The Guide To Becoming a Chameleon

1. He's a Hot Arrogant Ass

Four minutes.

I pedal a bit faster as a new, more upbeat song starts playing from my earphones. I'll probably reach home by the time this one finishes, no, not probably. I will reach home by the time this song is finished. I let out an involuntary groan as my feet push themselves to the pedals, making the trees pass by quicker. 

Three minutes. 

I hate Thursdays. It's like they're mocking you by being so close to Fridays but not close enough. On top of that, Thursday seems like a great day for teachers to load assignments on us. My house finally comes to view and I stop pedaling. It slows down as our old neighbor's house passes by, finally stopping in front of my garage. Hopping off, I unbuckle my black and pink Barbie helmet and sling it to the side of my bike. 

I reached in fourteen minutes. A new record. Tyler bought me that helmet when I was twelve. I was going through my tomboy phase back then but I still loved it. I've never gone anywhere on my bike without it since, quite against my best friend Natasha's complains about how it looks 'tacky'. 

I swing my bag up to my shoulder and ring the front door bell. A huge gust of cold wind blows over when mom opens the door, ruffling my already pressed down and sweaty hair even more.

"What did we talk about cleaning you room?" She glares.

"A very good afternoon to you too, mother dearest." I smile sweetly.

"Yeah, yeah, just go and clean you room." She sniffs hard and frowns. "And maybe a shower too. You stink."

"I feel so loved." 

Mom rolls her eyes. I'm halfway through the staircase when I hear her voice again.

"Oh, and you should probably know that Tyler's coming back." 

I stop and do a double take immediately.

"What? Really? Wait. His vacations don't start until December, why's he coming back now? Is everything alright? Does he-"

"Relax, he's just a bit worn out" Mom laughs and leans against the stairs, "He wants to comeback for a while. Don't worry, he said that he'll catch up with all the work during the vacations."

Mom would  say that. Anything to get Ty home. I frown, 

"Oh. Huh."

"Yeah. Now go, take a shower!" Mom commands and I rush upstairs without another word. Instead of showering, I plop down on my bed and call Natasha. She picks up almost immediately.

"Can this wait? I'm watching Dancing with the Stars and this is the fourth time I'm getting interrupted." I hear her annoyed voice say. I smirk.

"Is the news of Tyler coming back important enough?"

"Woah-ho, Dancing with the Stars can suck it. When is he coming?" 

I pause. "That, is a very good question. One I forgot to ask my mother."

"Wooow. Can't you ask her now?"

"Nope. I'm supposed to be showering." 

"Dude, you better be throwing him a welcome home party."

I laugh, "He would like that, wouldn't he? The arrogant ass."

"He's a hot arrogant ass."

I wrinkle my nose on impulse, "Ew, Nat. He's my brother."

"Step brother. C'mon, you guys aren't even blood related. A little bit of movement won't hurt."

"You can have him, thanks." I shudder, "Great, now the image is imprinted in my brain and I can't get it out. Thanks a lot, Nat. I'm gonna hang up and take a shower now."