Disclaimer: All the characters in this fanfic belong to Disney and any other company that owns the series 'In A Heartbeat'. This is part 9 of the story. Please review!!!
Scenes from the previous episode…
"When did things get complicated?" he asked himself out loud. "Why did things have to complicate themselves? Now I'm falling for a person that I obviously can't have. I'm just a stupid illness, a lapse that will eventually go away. I'm only here temporarily."
Tyler sighed and laid down on his bed.
"Now I'm torn between the past and the present," he stated again.
When Tyler stood up again, something fell out from under his bed.
"What the heck was that?" he asked himself.
Curious, he looked under his bed and sought for the object. He searched until his hand caught a hold of something. When he took his hand out under the bed, a small book, resembling a notebook, came to view.
"I wonder what this is," he said as he opened it.
When he turned to the first page, it read: THE JOURNAL OF TYLER CONNELL - KEEP OUT!!!
To be continued…
No One Else but You: "Dear Diary"
Tyler held the book firmly in his hands, as he closed it back. 'Should I read this? This is Tyler's journal. It's private. Wait, I'm Tyler, so that makes this my journal. Who am I kidding? I'm not Tyler…'
"What would Tyler do?" he whispered to himself softly.
Without even realizing it, Tyler opened the journal and started to read, in hopes of finding the missing pieces of his puzzle…
March 5,1995
Dear Diary,
My throat hurts. When I got home, I told Mommy what happened. She smiled at me. I thought she was going to say nothing's wrong, but she told me that I had to get my tonsils out instead. I cried "No," but she just smiled again. When Daddy got home, he heard the news and talked to me. He said not to worry, and that everything is fine. He gave me this snow globe, with a leprechon leprechaun in it. It was hidious hideous, but I didn't tell him.
When I got back from the hospital, I was happy that I was not hurt. I guess that leprechaun helped me. I'm going to keep it with me from now on for good luck…
Tyler looked around the room, and then saw the snow globe with the leprechaun that Val recently gave back to him, though he wasn't aware of the reason why.
"It is hideous," he stated.
He laughed a small laugh before continuing…
November 23,1995
Dear Diary,
It is my 11th birthday! Mommy got me a Doctor Kit. It was embarrassing. My friends were laughing at me. Did I tell you that I want to become a doctor when I'm old? Not old like the pope. Maybe old like dad, but only younger. Daddy bought me a football. I love playing football with Daddy. He's funny. He told me that I when I'm in high school, I will be the best football player ever. And after that, he told me that I will play in the NFL. I told him that I want to be a doctor instead.
Later that night, I heard Mommy and Daddy yelling outside my room. It was probably the fifth time that this happened…
Tyler paused for a second. 'So Tyler, I mean, I, wanted to be a doctor. I guess that explains the EMT thing. And where did my father go?' He continued to read and skim the pages, hoping to find more…
January 1,1997
Dear Diary,
Happy New Year! This is great. I ate dinner with my mom. My dad wasn't home though. He said he had some work to do. I miss him. He's always away, even during the New Year. I don't see him often as I used to anymore.
Dad and Mom had a fight again. This morning, I heard mom say, "Jonathan, I don't think this is going to work." What does she mean? I asked my best friend, Hank, over the phone. He told me something about a divorce. I don't want my parents to have a divorce. I want them to be happy, like when we went to a family picnic 3 years ago. Hank told me that I have to stay with one of my parents. I don't want Mom to go away. I don't want Dad to go away either. I hope Hank was wrong…
Tyler paused once again, before flipping through the next pages…
September 8, 1997
Dear Diary,
Dad left the house. He carried 2 luggage full of clothes downstairs, and then put it in the trunk of his car. I went over and helped him with his other stuff. When all of the things were in his car, he asked me if I wanted to have one last ride with him. Of course, I went in and enjoyed the ride.
