Reggie didn't lie to Lars. She and Twister really were going to Madtown with Otto and Sammy. She just told them to go ahead with out them. Luckily Otto didn't find this strange. She really just wanted to get them out of the way so she could spend time alone with Twister first.
She hated having to keep their relationship a secret, but she knew how her little brother would act if he knew. It's not like his little temper tantrum would change anything between her and Twister. She just didn't feel like hearing him bitch about it. He was the kind of person that could drive someone crazy with his bitching. Once he got his mind stuck on something he wouldn't let it go easy—just like the whole argument with Twister a few weeks ago. He could be so damn stubborn! She knew that he would have to hear his mouth every minute of the day for months if he found out. So she decided that life would be better for everybody if he didn't. Atleast for now anyway, but she knew that they couldn't keep it a secret forever. She didn't want to think about that now though. She just wanted to be happy, holding Twister's hand, as they bladed toward Madtown together.
When they got to Madtown they found Otto showing off as usual and Sam watching. When they saw her and Twister they came over to them.
"Hey Bro, what took you so long? Me and Squid were about to leave without you guys." Otto said.
"Lars decided it was a good day to whomp me." Twister said.
"I thought you two getting along now." Sam said.
"Yeah, me too, I guess he just couldn't take it anymore." Twister said "What do you mean LEAVE? We just got here!"
"Dude LOOK!" Otto said, pointing toward the ocean. "Check out those awesome waves! I gotta have some of that action!"
"Yeah, lets go. It's too hot for skating today anyway" Sam said.
Twister's face suddenly went pale at the thought of going into the water. He felt a cold sweat starting to trickle down his forehead. He hadn't been surfing since the accident and, even though he would never admit it, the thought scared the hell out of him. Otto continued to ramble on about how gnarly the waves were today, but Reggie noticed that Twister looked like he was going to pass out.
"Are you Ok Twister?" she asked sounding very concerned.
"Um…yeah, I'm fine Reg. It's just that I didn't bring my board." Twister said trying to play it off.
"DUH! You know that Raymundo keeps extra boards at the shack. We'll just go borrow them." Otto said.
"Uh...yeah…great idea, bro." Twister said, hoping that they wouldn't notice how he was trembling.
"So what are we waiting for, LETS GO ALREADY!" Otto said starting to skate off. Sam was right behind him.
Twister started to follow them, but Reggie grabbed his arm. "Are you sure your OK with this?"
"Sure, I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Yeah, you're fine." She said sarcastically "That's why you looked like you were going to do a face plant a minute ago. You're shaking too. I don't think you're ready yet."
"Don't worry about me REGGIE! I'M FINE!" he shouted then was immediately sorry that he yelled at her. "Sorry Reg I guess I am nervous, but once I get out there I'll be OK."
"If you're sure…"
"I'm sure, now lets do it!" he said and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
***********
When twister paddled out he really did feel fine. He felt right at home in the water just like he always had. He was even Ok when he caught his first wave…until he stood up on the board. That's when it hit him. His head started throbbing where he'd banged it last time—which still wasn't completely healed. He felt dizzy and slightly nauseous. He gasped for breath, but couldn't seem to get any. Then the sickening crack of his skull hitting the rock seemed so real he almost blacked out. He totally beefed it.
"What's with you Twist? You look like the Squid!" Otto said laughing.
Reggie rushed over to him and helped him get back on his board.
"I'm fine guys. I just got a little dizzy." He said, not wanting to look like a lame-o in front of Otto.
"What are you scared or something? Don't tell me that you're still freaked out over that accident. You gonna let a wittle ole wave beat you Twister?"
"No." Twister said quietly.
"Shut up Otto!" Reggie shouted. "It's only been TWO WEEKS! He almost died you damn idiot!"
"What did I say?" Otto asked (forever clueless about other people's feelings).
"Actually it's a perfectly normal reaction to be scared after such a bad experience. Happens to me all the time." Sam said.
"Yeah, but you're the Squid! Twisters not scared of a stupid wave, right Twist?" Otto asked.
"Right Ottoman!" Twister said trying to hide his true feelings. "So are we going to ride these waves or what?"
Twister tried again and the same thing happened. This time though he went under the water longer and panic started to set in. He tried to swim to the surface and sucked in some water. Then he felt someone's arm slip around his waist and pull him up. When he finally surfaced he was almost in tears. He looked over and saw Reggie, her arm still around him, with a horrified look on her face. "Thanks" Was all he could manage to say between coughs.
"Man Twister, bro, you are WORSE than Squid" Otto said, joking. "Atleast Squid can swim!"
"It's not funny Otto! You are such an ASSHOLE." Reggie screamed at him "Can't you be supportive of your best friend for once in your life? He's really having a hard time with this."
"Sorry, I was only joking." Otto said, feeling a little bad. "Are you Ok, Twister?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. I just don't feel like doing this anymore today. I'm going in." Twister says and starts to paddle up to shore.
"I'll go with him to make sure he's ok. You two stay if you want." Reggie says to Otto and Sam.
"So are you ever going to surf again, Twist? Or are you going to sit on the beach with the Shoobies?" Otto yells. Twister just ignores him and keeps paddling. Reggie turns around and glares at him hatefully.
"I don't think they're in the mood for joking around Otto." Sam said.
Back on the shore Twister and Reggie sat together and watched while Otto and Sam surfed.
"Man, I can't believe how lame I was. I was WORSE than a shoobie!" Twister said "I really tried, but I kept getting dizzy."
"It's Ok Twister. It's not like you can help it. You'll get over the fear soon and you'll be showing up Otto again in no time. Don't let him get to you. You know how he is."
"Yeah. Thanks for sticking up for me, Reg"
"No problemo, Twister. Anytime for you." she said and smiled at him.
AN: Find out why Lars is so upset in the next chap. Please Review!