Post by Tyler Durnham on Feb 27, 2010 20:13:29 GMT -5
Tina finished off the last row of the ski cap she was making for Tyler. It was black and white striped and the pom pom on the end would drag on the ground even for a boy as tall as Tyler. She knew he probably wouldn’t wear it, but she had needed to keep her hands busy on the long flight. It had been a long time since she had seen Tyler, but she had fond memories of her older half-brother and was eager to see him again. She called on the airplane phone to remind him she was almost there. When they began to disembark, she was so eager she almost knocked over the other first class patrons as she scurried out with her two wheeled bags. Then she ran down to baggage claim, her long black and purple hair streaming behind her. She was dressed in black leggings and a purple sweater dress with flat ankle boots. She looked very New York with the ski cap flapping as she ran. She looked at everyone she passed but none of them were Tyler. In luggage claim she found her two larger bags and went to sit on some benches to wait.
Well, it seemed his plans were constantly changing on him, but funnily enough, Tyler mused, they usually always involved those members of the fairer sex. His father had been hinting that his half sister, one Tyler knew of but knew very little about, would soon be coming to stay. It was just annoying that his father choose that morning, while Tyler was happily being entertained by Melodee, to call and tell him that he had to pick up Christina from the airport in a couple of hours.
It didn’t disrupt his plans for the day, he wasn’t seeing Sarissa until the afternoon, but still, he would have preferred more warning. She was family after all, even if they barely knew each other, and he’d been raised to treat family well. So when he had taken his leave from Melodee, he headed straight to the airport, a brief call along the way from the sister in question to remind him. He wondered vaguely just how much she was like him, besides sharing his name. It would be odd, to live with a sister. He was quite used to, and admittedly enjoyed, only child status for quite some time.
He’d seen photos of her, so it was easy for Tyler to pick her out of the crowd, making his way over to where she sat, surrounded by bags almost larger than her. “Christina.”
"Ty!!!" Tina squealed and leaped up to hugg him in a death grip, kissing him enthusiastically on the cheek. She was small so she had to jump to reach his face, almost knocking them both down in the process. "You're still so cute. you must have to beat off the girls." she said, completely biased, but sincere as well.
Tyler was used to being jumped by women, but not exactly in this way, so he froze for just a moment as Tina grabbed him, hugging him harder than he would have thought of someone of that size. Still, she started with a compliment, which was the perfect way to get him onside, and he chuckled lightly as he managed to pull himself away. “Well, I don’t do too badly. It’s good to see you again. Shall we get going?” he offered, grabbing her two larger bags.
The last time Tina had seen Tyler he had spoiled her rotten and she had expected far more affection than she was getting. She looked at her brother and pouted, something which always worked with their dad, Marcus. "You don't seem very happy to see me Ty? Is it football, baseball or a girl I am keeping you away from?" Tina asked, her eyes bright with repressed emotion.
He was very much like his father, had much the same weaknesses, and the pout worked just as well. Sighing, he grinned again, letting go of the bags. “Of course I’m happy to see you. You’re my sister after all.” he reminded her with a smile. “Well, I don’t have training on the weekends, I haven’t played baseball in years, and I don’t have plans with a girl until this afternoon. So, for now, I’m all yours. Dad, “ it still felt a little odd to him, to have her consider his father as her own, “Has meetings all day, but he’ll be home tonight, he insists on taking you out to dinner. But that’s not for hours yet, so why don’t we get something to eat.”
"Food sounds good," Tina admitted, plus she was in LA, the restaurants had to be exciting here. maybe she would see a star or something. "Am I dressed all right?"
Looking her up and down briefly, Tyler nodded. “You’re fine.” he smiled, his eyes lingering briefly on the cap she was holding, but he decided not to say anything about that. “Anything in particular that you feel like?” he asked, grabbing the bags again.
Tina bit her lower lip and looked indecisive. "Look I know it's stupid, but I would like to see someone famous, do you know anyplace like that?" she asked with a blush.
He didn’t know if it was stupid, but Tyler definitely found it amusing. “Well, there’s quite a few places in LA, restaurants and the like, where you might see a celebrity. I’ll take you to one of them if you like. But, your best chance for celebrity spotting is probably to get Dad to take you with him to the office sometime. They’ve got studios there, usually always filming a movie or two. I’m sure he’ll be happy to show you around.”
Tina's face broke out in a happy smile and turned the girl into someone quite pretty. "That would be so cool!" she exclaimed and then quieted as people looked over at them. She had the feeling that Tyler would rather not be seen out with his younger Asian sister.