We played football for a while. After that, we went to see a movie. Then, he bought me some ice cream. I had 2. When he drove me back home, I asked him why he wanted to leave. He told me that he and Mom are not getting along. I asked him if I'll ever see him again. He told me that he'll visit once in a while. I told him not to go, but he just smiled at me, and left.
I cried as I waved goodbye to him. I stood there until his car was out of sight. After that, I cried again and went to my room…
Tyler wiped the tears that formed in his eyes. 'So that's why he wasn't here. I would have been glad if I met him. I wonder where he is now…' Tyler continued to glide through the pages…
September 10,1998
Dear Diary,
This was my first day in high school. Of course, I hung out with Hank. I'm kind of nervous. I met a bunch of people, though none of them interested me. I also made the JV football team. Dad would have been so proud. I left him a message on the phone. As the day was almost over, I couldn't have been more thankful.
When I got home, I was about to do my homework when I noticed I got the wrong binder. I was pretty sure it was mine when I picked it up, but I guess I was wrong. It belonged to some girl named Val Lanier. Anyway, found her phone number and gave her a call. I walked to her house to give the binder back. When I saw her, I noticed that she was the blond girl sitting in front of me in English class. She greeted me in a rather cheery manner. After I got my binder back, I headed back for home.
When I passed by the park, I remembered something that never crossed my mind before. I can't believe it was a little over a year ago that my dad left. I wiped a tear that started to trickle down my face, as well as the memory that set it off in the first place.
When I got home, I noticed a nice looking car parked on our driveway. I knew exactly who it was. It was William. And the only thing I wanted to do, was avoid him…
Tyler stopped reading, and let his thoughts wander for a while. 'So that's how I met Val. And Hank has always been my best friend. But what about William? Why would Tyler do such a thing as avoid him. He's a really nice guy.' Once again, he continued his reading…
April 18,1999
Dear Diary,
I'm at Hank's house at the moment. Mom and William went off for their honeymoon. I can't believe she married that jerk. What does he have that Dad didn't. We were just happy before. Anyway, I'm going to be staying in Hank's room, and once again meet up with Mr. "Floor." Tomorrow, Hank and I are going to the EMS tutorial. Val is going to be there as well. This is going to be fun.
School is tougher nowadays. I have to finish my science fair project. Luckily, we can do it in pairs. As usual, Hank and I are doing the project together. Some things just never change…
The ring of the phone interrupted Tyler. He didn't bother picking it up, for he heard William answering it from out the hall. Once more, Tyler went back to the journal.
June 12,1999
Dear Diary,
Today was the last day of school. Finally, the torture is over. On my way out, I saw Hank, Val, and her friend Caitie. She's supposed to be Val's best friend. I don't see why…they're just opposites. Anyway, I said my farewell, and headed home.
I'm going to Europe with Mom and William for the summer. I'll just have to make the best of it. I have to remember to bring my EMS study guide though. They're starting the tests during fall. I'm going to miss this little town of Kingsport…
He continued to flip more through the pages…
August 26,2000
Dear Diary,
Today is the start of my junior year. Can you imagine how time flies? Like they say in Latin, "Tempus fugit". It seems only two years ago that I stepped into this school. Now, I'm a year from graduating and I'm the captain of the Varsity Football Team. How I really wish Dad had seen this. He must have been going on and on and on about how right he was.
