Where did you Come From?

part 10

CHAPTER 17: TYLER

I sat with Brooke’s hand in my lap watching the end of Maddie’s solo.  I started clapping once the song cut out and glanced over at Mackenzie who was beaming at her sister, practically mesmerized. I couldn’t help but smile at how sweet and innocent she was, at how the only things she really knew in life were dance and wanting to be as good as her older sister, and I couldn’t help but feel like I had to protect her from all the bad in the world, from what was really out there. I wanted to be able to tell her that she would always be okay, and that nothing bad would happen, that nothing would ever really change.  I always wanted to be able to make her laugh, pay for her candy bars, and for her to be grossed out when Brooke and I kissed. I want her to never grow up…never get hurt…never have to lose someone…

I almost didn’t even notice Tori had been starring at me for a while.  When I looked up at her, she seemed like she started to panic a little bit.

“What?” I mouthed to her half way through the last number

“Nothing.” She whispered kind of loud, giving me a guilty look and quickly shaking her head

Every time I tried looking back at Tori she would just give me a nervous look.  I knew something was up so once the routine was over I stood up to find out.

“What’s going on?” I asked Tori, in a kind of hushed tone so Brooke and Kenz couldn’t hear

“Okay don’t freak.” She answered, “Mom and Dad are here.”

“Now?!” I Whisper screamed as I fought back the urge to pull the hair out of my head

“Like in the back row right over there…” Tori said pointed to the right corner.  I spun my head around and there they were.  They didn’t see me, but I swear they hadn’t changed a bit.  Dad was dressed in his typical dress pants, polo shirt, and leather shoes. And my mom always managed to find the newest Channel bag to match something from the Ralph Lauren Collection.  I watched as both of them walked out towards the main hallway.

“Babe what’s going on?” Brooke asked grabbing my hand, causing me to turn my head back towards her and Tori.

I looked towards Tori with panic in my eyes.  I didn’t know what to do.  Brooke couldn’t meet them now.  Not right before she went on for nationals, I don’t know what they would say or do or if it would make her nervous, but then she might not win and it would all be my fault…

I don’t know why but when I looked back up at Tori I could tell she had a plan.  She always did.

“I really have to go to bathroom.” Tori said looking over at Brooke, “Anyone else?”

“Oh sure,” Brooke said, still looking up to me with worried eyes for an explanation, “Kenz you wanna go too?”

“Yeah!” Mackenzie said excitedly as Brooke lifted her up

“Okay I’ll wait for you guys back in the dressing room then.” I looked to Brooke apologetically and leaned in to give her a kiss, “love you.”

She gave me another worried look until I flashed her a grin, she smiled then leaned up for another kiss.  When she pulled back Mackenzie was wrinkling her nose and smiling at me.

“Ewwww.” Mackenzie said, her expression unchanged

“Ew yourself.” I said wrinkling my nose like hers and coming close to her face.  She started to giggle and I smiled before kissing the top of her head.

“I’ll see you in a few.” I said smiling as I leaned in and kissed Brooke one last time.  I looked at Tori and she smiled and nodded at me before turning and walking with them out the side door.