Her enthusiasm made him grin, and he started to lead Christina outside, to his car. “I’m sure he would love to take you. I used to love going to, when I was younger.” Outside, he opened the car boot, placing all her bags inside before slamming it shut and opening the passenger door for her. “So, Dad was telling me, you’re going to start at Gould tomorrow? I’m sure you could wait a little while, if you wanted to live it up in LA for a bit first.”
Christina panicked a the thought of being alone in LA while he was at school. "No... I don't think so. I would rather get it over with, rather than worry about starting."She managed to say fairly calmly, not wanting to reveal her weaknesses to him. She was afraid he would think she was a complete baby if he knew what she was really like.
“That is probable a good idea.” Tyler grinned, sliding behind the wheel and pulling away from the airport, considering where to take his half-sister for lunch. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’m sure you’ll love the school. I do.” That wasn’t for the curriculum or the teachers though, rather the bevy of beauties who seemed happy to make sure he had a very enjoyable time while he was there. “I’ll give you a lift in tomorrow if you like. Though I’m sure you’ll be dying to get your own car and licence soon.”
“I don't know... I have never driven, it was too dangerous in New York, It might be okay out here though. Especially since you don't have a T here." she said with a sigh. She had enjoyed the subway system back home, but they were unlikely to build one in LA so she was going to have to adapt or whine to Marcus for a car and driver.
She was his sister, whether she had his father’s blood or not, and there was a time where he had fawned over her. Plus, family was family. “I’m sure you would be fine driving here. I can give you a few lessons, if you like.” he offered some of his precious time. “Trust me, you’ll love living here.”
"That would be great, thanks Ty," Tina said giving him a brilliant loving smile.She was a lot like their mother, it was clear they shared genes, she had her moments of charm as well especially when she was being cosseted.
He smiled back, already suckered in by his sister. A pretty smile from a pretty girl always did that to him. Of course, he was a little worried about letting his sister, with no experience, behind the wheel of his baby. But at least if the worst happened, it wasn’t like he couldn’t afford the repairs. “So this afternoon, I’m going to be out.” he started, pausing only briefly while he changed lanes, “So you have the house to yourself. Or if you like, I’ve heard there’s going to be a large group for school going bowling. I can drop you off if you want to start getting to know people early.”
Tina's eyes widened and she began to breathe heavier as she came to the verge of a panic attack. Thinking quickly, she looked at Ty with pleading eyes. "Will you introduce me to a few people before you leave me there?” She knew she would embarrass her self if she was left alone even at a bowling alley. She had never bowled for one thing and the people were bound to be different from her former friends.
Well, it really wasn’t in his plans, Tyler had been hoping to pick up Sari as soon as possible. She originally hadn’t been expecting him until early afternoon though, so he thought he could spare a few minutes or so. Even though most of the people in attendance at bowling weren’t exactly people he would consider himself friends with. “Sure, I can do that. There’ll be a heap of people there, I’m sure you’ll make friends quickly.”
"Thank you Ty. I really appreciate it. I have a hard time meeting people," Tina confessed mildly. It was a vast understatement. She had been known to pass out in the midst of strangers. Apparently Marcus hadn't informed Tyler of her extreme sociophobia and agorophobia. She was fine as long as there was one person she knew and trusted with her.
Tyler shrugged, thinking nothing of it. It was only a few minutes of his day after all, and his father would blast him otherwise. “You’ll get used to it, a lot of new people to meet. But don’t worry, for the most part, everyone’s nice. I’m sure you’ll fit right in. Well, I’m not sure if you’ll be able to do any celebrity spotting, but I’m in the mood for pizza. There’s a place nearby I’m sure you’ll like.”
Like most teens, Tina loved pizza, She noddded and watched the scenery go by as Tyler drove them towards sustenance.
Happily enjoying the quiet, Tyler continued to drive to the little restaurant, letting thoughts of Sari and his hopeful plans for their afternoon together fill his mind. It wasn’t long before he reached the place and he parked as close to it as possible, opening up the passenger door for Christina.
"She must be special whoever she is. you were almost comatose thinking about her," Tina commented with a wink. She already knew that most of Tyler's serious thoughts were about girls.
Laughing, Tyler shook his head. “Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but she does have a certain appeal. It’s the girl I’m spending tonight with, I was just thinking over my plans. She’s not the special one.” He realised then what he said, how it sounded, and he quickly addressed it before his ever hopeful sister got her hopes up or anything.
