his chest.

  “I’d continue inside but I got a job to get to.” Tyler breathed out annoyed. I nodded, grinning as I got onto my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

  “I also have to go. I’ll see you tonight okay?”

  He nodded and gave me one last smile before pulling away. We both waved goodbye before going off on our own separate ways. I grabbed the keys from my bag and unlocked the front door. I then walked into my quiet empty house and placed my bag onto the couch. I walked into the kitchen to grab myself something light to eat since I knew that I was going to eat a lot later today. After filling my stomach with an apple and a bag of chips, I walked to the living room and turned the TV on.

  After searching for anything to watch, which was nothing by the way. I grabbed my phone and my bag before making my way upstairs to do my homework. I didn’t want to forget anything because I wanted to have fun tonight with nothing hovering over my shoulders. I took out my binder and some papers as I got lost into the world of studying.

  ***

  After what seemed to be forever, but was actually only a couple hours later, I got out of my room after changing into some decent looking clothes and made my way down the stairs. I just got off the phone with Tyler who said that maybe his manager will let him leave half an hour early but is still unsure about it. I checked the time to see that it was around six thirty so I dialed Sydney’s number and placed my phone to my ear.

  “Hey what’s up?” she greeted from the other end.

  “Nothing much. How’s everything going?” I asked.

  “Great. I was just baking some brownies and cinnamon buns while Eva gets the house clean. When are you coming?” she asked.

  I walked towards the door and grabbed my sneakers.

  “I’m actually getting ready to help you guys. Do you need anything on my way there?” I asked.

  “Nah I don’t―oh sh*t!”

  I lifted an eyebrow.

  “Uh what’s wrong?” I asked.

  “Eva did you finish the damn popcorn?” I heard Sydney yell. After a moment of silence I also heard Eva reply but it wasn’t clear.

  “Of course! Why am I not surprised? You’re always eating everything in this house!” Sydney shouted.

  I couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “So . . . you sure you don’t need anything?” I asked.

  I heard her huff from the other end.

  “You know what? Change of plans. I need you to stop by the supermarket and get us some popcorn―sh*t! And you also finished the freakin soda?” There she was back at it again.

  “What else did your stupid mouth gobble up? Hey you stay away from those brownies!” I heard her warn Eva.

  I rolled my eyes as I grabbed my set of keys.

  “Popcorn and soda got it. Anything else before I leave?” I asked catching Sydney’s attention.

  “No at least I don’t think so. I’ll call you if I notice the fat ass over here stealing more supplies,” she said in annoyance.

  “Okay. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes,” I said before hanging up. I then opened my front door and made my way to my car before locking it. I placed the keys in my bag along with my phone and hopped in. After starting the car, I drove down to the supermarket I worked in. It
wasn’t long before I had my car parked into the parking lot.

  As soon as I got out and closed the door, I heard my phone ring. Taking it out of the bag, I saw Matt calling and I answered within seconds.

  “Yo Crystal I need your help,” Matt said.

  I walked towards the market.

  “What is it? I’m buying a couple of stuff for the movie night,” I said as I got closer to the entrance.

  “Perfect! Just what I needed,” Matt cheered. “You see I promised to get the ice cream, and cookies but I’m running late and the supermarket next to my house is closed so I can’t go to the one which is far away,” he explained.

  “So you want me to by them?” I asked lifting an eyebrow.

  “Yes please. I’ll return the money though.” He promised.

  I walked through the door and towards the junk food aisle.

  “It’s okay. I’m already in the market. I’ll grab those on my way out,” I told him as I walked towards the fridge which held the drinks and took out a large bottle of soda, and placed it in the basket which I grabbed on my way here.

  “Thanks! You’re a lifesaver.” Matt sighed in relief. I let out a laugh as I also grabbed some chocolate and strawberry flavored ice cream. I placed them in the basket before speaking.

  “You’re welcome. Well, I have to go. I’ll see you tonight.” And with that, we both hung up. I walked over to the chips aisle and dropped a bunch of bags of hot Cheetos because I wanted some and a couple of Lays because I knew how much Matt loves them. I then placed the popcorn in the basket, not wanting to forget them or else Sydney would have my head.

  After grabbing two boxes of chocolate chip cookies and a box of Oreos, I made my way towards the cashier with a heavy basket. Next thing you’ll know, Troy will be calling me, asking me to buy gummy bears or something.

  Once I made my way out of the aisle, I walked towards the cash register where I usually stand behind three days a week but this time I wasn’t the cashier. Instead, the cashier was Blake and I immediately remembered yesterday when he said he was going to start working here. I noticed his stare but I only sent him a polite smile as always.

  “How’s the first day of work?” I asked as I watched him shrug. I placed the basket in front of him as he took all my items and began to scan them.

  “It’s okay I guess. This is only temporarily until I find something decent enough,” he mumbled, placing all my junk food in multiple bags.

  “Well I wish you luck then. Planning on going back to New York?” I asked.

  Once again he shrugged his shoulders.

  “I don’t know. I might just find a college here that I can afford.”

  I nodded.

  “I also used to live in New York,” I murmured, taking out my wallet. I saw something in his eyes flash, he almost looked interested.

  “Hmm . . . really?” He hummed. “Which school did you attend?” he asked, placing the last item into the bag.

  “A small school called Benrit high school,” I answered taking out a twenty dollar bill.

  Blake immediately turned his head to look at me and I couldn’t help but notice the glint in his eyes.

  “Well that’s odd. I went there too.” He grinned for the first time since I’ve met him. My mouth fell open as I stared at him in shock.

  “Really? You did? When was that?” I asked in disbelief, handing over my money.

