School was finally out and Tyler had struck out with Veronica. He was just too afraid to make a move. The closest he ever got to her was that day she came to his house and he nearly nearly knocked her down in his room. If it was anything but girls, he had no trouble just blurting stuff out impulsively, which usually led to trouble. Around girls, he couldn’t talk. Well, except for his cousins. But they weren’t girls, they were family.

He and Veronica, with help from his dad, finished the science project in just one weekend. After that, he didn’t have any more excuses to invite her to his house. Then, before he knew it, school was out and he didn’t see her at all.

Tay had even helped Ty redo his room after being embarrassed about Veronica maybe thinking it was like a little kid’s room. It didn’t matter, Veronica hadn’t been in it since they started the science project.

Samson was at his house, playing video games in his newly decorated ‘man cave’. Tyler could still smell the paint every time he walked in. Samson was blabbering on and on about girls as he navigated the virtual racetrack. He always wanted to talk about girls. “Damn, I can’t believe you missed out with Veronica,” he said.

Tyler knew Samson would eventually land on the subject of Veronica. “She just thinks of me as a friend,” he lamented. “You should’ve seen the way she looked at Andreas in Science class. If he wasn’t with Cassie, she’d be with him. I just wish I had a reason to see her over the summer.”

“Maybe we can get Cassie and Alex to organize another pizza party at the arcade. That was cool.”

“Then she’ll just ask Andreas to sing with her again.”

“Nah, not if you keep her busy. But, what do you think about Alex. Would she go out with me? She’s not with anyone.”

Tyler started to laugh. “Dude, she’s too smart for you. She’s a geek in disguise.”

“I know,” he said looking dejected, “just thought I’d ask.”

Tyler felt bad about making his friend sad. He put down his controller and picked up his phone. “I’ll call Alex and see if she’ll set something up for tonight.”

Samson’s eyes lit up. Tyler knew exactly how he felt. The thought of seeing Veronica, even if she had friend zoned him, had him excited. Tyler touched the number for his cousin, leaving it on speaker so Samson could listen.

“Hey Alex. I’m sitting here with Samson and we wanted to see if maybe we could get the gang together tonight for pizza at the arcade,” he said into the speaker.

“Ohhh. Maybe. But Tyler … did you know that Andreas broke up with Cassie? Getting her out might be a really good idea. I’ll call everyone, well, except Andreas. How about 6:00 tonight?”

Tyler looked at Samson before replying. “I’m sorry about Cassie.” Not. “So yes, that’ll be cool. We’ll see you guys tonight.”

“Dude!” exclaimed Samson, “That’s good news for both of us! Maybe I can comfort Cassie instead of going for Alex. Cassie’s a little nerdy, even if she was with that jock Andreas. And since he won’t be invited, that leaves Veronica for you! Way to go Andreas!” Samson high-fived Tyler.

************************************************************

Tyler and Samson arrived at the arcade first, so Tyler called Alex to see where they were.

We’re on the way. Veronica won’t be coming though. She said she had plans. But Jaleesa and Aiden are. We’ll see you in a few.

Tyler hung up. “Crap. Veronica isn’t coming.”

“Sorry man. Maybe you’ll meet someone new?” offered Samson hopefully.

“When pigs fly. Come on.”

“Huh?”

“Exactly. Let’s get a table for six.”

Samson grabbed Ty’s arm. “Holy Crap! Look over there.”

Tyler turned and he felt his heart sink. Veronica was there … with Andreas. And they looked awfully chummy. No wonder the fucker broke up with Cassie. “Crap. Cassie! I’m gonna text Alex and tell them not to come here.”

“Too late dude. They’re walking in now.”

“Go distract them and I’ll see if I can get the table on the other side. Hurry!”

Samson ran off and Tyler was able to get a table in a different area away from the double crosser.

“Thanks for setting this up Ty,” said Cassie, “that was awfully sweet of you.”

Tyler did it for himself, not for Cassie and felt a little guilty receiving her gratitude. “It’s okay. Why don’t you sit here,” he said purposely sitting her with her back to the room.

“Okay? Why?” she asked.

“Because, it’ll be easier for me to pay for yours if I sit next to you. A little gift for you.”

“Ty, you don’t have to do that.”

“It’s okay. I want to. What’re cousins for?” He just hoped Alex, Jaleesa and Aiden wouldn’t notice Andreas and Veronica, and if they did, that they wouldn’t say anything. He hoped the cheaters would just leave after they ate.

The pizza came and the group talked and laughed while they ate. He was glad that Cassie seemed to be enjoying herself. Samson had engaged her in a discussion on how to get past the next level in the Space Invaders video game upstairs.

“Samson, let’s go upstairs and play,” said Cassie with enthusiasm, “I want to test your theories.”

Tyler froze. He checked to see if Andreas and Veronica were still eating. Maybe, if he saw Cassie without her seeing him, they’d leave. Their table was now empty. Crisis averted, they’d already left.