“Not that there is a special one, don’t get too excited.” It seemed odd to him, and just a little unnerving to him that when he said that, his thoughts drifted straight to Maggy. Which was perfectly reasonable, he told himself, it was her birthday tomorrow after all, it was not surprising that she was on his mind.
He opened the door to the small building for Christina, letting her walk before him as they were seated. “What about you, did you leave any boys back home?”
“There was a boy in my Tae Kwon Do class that I would get tea with afterwards. He says he will call me, but I don't know we only started seeing each other a few weeks ago," Tina mumbled and blushed.
He couldn’t ever remember seeing a Durnham blush, but she wasn’t raised like one, so Tyler thought it was reasonable. At least she liked to date, that was something they shared in common. “He would be stupid not to call.” he assured her.
Signalling for a waiter, he ordered water and coke for them both, thinking nothing of ordering for her. And when they were once again given some privacy, he handed a menu over to his half sister. “Though, there’s plenty of boys at school who I’m sure will be interested.”
Tina wasn't too worried about it. She knew she was pretty and that a lot of guys seemed to find Asian girls attractive apparently believing the myth that they were subservient. Tina definitely wasn't anything like that. Clingy maybe because of her emotional disorders, but not subservient or even submissive.
"Can I have Pasta? she asked, deciding she wasn't in the mood for something really doughy.
“You can have whatever you want.” Tyler answered, slightly amused, looking over his own menu. He’d been here before, the food was good and there was a pretty little waitress who worked most nights, so he knew what he wanted.
Waiting for their drinks to be brought out and their orders taken, he closed the menu, placing it back down. “I’ll drop you off at bowling straight after we eat, if you like.” He honestly would have preferred her not going, he couldn’t imagine anyone he would care for her to associate with being there, but he knew she wanted to, and he might just be surprised.
"That would be good so I will be out of your hair.She knew she would hate wandering around the larger Durnham estate and she didn't want to have an episode her first day there. "Tyler...sometimes I have panic attacks and I can't breathe. There is medicine in my purse if that happens."
His brows furrowed at this news, taking it in. Well, panic attacks, definitely not something that ran in the family. Being an older brother was apparently more involved than what he had first realised. Hopefully there was a learning curve with this whole thing.
“In your purse, got it.” he nodded, his nature kicking in as he started to take control. “I’ll make sure that there’s some around the house as well, in case it’s needed, and at school. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on it.” He was thankful then that a waitress came and he ordered for both of them, breaking up some of the seriousness of the conversation.
Ordinarily Tina would object to being ordered for, but Tyler ordered well and she knew it wasn't that he was trying to impose his will on her but trying to make things easier for her. "Could I have a side salad as well with fresh parmesan and Caesar dressing, no onions?" she told the waitress. She tried to eat healthy because some of her problems stemmed from vitamin deficiencies. "You aren't dating anyone special, Ty?”
“Hungry?” Tyler noted, smiling appreciatively. He liked it when a girl ate, which was probably why Melodee’s disorder was bothering him so much. He would have to find a way to address that. And find a way to distract Tina’s apparent interest in his love life.
“Well, I’m not seeing anyone in particular, you know me.” he admitted with a wry grin. Everyone knew how he was, and he enjoyed being that way, he didn’t see it as harming anyone, so he wasn’t going to apologise for his womanising ways. He wasn’t the only one to benefit from it after all.
“There is one girl I’ve been seeing a bit, regularly, I guess you could say. But it’s nothing serious, she’s just different to the girls I normally see, she’s not as keen on the whole casualness of it all, I think. I’m far too young to think about a serious relationship.”
"Only because you think of a relationship as a bad thing. Its nice to have someone who cares about you more than anyone else. Who will be there in the middle of the night when you really want ice cream, but eating alone again seems way too dismal.”
He smiled again at this. So Tina was a romantic too, something else that set her apart from the Durnham men. Tyler would really have to keep an eye out for guys who seemed a little too keen on his sister, she seemed the impressionable sort, he would have to keep her away from bad influences.
“I don’t mind relationships. Short term ones.” he grinned. “But, if I ever feel like eating ice cream at night, I’ll be sure to wake you up.”
Tina grinned. "It better be chocolate then. I don't wake up easily," she mock threatened. and grabbed the drink the waitress brought and drank thirstily.
