Tyler's Battle

Chapter 29 - The Peter Pan Book

The next morning everyone was scheduled to do chores. They were split into two groups one to go outside to do chores in the garden. The other group helped indoors.

Jody had been part of the gardening group, she and the rest of her group trouped inside muddy and tired after 2 hours of gardening. The indoor group had just finished and were relaxing in the living room before lunch.

Take your boots off in the porch please and then straight upstairs to wash and change your clothes instructed May Li

A tired Jody headed through the living room and spotted Taz curled up on the sofa. Jody stopped in her tracks when she saw what Taz was reading. It was the Peter pan book.

Taz where did you get that from?

Tyler gave it to me

What?! Exclaimed Jody angrily.

Tyler gave it to me. He said it was my turn to have it.

Your lying. There's no way Tyler would have given it to you. Tell me the truth

I told you the truth.

It's true. Finn and I were here when he gave it to Taz confirmed Charlie

Give it here said Jody angrily and grabbed the book from Taz

Hey exclaimed Taz

Jody flicked through the book and then shook it, frantically looking for the note she had written Tyler. It wasn't there.

Jody threw the book back at Taz and stormed off. How dare Tyler give away the
Peter Pan book. Something so special.

At lunch Jody didn't speak to Tyler at all, she ignored his attempts to make conversation with her and just stared at her plate. When she finished her meal she violently pushed back her chair and headed towards the back door

Jody, where are you going? Asked May Li You're on washing up duty

Jody ignored her and went into the garden slamming the back door behind her.

May Li sighed exasperated

Is it me or is Jody giving me the silent treatment asked Tyler to the rest of the table.

She isnt happy that you gave the Peter Pan book to Taz explained Charlie

Oh right

Yeah, at first she didn't believe me when I said you gave it to me. Then she grabbed the book off me, looked through some of the pages and then it threw back at me

Sorry about that Taz, I think there was a bit of a misunderstanding. I had better go and find jody

Tyler called May Li, Tyler its your turn to take out the bins

Tyler ignored her and disappeared out of the back door

Brilliant, just brilliant. What's the point of a rota if everyone is gonna ignore it. I give up muttered may li as began to sort out the bin herself.

Tyler headed down the garden, calling for Jody. He found her sat on the edge of one of the flower beds, angrily tearing up blades of grass.

Jody, there you are. Exclaimed Tyler and sat down next to her

Look I know you're angry with me for giving Taz the Peter Pan book. I'm sorry it upset you but it felt right to pass it on

Whatever responded jody through gritted teeth

Jody, talk to me. Please. Why are you acting like this.

Because that book was special. I gave it you for a reason. I wanted to show how much I cared. I don't suppose you saw the note.

You mean this note responded Tyler pulling the folded note out of his pocket

You did see it. I thought as you'd given the book away you couldn't have seen the note.

Well I did see it and I loved it.

Then why did you give away the book.

Because the book is always passed on from a DG resident that has been found to one that is still lost.  Reading your note it made me realise that I had been found by you. We found each other. Everything you said in your note. It was just as true for me as it was for you. There has never been anyone else in my life quite like you. There have been days since mum died where the only thing getting me out of bed each day is you. That comfort of knowing that this is still someone out there that cares about me. Mum might be gone, and that's hard, it's hurts so much to think of a future without her but I know that everything will be OK because I'll always have you.

Tyler had been staring at the ground as he had said all this, try to fight back tears, he lifted his head and looked at jody. She was smiling but there were also tears running down her cheeks. They embraced and cried together, tears of happiness mixed with grief.