by Rua Hasan
I heard someone shout from the other end and Ethan began arguing with that person. I couldn't hear much but I knew it was Mr. Fatty.
“Okay, okay. Take her geez. You could have just asked,” Ethan said. “Don't worry he just misses you that's all.”
“No, I don't! It's just those demons have been bugging me all day!” I heard him shout. I waited for Ethan to give Mr. Fatty the phone before I spoke.
“Don't worry old man. I've missed you too.”
“Shut up.” he grumbled. “I cannot live my life normal ever again because of you.”
“When was your life ever normal?” I asked.
“Shut up! Those demons won't leave me the hell alone!”
“You do know you're talking about your nephews and niece, right?” I heard Ethan say from the other end.
“Shut up you old man!” I heard Mr. Fatty mimic what I saw earlier.
“Well somebody is on their period.”
“What did you say, girly?” he asked driving his attention back to me.
“Uh-nothing just why you wanted to talk to me so badly. I know you missed me pal. You don't have to hide it.”
“Listen closely girly. You need to come over before those devils eat me alive. You hear me?”
“You know what. How about you come over instead?” I asked laying over the big teddy bear Tyler got me. I still couldn't believe he did all that for me. How could I have thought of him being so evil when he was so sweet to me?
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I've got this big race coming up next week and I'd like you to bring the whole family to watch.”
“Really?”
“Yeahh, just make sure Granny Grace takes her medicine, please.”
Mr. Fatty said something but I didn't quite hear because my attention was drawn to the open door. Tyler walked in holding a glass of water and a plastic bag in his other hand. I lifted an eyebrow and watched as he tried to hold both stuffs while still managing to walk on crutches. This boy will be the death of me. Instead of caring about himself because you know, he has a damn broken leg! He goes through all that to make me feel better.
“Listen, I'll call you later. Say hi to Ally for me ok?” I put my phone down as I tried to get up to help Tyler but he just hissed at me.
“What are you doing? Don’t get up!” he glared at me. I stood frozen and watched as he made it towards the chair and sat down. When he was within reach, I took a hold of his hand.
“Tyler, give yourself a break. You can't keep applying pressure on your leg.”
“Gem, I'm fine. You should be worrying about yourself. You got a big race to look up to which is why you need to feel better soon.” He handed me the glass of water while I sat up straight and took it. I then gulped it in a hurry, enjoying the marvelous taste.
“It's next week. I'm pretty sure I'll be fine then.” I placed the glass on the coffee table next to me. “What's in that?” I asked pointing at the bag in his hand.
“Oh that?” he asked before handing it over to me. I glanced up at him before looking down to see what was in it. Inside the bag were chocolate, Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, gummies bears, and ice cream. I lifted an eyebrow at Tyler and gave him a questioning look.
“You want to give me diabetes?”
He chuckled and shrugged. “Maybe.”
I laughed a bit before leaning over to kiss his cheek. When I leaned away, I saw him grinning widely like an idiot.
“Thank you.”
He nodded his head and got up to sit next to me on the couch. He wrapped an arm around me, bringing me to his chest. “Anything for you Gem.” He kissed my hair as I opened the box of cookies. I blushed a bit but enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms. I leaned over and rested my head on his shoulders as I took a bite out of the cookie.
“Want some?”
He shook his head. “Na, I'm good.”
I nodded my head as I continued to munch on the goodies Tyler got me. We sat in silence as we enjoyed each other's presence. Tyler wrapped his arm around my waist, bringing me closer and at that time I could finally say that I was feeling a whole lot better. In and out. I owed him a lot. I then placed the box of cookies down and cuddles next to him, feeling tired once again. Tyler placed his hand over my forehead and nodded his head in approval. I felt myself drifting off into sleep but didn't miss what he said next as he kissed my hair.
“Feel better soon, Gem. For me.”
Chapter 39
I couldn't believe I've made it this far. I mean I still felt like the thirteen-year-old who was getting bullied in school. Time flew by so quickly, I sometimes thought that I'm dreaming. I always shake my head in shame and curse at myself for being so selfish and naive. I've always thought that my life was a living hell, wishing for a better life and holding grudges on people who destroyed me. But I was wrong.
My life wasn't that bad at all.
I lost the most important people in my life and was always tortured at school, but little did I know that I was living the life others wished they had. How could I be so stupid to believe that I was the only one in pain when many others were going through much worse. I had a house over my head, food to eat, school for education and wonderful friends when anyone else could be going through who knows what! This is what people meant when they say not to take your life for granted. It seemed as if everything was becoming okay. Finally, after so long of being alone, I found the place which I could truly call home.
Things were way different now. I had something to look forward to when waking up in the morning. I had motivation and not that same depressed thoughts which were always hiding in the corner of my mind just waiting to strike. And I knew it was because of one thing. Or should I say a certain someone. All my friends made me who I am today. But if it wasn't for Tyler then I don't know what I would have done. I found it so funny how I used to think of him. Being the cliché typical bully but in the end, he was not that at all. He was just a broken kid who wanted some attention from a certain girl.