I haven't seen him since about a year ago. He doesn't even answer my calls that much anymore. Well, I have football practice later on, and I'm on call with the EMS thing. Hank will be at the practice with me as usual, since he is in the football team as well. Val is a cheerleader. The three of us will probably just meet up somewhere in the field if we get a beep…
flip, flip, flip, flip,…and flip…
September 1,2000
Dear Diary,
We had a sad case today. Val's dad had a heart attack. I know she must have been really scared. Fortunately, we were able to get him to the hospital. Val was given a break. I went to he house. I wanted to give her the leprechaun Dad once gave me. It served me well during my tonsil removal, and hopefully, it will serve to help he Dad. She was really thankful for it. She gave me a kiss on the cheek. I was glad she was feeling better. After that, the two of us, and her sister, Brooke, played scrabble…
flip, flip, flip, flip,…and flip…
September 29,2000
Dear Diary,
The Homecoming Dance is coming up. I still don't have a date. I decided to just ask and go with Val. We're friends after all. Too bad Lean Dean was already in the process of asking her out. I was about to ask her, but Heather Stillmore was all over me, I swear. Then it was all too late. I walked Heather to class that day. I hope Val had fun…
flip, flip, flip, flip,…and flip…
October 1,2000
Dear Diary,
I didn't ask anyone to the dance yet. Hank on the other hand, ended up with Melanie Chung. I can see that he dreaded this, but he was practically thinking of the opposite when he was forced to ask her out. I believe he was trying not to be rude. Anyway, Val kind of dropped a hint that she wasn't going to the dance, so I decided to ask her. Then, the alarm went off.
I don't know why, but it seemed like she was mad at me. She probably was going with Lean Dean, so I just asked Heather out. She's OK, right? I hope so…
Tyler tried to make sense of the last two entries. 'Did Tyler like Val? Maybe I still have a chance. Then again, he didn't say he liked her. Maybe it was just a friend wanting to go with a friend. Did I miss something? I should read this all…oh…never mind…' He resumed reading…
November 23,2000
Dear Diary,
It's my birthday today. Since mom wanted me to bring some friend over, I invited Val to the house. I have to admit that she was a bit overdressed. Well, we all had dinner. Mom prepared all of my favorite foods. Things went well at first, before William started hassling me.
That guy just won't give up. He already married my mom, so he doesn't have to impress her. He's continuously trying to run my life. And when I just couldn't take it anymore, I went off and headed for the basketball court. I couldn't stand to be around or even be near him. I know I was rude, especially to Val, but my temper got the best of me. I just have to apologize later…
Tyler stood up to stretch. 'What's up with him and William? Maybe he just really hates his guts, or else, I don't know what his problem is. I like William. He's nice.' He was getting tired and sleepy. 'Tyler sure had a boring life. He didn't mention anything much about his love life, his work,…' He returned to the journal.
January 8,2001
Dear Diary,
Guess what? I finally did it! I asked her out. We're gonna go out Friday after the Regional Championship game…
Tyler tried to stay up. His eyes were drooping. 'Looks like I'm nearing the future. The ball Hank gave me was …' ~yawn~ '…the Regional Championship game.' He resumed reading once again…
I hope we beat Hamilton. After this, it's the State Championship!!! The only thing I'm afraid of is my date Friday night. I hope I don't mess that one up…
Tyler was already laying down on the bed. 'Who's the girl? Probably someone I don't know.' Flip, flip, flip, flip,…and flip…
January 12,2001
Dear Diary,
We won! We won! Guess who the MVP is? No, not Hank. Me. Although he did pretty well with the passing. I can't believe it, although my body still hurts a little. The only thing about the game was Blakely Wilson. He threatened me that if I cross his way, I'd be gone. I just hope he was just saying because he wanted to win so badly as I did.
Well, I'm ready. The big date is here. And I already got her present. I'm really nervous. I just hope things will go smoothly as I wanted it to be. Can you believe it? I'm finally gonna go out with…
The journal dropped from Tyler's hand to the floor. Tyler was already fast asleep. Fatigue has overcome him. The window was slightly open, allowing the cool breeze from the other side, slip in. And outside the window, was the presence of the almost full moon.
The sun has marked its place, and it was once again morning. Sunlight burst through the window, and sent light all over Tyler's room. Suddenly, the alarm clock erupted with its ever-earsplitting buzzer. Tyler woke up with a start.
"Val," he exclaimed as he shot up from his bed. "I'm finally gonna go out with Val."
