"Is there a reason why we had to come with you to get this little sister of yours?"
Tyler rolled his eyes his pouting friend. Pogue was leaning against the stone wall of the airport with a look of obvious boredom. For the last two months Pogue who was usually the outgoing one in the group who enjoyed going with the flow of things and was more often than not the voice of reason. At that point Tyler had long ago lost count of how many times Pogue had talked Reid and Caleb out of one of their many fights, although he had an easier time taking down Caleb than he ever had Reid. Not far away Reid stood with his fiancé Lux, Caleb's little sister and Reid's personal voice of reason.
The five of them had all grown up with together and being the only girl in the group Lux had learned to handle herself and the boys quite well. If anyone could keep the wild and rebellious Reid in check it was Lux. Caleb was there as well, standing next to and talking with his ex-girlfriend Sarah. When the two had made the decision to break up they had agreed to remain friends and had been able to keep their friendship going. The same couldn't be said for Pogue. He and Kate had broken up two months ago and not on the friendly sort of terms that Caleb and Sarah had. And for the last two months it seemed as if Pogue did nothing else but pout, even when they would all drag him to Nicky's or a party out at the Dells for the night.
It didn't help the situation that Kate was always around seeing as she was still close friends with Sarah and Lux as well as being Sarah's roommate. Sighing in exasperation Tyler let the issue pass. There was no reason to worry about it. Kate and Pogue had always had a rocky relationship. To be honest Tyler had to admit that he was surprised the two had lasted as long as they had, even with the many break ups and make ups they'd had in between. This time he doubted that there would be a make-up, but he had the feeling that soon enough Pogue would be back to his old self and he and Kate would be back on friendly terms again.
***
Pogue knew that his foul mood was starting to get on his friend's nerves. For the last two months they'd been dragging him around in the attempt to get his mind off his break up with Kate. The truth was he was already getting past it, he knew that their final break up had been unavoidable and a long time in the making. However, knowing that didn't make the situation any different then what it was. And Kate's new boyfriend didn't help at all. If he had to be honest with himself it was his wounded pride that had been bothering him more than anything. He didn't like that she could so easily move on so fast, even if the guy was decent.
He was well aware that it was time to let his wounded pride go and get over it. The anger he had felt was already beginning to fade. No reason to keep his friends in misery due to his bad mood.
'Just what we need another girl hanging around.'
The thought annoyed him, but he made a promise to himself that despite his mild foul mood he would attempt to be decent to Tyler's new sister, at least for Tyler's sake. With that in mind he repositioned himself into a more comfortable position against the wall to wait for the mysterious new sister.
***
Glancing at his watch to check the time for what must have been one of many since Reid found it necessary to comment, as he always did.
"What's your fascination with your watch Baby boy? You've been looking at it ever ten seconds."
Caleb grinned from where he stood talking to Sarah. He already knew why Tyler was so fidgety. Tyler was the sort who would easily become nervous being put into this kind of new situation. Not only was he going to meet a sister he'd never met, but he was also becoming an older brother all in one day. However, Caleb was confident that Tyler would quickly get used to the changes and take on his new role quickly enough. Admittedly he was curious to see how Tyler would react at having a younger sister, even if she was barely a year younger than himself. He and Lux were barely a year apart as well, but he had been told numerous times, mainly by Lux herself that he took first place for being the over protective big brother. There had even been times when Tyler had commented on his over protectiveness of Lux, telling him he should calm down and leave her be. He couldn't wait for Tyler to realize what it was really like having a younger sister to watch after.
Ignoring Reid's sarcastic comments Tyler motioned toward the new wave of people entering the airport lobby.
"Peyton should be arriving soon."
"Ohh the new sister. You still haven't told us Tyler, is she hot?" Reid asked in his usual sarcastic drawl.
Before he could say anything else Lux elbowed him in the ribs with an indignant huff. With his famous cocky smirk for whatever reason Lux found charming Reid drew her in under his arm and gave her an innocent, very unlike Reid peck on the cheek. However, he didn't miss Reid leaning in close enough to whisper something in Lux's ear which was likely much more Reid like than the kiss on the cheek had been. His suspicions confirmed when Lux's cheeks flushed red.
"What does she look like? Give us a clue so we can look for the right person when she comes out," Sarah asked.
