Philophobic : Tyler Galpin

25: Awkward

Saturday, November 10th

[author's pov]

Parents' weekend was going well for everyone except for Wednesday, as her father had been arrested by Tyler's father under the suspicion of murdering Garret Gates. And Enid was under the pressure of her mother–who's been anticipating for her to turn any day now.

But Enid wasn't about to tell her mother that she had turned against her own will. It wasn't something she was proud of.

"I'm sorry to hear about your dad," Victoria said to Wednesday through the phone as she was packing her bags. "And thanks for taking Shanks, I don't think she'd do well in the hotel. Let alone a four hour car ride."

"It's not a problem. My dad's avoided countless lawsuits before. And don't worry about Shanks, I've always been fond of black cats," Wednesday responded through the phone. "Does Enid know you're leaving?"

"Yes, I told her a while ago. She still hasn't responded to my calls," Victoria answered, feeling guilt rise in her chest.

"I wouldn't worry about it if I were you," Wednesday said. "She's mildly mad at me, but she's mostly upset that I didn't say anything. She can't deny that we were only looking out for her."

Victoria sighed.

There seemed to be something Wednesday wanted to address. And after a second, Victoria heard, "You do know there's nothing going on between Tyler and I, right?"

A thickness in the air grew and Victoria suddenly felt uncomfortable. "I don't really care that you two went to the Rave'N together if that's what you're leading up to."

"Oh yeah, very believable," Wednesday said. "I actually wanted to say I think it's a good idea that you and Tyler are getting out of town with everything that's going on. Even though I don't think the monster would dare attack with all of these parents around."

"How'd you know he's taking me?" Victoria asked.

Wednesday smirked from the other end of the phone. "Seeing as what happened between you and Weems, I figured he was your best bet. It doesn't take a genius to know who's going to take you."

"But you are a genius."

"I know," Wednesday said. "I've got to go. Break a leg at your performance."

"Hopefully not," Victoria muttered as she and Wednesday ended the call.

Her nervousness was through the roof, and it didn't help that her best friend wasn't around to console her. Enid was usually the only person who could comfort her through nervousness. You'd think after all this time, she'd be used with performing alone already.

But this time it was in front of Tyler.

And solo.

The front of her door opened as she was making her way down the stairs. She saw Tyler enter her house–who now had a set of her keys as she had a set of his. They had called it a "neighborly thing."

"Good, you're all packed," Tyler noted. "We wouldn't want to check in the hotel so late at night."

"You're right," Victoria said as she saw his work attire. He still smelled freshly of baked goods and coffee as she neared him.

She tugged at the collar of his shirt and sniffed it. "You sure you don't want to change before we head out?"

"Are you saying I stink?" Tyler raised his brow.

"No, I'm saying I'll get homesick if all I can smell is the Weathervane," Victoria smiled as he pulled her closer into an embrace.

She yelped from his actions as he swayed and hugged her tightly. His arms rested on her waist, not daring to move any lower.