Seeing the rate in which Tina was downing her drink, Tyler pushed his own coke towards her, sticking with his water. “Well, I prefer choc chip myself, but I’ll be sure to remember that. I’ve got the image of you being woken up when it doesn’t suit you and going for my eyes.” he teased. Their food finally came and he watched as the girl placed his pizza in front of him, just a hint of a blush on her cheeks. They had all cute waitresses, it seemed. He thanked her with a grin, watching as she left them.
"Thanks," Tina said as she started on hid drink as well. "The plane was dehydrating," she explained as she buttered a crusty roll and handed it to her brother as means of thanking him.
Giving her a smile, he reached out to take the roll, munching on it lightly as he considered the situation they were in. Well, things didn’t seem to be going too badly, his father would be pleased. It wasn’t quite like when all Tyler was concerned with was staying away from girls and their cooties, except for his little sister, who he was devoted to the short time they knew each other. That was to be expected however, it had been a long time since they had seen each other, and they were no longer children. Still, he was coming round to the idea of being a brother again.
“Yeah, I prefer driving myself, if it’s possible.” he admitted. “At least you won’t have to fly again anytime soon, the way that Dad spoke, it sounded like you would be here with us for a while, if you want that, of course.”
"That's what I want, Tina said, shuddering in revulsion at the thought of returning to Long Island."I don't ever want to go back again. It's not safe there.
“Good.” Tyler smiled, surprised at just how pleased he was at that thought. He was going soft, dammit. He decided to change the topic to something much lighter. “Well, eat up before it gets too cold.” he encouraged. “And have a slice of my pizza, I forgot how big they make them here.”
Tina twirled her pasta up on her fork, spearing a fat shrimp on the tines which helped to keep the Alfredo sauce from dripping off. "I need to start being careful or my new bikini will look horrible on me."
“I really don’t want to think about how your new bikini looks on you.” Tyler spoke up, sounding half amused, half put off. “But you’ve got a while before you have to worry, I assure you.”
He grabbed a slice of pizza, taking a bite to taste. “Mmm, love chicken pizza.” he grinned before wiping the cheese from the corners of his mouth. “Well then, you’ll have to make a trip to the beach soon.”
"I would rather go after making some friends. I am not much for going places alone. it invariably brings on one of those panic attacks I was talking about. I prefer just avoiding that when possible. so i will start out tanning and swimming in the pool for now."
“I’ll be sure to take you then sometime, if you can’t wait.” Tyler smiled, another generous offer of his time. “The pool is certainly big enough for you to enjoy. If you don’t mind having your older brother hanging around sometimes.” he laughed. “I’ve decided to move into the pool house permanently now, I spend more time there then in my room anyway. So you’ll have the house mostly to yourself when the folks are away.”
Tina's eyes widened in fright and she didn't look happy about that revelation. "You might not be alone in your pool house then," she said in a totally serious voice.
Tyler didn’t plan on spending too much time alone in his pool house of course, but he didn’t think that she would be happy with his plans. It would put a damper in them, however, if Tina was constantly around while he was trying to entertain his company.
“Don’t worry Tina, you won’t be alone. There’s usually always staff around, and the pool house is just outside the main house. Plus, there’s a direct phone line from the kitchen to the pool house. So you won’t be able to escape me.”
Tina wilted, a stubborn unhappy look on her pretty face. She knew that staff didn't really care that much what happened to the kids of their employers. She had personal experience with that and she was going to have to have security redone for her room if the men in her life were going to desert her all the time.
He spotted that look on her face, and Tyler sighed inwardly. She certainly wasn’t going to make it easy on him. “I’ll tell you what,” he compromised, feeling more than a little generous, “I’ll have a phone installed in your room, so whenever you want to talk to me, you’ll be able to. And let’s see, I can get some extra security installed? Maybe get you a dog?” If it was going to give him some privacy when he brought women back home, he would do anything.
“A Rottweiler?” she asked, her face glowing with excitement. She had always wanted a dog, but been denied. “I would love a trained Rottweiler.”
He expected most girls to want a cute, little dog, not a Rottweiler, but he supposed Tina was not like the girls he was used to. “Well, I’ll have to check with Dad first, but as long as you agree to take care of it, and all that, I’m sure he won’t have a problem. Then when he gives you the okay, I’ll take you out to get one.” And he can bring girls home in peace.
"Can we go get it today?" she asked eagerly, wanting her pet immediately.
Glancing at his watch hesitantly, Tyler worked out how much time he had left until he wanted to pick up Sarissa. “Well, I would have to call Dad first, to be sure. And we would have to leave to get one almost straight away. Plus, it would mean you having to stay home with it, missing bowling. Not a good idea to leave a puppy by itself. Are you sure? We can always get it next weekend.”
