LATER
The door opened and Tegan walked inside the house to the familiar sight of Bill sat in his chair and Lena getting dinner ready before she left for work. As she closed the door Tyler made his way down the stairs.
"Have you calmed down now?" asked Tyler not really wanting an answer but just showing his disapproval at the way she'd dealt with things that day. "You can come and help set up for dinner" he said making his way over to Lena and taking the place settings and plates out of her hand and helping her. Tegan then walked over to Tyler and took the place settings laying them down before Tyler placed the plates on the table and Tyler watched her hoping his sister would keep her cool the next day at school.
THE NEXT DAY
Tyler stood at the bottom of the steps and watched as the masses moved by him.
"Hey Ty" said a familiar voice he looked around and smiled as he saw Aliesha smiling back at him. "Haven't seen you around here in a while"
"Yeah I keep myself busy these days"
"Shame if you weren't so busy we could have spent some time together…just you and me" she said confidently handing him her number
Tyler took the number and smiled at her forwardness as he watched her leave with her friends. Tegan then approached her brother and watched Aliesha leave.
"Please tell me you don't like her" she asked her brother the thought of her favourite person in the world getting close with her arch nemesis turned her stomach.
"Nah she's not my type" he lied slyly pushing her number into his pocket "So how'd ya second day go?" he asked curiously
"Well I didn't get into trouble if that's what you mean" she said hating the fact he was checking up on her
"That's good to know but that's not what I meant, I was just wondering if things were easier for you today?"
Tegan knew if she told her brother that she hated it there and she hated the people there and that she'd spent the entire day alone ignoring all the looks and whispers that he would either make a big deal of it and go see the principle like the overprotective brother or he'd put all the blame on her and tell her it was because she wasn't trying a line she'd heard too many times.
"Yeah it was easier today" she lied
"Good, see I knew you'd find your feet and fit in" he said putting his arm around his sister's shoulder and walking her home.
LATER AT HOME
Tegan was sat on the sofa watching bad TV as Bill stayed true to his lifeless lifestyle. Tyler then ran down the stairs and as he put on his jacket he looked over at Tegan.
"Would have thought you'd be out with your school friends"
Tegan looked at her brother and lied "I'm meeting them later"
"Yeah? Too bad you could have come out with me"
"Nah I'm good was just about to go and start getting ready actually"
"Ok well don't be late home remember you have school"
Tegan stood up and began to walk towards Tyler "Ty you're my brother not my Dad remember that" she said kissing him on the cheek and walking passed him and making her way upstairs. Tegan stood at the top of the stairs and waited till she heard the door closing behind Tyler she then made her way downstairs.
"Aww does the Princess have no friends?" said Bill
"Oh shut ya mouth Bill" she snarled as she collected her jacket and left the house just so Bill didn't get the satisfaction of being right. As she made her way to the end of the yard she realised she didn't know where she was going, she stopped and looked up and down the neighbourhood then proceeded to walk unsure of where she would end up.
LATER AT A PARTY
Miles, Mac and Tyler arrived at a party and smiled as they eyed up the talent.
"Hey Ty" said Aliesha approaching him looking very sexy in her skimpy outfit.
"Aliesha" he replied
"You wanna dance?"
Tyler looked at his boys and smiled as he was led to the dance floor by Aliesha where the duo began to dance seductively with each other as the dance intensified so did the duo, Tyler found his hands exploring her body as Aliesha left as little space between them as possible she then wrapped her arms around his neck and moved in for the kiss. Tyler knew Tegan wouldn't approve but he reciprocated the kiss regardless.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Tegan stepped off the bus and made her way down the street towards Lena and Bills house a place she couldn't bring herself to call home even though she was there with Tyler. She approached the gate and stopped in her tracks as she saw Tyler and Aliesha sat on the steps making out.
"You've got to be kidding" said Tegan interrupting the couple
Tyler looked up at his sister and knew by the look on her face that she was not happy with what she'd just seen.
"Te how was your night?" asked Tyler trying to avoid the subject of him and Aliesha for as long as possible
Tegan didn't reply and just walked straight passed Tyler and his company and made her way inside the house and she stood waiting for Tyler.
"Maybe I should go" said Aliesha standing up knowing she'd annoyed Tegan by hooking up with her brother
"Yeah maybe that's the best thing but I'll call you" he replied kissing her sweetly and watching her leave he then inhaled deeply preparing himself for what was on the other side of the door.
Tegan sat on the bottom of stairs waiting for the door to open as Tyler made his way in she rose to her feet.
"Aliesha?"
"Te" he said trying to explain
"Of all the girls in Baltimore you have to hook up with Aliesha?"
"You are the one who has a problem with her not me"
"And as my brother me not liking her is sibling code for you can't date her"
"She's not a bad person, yeah she has a big mouth that works faster than her brain sometimes but you're the one here who is holding a grudge she doesn't have a problem with you. In fact she said to me tonight she was sorry for what she said and would love to become friends with you"
Tegan exhaled loudly in disgust and stormed off upstairs completely infuriated that Aliesha had fed Tyler a line and he'd swallowed it all up believing she wasn't the vindictive and spiteful bitch she really was. Tyler sighed and waited for the obligatory door slam he then shook his head in disbelief that Tegan wasn't trying her hardest to make friends.