But we all made mistakes, right? It felt like it was just yesterday when I moved back to California. It felt as if it wasn't a week ago when Tyler cared for me while I was sick. The memories would still flash into my mind as I recalled the moment which would never leave my mind. I would lay down in bed, snuggling with the huge teddy bear Tyler got me as I blushed to myself like a teenager who received a love card by her crush on valentines. I couldn't believe it. He saw me in my worst state but never left. He gave me relaxing massages and a nice warm bath.
The only thing which annoyed me was that he wouldn't even let me get up to use the bathroom on my own! And not only that, he also made me eat so much food and drink three bowls of soup. I would give him the ‘are-you-crazy’ look but he'd only give me a pointed look in return and continue to feed me. At that point I was sure he wanted to give me diabetes. But all those thoughts disappeared from my head when he'd push the strands of hair behind my ear and check my temperature. My annoyance would soon vanish when he cuddled up next to me, making sure I'd sleep. The attention he gave me was too overwhelming but I liked it.
I liked staring at his face when he slept beside me. I liked running my hands down his cheek and to his jaw as I inspected every inch of his face. I knew that I was falling for this man.
***
Today's finally Friday! I was lying in bed staring up at the ceiling, consuming myself with none stop thoughts. Thoughts about what was going to happen next? I just woke up a couple minutes ago but couldn't bring myself to move. I was letting myself get rid of all the nervousness I had for this day.
Today was the big race and it was going to be a long hectic day. I knew I was scared. Deep down I knew what I was capable of but there was always this doubt inside me that would never go away. It was the same feeling where you take an exam you studied good but still feared for the results.
Whatever happened, it would be for the best of everything.I grabbed my phone and turned in on. It was around ten o'clock. It was
Friday but the school wanted everyone to watch the race as the school’s representative. Naomi would be there too. It didn't matter who won as long as we brought pride to the school. But for me, I participated in this race to make myself feel better.
I also thought that if Naomi would win, she'd feel better about herself but that would mean I'd lose. There could only be one winner. I wasn't looking for winning because of the money but because of my dream. The job I had was enough to provide my needs but this race would probably lift my spirit up even more.
I just hoped for the best.
I jumped out of bed and walked into my bathroom to freshen up. I wasn't going to get changed into my sport clothes until after an hour. The race was going to take place in Central California Park. I didn't even know if this was a real park but I just came up with the name which was pretty huge and was going to start at one o'clock. I had to have a healthy breakfast and then was going to jump into some yoga to relax my limbs. I needed to prepare myself. Just as I walked out of the bathroom after having a relaxing shower, I heard my phone ring. I picked it up seeing that it was Matt who was calling.
“Hey,” I spoke as I walked into my closet to grab something comfy to wear so that I could start with my yoga.
“Clare-Bear! Baby! My love! Oh, darling it's your big day today!” he screamed through the speaker. I pulled the phone away from my ear as I cringed then placed it back.
“Please don't call me that ever again.” I said as I pinched the bridge of my noise as if I've just been scarred for life.
“Hehe, sorry my bad. I'm just so excited.”
I couldn't help but smile as I grabbed Tyler's shirt I 'borrowed' and a pair of shorts.
“Me too but a bit nervous actually.”
“Crystal, you have nothing to worry about. I know you'll win. In fact, you have to or my life will be ruined.”
“Matt what are you talking about?”
“Oh nothing! Can't a friend have a little faith in someone?”
I paused before answering.
“What the hell did you do?”
“Crystal-babe! You've hurt my feelings. Do I always have to get myself into tro—”
“Speak or else!”
“Okay fine I made a bet with Troy.”
I lifted an eyebrow and let out a huff as I rolled my eyes. Totally typical of him.
“I should have known.”
“I couldn't handle it Clare-Bear! Troy was saying that you wouldn't win! You above all people! Everyone knows that you will. Gosh I felt betrayed and shocked.”
“So, I, being the good friend, I decided to jump in and defend you! You should thank me.” he acted as if he was offended.
“When you say defend, do you mean betting with money?”
“Yup. I know you love me babe but there's no need in thanking me. I don't want anything in return. All I want is your lo—”
“Matt, will you shut up.”
“Sorry.”
“How much did you agree on?” I asked placing Matt on speaker so that I could get changed.
“Um...well you see...”
“Yeahh?” I urged him to continue.
“So-oh well look at that. My mama is calling me. So sorry but I have to go. You know how she is when I don't listen to her the first time.”
“Matt, you live alone.”
Matt had ended the call. Why that little rascal! I was going to deal with him later but for now I had to focus on getting ready for today's race. After getting dressed into baggy clothes, I smiled to myself as I smelled Tyler's scent on the shirt I was wearing, which I had to admit did give me some comfort. That wasn't creepy at all by the way.
I then jogged down the stairs as I pulled my hair up into a messy ponytail to keep it out of the way. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed an apple, eating it. Just as I was about to head up stairs, the doorbell rang, stopping me from going any further. I lifted an eyebrow as I walked towards the door. Without looking through the peek hole, I opened the door to be greeted by Tyler. His eyes traveled lower, inspecting my clothes.