Tyler paused, not sure of what he said, and why he said it. He got out of bed, when he stepped on something familiar. It was his journal.
"What is this doing out here?" he asked himself.
He returned the book to where it was supposed to be hidden. 'Wait a minute. What am I doing here? Wasn't I supposed to be on a…' Shaking his head, he got up, but fell on the floor. One of his legs hurt a little. 'Maybe because of Blake.' Trying to get up again, he walked carefully and went to the bathroom to wash his face. He figured he might still be half-asleep. Finally waking up completely, Tyler went back out to his room. He noticed that his room seemed different.
"What the heck happened here?" he said.
He drove his hands into his messy hair, when a slight feeling of pain overcame him.
"Ow!" he cried. "What happened to me?"
Then he stopped as he was able to recall something. 'I remember. It was Blake Wilson. He hit me with a bat while I was on my way to see Val, and then…I don't know what happened then. How did I get here in the first place.' He saw a pair of crutches, and decided to use it for himself. 'Why is this thing here anyway?' Utterly confused, Tyler went downstairs for some breakfast.
"Good morning, Mom!" he greeted. "Hey Will!"
"Good morning, Tyler," greeted his mom back. "How was your sleep?"
"It was weird," he started to complain. "When I woke up, I just said something. And then when I went out of my bed, my journal was on the floor. Hey, you didn't read my journal, did you?"
"No, I didn't," she assured him.
"I didn't know you keep a journal," William commented.
"Did you read it?" Tyler shot him an angry look.
"No, I just told you I didn't know about it," William retorted.
"What's with you today?" his mom asked. "You seem so irritable. I hope this isn't because of last night. I'm sure it must have been hard on you."
"How did I get here anyway?" asked Tyler.
"What do you mean?" asked his mom. "Oh, honey, I got to get to work. I'm running late. I'll talk to you later."
"Mom, what are you talking about?" Tyler asked her with a laugh. "It's Saturday. There's no work today."
"Honey, it's Friday," said his mom.
"Check the calendar, mom," he told her confidently. "It's Saturday, January 13th."
Daphne and William exchanged glances. They were both of worry and joy. Confusion and relief.
"It's February already, Tyler," William informed him.
Tyler looked at the calendar with a confused look.
"But we just won the Regional Championship yesterday, didn't we?" he asked, trying to make sense in all of this.
"That was a month ago," said his mom.
"What?" he yelled in disbelief. "That can't be. We won 24 to 23, remember. I scored the last touchdown with 5 minutes left in the game. And what's wrong with this calendar anyway."
"Oh my God," mumbled Daphne as she collapsed to the floor.
William and Tyler quickly attended to her.
"It's OK, Tyler," William said to him. "I can handle this."
"She's my mother, Will," he told him crossly. "I can help her whenever I want."
"Do you even know why she fainted?" asked William as she carried her onto the couch in the living room.
"Because she finally realized what a mistake it was to mar---," he started. "Never mind."
"It's because you're back," William told him.
"That's funny, because I was never gone," Tyler remarked.
"Physically, you weren't," William told him as he tried to wake Daphne up.
"What are you saying, Will?" he asked him. "Mom, are you OK?"
Daphne sat up on the couch and went over to Tyler. She hugged him, much to her surprise.
"What is going on?" Tyler asked again.
"I'm so glad you're back," she said between tears as she continued to hug him.
"Back from what?" Tyler asked.
"From your amnesia," his mom told him. "I knew you would be back soon."
Tyler just looked at her.
"Me too," he said with a confused look still painted on his face.
To be continued…
I just had the most terrible day yesterday, so I hope you like this. That will definitely make me feel better and cheer me up. I'll get out the next part probably by Sunday night, maybe earlier. Please read and review! Thanks! By the way, Mad Cow, where do I e-mail you to get an invite on that Bleacher Junkie n Pretty Perfects chatroom/club?