by Rua Hasan
“You’re not kidnapped or anything. You can do what you want.”
I checked my phone to see who called.
Speak of the devil . . .
I then answered his call and brought the phone to my ear.
“Where are you? I’m at your workplace and I don’t see you,” he said making me bite my bottom lip.
Shit! I totally forgot about that.
“Uh . . . you see, funny story, ha ha. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you I was kidnapped by a crazy old man and was being taken to his house to meet someone I don’t know—”
“I did not kidnap you!”
“You did!”
“Did not!”
“Oh, so carrying me over your shoulder and forcing me into your truck against my own free will isn’t kidnapping?”
He was about to say something but was cut off by Tyler’s loud confused voice. And when I say loud, then I mean loud because Ethan was able to hear it.
“What the f*ck is going on Crystal? What do you mean you’ve been kidnapped and who the hell are you with?!” he demanded, his tone angry. I knew he was very concerned or at least serious because I barely heard him say my actual name and not “ Gem”.
“Listen, can you knock some sense into your boyfriend. If you were kidnapped then you wouldn’t be on the phone right—”
“He’s not my boyfriend!”
“Oh, but I will be so if you dare to touch a single hair on my Gem, I’ll—”
“Um, I’m still right here!” I interrupted Tyler’s threat but I couldn’t help but blush a lot at what he said. Did he just declare that he would be my boyfriend while I’m in a car with a stranger?
Oh, and don’t get me started on ‘my Gem’.
“I know that, babe. I wouldn’t have been saying that in the first place if you weren’t here,” he said on the other end of the line making me roll my eyes.
Typical Tyler.
“Listen please! Just tell me where are you so that I can come get you,” he said in a very desperate tone.
“You know I can take you home since I’m the one who brought you with me in the first place,” Ethan suggested.
“Yea, that will happen when the day pigs fly! Totally out of the question! I’m not letting you―whoever you are take her home!” Tyler shouted.
Gosh, why was he so protective all of a sudden?
“Okay fine, fine. I’ll send you the address after an hour,” I said before Ethan could. I didn’t want them to start fighting and then actually become a hostage because I didn’t really know who Ethan was. I had to stay on his safe side even though he told me he meant no harm. I just had to trust him for sixty minutes.
“One hour? The f*ck? You sure are crazy if you think I’m going to leave you alone with that motherf*cker for a whole hour!” Tyler said in disbelief making me roll my eyes at his choice of words. Yup, he’s definitely being protective right now. But hey, not saying I hated it or anything. It was kinda hot and made me feel special in a way when knowing he cared about me.
“Listen, just think of it like having business to do and when we are done, I’ll return your sweet little girlfriend to your arms.” Ethan assured Tyler.
“I’m not his girlfriend.”
“Yea and why the hell should I trust you? Huh? As I said before I’m not leaving my Gem with a complete stranger!”
“Um yea hi. It’s me! Crystal! I’m still right here.” I pointed out as I heard a huff from the other end.
“Listen just please send me the address so that I can come get you,” Tyler spoke.
“Okay I will but like I said, after an hour.”
“No!” Tyler said firmly.
“Fine, in half an hour,” I suggested.
“No. Send it to me now or else.”
“Or else what?” I asked.
“Or else I’ll track you down and beat up that son of a b*tch who took you,” he threatened making me glance at Ethan, who gave me a concerned look which failed to work on me.
“Take it or leave it,” I said.
“What?” he asked.
“You heard me loud and clear, babe. I’ll text you in half an hour,” I said before ending the call.
I cursed in my head as I thought of the possible things Tyler would do when he was mad. I was in deep shit and let’s just hope whoever I’m meeting was worth my time. If they weren’t, then somebody was going to feel Tyler’s wrath and that person was either going to be me or Ethan. I then looked at Ethan when I noticed the truck stop.
I looked out the window to see us parked in front of a big building which looked like to have two floors. It wasn’t the best but it wasn’t also the worst at the same time.
I then opened my door and walked out when Ethan did the same. He started walking to the front door with me following right behind him but I stopped when turned around to look at me.
“Okay so my family may sometimes be a little intense when meeting new people so just be prepared.” he warned.
Yea and that’s pretty much it. Ethan made me wait in a small room with two of his brothers Mr. Fatty and Jerry for about thirty minutes and Tyler had been texting me nonstop to make sure I was okay, aside from the killing threats he swore to some people. But what made things worse was that I still didn’t know why I was here. I’ve been here for about thirty minutes and I had to keep my word and tell Tyler the address so he’d come and get me. It wouldn’t be that long before he was here but I still had a couple minutes to spare.
I couldn’t say this was a bad place. I didn’t know why was here but this might be one hell of an entertaining family! I mean just look at Mr. Fatty and Jerry. Probably one of the funniest people I had ever met. So inspiring with their big stomachs and cigarettes hanging from their mouths as they shouted to each other on who won the game.
Other than that, they were really energetic and when I said energetic, I mean lost in the mind. Yea, she was telling Ethan she never ordered a prostitute. I mean can they even be ordered?
