Strings Attached

Chapter Twenty-Three

I could feel the rush as our bodies hit the water, and I was incredibly happy. I felt powerful and magical. I felt as though I were a waterfall.

"This is what I call going with the flow," said Teddy, pointing at the waterfall.

"Lame joke," I said, grinning.

Teddy shrugged.

"Seriously, pal, I think I will buy you a book full of jokes for your birthday," said Henry.

Louise smirked. "You should. He tells the worst jokes ever."

I smiled. "Hey, shut up. Only I can insult his jokes."

"That's true," said Teddy. "Only she can."

I blushed a little.

"Guys, just kiss already," said Henry, rolling his eyes. "You know you're dying to."

Teddy smiled and turned to see me. "Maybe we should," he said.

I simply turned away. I could not bear to look at those grey eyes and that green hair of his without melting. He looked even hotter when he was all wet.

"Wait a second," I said as I noticed how lonely my mom looked. She was the only one who had not gotten in the lake.

I got out of the lake and walked towards my mom, who was sitting on a rock, smiling.

"What's the matter, sweetheart?" she asked.

"Aren't you going to get in?" I asked.

She shook her head. "I'm not in the mood. You go and have fun."

I raised one of my eyebrows. "If you're not in the mood, then why did you invite us?"

She shrugged. "I wanted for you and Brianna to have fun so that you could distract yourselves from everything that's been going on with your dad," she explained.

I smiled. "You are awesome, Mom."

She smiled warmly. "Thank you, sweetheart. I think you are awesome, too."

I sighed. "You don't deserve what Dad did to you," I said.

Mom shrugged. "We're better off without him, anyway."

I nodded. "I guess you're right."

"I love you very much, Tina," she said. "I know sometimes you feel like Brianna is my favorite, but I love you both equally."

I bit my bottom lip. "I know," I said.

"Are you sure?" she asked with a serious expression on her face.

"Now I am," I said, smiling.

She smiled. "I'm glad."

"CHRIS!" I turned around and saw Teddy standing next to the waterfall. "YOU NEED TO COME!"

I turned to see Mom, who was smiling brightly at me.

"HOLD ON A SECOND!" I yelled.

"You like him, don't you?" she asked curiously.

I sighed and nodded. "I do."

She smirked. "He is a very nice guy. I approve him."

I smirked. "Thanks, Mom," I said.

"You're welcome." She smiled. "Now, go. He is waiting for you."

I smiled and rushed to where Teddy was. He smiled brightly at me as I stood next to him and raised one of my eyebrows.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

"Look what I found," he whispered.

"Why are you whispering?" I asked, confused.