The Flock of Tygers

16 wishes

Purple balloons littered my house. I sat on the steps leading up to the second floor, an untouched piece of cake next to me. I knew it was pointless to think he was going to come, but I was slightly hoping. Ashley was partying in the backyard, leaving me alone. Paul had said he wasn't able to go, but that was okay with me. A very complicated set of knocks woke me up from my daydream. I stood up, shaking out my arms and opened the door. Standing on the porch was four 16 year old boys in leather jackets, jeans, and something unusual about each. But the one who stood out the most was the boy in front of the other three. His brown hair sticking up, face smudged with orange, white and black face paint, a box wrapped in blue in his hands. Billie Wilson-Heart. I stood there, mouth open slightly, and willed myself to poke his forehead. He only stares at me, eyebrows slightly together in worry.
"Hi Emma." He says, almost quietly. My eyes widen. His voice was the same. I wrap my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
"I didn't think you would actually come." I refuse to let him go. "3 years."
"I am really sorry." He says. He tries to release me, but realizes I wouldn't be letting him go any time soon. "Can we come in? I promised them cake to let me come."
I looked back at his three band mates. One was George, the drummer. The guitarist was Henry, and the bassist was DJ. I let go only to quickly point the three to the dining room where they disappeared to, patting Billie on the back as they left.
"I know you didn't want them to come, but I bribed them so I could come." He scratched his neck. I hugged him again and let go, searching him for any differences. I lash out at him, grabbing his forearm and flipping him over my shoulder, his body slamming into the hardwood floor. He pants heavily.
"What. The heck." He huffs. I look down at him.
"That's for the three years. What made you really come?" I put my hands on my hips.
"A show. There is a show. At the Rareview Stadium." He says, sitting up.
"You came because you were in town. Because you had to come anyway. Good to know cause just you showing up made up for your absence. I really don't need to see you again. You probably have other things to do then hang out with your best friend." I help him to his feet.
"Actually, I don't. I wanted to ask you if you wanted to go to the York Roller Plaza. With me." Billie says. "Tomorrow."
"Is that to make me feel better? I have never gone skating since the Accident." I tell him. He nods, knowing what I mean. The Accident was when I broke my ankle roller skating.
"I figured it would keep both of us busy." He shrugs.
"Fine." I nod. "Might as well because I have nothing to do anyway."
"What happened to soccer?" He asks me, crossing his arms.
"Quit two years ago." I answer.
"Dance?"
"Quit last year."
"Choir?"
"Current."
"Advanced classes? Art? Cooking classes?"
"You know it."
"Yo T-bone, Macho Man keeps ringing me. Tygers gotta hunt." One of the Tygers popped out of the kitchen, the one with bright green hair.
"Thanks Hound Dog." Billie said to his band mate. "We have to go. But I will see you soon, okay?"
"Thanks for coming, Billie." I tell him, and hug him again.
"Guys, tell her thanks for the free food." Billie tells his band mates.
"Thanks, girl." The three Tygers chorused, walking out of the kitchen and out the front door.
"Thanks for inviting me. I know you didn't invite George, Jay and Quinn, but they needed to get out of our bus." Billie tells me.
"The explanation is unnecessary. It's okay. See you soon."