Fly Away Girl

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Tyler

***

I resist covering my ears. Gabbana's barks seem to be getting louder by the second. I get up and slam the door to my bedroom.

Harper is at my door in an instant. "Tyler!" she demands. "Open up!"

I swing the door open. "What?"

My thirteen year old sister is going through her makeup phase. Black eyeliner outlines her blue eyes, and her pale cheeks are completely covered in blush. Her blonde hair has been straightened.

"What the hell are you wearing?" I ask her. Harper straightens her black miniskirt and smooths her bright yellow crop top.

"It's fashion," she snaps. "I just bought it today. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't slam your door while I'm testing Gabbana."

"What are you talking about?" I roll my eyes.

"I'm seeing if her bark is normal!"

"Someone should test you to see if you're normal," I mutter before slamming the door in her face.

My phone buzzes. It's Anna.

From: Anna

12:41 PM

Sunday, September 1

you better not be ditching! last day of summer!! :) meet us @ lindsey's asap

I don't respond. I'll see her in a little while, anyway.

"Mom, leaving," I yell as a hurry out the back door and to my car. I jump into my Audi and back out of the long driveway.

When I get to Lindsey's house, everyone's already hanging in the basement, like we always do. Carter, Lindsey, Harvey, Anna, Jake, and Kristen are all watching TV.

"Where to?" I say as I walk in.

"Finally," Anna runs over to me and hugs me like she hasn't seen me in years. She turns to the rest of our friends. "So today," she begins. "In honor of the last day of summer, we're going down to the south side!"

We all exchange glances. But no one says anything other than "Sounds cool," and "Fun," because Anna's word is law, and that's how it's always been.

Carter, Harvey, and Jake load into my car while the girls get into Anna's yellow Volkswagen Bug.

"Know what I found out?" Harvey says as he sweeps his brown hair back with his hand.

"What?" Jake asks lazily.

"Girls get jealous when you talk about how hot other girls are."

"You're an idiot," Carter rolls his eyes.

"Seriously. I've been holding this in all day. Tyler, you've gotta try it with Anna."

"Gross," I wince. "We're not a thing. She's just this clingy brat. You know how it is."

"I do know how it is," Harvey bats his hazel eyes and grabs my crotch. "You're just so dreamy!"

"Dude!" I yell. The car swerves as I pry his hand away. "I swear you're gay."

"Only for you," he coos mockingly.

"Keep your eyes on the road," Carter warns as I turn around to punch Harvey in the leg.

"Seriously, though. I've been trying it with Lindsey," Harvey says.

I turn back around and stare at Anna's car, which is in front of me. I follow her until she pulls her car into in the parking lot of some diner.