"I don't really know. I've never seen a picture of her before. She's got red hair, she's tall and around our age. That's about all I got," Tyler shrugged.
The group watched anxiously for a girl fitting the description to come into their sights. Pogue was the first to see her and he suddenly felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. Peyton wasn't what he had been expecting. She was beautiful. Even from a distance he could tell. Her hair was long with amazing curls that were without a doubt natural.
'Great legs.'
He couldn't keep thought from his mind or the smile from his lips as he admired her long legs, although she wasn't nearly as tall as him.
Tyler waved her over upon catching sight on her. Asking her name to make sure before making the introductions. She was well dressed, but obviously gave little care to high fashion as many of the girls he knew did.
"Peyton, this is Pogue Parry. Pogue, my sister Peyton."
As the introduction came around to him she looked up smiling at him and he felt a shock run through his body. If he thought her red hair and long legs were great her eyes were amazing, as blue as ice ringed in gray.
'Mysterious, yet calm and caring eyes.'
"Nice to meet you Pogue," she said, unable to hide the hint of nervousness in her voice.
Pogue smiled, all thoughts of Kate and his bad mood disappearing almost instantly. He had watched her as Tyler had introduced her to his other friends. She had been as nervous as anyone would be meeting so many new people at once in an unfamiliar place and situation. However, it wasn't until she laid eyes on him that the hint of a blush flushed over her cheeks and the small stutter entered her voice.
'She's the shy type.'
None of the others had been paying close enough attention to catch it before she was able to get her voice back under control and normal again. Pogue let himself feel a bit of male pride as he watched her attempt to keep her roaming eyes from being noticed as she took in his height, long brown hair, leather jacket and worn jeans. He may not be as arrogant as Reid, but it didn't stop him from getting enjoyment from being admired by a pretty girl.
"Pleasure's mine Peyton," he replied with a charming smile.
Tyler watched as his sister and Pogue started at each other for a few long moments. Getting a familiar feeling on the situation he took a quick glance toward Lux and Sarah. Both of the girls were hiding huge knowing smiles and it was as if he could see their minds working out a plan already. He knew that look, the look of two match making minded girls.
Bringing his attention back to Pogue and Peyton he took a moment to glare at Pogue.
'Already?!'
The word echoed in Tyler's mind. It wasn't that he had a problem with the possibility of the two eventually getting together and based on the way they were looking at each other now he doubted it would take long. Pogue was better than Reid any day in his mind, less worry would come with the relationship. Now that he would likely have to deal with his little sister dating one of his closest friends, he could only imagine what Caleb had went through with Lux and Reid…Reid would be the sort of guy to worry about being with any girl, let alone one's little sister.
"I'll take your bags," Tyler spoke up, purposing placing himself between the two as he did so.
"Thanks, Tyler. How far is it from here to the house?" she asked politely.
"Not far. We'll stop off at the house first then head over to Spencer to unload your things. All your stuff you'll need for your dorm is already in the car the rest is in your room at home," Tyler explained.
"Dorm?"
"Spencer Academy has dorms. You'll actually be rooming with me!" Lux said, obviously happy with the situation. It had never been much fun rooming alone.
"Oh," Peyton replied softly, surprised with the new news. But, she was happy that she'd be rooming with Lux. She was already sure that she and Lux would become good friends. The girl was obviously very nice and friendly, but she also got the feeling that for the boys she was also a bit of a handful.
Following the group out of the airport and to Tyler's huge Hummer where despite the car's ridiculously large size they were forced to pack themselves in along with her belonging. Tyler hadn't even pulled out of the parking lot when they all began telling her everything she needed to know about Ipswich. Well, Sarah and Lux did much of the talking considering the boys were finding it hard to get a word in over their seemingly constant chatter. When they were able to get in a word they spent some time telling her about themselves and asking her about herself and every question they asked she happily replied. It was all so new to her. Peyton had never had talked so much with someone at one time before or so loud and she enjoyed every minute of it.