Tina sighed and said softly, “Let’s wait then. I don’t want to rush and choose the wrong one.”
“Don’t worry, we will get you one soon. And you can name it whatever girly name you like and treat it like a baby. I draw the line at dressing it up.” Tyler chuckled, starting on his next slice of pizza. “And train it well, I don’t want to wake up with a dog leaning over me, slobber on my face.”
Well, it seemed his plans were constantly changing on him, but funnily enough, Tyler mused, they usually always involved those members of the fairer sex. His father had been hinting that his half sister, one Tyler knew of but knew very little about, would soon be coming to stay. It was just annoying that his father choose that morning, while Tyler was happily being entertained by Melodee, to call and tell him that he had to pick up Christina from the airport in a couple of hours.
It didn’t disrupt his plans for the day, he wasn’t seeing Sarissa until the afternoon, but still, he would have preferred more warning. She was family after all, even if they barely knew each other, and he’d been raised to treat family well. So when he had taken his leave from Melodee, he headed straight to the airport, a brief call along the way from the sister in question to remind him. He wondered vaguely just how much she was like him, besides sharing his name. It would be odd, to live with a sister. He was quite used to, and admittedly enjoyed, only child status for quite some time.
He’d seen photos of her, so it was easy for Tyler to pick her out of the crowd, making his way over to where she sat, surrounded by bags almost larger than her. “Christina.”
"Ty!!!" Tina squealed and leaped up to hugg him in a death grip, kissing him enthusiastically on the cheek. She was small so she had to jump to reach his face, almost knocking them both down in the process. "You're still so cute. you must have to beat off the girls." she said, completely biased, but sincere as well.
Tyler was used to being jumped by women, but not exactly in this way, so he froze for just a moment as Tina grabbed him, hugging him harder than he would have thought of someone of that size. Still, she started with a compliment, which was the perfect way to get him onside, and he chuckled lightly as he managed to pull himself away. “Well, I don’t do too badly. It’s good to see you again. Shall we get going?” he offered, grabbing her two larger bags.
The last time Tina had seen Tyler he had spoiled her rotten and she had expected far more affection than she was getting. She looked at her brother and pouted, something which always worked with their dad, Marcus. "You don't seem very happy to see me Ty? Is it football, baseball or a girl I am keeping you away from?" Tina asked, her eyes bright with repressed emotion.
He was very much like his father, had much the same weaknesses, and the pout worked just as well. Sighing, he grinned again, letting go of the bags. “Of course I’m happy to see you. You’re my sister after all.” he reminded her with a smile. “Well, I don’t have training on the weekends, I haven’t played baseball in years, and I don’t have plans with a girl until this afternoon. So, for now, I’m all yours. Dad, “ it still felt a little odd to him, to have her consider his father as her own, “Has meetings all day, but he’ll be home tonight, he insists on taking you out to dinner. But that’s not for hours yet, so why don’t we get something to eat.”
"Food sounds good," Tina admitted, plus she was in LA, the restaurants had to be exciting here. maybe she would see a star or something. "Am I dressed all right?"
Looking her up and down briefly, Tyler nodded. “You’re fine.” he smiled, his eyes lingering briefly on the cap she was holding, but he decided not to say anything about that. “Anything in particular that you feel like?” he asked, grabbing the bags again.
Tina bit her lower lip and looked indecisive. "Look I know it's stupid, but I would like to see someone famous, do you know anyplace like that?" she asked with a blush.
He didn’t know if it was stupid, but Tyler definitely found it amusing. “Well, there’s quite a few places in LA, restaurants and the like, where you might see a celebrity. I’ll take you to one of them if you like. But, your best chance for celebrity spotting is probably to get Dad to take you with him to the office sometime. They’ve got studios there, usually always filming a movie or two. I’m sure he’ll be happy to show you around.”
Tina's face broke out in a happy smile and turned the girl into someone quite pretty. "That would be so cool!" she exclaimed and then quieted as people looked over at them. She had the feeling that Tyler would rather not be seen out with his younger Asian sister.
Her enthusiasm made him grin, and he started to lead Christina outside, to his car. “I’m sure he would love to take you. I used to love going to, when I was younger.” Outside, he opened the car boot, placing all her bags inside before slamming it shut and opening the passenger door for her. “So, Dad was telling me, you’re going to start at Gould tomorrow? I’m sure you could wait a little while, if you wanted to live it up in LA for a bit first.”