  “I spent the tenth grade there but moved away the next year here to study in California before I moved back to New York for college,” he explained.

  “How old are you?” I asked curiously. I still couldn’t believe that Blake went to the same school I did.

  “Nineteen,” he answered, returning my change. I placed the coins in my wallet.

  “So you’re still in your freshman year of college?”

  He nodded.

  “Was actually.” He pointed out.

  I nodded my head awkwardly and looked at the time on my phone.

  “Well I have to go. Um, see you around I guess,” I mumbled the last part. I turned around and walked out of the shop, letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding back. It was already seven o’clock sharp and would take only about seven minutes to get to the twins’ new place which means that I wouldn’t be late. I got into my car after placing all the bags in the back seat and drove to my destination, mulling over Blake’s words.

  If he’s only a year older than me and attended the same school as I did then that means I was in the ninth grade when I attended the school, but how come I don’t remember seeing him there?

  Shrugging the thoughts away, I drove for another six minutes as I recalled the address Eva sent me. Once I was there, I carried the bags to the front door and rang the doorbell. The person who opened it made me smile.

  “Tyler! You’re early.” I pointed out as I placed all the bags near my feet and wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him. He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around my waist and hugged me back.

  “Yeah. Luckily I finished the job early.”

  I nodded and pulled the two bags into my hand while Tyler took the last three. We walked into the neat apartment and saw everyone here including Naomi.

  “Hey, it’s great you came.” I smiled, walking up to hug her. She smiled back and returned the hug.

  “So glad I could come. I brought a couple of movies with me even though we might just be watching from Netflix.” She chuckled.

  I then gave my bags to Matt who took them to the kitchen. Naomi and I walked towards the couch, greeting Sydney and Jasmine who were also seated. I sat on the empty couch along with Tyler and watched as Matt, Troy, and Eva brought a bunch of plates filled with heaven.

  “I think I’ll leave with diabetes after this,” I mumbled as I ogled at the junk food in front of me. Tyler laughed and brought me to his chest, but I pulled away and stole a brownie from the plate earning many glares from everyone around me. I took a bite and moaned.

  “This is so good,” I said with my mouth full, closing my eyes.

  Sydney slapped my hand and glared at me.

  “Not now! Wait until we decide a movie.” She hissed but I gave her a cheeky grin.

  Tyler then stole one when she wasn’t looking before taking a bite.

  “Mmm . . . who made this?” He moaned.

  Sydney opened her mouth as if she wanted to scold him but ended up closing it and rolled her eyes.

  “I did.” She sighed before walking away.

  “So . . . ” Naomi trailed off. “Who wants to watch Marvel?”

  Chapter 49

  “So I was thinking maybe in the winter break?” Tyler suggested.

  I shrugged.

  “That’s like a week away and it could give me time to settle things with Paul beforehand. Maybe we can go away for a bit?” He flickered his eyes from the road then back at me. Just when those words slipped out of his mouth, a huge smile took over my face, and I whipped my head around to look at him. I jumped up and down in my car seat and squealed.

  “Oh my gosh really?” I asked. “Do you mean like a road trip or something?” I leaned over to peck his cheek countless times.

  He let out a laugh.

  “Yeah sure. If that’s what you want.” He grinned. I nodded my head enthusiastically. Right now we were on our way to school and we’re discussing when and where our first date should be since Tyler was actually settling things around his house.

  You could say things have been getting better for him which is what I had hoped. I hated to see him so depressed and sad. It just broke my heart. I was so used to seeing Tyler’s usual grin that when I don’t see it I felt odd, like there was something wrong in the world. So I was hoping that if we went away for a bit, we could forget about our problems even for a little while. Also since our date was ruined in the first place, Tyler wanted to make it special so the subject of going away for a bit was a great idea especially since we lived in California and the weather here was great.

  “I can’t wait!” I
squealed. “It’ll be just you and me. I’ll pack my bags and a bunch of snacks. Do you think we can go to Las Vegas?” I wondered.

  Tyler nodded.

  “Sure. That sounds great but hold your horses, Gem. We still have another week of school though.” He pointed out, making me huff. I rested my back on my car seat and crossed my arms in disappointment.

  “Damn it,” I cursed under my breath. I heard Tyler chuckle at my reaction causing me to pinch his shoulders. He yelped dramatically but sent me one of his cheeky grins.

  “Awe . . . Is my Gem excited to run away with me?” he cooed, pinching my cheek. I felt them go red as I glared at him and slapped away his hand.

  “Shut up. I’m only excited to finish school that’s all.” I denied, making him roll his eyes and turn his attention back on the road.

  “Sure,” he said, his words laced with sarcasm. I watched as he parked his car into the school’s parking lot and turned off the engine. We both hopped out at the same time before Tyler locked all the doors.

  I then walked over to him and took his hand. I felt my eyebrows lift in confusion when I didn’t see any student around us. Tyler seemed to notice this too but didn’t say anything until we walked towards the school’s entrance. We stopped dead in out tracks when we noticed a huge crowd gathered around the front doors, clapping their hands and cheering on with some even laughing their butts off. I turned to look at Tyler in confusion but he had the same look on his face.

  “What the hell?” he whispered. I frowned, wondering what the hell was attracting every single student here. What really made me want to know was when the fact that I heard two people shouted, and they sounded awfully familiar. It looked like Tyler knew exactly who I was thinking about because his eyes widened in shock.

  “Sh*t!” he cursed.

  “They wouldn’t . . . ” I breathed looking back at Tyler in worry. Tyler flickered his eyes to me then back to the crowd as he shook his head slightly.