As they drove Peyton was paying close attention to the dynamics of the group and the personalities of each her new friends. Tyler was probably one of the nicest and most caring guys she'd ever met. Even after less than 2 hours after meeting him she could admit that she was happy to have him as a brother and couldn't wait to get to know him better. Caleb she got the impression that he was the leader of the group, calm and cool as well as handsome and smart. Peyton figured he was probably one of the few genuinely nice and charming guys left on the planet. She also had to admit that he had a killer smile. That assumption became even more real in her mind when it came to Reid. To sum up her impression of Reid he was cocky, loud and rebellious who apparently enjoyed arguing with Caleb. However, she could see that deep down he was a really good guy, especially after watching him interact with his fiancé Lux, who was apparently the only one able to keep him in check. Sarah was almost too perfect to bare with her blond hair, good looks, smarts and kindness. Peyton figured a person had to be crazy to not want to be friends with her.
Then there was Pogue. As they drove there were many times that Pogue would talk to her and when he did it suddenly seemed as if she had swallowed her own tongue. It was as if he was just too good looking for his own good. There was a sense of excitement that she felt from him and she knew it was one of the things that were drawing her in. Well one of the many. He was tall and sexy with hazel eyes that were very telling of his emotions and a laughing smirk that was made her feel welcomed. His voice was very calming as she listened to him talk. From her observations and what she had so far been told Pogue was the sort of person who was fiercely loyal to his friends and who had the ability to be serious, but also enjoyed just hanging out and having fun. There was something else about him as well. Somehow Peyton sensed that there was something familiar about him, but whatever the feeling was she wasn't able to place it.
All the while she could feel Pogue's almost constant gaze on her from where he sat beside her in the back seat. Peyton couldn't help, but continuously glance over at him to meet his gaze, holding it for seemingly endless moments each time. When she wasn't caught in his hazel eyes and she noticed Sarah and Lux looking at her strangely with large smiles plastered on their faces. It was almost as if they knew something she didn't or they knew exactly what she was thinking.
'Perhaps I am going to finally get a social and romantic life here after all.'
The single thought had her glance over the people surrounding her and smiling happily and for the first time in a long time she felt a change happen within herself. For once in her life it seemed as if Peyton Holloway was finally going to be the sort of person she wanted to be, instead of holding herself back due to her natural shyness and what people expected or thought of her.
By the time they arrived and Tyler's house, her new house, she knew that the boys along with Lux had been together since they were born and the boys were all champion swimmers on the Spencer swim team, Reid was a reformed playboy now engaged to Caleb's little sister and that the groups loving nick name for Tyler was baby boy. Personally Peyton found the nick name to be adorable, but Tyler demanded that she never use, especially since she was younger than he was. She also learned that Caleb and Pogue were the only ones not living in the Spencer dorms and that one of Pogue's loves was his yellow Ducati.
'A biker--- it suites him and the leather jacket isn't half bad either'
Peyton couldn't help, but smile at the so very true fact. She couldn't wait to see him on the bike.
One thing that she wasn't surprised to learn was that the boys were considered the most popular group of boys in school
'Their obvious good looks probably help in that department.'
The fact was at all surprising, but the thing that caught her interest was what her brother and his friends were known as.
"The Sons of Ipswich?" she questioned.
Sarah and Lux were gave her a quick explanation of their family history--- her family history. Once explained the name made a lot more sense and it was a story that she found quite interesting. At that moment her bookworm ways made an appearance and she made a note to herself to check out the school library to see if she could find anything on the history of Ipswich when she got the chance. Even as she made the mental note Peyton got the uneasy sense that there was something that the two girls were leaving out, something important.
'What am I thinking? Its history, what reason would there be to hide anything?'
With that excuse in mind she let the question slip away and turned her attention back to the conversation. While they humored her with stories about themselves she in return unashamedly told them of her less than stellar social life in New York and how she and her mother had lived up until that point.
'I think I am going to like it here.'
After meeting her father for the first time and getting a quick tour of the huge mansion that was now her home, which would without a doubt take some getting used to, Tyler and the other packed her back into the car and headed to Spencer Academy. Once again the nerves began to set back in at the thought of attending such a prestigious school as Spencer. Peyton had always been one of the top students in her class, but a school as prestigious as Spencer compared to her little old public school in New York was a whole other story.
'I think I am going to be sick…'
The thought crossed her mind as Tyler pulled into the school's drive and she kept the need to put her head between her knees at bay. Taking a deep calming breath Peyton pushed a stray red curl back behind her ear and readied herself to take the next step in her new life.
"Welcome to Spencer Academy little sister," Tyler announced as the school came into view.
