Because Living With You Drives Me Crazy!!!

Part 3

Tyler led us outside into the cool, summer night air. I took in a deep breath as my head cleared from the insane atmosphere of the party. He looked over at me curiously.

"Not the party type?" He asked.

I shrugged. "Guess not," I replied.

"Yeah, but you look like something else is bothering you. Care to share? I've been told I'm a very apt listener," He said, with that grin of his.

I couldn't help but smile. "It's...well..." I couldn't bring myself to continue.

"Go on," He said.

I looked down at the dark grass of the lawn. It looked almost black under the night sky. A cool breeze found it's way to me and I shivered a bit.

"You okay?" Tyler asked, wrapping an arm around me.

I nodded.

"Did my brother ever...I mean, do you know if my brother..." I started.

He looked at me with his green eyes curiously.

"Was my brother into drugs?" I asked hurriedly, feeling as if a weight was lifted from my shoulder.

Tyler's eyes widened in surprise.

"Now what makes you ask that?" He asked, concerned.

"Blaze Mansen-" I started.

Tyler interrupted me. "Blaze Mansen is a total reject of life. You should never listen to anything he says, Alli," He said.

"I know, I-" I started.

"He's just trying to get you all fired up. It's his little game," Tyler informed me.

I nodded. "Yeah, you're right."

Tyler rubbed my shoulder. "You wanna get back to the party?"

I shook my head. "Not really. Jennifer is puking and Blaze is still there, probably getting stoned off his ass."

Tyler nodded. "Yeah, that's probably true."

We made our way to a swing hanging from a big oak tree. I sat down on it and started pushing my legs out to get it going. Tyler watched me a moment before hopping on and settling in next to me.

"How have you been since he left," Tyler asked.

I looked at him alarmed. I didn't think he knew about my dad leaving. Then again, he was Nate's best friend.

"Wh-what?" I stuttered.

"You know, since Nate left for Ohio State. It must be hard. You two are so close and all," He said.

I mentally breathed a sigh of relief. So Nate hadn't told him.

The only person outside our family that knew was Jen. At least, as far as Julie and Blaze went anyway.

"Yeah, I miss him," I said, meaning Nate and my dad.

"Understandable. I miss my homie too, but at least I got you," Tyler teased.

I punched him lightly on the shoulder.

"Ha ha," I said, "You make me feel so special."

He grew more serious.

"You are special," He said, leaning towards me.

Had I ever thought about kissing my brother's best friend? How many times had Tyler spent the night at my house, watched movies with me, and went on family camping trips with us? But I don't really think I ever thought about seriously crushing on him.

Yet here we were, on a swing in Chris Jenson's front yard, barely hearing the bass blaring from the speaker's inside.

It was hard to tell if I just sat there of if I leaned forward, but our lips met.

It was short and brief but sweet. He pulled back with another of his famous smiles plastered on his face.

Then I heard the sound of yakking behind us.

"I came looking for you," Jen said between little fits of barf.

Oh Jen.

"Come on," I said, getting up and holding back her hair. "Let's get you home."

Tyler waved goodbye as we pulled out of the driveway, and past him I saw three dark figures sitting off of the railing on the porch. I knew, just knew, that it was Blaze and those other guys.

I realized that I couldn't take her home, because her mom would flip. So I brought her back to my place and she crashed on my bathroom floor.

Better safe than sorry, kids.