Everyone got up after they ate and made their way upstairs. Jaleesa and Aiden were leading the pack, Aiden’s arm firmly around Jaleesa. They were followed by Samson and Cassie who were huddled together talking. That left him and Alex bringing up the rear. “What’s wrong Tyler?” asked Alex, “missing Veronica?”

“She was here Alex,” he whispered in her ear, “With Andreas.”

“That asshole!” she exploded, “Both of them. Veronica had to know you like her. And to steal Cassie’s boyfriend! Next time I see either one of them, they are gonna get a piece of my mind. I’m glad Cassie didn’t see them.”

“Shhhh! God Alex. She’s gonna hear you.”

Alex gasped and grabbed Tyler’s arm. “Ty! Listen…. oh god. It’s them. They’re upstairs singing together.” Alex pulled away and ran up in front of everyone.

He ran after her but he was too late. Alex was standing there with her arms crossed glaring at the couple. Andreas and Veronica hadn’t noticed her yet, they were too focused on each other.

He looked around and Cassie has started to cry. Samson pulled her into a corner away from the karaoke and was comforting her.

Tyler swore he could see smoke coming out of Alex’s ears, she was so angry. “He’s gonna hear it from me,” she growled.

When the song ended, Alex wasted no time and laid into Andreas. He looked shocked to see her and Veronica looked sick. “You are the lowest of the low. You dumped my sister! How could you hurt Cassie like that?”

Then she turned to Veronica and poked her on the shoulder, “And you! You knew he was with Cassie and you took him away from her. You’re disgusting. Count me out as a friend of yours. In fact count out our whole group.”

“I didn’t mean …” began Veronica in tears, but Alex interrupted her.

“Save it, boyfriend stealer!” sneered Alex, “Friends don’t steal other friends boyfriends.”

“Shut up Alex!” growled Andreas, “Cassie and I weren’t working out. And Veronica and I just happened to be at the same place at the same time after we broke up. So YOU put a sock it in it!”

Tyler moved between Alex and Andreas. “Don’t you talk to her like that!” he yelled, his heart racing.

The worker that was behind the bar, stepped in between Tyler and Andreas. “Alright boys! Break it up, or leave. No fighting.”

“We were just leaving,” said Andreas, “Come on Veronica.”

Tyler glanced at Veronica and he felt like the world’s biggest jerk. She was badly upset. If there ever had been a chance for them, he just blew it. He wanted to hit something, preferably Andreas. He hated him.

He felt someone tugging on his sleeve and calling his name. He imagined it would’ve been Veronica coming back for him. But he knew it wasn’t, it was Alex. “I’m sorry Ty,” she said softly, no longer the angry sister out for revenge, “I shouldn’t have started a fight. Why don’t we go play.”

“It’s okay Alex. Samson and Cassie are hitting it off. And Jaleesa and Aiden are having fun too. You should stay with them. I’m going home.” He no longer felt like shooting alien space ships, at least not now. He wanted to be alone.

“You sure?” she asked.

“Yeah, see you later.” He turned around and walked downstairs leaving his friends behind.

*******************************************************************

Two weeks later…..

Tyler’s parents wanted to take him out to eat for his birthday. “We have a special surprise for you,” said his dad. Tyler was stoked. He hoped it was the new Video Card he wanted. That sucker was expensive. He’d just about burned up his current one because the advanced graphics on the newer games were too much for it.

“Can Samson come too?” He wanted to see the envy on his friends face when he opened his gift.

His dad and stepmom looked at each other before Tay finally answered.

“This is our time with you, okay Ty?” she said, “Samson and Jack are already coming over tonight for cake and ice cream, plus a sleepover. You boys can stay up tonight as long as you want.”

When they got to the restaurant, his dad and Tay were acting weird and giving each other lovey-dovey looks. Well, he supposed that wasn’t that weird. They did that a lot. Really, he was worried because they didn’t carry in any packages.

“You tell him,” said Tay. She looked excited which made Tyler get excited. Here it comes, he thought. Maybe it’s at home or they brought it here early.

“Okay,” said his dad and smiled at Tay before turning to Tyler, “the reason we didn’t want Samson here was because this is personal.” Now Tyler was confused. Was he worried about Samson knowing he how much they spent on the video card?

The waiter interrupted and they ordered.

After they ordered, his dad looked at Tay one more time and took a deep breath. “Tyler, you’re going to be a big brother.”

“Huh?” asked Tyler and then it hit him what he meant.

“Taysia is preg …”

“Don’t say it!” said Tyler at the same time his phone rang. Everyone stopped and looked.

“It’s Mom,” he said. Maybe she bought him a video card.

The waiter brought their food as he talked to his mother. “Hi Mom,” he said with zero enthusiasm.

“Happy Birthday sweetie!” she chirped into the phone.

