Invisible String

Chapter 3

        Whatever he sees, makes him look back just as fast, but almost reluctantly. I just don't understand this man sometimes.

        "Well, surprises come in all shapes and sizes, don't they? Do you want 2 scoops or one?"

        "Just one for today."

        "I'd like 3 scoops of chocolate mudslide!!!!" My brother comes jumping out of no where.

        "Whoa where'd you come from," she says while smiling and looking at Tyler.

        "How about 2 kids scoops or one big scoop," Tyler tells Emmett in what I call his mother-hen voice.

        "One big scoop, but you owe me more later mister," Emmett points his little finger up at Tyler.

        "Plenty more coming your way don't worry," Tyler tries to hold back a smile while holding his hands in the air.

        "Oh, and 1 scoop of chocolate chunk and 1 scoop of strawberry, on a sprinkle cake cone please," I would give him props for knowing my order but it's literally what I get every time.

        "Coming right up, rather specific for someone who only likes vanilla?"

        Before Tyler says anything I jump out from behind him. Where she apparently couldn't see me. Which doesn't happen very often because I am 5'10.

        "That would be for me. He's quite lucky to have a FRIEND like me, who adds a little sparkle into his bland routine." I make sure to add extra emphasis on the friend, as she seems to really be into him.

        "Quite lucky for sure," he looks oddly disappointed before adding, "That'll be all."

        "Alright, your total comes to, $11.95."

        Tyler hands her his card before I can jump in.  I hate when he does stuff like that.

        Before we grab our ice cream the girl gives Tyler his card and says to him, "I'd love to see you around again sometime."

        Without making eye contact Tyler replies with a quick, "Yeah, that'd be great."

        "Bye nice lady, we will be back!"

        She laughs at Emmett's comment, "Can't wait till then."

        We walk out all together with Tyler holding the door as usual. As I'm walking by I swear I hear a quick, "Friend, seriously," but I could just be hallucinating again.

...

        We pull up to my house with a slight screech sound, "You know Tyler for being as rich as you claim you are, you really need to get new brake pads."

        "Just cause I'm rich with money doesn't mean I'm rich with time, sweetheart."

        "Just give me like 20 minutes one day and I'll have those things as good as new."

        "I'd never make a pretty girl like you fix my car. I can hire an actual mechanic."

        "Ok, for one I can fix your car just as good as any mechanic in this tiny town for like half the price. For two, I can do it all while I'm dressed in pink, thank you very much. Also, for your information, Ive learned quite a few things all by myself as a 'pretty girl' with a single dad."

        "Alright, alright. Maybe I just don't want to see those pretty hands dirty."

        "You disgust me you know that."

        "You tell him sissy!" I almost forgot Emmett was in the back still.

        I smile back at Emmett before I say to Tyler, "The deal is still on if you get over your masochistic ways."

        "I was only joking sweetheart, you know that," he smiles at me in a way that makes me feel like a small, dumb child.

        "Yeah, whatever. See you tomorrow," I open my door and start exiting the car.

        Tyler looks back at Emmett and says, "Wait, can I talk to your sister for a minute," Em starts nodding his head but doesn't move, "Alone?"

        "I guess, but if you try anything while I'm gone, I will hurt you," he says while squinting his eyes in a threatening way that just looks cute to me.

        "It's okay buddy, I'll meet you inside when we're done talking, okay."

        He un-buckles himself and then exits the car with a swift jump. Before he heads inside though he brings his fingers to his eyes and then points them back at Tyler, all while mouthing 'I'm watching you.'

        Tyler turns to me with admirable shock in his eyes, "Your brother's in a sassy mood today."

        I roll my eyes and smile, "When is he not."

        "True." There's silence in the car before he looks at me and says, "When can WE hang out again?"

        "We hang out together like every day, dude."

        "No," he takes a deep breath before looking at me slightly annoyed, "I mean without your brother?"

        I sit and stare at him in slight shock. "I thought you liked my brother?"

        "Don't take this the wrong way Winter, I love your brother, but I want some alone time," he pauses,  "with you," when he finishes he slides his hand up my thigh.

        I shift away from his hand but he doesn't take it away. "I...I don't know? I can't just leave my little brother home alone."

        He shifts his other hand to my face and tucks my hair behind my ear. "Come on, it'll be fun. Just you and me," he shifts the hand on my thigh higher and squeezes, "he'll be okay for a couple hours."

        I sit there in shock, "What no." I slap both his hands away, "Absolutely not. My brother is only 7."

        He looks hurt before he says, "What about a babysitter then, I'll pay for it and everything. You don't have to worry about a thing."

        "I...I don't really trust a random stranger with my little brother."

        "I can find someone I know?" I shake my head. "Whatever, well find another time to hang out."

        He sounds annoyed with me for some reason, so I say, "Yeah, well find something okay?"

        "Whatever."

        I am deeply confused now. What did I do? "I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"

        "Ya, see you."

        With one final look back at him, I exit the car and start heading back inside my house. I turn around when I get to the door but he's already scurried off.

        The last thing I say to myself, before I open my door and enter my house, is, "What's his problem?"