It's not a Cinderella story

chapter 12

When I got back, I was lucky Sydnie's lies pulled through. Either wise I would have gotten hurt really badly. When Tyler and Neomi stopped by, I could feel his gaze always on me, and I knew it was because of the incident at the pool. 

Tyler, if you only knew. When they left and I was on my own to do my chores. Of course, Tyler had to open his big mouth before he left and  told Angelo we needed anther 'meeting', which she said Birtha would do it instead and at that moment I think I loved her the most at that moment. 

It is currently Friday, about a week after the pool, and I was making my way down towards the Children's Festival. It was  one time of the year were I would except the beating afterwards, because I would skip out on school and chores.

The Children's Festival is a place were all the kids around the area come and perform their music abilities for all the love struck parents and the proud teachers. Besides the music it had booths of food and little activities for all little ones. I mostly go because I want to see the young talent there is for the kids and if I can see what I can do to help. 

I walk down the path, my hands in my sweatshirt pockets and my hood up. My holey jeans dragging against the ground. Mostly because I'm short and the converses aren't that big. I head towards the seating part and find a nice spot to seat near the back. 

On the stage, a little girl, around six or seven hops on to the piano stool and starts playing twinkle little star, with the help of her teacher. After their done, the people in the crowd clap and I do too, happy to know that these children aren't being abused to work. 

It goes on for an hour, with children of all ages coming to perform some sort of musical talent. Some are really good and others could uses some practice, but still, get a round of applause. 

When the next kid goes up, he's actually around 12 or 13, I feel the chair next to me creak but I don't turn around, Too absorbed into his version of moonlight on the piano.

"Not even a hello?" The voice next to me asks and I turn to see none other then the famous, Tyler Clare.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I ask as I look at his 'disguise'. He wears a black shades and ball cap with a blue sweater and light grey jeans. 

"Well I was walking around and then I saw your gorgeous face, and I had to come right over." I look at him like he's stupid and he sighs. "You weren't at school and Neomi said you were here." Curse that bitch to her grave, I think. 

"Well why do you want to know where I am?" 

"Because I want to to talk to you about coming with me to my parents anniversary party he clarifies.  

"Dude we met two weeks ago. How does that go up to let's meet the parents level?" I say dumbfounded. 

"Well I like you so they have to like you and I really think your cool Coree and I so badly want to be your friend." He grabs my chin and makes me look at him. He even tilts down the glasses so I can see how serious his eyes are and I almost give in but that one thought enters my mind that I shake away his hand. You let Angelo in and look what that led to.

"I can't Tyler I really can't." I look down at my hands and out of the corner of my eyes, I see his fist clench. 

"Why not?" He questions and I cringe. 

"I can't tell you, but this is good for you Tyler, leave me be." The song the boy was playing ends and the crowd starts clapping and I join, trying so hard not to let my guard down.

When everyone finishes the lady who is running the festival walks up the stage towards the microphone. "We will be taking a short intermission, but, there are plenty of other activates everyone can try." She smiles and I go to get up and leave but he holds me back. "Stay a while, please." He begs.