Christina panicked a the thought of being alone in LA while he was at school. "No... I don't think so. I would rather get it over with, rather than worry about starting."She managed to say fairly calmly, not wanting to reveal her weaknesses to him. She was afraid he would think she was a complete baby if he knew what she was really like.
“That is probable a good idea.” Tyler grinned, sliding behind the wheel and pulling away from the airport, considering where to take his half-sister for lunch. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’m sure you’ll love the school. I do.” That wasn’t for the curriculum or the teachers though, rather the bevy of beauties who seemed happy to make sure he had a very enjoyable time while he was there. “I’ll give you a lift in tomorrow if you like. Though I’m sure you’ll be dying to get your own car and licence soon.”
“I don't know... I have never driven, it was too dangerous in New York, It might be okay out here though. Especially since you don't have a T here." she said with a sigh. She had enjoyed the subway system back home, but they were unlikely to build one in LA so she was going to have to adapt or whine to Marcus for a car and driver.
She was his sister, whether she had his father’s blood or not, and there was a time where he had fawned over her. Plus, family was family. “I’m sure you would be fine driving here. I can give you a few lessons, if you like.” he offered some of his precious time. “Trust me, you’ll love living here.”
"That would be great, thanks Ty," Tina said giving him a brilliant loving smile.She was a lot like their mother, it was clear they shared genes, she had her moments of charm as well especially when she was being cosseted.
He smiled back, already suckered in by his sister. A pretty smile from a pretty girl always did that to him. Of course, he was a little worried about letting his sister, with no experience, behind the wheel of his baby. But at least if the worst happened, it wasn’t like he couldn’t afford the repairs. “So this afternoon, I’m going to be out.” he started, pausing only briefly while he changed lanes, “So you have the house to yourself. Or if you like, I’ve heard there’s going to be a large group for school going bowling. I can drop you off if you want to start getting to know people early.”
Tina's eyes widened and she began to breathe heavier as she came to the verge of a panic attack. Thinking quickly, she looked at Ty with pleading eyes. "Will you introduce me to a few people before you leave me there?” She knew she would embarrass her self if she was left alone even at a bowling alley. She had never bowled for one thing and the people were bound to be different from her former friends.
Well, it really wasn’t in his plans, Tyler had been hoping to pick up Sari as soon as possible. She originally hadn’t been expecting him until early afternoon though, so he thought he could spare a few minutes or so. Even though most of the people in attendance at bowling weren’t exactly people he would consider himself friends with. “Sure, I can do that. There’ll be a heap of people there, I’m sure you’ll make friends quickly.”
"Thank you Ty. I really appreciate it. I have a hard time meeting people," Tina confessed mildly. It was a vast understatement. She had been known to pass out in the midst of strangers. Apparently Marcus hadn't informed Tyler of her extreme sociophobia and agorophobia. She was fine as long as there was one person she knew and trusted with her.
Tyler shrugged, thinking nothing of it. It was only a few minutes of his day after all, and his father would blast him otherwise. “You’ll get used to it, a lot of new people to meet. But don’t worry, for the most part, everyone’s nice. I’m sure you’ll fit right in. Well, I’m not sure if you’ll be able to do any celebrity spotting, but I’m in the mood for pizza. There’s a place nearby I’m sure you’ll like.”
Like most teens, Tina loved pizza, She noddded and watched the scenery go by as Tyler drove them towards sustenance.
Happily enjoying the quiet, Tyler continued to drive to the little restaurant, letting thoughts of Sari and his hopeful plans for their afternoon together fill his mind. It wasn’t long before he reached the place and he parked as close to it as possible, opening up the passenger door for Christina.
"She must be special whoever she is. you were almost comatose thinking about her," Tina commented with a wink. She already knew that most of Tyler's serious thoughts were about girls.
Laughing, Tyler shook his head. “Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but she does have a certain appeal. It’s the girl I’m spending tonight with, I was just thinking over my plans. She’s not the special one.” He realised then what he said, how it sounded, and he quickly addressed it before his ever hopeful sister got her hopes up or anything.
“Not that there is a special one, don’t get too excited.” It seemed odd to him, and just a little unnerving to him that when he said that, his thoughts drifted straight to Maggy. Which was perfectly reasonable, he told himself, it was her birthday tomorrow after all, it was not surprising that she was on his mind.
He opened the door to the small building for Christina, letting her walk before him as they were seated. “What about you, did you leave any boys back home?”
