New Step Brother, New Family, New Life? Thanks for Nothing, Dad

The look on Tyler's face sent a pang of sadness throughout my body. First there was a dejected frown, then frustration as though he wanted to say something, and finally anger. Coldhearted, hostile anger.

Without saying a word, Tyler slung on a life jacket and grabbed a key from its place on the dock. He jumped on to the blue jet ski and took off on the clear blue waters of the lake.

"What's his problem?" Trent asked, clearly oblivious to Tyler's true feelings. Ethan and Smokey both seemed to glare at me, but replaced it with a look that meant they were happy that I was with Trent.

And I wasn't even dating him yet! We were just holding hands! Gosh, people who jump to conclusions annoy me.

"I don't know. He probably wanted to see the lake," Smokey said hesitantly. I searched for a reason to jump on a wave runner and chase after Tyler. It only took seconds to find it.

"Yeah," I replied, turning to Trent with a convincing smile. "And he forgot a map. I'd better go take it to him so he doesn't get lost." I let go of Trent's hand and grabbed the map. Trent smiled and nodded.

He kissed my cheek and said, "Hurry back." I nodded and grabbed a life jacket and key. Smokey smiled half-heartedly at me as I sped off on the purple jet ski. I couldn't help but laugh when I realized I was leaving her alone with Trent and Ethan.

That would be a fun story to hear. She'll probably annoy them out of their minds with her random fast talking and subject changing. Either that or impress them with her diving tricks skills.

Anyways, I rode out of the small cove where the house was and took a left, as Tyler had. It didn't take long to find that he pulled up on the sandy bank of a small island located in the middle of the lake. Tyler was sitting on the sand a little ways from where I 'parked' by his ski. He had his knees pulled to his chest. I sighed and sat next to him with my legs criss-crossed.

"Do you want to talk?" I asked quietly. Tyler looked up, his steady gaze locking with mine. He looked deep in thought.

"I don't get it. Since when did you and Trent start liking each other? I was sure you were into me," Tyler finally muttered.

"Tyler, I... He... We..." I tried to explain, but couldn't find the words. A look of realization flashed across his face.

"He kissed you that night when you went horseback riding, didn't he? The day before I kissed you... So you had to choose between him and me," Tyler said sharply. I looked at him, wide-eyed that he could come to that conclusion so fast. Slowly, I nodded.

"Ha! I should've guessed. You know what, Trent is obviously a better guy for you. He has more money so you choose him. I get it now!" Tyler shouted angrily, standing up abruptly.

"Now, wait a second," I said, narrowing my eyes up at him, "You know that isn't true. I'm not like that."

"Really? Because I don't think I know who you are. Who I thought you were was an amazing girl who sincerely liked me. But I was wrong," Tyler said in the same menacing tone he used at the Mexican restaurant way back when.

"Tyler, c'mon. You can't be mad at me because I didn't choose you," I replied, shaking off the shivers his tone gave me.

Tyler chuckled dryly and glared down at me. "You know damn good and well that's isn't why I'm mad. You lead me on. Made me think I had a chance with someone as wonderful and beautiful as you. But I guess I was wrong." My jaw dropped and I stood up to glare at him.

He shook his head in frustration and continued in a strained, but calm voice, "I don't think we should... interact, for a lack of a better word, anymore. I think it would be best if we were just friends of friends."

"Tyler--" I tried, but he cut me off.

"No, McCartney. Please," Tyler whispered. I felt tears threatening to explode and I was beginning to second guess my choices.

Why does everyone keep overreacting!? I'm not even dating Trent yet! I wanted to shout in his face, but couldn't find my voice. Tyler stuck out his hand, his face holding no expression. I hesitantly shook his hand. He then walked over to his jet ski and took off towards the house, leaving me alone on the island.

-------------------------------------------------------

A few hours later, I was laying out on the dock in the sun, trying to tan and dry off at the same time. Everyone had gone inside to get some food. I, however, didn't have an appetite for obvious reasons.

I was deep in thought and warm until someone sprinkled water over me. I shot upright so fast, I nearly knocked my 'attacker' over.

"What the hell? That's cold!" I shouted. Trent stood above me, smiling. He held up his hands in the 'Ok, ok, I surrender' gesture, though I could tell he was holding back laughter. I lost my angry expression and smirked.

"Sorry, sorry. But you had it coming," Trent replied. I just laughed a bit and pushed myself into a standing position.

"So what are you doing down here? I thought you guys were hungry," I asked, nodding towards the house. Trent shrugged, and it was then I noticed he was hiding something behind his back.

"Yeah I know," Trent said, "But I figured you must be hungry too." He pulled a picnic basket out from behind him. I smiled brightly as I looked at it.

"That's really sweet. Thanks," I said, looking from it to him. Trent smiled again, gently. We sat down together on the beach towel I had been laying on and opened the picnic basket.

"You brought me a peanut butter, banana and Marshmallow fluff sandwich?!" I exclaimed, holding the sandwich as though it was the Holy Grail.

Trent chuckled and nodded. "Smokey said it was your favorite. I, on the other hand, like a simple ham and cheese." He took a bite from his sandwich. I rolled my eyes and ate my sandwich slowly, savoring each bite. Trent had also brought two Lipton citrus green teas, a bag of potato chips and fruit snacks.

Yes. Trent had brought me dinosaur-shaped fruit snacks.

After we finished our lunch, Trent stood up and stuck out his hands. I took them and he pulled me up to stand directly in front of him. Trent, however, did not let go of my hands.

"Listen, since this is our second date," Trent started, and I couldn't help but smile. "I think I should ask you something."

"Ok...What is it?"

"Well, would you go out with me?" Trent asked, blushing. He then quickly added, "Like, be my girlfriend, I mean." I giggled at his cute self-consciousness. I took my hands from his and put a finger to my lips, as though I was thinking. Trent smirked and playfully nudged my arm.

"Yes, Trent," I said. Trent's whole face lit up with a bright grin.

"It's a good thing you said 'yes,' or else I wouldn't be able to do this," Trent said, leaning down to kiss me lightly. He put his hands on my waist. I wasn't prepared for him to lift me up and take that one step to jump in the water.

We surfaced and I laughed. "What is it with you people and pushing me into water?"

Trent laughed and swam closer to me. He reached out and tucked a strand of my wet hair behind my ear. I grinned and lightly splashed him. He rolled his eyes and then replied,

"I guess you're just that irresistible."