“Thanks.”

“What’s wrong? You don’t sound happy.”

“I’m fine.”

“That’s perfect. I wanted you to know that I sent a gift. Sam said you needed a new card or something for your game. Anyway, she picked it out. It should be there this evening. We overnighted it.”

“Cool. Thanks Mom.”

“I love you sweetie. Have a nice birthday. Mwah!”

“Bye Mom,” said Tyler and disconnected the call. He’d have to thank Sam if it was the video card. Otherwise he could return it and maybe get the right one.

He looked up. His dad was staring at him like he was waiting for a play by play of the phone call. “She sent me a birthday present – okay?”

“Tyler, what’s the matter with you?” asked his dad.

“Nothing. It’s all perfect. Can we go?”

He looked at Tay. She looked like she might cry. Well he felt like crying too. Why was a stupid baby a present for him? It was for them. So they could have their own family. He would be a step everything. He could see it now, he’d have to be quiet because the baby was asleep, or feed it, or even worse, change its diaper. Tyler felt a chill roll down his spine at the very idea.

“Tyler Murdock,” scolded his dad, “We just told you some wonderful news and you act like it’s the end of the world.”

Tyler put his head down. “I’m sorry Tay,” he said, looking at her apologetically, “Congratulations. I guess.” There. That was what they wanted to hear. Wasn’t it?

“I was afraid this might be hard for you,” she said softly.

“Then why did you do it?! I already have a sister I never see, except on TV.”

“That’s not really it, is it Tyler?” she asked.

“What difference does it make?” Tyler’s question was stated. “There’s nothing I can do.”

“You can think about someone besides yourself!” interjected his dad.

Tay put her hand over his dad’s and shook her head. “Ryan. Please don’t,” she said.

“I’m sorry Taysia. I was just expecting this to go a lot different.” Then his dad looked at him. “I thought you’d be happy about having a brother or sister. And for us.”

“I said I was sorry and congratulations,” snarled Tyler.

“Why don’t we just finish eating. We can talk more about this when we get home,” suggested Taysia.

***********************************************************

Taysia was surprised at the animosity displayed by Tyler at her pregnancy. She didn’t expect him to be thrilled, but he was downright nasty. It hurt more than she thought it would. She really thought they had forged a good bond and he would maybe be happy for her. The worst though was the tension that now existed between father and son. Taysia felt the need to clear the air between them. “Tyler, your friends will be here in an hour,” she said, “Maybe we can discuss your concerns about the baby before they arrive.”

“Fine,” growled Tyler.

It was just as she feared. She was only going to get one word answers from him. Ty was a teenager, fully in the midst of puberty. That plus his already unpredictable mood swings, made the news of her pregnancy much harder for him to reconcile. But Ryan’s reaction was uncalled for. It only made things worse.

She motioned for Ryan to sit next to her and took his hand and squeezed it. She loved Ryan fiercely and felt bad for him. He’d been elated when she told him they were pregnant. She didn’t want Tyler’s reaction to overshadow their joy. But Ryan berating Tyler for his feelings wasn’t going to help him come to terms with it.

Tyler flopped down in the seat across from them, not looking happy.

“Tyler,” said Taysia, “I just want to make it clear that just because we are having a baby, it doesn’t mean we love you less. This is going to be your and Sam’s half brother or sister.”

“So,” came the disinterested response from Tyler.

“Ty,” said Ryan, his irritation clear in his tone, “can’t you at least be happy for Taysia? She doesn’t have any children. This baby might be her only child.”

Taysia snapped her head towards Ryan at the same time Tyler looked up at him. Crap. Now she needed to do more damage control. Poor Ryan, she knew he meant well.

Ryan shrank back from her look. She could tell he knew he messed up. Knowing him, he had no idea why. She held up her hand so he wouldn’t say more and addressed Tyler.

“Tyler, what your father means is that I’ve never given birth before. But, I do have children. You and Sam. I love you Tyler, and if we couldn’t have any more children, that would be okay. But we have a chance to add to our family and we wanted to do that. It’s a way to bring us together, not to push you out.”

“Whatever,” said Tyler completely uninterested in what they had to say. In that same instance the doorbell rang.

Ryan quickly stood up. “I’ll get it.” Taysia knew he was grateful to have a reason to escape the building tension in the room.

“He loves you very much Ty, as do I,” she whispered to try and lessen his pain over possibly having to share them.

“It’s the present from your mother,” said Ryan as he walked back in. “We have one for you too. Would you like to open them now before the guys get here?”

Taysia sighed. They were evidently finished talking about it. She knew Tyler wasn’t going to respond anyway. He needed time to digest everything and see that they weren’t replacing him. She hoped he would warm up to the idea by the time she started to show and it became real. Sweet Tyler just didn’t do well with abrupt changes and Ryan had a hard time reigning in his temper. She knew exactly where Tyler’s temperament came from.

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