“There was a boy in my Tae Kwon Do class that I would get tea with afterwards. He says he will call me, but I don't know we only started seeing each other a few weeks ago," Tina mumbled and blushed.
He couldn’t ever remember seeing a Durnham blush, but she wasn’t raised like one, so Tyler thought it was reasonable. At least she liked to date, that was something they shared in common. “He would be stupid not to call.” he assured her.
Signalling for a waiter, he ordered water and coke for them both, thinking nothing of ordering for her. And when they were once again given some privacy, he handed a menu over to his half sister. “Though, there’s plenty of boys at school who I’m sure will be interested.”
Tina wasn't too worried about it. She knew she was pretty and that a lot of guys seemed to find Asian girls attractive apparently believing the myth that they were subservient. Tina definitely wasn't anything like that. Clingy maybe because of her emotional disorders, but not subservient or even submissive.
"Can I have Pasta? she asked, deciding she wasn't in the mood for something really doughy.
“You can have whatever you want.” Tyler answered, slightly amused, looking over his own menu. He’d been here before, the food was good and there was a pretty little waitress who worked most nights, so he knew what he wanted.
Waiting for their drinks to be brought out and their orders taken, he closed the menu, placing it back down. “I’ll drop you off at bowling straight after we eat, if you like.” He honestly would have preferred her not going, he couldn’t imagine anyone he would care for her to associate with being there, but he knew she wanted to, and he might just be surprised.
"That would be good so I will be out of your hair.She knew she would hate wandering around the larger Durnham estate and she didn't want to have an episode her first day there. "Tyler...sometimes I have panic attacks and I can't breathe. There is medicine in my purse if that happens."
His brows furrowed at this news, taking it in. Well, panic attacks, definitely not something that ran in the family. Being an older brother was apparently more involved than what he had first realised. Hopefully there was a learning curve with this whole thing.
“In your purse, got it.” he nodded, his nature kicking in as he started to take control. “I’ll make sure that there’s some around the house as well, in case it’s needed, and at school. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on it.” He was thankful then that a waitress came and he ordered for both of them, breaking up some of the seriousness of the conversation.
Ordinarily Tina would object to being ordered for, but Tyler ordered well and she knew it wasn't that he was trying to impose his will on her but trying to make things easier for her. "Could I have a side salad as well with fresh parmesan and Caesar dressing, no onions?" she told the waitress. She tried to eat healthy because some of her problems stemmed from vitamin deficiencies. "You aren't dating anyone special, Ty?”
“Hungry?” Tyler noted, smiling appreciatively. He liked it when a girl ate, which was probably why Melodee’s disorder was bothering him so much. He would have to find a way to address that. And find a way to distract Tina’s apparent interest in his love life.
“Well, I’m not seeing anyone in particular, you know me.” he admitted with a wry grin. Everyone knew how he was, and he enjoyed being that way, he didn’t see it as harming anyone, so he wasn’t going to apologise for his womanising ways. He wasn’t the only one to benefit from it after all.
“There is one girl I’ve been seeing a bit, regularly, I guess you could say. But it’s nothing serious, she’s just different to the girls I normally see, she’s not as keen on the whole casualness of it all, I think. I’m far too young to think about a serious relationship.”
"Only because you think of a relationship as a bad thing. Its nice to have someone who cares about you more than anyone else. Who will be there in the middle of the night when you really want ice cream, but eating alone again seems way too dismal.”
He smiled again at this. So Tina was a romantic too, something else that set her apart from the Durnham men. Tyler would really have to keep an eye out for guys who seemed a little too keen on his sister, she seemed the impressionable sort, he would have to keep her away from bad influences.
“I don’t mind relationships. Short term ones.” he grinned. “But, if I ever feel like eating ice cream at night, I’ll be sure to wake you up.”
Tina grinned. "It better be chocolate then. I don't wake up easily," she mock threatened. and grabbed the drink the waitress brought and drank thirstily.
Seeing the rate in which Tina was downing her drink, Tyler pushed his own coke towards her, sticking with his water. “Well, I prefer choc chip myself, but I’ll be sure to remember that. I’ve got the image of you being woken up when it doesn’t suit you and going for my eyes.” he teased. Their food finally came and he watched as the girl placed his pizza in front of him, just a hint of a blush on her cheeks. They had all cute waitresses, it seemed. He thanked her with a grin, watching as she left them.
"Thanks," Tina said as she started on hid drink as well. "The plane was dehydrating," she explained as she buttered a crusty roll and handed it to her brother as means of thanking him.
