The Dragon Breathers (Re-Vamped)

Chapter Nine

It was a regular day. Cassidy and Grace were complaining about Mrs. Whitmore's hairy chin mole while Tyler laughed at the appropriate times. Cassidy pulled into an empty spot in the student parking lot, cutting off the engine.

"Honestly, I'd be less grossed out by it if the hair didn't fall off," Grace said casually as they got out. Cassidy laughed while pulling her hair into a ponytail. Grace's nose scrunched up, "God, I still can't believe you dyed your hair."

Cassidy playfully rolled her eyes at the familiar sentiment. It wasn't the first time Grace mentioned her new hairstyle, but it wasn't filled with scorn and disapproval like the first time. Now, it sounded like an afterthought.

"I think it looks nice," Tyler commented, his voice laced with an emotion Cassidy didn't recognize.

Cassidy smiled at the compliment, "Thanks. I thought so, too." I absolutely hate it, she shouted inside her head. The bell rang just as they entered the building.

"That's my cue," Grace groaned. She waved and ran off to her class. Cassidy moved to head towards her first period when Tyler grabbed her hand. She stopped to look at their interlocked fingers, heart pounding in her ears. Be cool, she told herself.

She pasted a cool smile on her face, "You're gonna make me late."

"Meet me at the park during our free period," Tyler said in reply.

"Um, sure. Grace and I—"

"No Grace!" Cassidy jumped at his outburst. Tyler's cheeks grew flushed with embarrassment. "S-Sorry. Just, meet me alone, okay? No Grace."

Cassidy frowned, "Are you sure?" He nodded firmly. She sighed, "Fine. No Grace. Can't wait."

Tyler smiled warmly at her and walked off. Cassidy stood in the hallway, staring after his retreating figure in befuddlement. What is he up to? She wondered. The late bell rang loudly and Cassidy groaned. She rushed to get to her class.

As the hours ticked by, Cassidy couldn't stop thinking about Tyler's unusual request. He wanted to meet her, alone, at the park. She would be lying if she said she wasn't excited to hang out with her forever crush, but it was still so strange.

"Alright," her English teacher announced. "That's the end of the class. Don't forget the essay due next Friday. Get out."

Cassidy was one of the first to leave the room, happy the class was finally over. She went to her locker and quickly entered the combination. She began putting her materials inside.

"Hey, hey!" Grace greeted cheerfully as she stopped besides Cassidy. "Wanna go paint the town red?"

Cassidy chuckled but shook her head. "Sorry. Can't. Tyler wants to meet me in the park for some reason."

"Oh?" Cassidy watched as Grace's face smoothed over. "That's great! Fantastic!"

Cassidy frowned, "Why is that great?"

Grace lifted her shoulders in a shrug, "Just because...bye now." Cassidy watched her best friend scurry away. Strange. Shaking it off, Cassidy closed her locker and started the trek towards the park. It was only a five-minute walk from the school so she decided to leg it. She wasn't that unhealthy.

When she entered the park, Cassidy looked around the park in search of Tyler. She spotted him on the far side of the area, sitting in the shadow of an oak tree. She inwardly scolded herself for her stupidity: of course Tyler would be under that tree; it was their tree. In seventh grade, Tyler, Cassidy, and Grace carved their initials into that tree as a sign of eternal friendship.

Cassidy moved across the land, closing the distance between her and their special spot. As she grew nearer, Cassidy noticed Tyler was lying with his eyes closed. She stopped in front of him and cleared her throat to get his attention. One of his eyes peeled open and Tyler gave her a smile; it was one of his patented smiles that melted hearts and Cassidy's breath was stuck in her throat.

"H-hey," She croaked.

"Hey. I almost thought you were going to be a no-show," Tyler teased lightly.

Cassidy couldn't help but blush. She shrugged, "I'm here now. Why did you want to meet me here? What's going on?"

Tyler didn't answer. Instead, he rose from the ground and stepped closer to her. Cassidy froze when Tyler's hand pushed her hair behind her ear. Taking a deep breath, Tyler leaned forward and he kissed her. He took her face in his hands and he kissed her. Cassidy wanted to kiss him back but he pulled away.

"What the hell was that?" Cassidy mumbled against his lips, her brain foggy from the sudden kiss.

"I like you."

Cassidy's eyes widened and she completely pulled away. "You...you like me?" At his soft smile, Cassidy grew even more confused. "When did you figure this out?"

"The day you came to school with those bruises," Tyler answered easily. He took her hand in his and pulled her closer. "I realized I was so out of mind because I like you and I care about you but as more than a friend."

Cassidy swallowed nervously, her head spinning on her shoulders. "What exactly should I do with this information?"

"Say yes," He replied.

"Yes to what?"

Tyler gave her another one of his smiles. "To going out with me."

"O-on a d-date?" She stuttered.

Tyler smirked, "And then some. So?"

Cassidy stared into his warm eyes, his hopeful smile. This was everything she ever wanted exactly when she needed it. Tyler wanted her. "Yes," she told him breathlessly.

He pulled her in and kissed her again. It was just as good as the first time, especially since she kissed back. A warmth spread throughout her body at his touch. They spent the rest of their free period in the park, talking, laughing, kissing. It felt like a dream to Cassidy, like one of her dreams. One of her best dreams.