A FEW DAYS LATER
Tyler was walking with his hand around Aliesha's waist as Tegan walked on at least ten feet in front of them unable to be around them. As they approached the school Tyler called after Tegan causing her to stop and turn to see him kissing Aliesha. Tegan rolled her eyes in disgust as if the sight of them wasn't nauseating enough, the most disgusting thing about the whole 'relationship' was the act Aliesha had put on trying to make friends with her all for Tyler's benefit.
"I've got rehearsals after school and Lena's working late so you need to look after Camille and Malcolm tonight ok?"
"Whatever" she replied
Tyler then walked away from Aliesha and approached his sister "I know this is hard for you because you want to believe she's the enemy but she ain't Te. Try for me?"
"Maybe I could help you with Camille and Malcolm?" said Aliesha approaching the siblings
Tegan looked at Aliesha and then at Tyler who had a hopeful expression on his face and he was the last person she wanted to hurt or annoy.
"Sure" she replied against her better judgement
Tyler smiled "Great well I'll see you both later" he said kissing Aliesha and walking away
Aliesha waved and watched Tyler walk away and as she was stood with her back to Tegan she said "Make no mistake this doesn't mean I like you in anyway"
"Good! And make no mistake if it came down to a choice between you and me he wouldn't think twice about dropping you like a bad habit" replied Tegan before walking away
"That's funny because he's been telling me how much hard work you are and how he's not sure you living with him at Lena and Bill's is the best idea"
Tegan stopped walking and turned back to Aliesha. She didn't know whether this was just a way of using a very sensitive subject to annoy her or if there was an ounce of truth in it but the thought of her brother saying those words broke her heart and the fact he could have possibly said this to Aliesha infuriated her. She stepped forward and Aliesha smiled as she approached knowing she'd touched a nerve.
"We're all the family each other have and he wouldn't even think those thoughts let alone say them aloud to a cheap piece of ass like you"
"Really? Oh well I must have dreamt it, and that must mean I dreamt him seeing someone named Rachel McNabb and holding his hand as he discussed this with her…huh" said Aliesha walking by her knowing this would completely make Tegan flip her lid as it did. Tegan stepped in front of Aliesha stopping her from walking away.
"You're lying" she stated with a little uncertainty in her mind
"Face it Tegan nobody wants you not even your own brother"
Tegan then saw red and grabbed Aliesha's hair and pulled on it dragging her to the ground where she straddled her and continued to pull her hair and strangle her. As the crowds gathered around them a blonde girl pushed her way through the crowd and hooked her arms under Tegan's and pulled her away.
"That's enough let it go" said the girl restraining Tegan
"What is going on here?" said the stern authoritarian voice of the principle pushing through the crowd in time to see Aliesha being helped up by her friends and Tegan being restrained. "Tegan why am I not surprised?"
"She just went crazy" spoke up one of Aliesha's friends
"Oh what bullshit" said the blonde letting go of Tegan but stepping in front of her to stop her from pouncing at Aliesha again "She was completely provoked I saw the entire thing, she got everything she deserved"
"Well Miss Del Amico you can join Miss Sanchez and Miss Gage at my office immediately and tell me your series of events"
LATER OUTSIDE THE PRINCIPLES OFFICE
The door to the principles office opened and Tegan appeared closing the door behind her she stopped as she saw the blonde sat waiting for her.
"Hey what did she say?"
"I was a very bad girl and another act of violence will result in expulsion blah blah blah"
"You don't deserve that she was a bitch to you, I'll tell your folks that if they ask"
"I don't have any parents just foster ones and I'm not going to tell them. Thanks for trying to help me…not many people do"
"Hey don't worry about it…my names Stace by the way" she said extending her hand
Tegan took her hand and shook it as the blonde smiled back "I should get going to class before I get in trouble for that too" she said starting to walk away
"You have geometry right?" asked Stace
"Yeah how did you know?"
"You're in my class"
"I am?"
"Yeah come on lets go"
Tegan followed Stace making their way to geometry but knowing she wouldn't be able to concentrate on much at all that day as her head was full of questions as she wondered if her brother really had called in social services.
LATER AT HOME
Tegan was cleaning up the dinner plates when the door opened and Tyler walked in after his rehearsals. Still questioning her brother's loyalty she remained quiet. Tyler walked over to the table and sat down in an exhausted heap.
"Camille and Malcolm ok?" he asked
"Yep" she answered sternly
"So you and Aliesha handled it?"
"No"
"No? What do you mean no?"
"Aliesha ain't here but don't worry I invited Stace over to help me"
"Stace?" asked Tyler
Just then Stace walked out of the kitchen drying her hands on the towel.