I also just met the adorable twins who were Jerry’s children. Mr. Fatty also mentioned him having a son who was in college but other than that I didn’t know anything else. I was about to scream and rip my hair out in boredom when the door flew open and Ethan walked in. I didn’t really know where he went and left me alone in the first place but he said something about ‘picking her up.’
My question was answered when I saw a small girl skipped into the room holding a backpack as she smiled at me widely. I stared down at her in surprise.
She was the reason why Ethan brought me here?
She was who wanted to see me?
Now I wasn’t asking all these questions because everyone was speaking about this little girl like she was the devil or more like the boss of a gang but because I’ve seen her before. She looked so familiar but I couldn’t quite get my tongue on it. It wasn’t until she grabbed the bag the crazy grandmother gave her until I finally remembered. Because when I looked inside to see what was in it, it was a box of chocolate with a note on it.
I held the box as I read the note which read:
‘Thank you for your kindness! Your simple act of generosity made my day even better. And one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had. I can never thank you enough!
-Ally
This was the girl I met on my first day of work! The one whom I gave the chocolate to and now she was paying back my kindness with another box of chocolate. I let out a chuckle as I looked down at her.
“Was it your birthday?” I asked.
She nodded.
“This little brat wouldn’t stop bragging about the amazing present a cashier girl gave her and how lucky she was,” Mr. Fatty spoke as he ruffled her hair making her giggle. I was about to speak but was cut off by surprise when she ran over to me and gave me a hug. I kneeled down to her tightly and hugged her back.
“So happy you enjoyed them,” I said as I patted her back then pulled away.
“Thank you so much! I didn’t want to walk away as if noth
ing happened without knowing your name so I begged papa to let me so you again,” she said as she pointed at Ethan. Wait, Ethan was her father?
“Begged? She pretty much threatened the young man! I mean I wouldn’t mind his presence being gone! It would be one less bother in this broken house! Maybe now I can get some room for a spa!” the grandmother shouted.
“I’m so sorry Crystal for scaring you. It’s just if I didn’t get you to meet Ally again then she would sure have my head,” Ethan said.
“Whipped,” Jerry said under his breath as he rolled his eyes.
“HEY YOU PUT THAT DOWN RIGHT NOW MISTER OR ELSE IM TELLING GRANDMA GRACE!” Jerry’s attention was turned as he yelled at one of the twins who ran passed the room holding something which looked like a vase making Grandma Grace to whip her head and run out the door.
“WHO THE F*CK IS TOUCHING MY STUFF?” she yelled.
Damn. She’s a grandma? Had more energy than me!
I averted my attention to Ally and smiled at her. I was about to say something when I heard a loud pounding coming from the front door. Mr. Fatty looked at everyone then shrugged his shoulders as he walked out of the room and opened the front door. We were all silent, probably because we knew who it was going to be and I was right because I heard loud footsteps rushing to where we were while Mr. Fatty shouted question like ‘What the heck are you doing?’ and ‘Who are you?’
Tyler’s angry form then rushed into the room and searched his eyes for something or should I say someone. Once his eyes landed on me, they seemed to travel all over my body to check for any injuries. I noticed the look of relief take over his face when he saw none.
He then stormed over to where I was standing. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to his chest. He then inhaled my scent and nuzzled his nose in the crook of my neck as his arms around my waist wrapped around me even tighter. I felt my cheeks become red as everyone stared at us.
Pulling away, I looked up at him.
“Never ever do that again,” he said.
“Do what?” I asked.
“Scare me like that!” he answered.
I knew he was mad and concerned but I didn’t know he was scared that something might have happened to me. He looked around the room, glaring at everyone.
“Who’s the bastard you brought you here?” he asked making me gasp as I hit his chest.
“Hey don’t curse! There’s a child in here!” I said as I glanced sideways at Ally.
“I did,” Ethan spoke.
Tyler then glared at him and started to stalk toward him. He grabbed him by his collar and pushed him against the wall. I ran to them and pulled Tyler away.
“Hey, he meant no harm, trust me.”
“Trust you? I do Gem but give me one freakin reason why I should trust him? You don’t even know these guys,” Tyler said taking a step forward but I held his arm back.
“Because I told you to.”
“Not a good enough reason,” Tyler said then moved me to the side as he glared at Ethan.
I then stepped in front of him.
“He reminded me of my father!” I said.
“There! Is that a good enough reason?” I asked.
“Your father?” he asked.
“Y-yea, they have the same name and personality,” I said.
I may have not known Ethan for that long but I did know that he was one of those types who looked intimidating at first but were completely different once you get to know them.
Tyler looked at me and Ethan who was staring at me in confusion.
“Okay, fine.”
“Let’s go home,” I said as I patted his arm.
I then turned around and gave Ethan a hug and promising to see him again. I walked over to Ally and crunched down to her level and hugged her too. I then took the bag she gave me and smiled down at her.
“Thank you so much for the chocolate, love. I’d be sure to enjoy them and I know this might be late but happy birthday,” I said as I ruffled her hair making her giggle.
“I will see you again, right?” she asked.