Giving her a smile, he reached out to take the roll, munching on it lightly as he considered the situation they were in. Well, things didn’t seem to be going too badly, his father would be pleased. It wasn’t quite like when all Tyler was concerned with was staying away from girls and their cooties, except for his little sister, who he was devoted to the short time they knew each other. That was to be expected however, it had been a long time since they had seen each other, and they were no longer children. Still, he was coming round to the idea of being a brother again.
“Yeah, I prefer driving myself, if it’s possible.” he admitted. “At least you won’t have to fly again anytime soon, the way that Dad spoke, it sounded like you would be here with us for a while, if you want that, of course.”
"That's what I want, Tina said, shuddering in revulsion at the thought of returning to Long Island."I don't ever want to go back again. It's not safe there.
“Good.” Tyler smiled, surprised at just how pleased he was at that thought. He was going soft, dammit. He decided to change the topic to something much lighter. “Well, eat up before it gets too cold.” he encouraged. “And have a slice of my pizza, I forgot how big they make them here.”
Tina twirled her pasta up on her fork, spearing a fat shrimp on the tines which helped to keep the Alfredo sauce from dripping off. "I need to start being careful or my new bikini will look horrible on me."
“I really don’t want to think about how your new bikini looks on you.” Tyler spoke up, sounding half amused, half put off. “But you’ve got a while before you have to worry, I assure you.”
He grabbed a slice of pizza, taking a bite to taste. “Mmm, love chicken pizza.” he grinned before wiping the cheese from the corners of his mouth. “Well then, you’ll have to make a trip to the beach soon.”
"I would rather go after making some friends. I am not much for going places alone. it invariably brings on one of those panic attacks I was talking about. I prefer just avoiding that when possible. so i will start out tanning and swimming in the pool for now."
“I’ll be sure to take you then sometime, if you can’t wait.” Tyler smiled, another generous offer of his time. “The pool is certainly big enough for you to enjoy. If you don’t mind having your older brother hanging around sometimes.” he laughed. “I’ve decided to move into the pool house permanently now, I spend more time there then in my room anyway. So you’ll have the house mostly to yourself when the folks are away.”
Tina's eyes widened in fright and she didn't look happy about that revelation. "You might not be alone in your pool house then," she said in a totally serious voice.
Tyler didn’t plan on spending too much time alone in his pool house of course, but he didn’t think that she would be happy with his plans. It would put a damper in them, however, if Tina was constantly around while he was trying to entertain his company.
“Don’t worry Tina, you won’t be alone. There’s usually always staff around, and the pool house is just outside the main house. Plus, there’s a direct phone line from the kitchen to the pool house. So you won’t be able to escape me.”
Tina wilted, a stubborn unhappy look on her pretty face. She knew that staff didn't really care that much what happened to the kids of their employers. She had personal experience with that and she was going to have to have security redone for her room if the men in her life were going to desert her all the time.
He spotted that look on her face, and Tyler sighed inwardly. She certainly wasn’t going to make it easy on him. “I’ll tell you what,” he compromised, feeling more than a little generous, “I’ll have a phone installed in your room, so whenever you want to talk to me, you’ll be able to. And let’s see, I can get some extra security installed? Maybe get you a dog?” If it was going to give him some privacy when he brought women back home, he would do anything.
“A Rottweiler?” she asked, her face glowing with excitement. She had always wanted a dog, but been denied. “I would love a trained Rottweiler.”
He expected most girls to want a cute, little dog, not a Rottweiler, but he supposed Tina was not like the girls he was used to. “Well, I’ll have to check with Dad first, but as long as you agree to take care of it, and all that, I’m sure he won’t have a problem. Then when he gives you the okay, I’ll take you out to get one.” And he can bring girls home in peace.
"Can we go get it today?" she asked eagerly, wanting her pet immediately.
Glancing at his watch hesitantly, Tyler worked out how much time he had left until he wanted to pick up Sarissa. “Well, I would have to call Dad first, to be sure. And we would have to leave to get one almost straight away. Plus, it would mean you having to stay home with it, missing bowling. Not a good idea to leave a puppy by itself. Are you sure? We can always get it next weekend.”
Tina sighed and said softly, “Let’s wait then. I don’t want to rush and choose the wrong one.”
“Don’t worry, we will get you one soon. And you can name it whatever girly name you like and treat it like a baby. I draw the line at dressing it up.” Tyler chuckled, starting on his next slice of pizza. “And train it well, I don’t want to wake up with a dog leaning over me, slobber on my face.”