"Hey you got those dishes?" she asked waiting patiently for Tegan
"Stace meet my brother Tyler, Ty this is Stace"
"Hey" he said shaking her hand
"Nice to meet you" said Stace with a smile as she became immediately attracted to Tyler
"I'll finish the dishes you and Stace go out now have fun" he said taking the dishes from Tegan
Tyler then squeezed past Stace who turned to face him handing him the towel in her hand as she smiled at him admiringly him returning to smile politely.
"Come on Stace" said Tegan walking away
"He's dating Aliesha?" she asked in disbelief that a seemingly nice guy could ever be interested in someone like Aliesha
"Yep but not for long if I can get my own way I just have to be clever how I do it"
Stace followed intrigued by Tegan plan to tear apart her brother and her arch nemesis
LATER
The girls arrived back at the house to see Tyler sat on the steps with his headphones on completely lost in the music. Stace admired the view as she approached with Tegan. Tegan took her brothers hat off of his head distracting him and causing him to take off the headphones.
"No Aliesha?" she asked
"No not tonight"
"Shame" she said with disdain "I'm going to head up to bed but I'll see you at school tomorrow Stace"
"Ok" replied Stace watching as Tegan walked inside the house leaving Tyler and Stace alone "Ok well I'll leave you and make my way home"
"You want me to walk you home?" asked Tyler ever the gentleman
"Nah I'll be fine"
"In this neighbourhood? Let me walk you home" he said standing up and walking out of the yard with Stace.
A Little While Later
Tyler and Stace had been walking in silence for almost five minutes and Stace was beginning to feel like an idiot and knew she needed to say something.
"Tegan's nice" she stated
"Tegan's trouble" stated Tyler "…but she's my baby sister"
"And that'll never change"
"Nope"
"And no matter how much trouble she is or she's in you're going to stick by her because you have that sibling mentality that it's just a phase"
"It's a long phase"
"She's had it pretty rough"
"Nah she made it rough, she didn't get moved because they didn't want her she got moved because she didn't want them to want her. She's so afraid of getting hurt she won't let anybody but me into her life"
"She let me in"
Tyler looked at Stace and smiled realising she was right "Maybe you're the exception then"
"She loves you very much, that's why she has such a problem with you and Aliesha because she's so certain it's all for her benefit and that you're going to get hurt"
"I'm a big boy"
"Doesn't mean you're smart though"
"I guess not"
Stace stopped in front of an apartment building and Tyler faced her.
"This is me"
"Ok well I should get back I can't leave Bill in charge for too long"
Unexpectedly Stace stepped forward and pulled on Tyler's shirt bringing him in close for a kiss for a lingering moment Tyler reciprocated he then realised what he was doing and pulled away.
"Err…"
"Yeah you and Aliesha I know don't worry I won't tell her" smiled Stace as she turned and walked away making her way inside the apartment block. Tyler smiled to himself as he realised what he'd just done.
A FEW DAYS LATER
Tyler opened the door to find Stace stood in front of him.
"Hi"
"Hey" she smiled "I was looking for Tegan?"
"Oh she's not here she went out I assumed with you"
"Oh well do you know how long she's going to be?"
"No sorry she didn't say"
"Nevermind I'll call her or something"
Tyler noticed that this was more than Stace looking for her friend but more Stace looking for anymore as he noticed a look of despair in her eyes.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah I'm fine"
"Do you want to come in?"
Stace smiled and nodded her head "Yeah that'd be good" she said walking inside followed by Tyler
ELSEWHERE
Tegan perspiring heavily took a drink of her water and placed the bottle down she then continued turning on the music and dancing out a routine. As she did so a silhouette stood at the door looking in admiring the talents Tegan possessed.
BACK HOME
Tegan opened the door and walked inside she took off her jacket and placed it at the bottom of the stairs and looked back at the door as it opened and she saw Tyler and Stace walk inside in a fit of laughter.
"Hey Te" said Stace as she noticed the other Gage stood before her
"Where have you two been?" she asked happy to see he wasn't with Aliesha
"Tyler took me dancing"
"She can't dance" smiled Tyler
"Alright alright ok I'm not the most talented dancer but I have other skills"
"Oh yeah care to elaborate?" asked Tyler with a smile
Stace blushed as she realised Tyler was flirting with her "I don't know you that well"
"I knew you were trouble the second I met you" he joked "I'll just get you those CD's then I'll walk you home"
"Oh well I was guna stick around and spend some time with Tegan"
"Ok well I'll bring the CD's down and we can put them on"
"Sure that sounds good"
Tyler proceeded up the stairs to retrieve the CD's and Tegan smiled at Stace.
"You and my brother?"
"It's not like that"
"Why not?"
"Te" she said wanting to explain
"I have never seen him that happy with Aliesha, you obviously have a spark"
"You think so?" she asked bashfully
"You like him"
"What's not to like?"
"He's a great guy, sweet, reliable, considerate…"
"Ok you don't have to sell him I'm crushing pretty hard already"
"This is so perfect you and my brother that would really bug Aliesha"
"There is no me and Tyler"
"There will be" she said with a smug smile
Tyler then returned with the CDs and the trio sat down listening to the music and talking and Tegan tried with everything she'd got to make Tyler see that Stace was the right girl for him.