The Truth Behind The Player

Shocked at Tyler's revelation, I turned around completely to face him. "What do you mean?" I asked tentatively afraid to broach the topic.

Tyler took a deep sigh before he sat on the porch steps. I walk over to where he was and sat beside him. "I didn't want to talk about her because I wanted to leave her in the past."

I sat quietly beside him, waiting for him to continue. It took a few seconds, but he did. "Two years ago, I met Andrea. She did not go to our school. I met her at one of my parents' family dinners. Her family was a close friend of ours." He paused for a while before he continued. "We started dating a week after we met. Andrea was perfect and everything was going great. Everyone liked us together as a couple."

"So, what happened?" I asked quietly.

"I don't know. She just ended it. Six months into our relationship, she just came to me one day and said that she has found someone else. She did not give me much details; she just left. A few days later, I saw her and her new boyfriend together. She didn't even acknowledge me again. It was like I meant nothing to her.

"It took a few months to forget about her. I never thought I would but I did. After that, I told myself that I'd never have that happen to me again. I started to have one night stands and not having anything with a girl last for more than a week. It was better that way, because then I wouldn't become emotionally involved and get hurt again. I told myself that It was better without feelings and I stood by that until now." Tyler finished.

I turned to face Tyler. Now I see why he's like this. Andrea has messed him up so bad, that he feels like he cannot give himself fully to a girl again. I could also see that he cared for her deeply. "Where is she now?" I question.

"I don't know. She moved away about two months after that. It made it easier for me to forget about her because I wasn't seeing her." Tyler replied.

I was glad to learn something about him. Something that made him who he was today. "Thanks for telling me about her." I replied.

Tyler finally turned to face me and smiled a little. "Yeah. I don't even know why I did. I never thought I'd hear her name again, much less be talking about her. Anyway, that was a long time ago." We sat there for a few seconds before Tyler stood up from the porch steps. I got up as well. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay tomorrow." I said as I turn to go into my house and Tyler turned in the direction of his.

++++++

Later, I was in my bed reading a book, when my phone buzzed with a text. I took up my phone from the nightstand and saw that it was from Tyler. I unlocked my phone and read the message.

Tyler: I see you moved from Mickey Mouse to The Power Puff Girls ;)

I was confused for a millisecond before I understand what he was referring to. I was currently in my light blue pyjamas that had The Power Puff Girls on it and he remembered that I had on Mickey Mouse Pyjamas the last time.

I couldn't help but smile a little as I sent a reply.

Me: Why are you always looking through my window? That's called stalking you know - _ -

Tyler: No it's not. It's called looking.

I rolled my eyes at that. Soon after he sent a next text.

Tyler: Turn around and look out your window.

I followed his instructions and saw him sitting on his window sill waving at me. I put my phone down and get up from my bed. I walked over to my window seat and sat down facing him.

"What are you doing out here, Tyler? Watching the stars?" I asked teasingly.

"No, of course not. I'm just catching some cool night air." Tyler replied. "What were you doing over there?"

"I was reading a book. By the way, the fact that you were peeking into my window, I thought you would've seen what I was doing." I answered.

Tyler grins. "As I said before I wasn't looking into your window. I was sitting here minding my own business when your pajamas caught my attention. I didn't see what you were doing."

"Whatever you say, Tyler." I replied in a sing-song voice.

"Hey don't tease me. I'm the one that's supposed to do the teasing." Tyler complained in a playful tone.

I pulled a fake sad look. "Too bad. It looks like you're rubbing off on me. You better get used to it."

He laughed at that then said. "By the way, why are you up reading this late. It's after ten."

"I normally read at this time, but now, here you are interrupting my reading time." I stated.

Tyler lifted his lips in a smirk. "Oh come on. You know you like talking to me. I'm awesome."

"How do you manage that ego of yours?" I inquired.

"I don't have a big ego. I'm just stating the facts." Tyler persists.

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, Mr. Awesome." A yawn escaped my lips. "Well, I'm going to sleep now. I'll see you tomorrow."

"No problem. Good night and sleep well." Tyler replied as he brought his foot around inside his room and stand up.

I got up from the seat and pulled my window down. I then got into bed and turn my lamp off. As I closed my eyes to fall asleep, I smiled to myself. Even though Tyler was joking, he was indeed right; I enjoyed talking to him tonight.

++++++

Tyler and I were walking down the hall at the beginning of school, when Victoria appeared in front of us.

"Hi Em. Hi Tyler." She greets, a big smile on her face. "Tyler, is it okay if I take Emily away from you?"

"Of course. I'm going to class anyway." Tyler replied.

I looked at Tyler. "I'll see you at lunch okay?" I said to him.

"Sure." Tyler responds and then he turned away and left.

I turned to face Victoria, who was still sporting a goofy grin. "What is it? Why are you smiling?"

"Oh nothing." Victoria replied, waving her hand dismissively. I wasn't going to let it go though. Clearly she was smiling for a reason.

"Come on, tell me." I persist.

"It's you and Tyler. You guys were just so cute as you walked in school talking and laughing." Tori gushes.

I scrunched up my eyebrows in confusion. "And what's wrong with that?" I question.

Tori lifted one of her eyebrows in a teasing gesture. "Did you both realize that you were holding hands? It was so natural, I don't think you guys noticed. I'm telling you, you guys look like a real couple."

I rolled my eyes at her. "Victoria, only you would see something that's not there."

"And only you and Tyler will not see what is actually there." Victoria countered. "I know these things, you know? It's like a sixth sense."

"I'm sure you do. Come on, let's get to class." I said as we turn and walk in the direction of our class. "By the way, did you enjoy the soccer match yesterday?" I asked.

"Yes, it was great. We won." She informed me. She then turned to look at me and sigh. "Before you bombard me with questions. No, it wasn't a date, Stephanie just invited me to watch her play. Honestly, I like her. She seems really intriguing. For right now, I just really like spending time with her."

I laugh a little. "I know what you mean." I then bumped her shoulders lightly. "For the record, I think she likes you too."

"Why would you say that?" Tori asked unconvinced.

"Did she invite anyone else to come and watch her play?" I questioned.

"No, she didn't." Tori replied.

"There you go. I rest my case." I said as we turn towards the direction of our class.