“Of course,” I said then turned to wave at Jerry and Mr. Fatty.
“The next time we meet, I’ll make sure to teach you how to play cards.” Jerry promised.
I nodded then walked out the door with Tyler walking besides me. A couple of weeks ago I would have been surprised if Tyler held my hand but I guess I was used to his sudden change of mood now.
After all, he wasn’t Tyler if he wasn’t mad at one point then teasing in the other.
Chapter 26
“And that’s how the most life changing invention called technology changed our lives completely.” I finished off with Tyler by my side. I looked around the class and saw various facial expressions. Some looked bored while others looked like they gave no shit. There were even some who looked nervous to stand in front of the class and present their project. Today was the day we finally present our homework and get our final grade. It took a while to be handed in because there were a lot of projects to be checked.
You might have thought that I’d be so happy that the project was finally over I could get rid of Tyler but I didn’t feel any difference. This project did start it off with me seeing him often but even if we wouldn’t do anything together, he’d still show up in front of my door asking for some sugar. Surprisingly, the idea didn’t seem that bad. I guess it was because I was already used to his presence and him showing up out of the blue.
All I wanted to do was to get out of this class and rush to the cafeteria because I was starving. I thought Tyler knew because my stomach grumbled loudly a few times and he just gave me an amused look. Other than the slap I wanted to give him because he let me do most of the talking, I was pretty fine. Maybe it was because today was Friday and who wouldn’t be in a happy mood? I was just hoping this day would be less hectic because trust me, I’ve never seen a day like that pass in my whole entire life.
When I was heading home with Tyler, he was literally acting like he was glued to me. He wouldn’t even let go of my hand until we reached his car. And after getting in, he started lecturing me about safety and that I had to tell him where I would go.
Like what the hell? Why was he acting like a possessive alpha? That was completely unnecessary―but I did always wish for a possessive alpha―Not the point!
Let me also mention his words yesterday to Ethan on the phone, claiming I would be his ‘girlfriend.’ Yea, I think it was just an instinct for him. He probably thought Ethan was a horny teenager and wanted to protect me from him by claiming I was his. I felt the heat rise up my neck and toward my cheek at the thought.
If I were his girlfriend, I wonder how he would he treat me. Would he still tease me and push me around or would he treat me with care―STOP!
Why the hell was I thinking about this?
I snapped out of my thoughts when the bell rang, signaling that the class has ended. I looked around the class to see it almost empty because everyone was making their way to the cafeteria. I was about to walk toward my desk to grab my backpack when Tyler grabbed my hand and carried my backpack for me. I lifted an eyebrow and was about to say something when he walked out the door, still holding my hand.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Where else? To the cafeteria of course.”
All attention was on me and I wasn’t used to that. I was bullied but the attention from that was a different matter entirely. I averted my eyes from the deadly glares sent from some girls and surprisingly guys, and looked at Tyler’s grip on my backpack.
“Um you can give me my backpack now.”
Letting a huff out, I leaned over and was about to snatch my bag from him when he moved it away and gave me the stink eye. I rolled my eyes knowing that Tyler was just being his stubborn self. We then walked over to the lunch line which was surprisingly short. I yanked my hand from his hold to could carry my tray and added a slice of pizza. Since Tyler was carrying my backpack for me I decided to be nice
enough and carry his tray for him too out of of the goodness of my heart.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“Pizza.” I put a slice of pizza on his tray, along with two slices of cheesecake on both our trays. Like why not? If Tyler didn’t want it then there will be just more for me.
“I didn’t ask for cake.”
“Yea I know. The lunch lady won’t let me take two slices so you’re just carrying it for me.”
“Sometimes I ask myself where does the food go.”
“What?”
“I said I hope you enjoy the sugar.”
Walking to the table, I noticed Eva, Matt, Jasmine and Troy chatting with one another without Sydney. I then sat in front of Matt as Tyler sat next to me.
“Where’s Sydney?” I asked before taking a bite out of the delicious heaven we call pizza.
Matt shrugged and turned to look at Eva.
“I don’t know,” she answered with Troy looking at her.
“How do you not know where your own sister is?” he asked.
“I’m just her sister, not her tail! You don’t see us glued to each other’s hips all the time,” Eva replied.
Tyler placed his cake on my tray, causing me to smile in delight. I then placed my pizza down because I couldn’t just wait. It’s as if the cake was screaming out for me and telling me to eat it up. I took a bite out of it and moaned quietly to myself as I let the taste hit my taste buds. I was about to take another bite when I heard Matt mutter something which sounded like, ‘Look what the cat dragged in.’
I lifted my head and saw that almost everybody in our table was facing the doors to the cafeteria. I followed their eyes and landed on Sydney walking toward us with a confidence and a smugly smirk. I was about to ask myself why when I saw my answer walking next to her but the difference between the two was that he didn’t look so satisfied. Dan was carrying her backpack on his shoulder as he carried her food of tray and books in both hands, looking quite annoyed.
Well this is something . . .
They soon made it to our table and Sydney sat down as she tapped her fingernails on the table.