This story is set just a bit before and during what happened in the film. Only this is my take on it so naturally, it will be different.

I only own the OC and all that jazz.

"Mom, you knew I had plans this summer-"

Tammy angrily grabbed a few more t-shirts and stuffed them in her suitcase which sat on her bed.

"I just..." Tammy sighed and rested her head on her arms, her voice softer "I don't know what made you think you didn't need to ask me first."

Tammy's Mother moved slowly from across the room, and knelt down next to her daughter,
"I'm sorry love, I should have asked you, I know..."

Her Mom paused trying to find the right words,
"I just knew that if I asked you, you would have said no purely because you wouldn't know how to act."

Tammy lifted her head, staring forward, "You mean I wouldn't know how to act around someone with cancer."

Tammy sighed again, she didn't want to fight about this, it didn't feel right.

She looked to her Mom, "I just don't know if I can be strong for him."

Her Mother, rubbed her back, "Oh love, yes you c-"

Tammy didn't let her finish, "This is serious, y'know? It's not like Matt's just got the flu or something – it's cancer. I can't just go in there making jokes to ease any tension, can I? Because there's nothing funny about it!"

Tammy's eyes began to prick and she rubbed at them, agitated.

"Tammy." Whenever her Mother sounded firm, she listened, "I don't want you going there thinking you have to act like someone you're not. You know what Sara said on the phone?"

Tammy shrugged and looked down, her blonde hair falling in her eyes,

"She said that it would be great to have you, that you would really 'brighten up the place'"

Tammy stared at her, "Really?"

Her Mother nodded, "So if you go in there all doom and gloom, don't be surprised if you get told to come straight back home."

A small smile crossed Tammy's lips, "Thanks Mom."

The last time Tammy had seen Matt would have been a little over a year ago, at her 16th birthday party. All her friends were there and her Mother had invited the Campbell's due to them being close family friends.

Tammy had been laughing with her friend when she noticed the garden gate open revealing Matt, who was closely followed by his brother, Billy.
Tammy apologised to her friend before running over to the Campbell brothers, promptly greeting them both with big bear hugs.

"Tammy, you're squishing me... Tammy!" Billy squirmed under her hold. Tammy sighed and released him, only to ruffle his sandy blond hair making him swat her away.

To Tammy, Billy felt like her kid brother. She had been around his whole life – she even vaguely remembered when he was born -so of course she had a right to playfully tease him.

"Come on, you love the attention" Matt's voice emerged

Billy's faced reddened and quickly changed the subject, "Tammy, where's the food?"

Tammy gestured a thumb over her shoulder and Billy nodded before running towards the table of cake and candy.

"So...I guess by the looks of it, it's someone's birthday?" Matt raised his eyebrows and indicated at the balloons tied around the garden.

Tammy scoffed and playfully shoved him, "You're a funny one"

Matt looked thoughtful for a moment then nodded, grinning, "I do try."

Tammy smiled, "Where's your Mom and Dad?"

"Uh, Mom's inside talking to your Mom - and Dads..." He scratched the back of his head, "Well he wasn't feeling too up to it today..."

Tammy nodded, she knew Peter Campbell had a drinking problem, she had overheard her Mom talking to Sara on the phone about it.

"Hey I uh – I got you a present" Matt looked around nervously

"Oh cool, should I open it when your Mom's not busy?"

"Oh, no its not... it's not the one from all of us, this ones just from me to you" he blushed slightly

Tammy's mouth formed a small 'O' shape and nodded.

"I left it in the car under my seat, I'll get it for you now" Matt made to turn around,

"Oh hey, wait a minute I'll come with you" Tammy grabbed his wrist then let go quickly, " I just need to let someone know where I'm going"

Matt looked around, "No offence, Tams, but I don't think you'll be missed for a few minutes"

Tammy looked behind her then said seriously, "But I'm the life and soul of this party"

Matt laughed, "C'mon, lets go before anyone starts to miss you"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tammy was standing by the Campbell's car waiting while Matt rummaged around under his seat.

Although it was dark, it was a warm night; one that was perfectly suited to Tammy, as she tended to prefer the weather leading up to Summer, rather than summer itself.

"Okay close your eyes and hold out your hand" Matt instructed,

Tammy did as she was told, then soon felt something plastic-like rest in her hand and she opened her eyes.

"Its a tape" Matt stated

Tammy looked at the case and recognised Matt's familiar writing,
"You made me a mix-tape?" she asked excitedly

"Yeah... well, I mean, I just put songs on there that you like – there's songs on there that I like too - and then there's a few that are there cause they remind me of you..."

Tammy's stomach fluttered a little - she had always wanted someone to make her a mixed tape. Her eyes scanned the list of songs,

"Dude looks like a lady – Aerosmith..." Tammy giggled, "Please tell me that's not one of the songs that reminds you of me?"

Matt smiled, "Well actually..."

Tammy made to push him, but he caught her hand and held it,

"Happy birthday, Tammy" he said quietly. He was staring at his hand holding hers, then looked up into her eyes,
"I..." He shook his head and exhaled, seeming to change his mind, "...You're my best friend, y'know that, right?"

Tammy nodded, trying to ignore the disappointment in her stomach, "Ditto" she smiled.

Although Tammy would have preferred to sit in the Campbell's car with Matt and listen to the mix-tape he'd made her, they went back to the party instead. She barely saw him for the rest of the night – and that's something she would continue to regret for a long time.

A/N
Sorry most of this chapter was a flashback, I wanted you all to get a good grasp on the relationship between Tammy and Matt and his family.
P.S Hopefully this story has improved!
Originally it was more 'humorous' which meant the tone was all wrong. The character also had a different name and was a little 'Mary-sueish' but my writings changed in a year and here we are!
A little reminder the film is set in 1987, I almost keep forgetting this myself!
I really hope you guys like this story :)