“Damn. My clothes do look good on you.” he grinned.
I leaned against the door and crossed my arms under my chest as I lifted an eyebrow.
“Tyler.”
“Yeahh?” he asked shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans.
“Come closer.”
He looked confused but didn't complain.
“No, closer.”
He came closer to where his face was right in front on mine.
“A bit closer.”
Just when he moved so that our lips could be brushing against each other, I lifted my hand and smacked him on the back of his head.
“Ow!” he yelped as he rubbed the back of his head.
“Idiot.”
“What was that for?”
“For being a doofus.”
“All I did was complement you, woman.” He lifted his hands up into the air and I laughed. I leaned over and pinched his cheeks playfully.
“Thanks,” I said as I stepped aside for him to walk in but he just stood there in his place.
“Well, aren't you coming in?”
He shook his head and scratched the back of his head. “No, actually I don't want to take much of your time. I know you’re preparing for the race.” He took a step closer. I nodded my head as I watched him take a hold of my hands, rubbing my knuckles.
“Yeahh, I’m nervous though.”
Tyler gave me an assuring smile. “Don't worry. I believe in you.” He smiled.
“Thanks.”
He coughed nervously as he scratched the back of his neck and gave me a hesitant look.
“What's wrong?”
“Well, you see... I didn't come here just to wish you luck but there's something I'd want to tell you.”
I nodded my head.
“Well, go on.”
“I know you'll win.”
“And when you do I want to ask you a very important question.”
I gave him a curious look.
“What do you want to ask?”
He shook his head.
“That's for later.”
“Let's just say I've been waiting for the right moment to ask.”
I nodded my head.
“But what if I don't win?”
“I know you will.”
He leaned over to kiss my forehead.
“I'll see you before the race begins.”
He pushed a strand of hair behind my ears. He then stepped back but before he could turn away, he stopped and looked at me as if he remembered something.
“You got the bracelet on, right?”
I smiled and nodded my head as I showed him my wrist.
“Yup. Never took it off.”
He nodded his head and waved goodbye before leaving. I closed the door, wondering to myself what on earth did Tyler want to ask me. Shrugging, I walked up the stairs as a smile spread across my face. I guess there was only one way to find out. I had to win.
Walking out of the bathroom, I ran down the stairs and towards the front door. I had just changed into my sport clothes and was waiting for Matt to pick me up. He insisted on taking me to the race because he said that he felt 'guilty' for betting on me. I just let out an unladylike snort and shook my head. Sure. I pretended to believe that but we all knew that wasn't the case. He just wanted to make sure I'd make it on time so that I could win the race and him gain his money.
What a wonderful best friend.
I looked up at the time to see that I had thirty minutes before the race started. The Central Park wasn't that far away thankfully which meant that it would take only a couple of minutes to get there. Ten the most. Just as I picked my phone to call Matt, I heard a beeping sound coming from outside. Knowing that it must be him. I grabbed my phone as the only thing I need and walked out the door. I was going to hand it over to Tyler as I ran because I didn't trust myself to keep it safe. Letting Tyler hold it for me would be the best option.
&n
bsp; After making sure my front door was locked, because you know, safety first. I walked to Matt's car and hopped in.
“Hurry up woman! We are going to be late!”
“Relax, will ya’? We still have twenty-five minutes. Don't make me lose the race on purpose or you won’t get your money.”
Matt's head whipped towards me as he sent me a deathly glare.
“You wouldn't dare!”
“Try me!”
“Whatever,” he muttered as he started the car and drove down the road. I then crossed my arms under my chest and smirked in satisfaction.
“Thought so.”
I looked out of the window and watched as the trees came by and disappeared as the clouds hovered above us. I tapped my fingers on my lap impatiently. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to sooth myself down. I was getting anxious more by the minute but I held back all my worries. I knew I had to try my best. It didn't matter what the result was but as long as I put all my effort to it then I know I wouldn't regret.
When Matt finally parked the car in our destination, I let out a sigh of relief and hopped out. Just as Matt closed his door, I heard a buzz coming from my phone. Looking at it, I saw it was a message from Ethan.
'Good luck kiddo with the race. The whole family is here and seated waiting for you, including mama Grace... Don't worry she took her medicine.' It read. I smiled and texted him back before closing my phone. As I looked up, I saw two cars park next to ours. When the doors opened, Troy, Naomi and Jasmine came out of one while Tyler and the twins came out of the other.
I walked up to them and hugged Naomi.
“You ready?” I asked excitedly.
She nodded her head immediately as she smiled.
“Yeah but nervous.”
“It's okay. Just do your best.” I assured her, knowing that running in her state would be difficult because of her fake legs. Just when she thanked me, I noticed Tyler walking up to us.
“Come on guys! You're going to be late!”
Tyler dropped his arm on my shoulder and sent me a wink as his eyes flickered to my wrist.
“Good luck, even though you won't need it. Let's just hope the bracelet comes to use.”