I don't know how, but I slept that night, Reggie got up early with the guys
to pack up, I got up too. We let Twister rest. Sometime in-between
packing and getting ready, I caught Reggie, "You were with my cousin."
"Don't try and claim me Lars," Reggie says that made me anger, "I'm not in the middle of your feud."
That made me feel a little better she hadn't chose his side and just choose to stay out of it, "What about Twister?"
"What about Twister?" Reggie asks, "Oh see uh...can we talk about this later." She walked away just like that sure, Reg do what you want.
"Let's go Lars!" Otto ordered.
"Where's Twist?" I ask.
"Uh..." Otto looks around, "I'll get him." He runs back towards the tent. I head on the bus Reggie and Jeff were already sitting together. I gave Reggie one of those looks to make her feel guilty, I'm not sure it worked. I sat in the back and forgot it. I pulled my laptop out and started playing this cool game. I didn't even notice the whole trip there, except that Otto sat with Twister and Sam sat close to him, I was glad he had friends that were that good to him getting him stuff every time he managed to get a word in.
We arrived at the kayaking place early the rules were simple or so I thought sea kayaking from here to a smaller island in New Zealand then a short mountain biking race to the finish. There was one problem the sea kayaks were for two people that meant someone Otto, Reggie, or that Squid would be paired with me. I headed over to my team to find out whom.
"You have to go with him. I'm Sam's partner," Reggie says to Otto. They were fighting over who got stuck with me, I guessed.
"I'm not going with him; he'll try to beat me!" Otto says having trouble with the fact that he couldn't order Reggie around.
"Whatever Otto, doesn't that mean the two of you will get there faster," Reggie says.
"Uh yeah but," Otto whined.
"Sam will slow you down and if Lars is in my kayak we'll beat you there and I'll win," Reggie states.
"Then, Lars and Sam," Otto says.
"Me," Sam gulps at least, he still remembered my power.
"I'm not arguing with you Otto, you have Lars deal with it. Why don't you set up, Otto and think about how you're making Lars feel," Reggie orders, I saw her eyeing my cousin as she walked away.
"If..." I start Otto was steamed, I could tell but I had to say something, "we beat the other kayaks then I wouldn't have to worry about Jeff and you wouldn't have to worry about me," I say. Otto eyes me, trying to decide if he should let his guard down.
"Ok," Otto nods. I think it had more to do with Reggie yelling at him then what I said.
"I'm going to find Ray and Tito," Sam says heading up to the camp.
I should have left, I really should have, but I felt I should stay and explain thing to Otto or something, "Need help," I ask.
He looked at up surprised to still see me, "You're not going to put a hole in the kayaks?" well that was uncalled for I had no intention to sink the kayak I was in, "That's a joke dude," he laughs, "you can help." I didn't see the humor in it, but maybe it was because I was the brunt of the joke. He hands me things to get ready. We finish very quickly and quietly Otto continued to soot glances at me. After we were done Otto seemed to be deciding if I was ok, to consider me as one of them, "Thanks," I nod, "You're not like Twister." I think that surprised him. I don't know why, Twister and I never acted like each other. "Well I'm going to get something to eat you coming."
"No," I reply. I wasn't in the mood to eat.
He walked away and I sat down in the sand on the beach. I love the ocean its open, and free, I always feel trapped in cities or even in the forest, but not the ocean. It's like the most amazing place. I watched the waves roll back into the ocean it was going into low tide. It was easier to think by the ocean, but right then I didn't think about anything. I just thought about the ocean and how I'd like to be under the sea in an Octopus' Garden, wait that's a song. Well that's what I thought about. Until a Shadow fell over me I looked up to, see Reggie standing over me.
"What are you doing?" She said in small talk, I could tell, but I had to answer her.
"Watching the Ocean," I say, "It helps me think," Not at that moment, but I couldn't sound weird.
"Really, I do that sometimes," she replies, but I knew that everyone did, didn't they?
"What's wrong?" I finally ask. I hate small talk. She looked so worried, so I stood up making it easier to talk because then she wasn't looking down at me.
"It's Jeff I'm afraid he's going to hurt Twister," she said.
"What?" I grow hateful; I think she noticed because she stepped back, "What did he say?"
"Well when we were on the bus to go cave rafting he said Maurice was a Lame- 0 and Stuff like that," She bites her lip she was afraid to tell me. So, I try to loosen up on being hateful, at least for now. "That's why I talked to him last night."
"You don't have a crush on him?" I ask hopeful.
"No, I like Twister," back to that guy, oh well Twist was better then that good for nothing cousin of mine, "Today he said he knew away to get you to lose. He said something about a weak spot."
"I don't have a week spot," if I could help it.
"Everyone does, Otto has his ego, Twister has his mindless head, yours is Twister, everyone knows that," she adds.
"That's not true," Okay it was dead on or I wouldn't be here but did people actually know that?
"Lars I'm really worried about him," She did look that way, "Jeff practically told me that he was going after Twister and Twister's really easy to go after right now."
"Twister," my eyes grow in fear at what that lame Jeff might do, "Where is Twist?"
"I have no idea," Reggie shakes her head.
"I'm going to find him," I start heading back to the camp, "Reggie," I called her over, "Stay away from Jeff, okay I don't want him turning on you."
"I will, he's a jerk," Reggie walks beside me until we reach the camp, Otto, and Sam were eating with Ray and Tito but no Twister.
"There you two are," Otto says, "Hurry and eat we have to start in 30 minutes."
"I'm not hungry," Reggie says scanning the area; then she whispers, "Where's Jeff?"
"Reg that guys on the other team and not very nice," Sam says, "He was looking for Twister an hour ago we told him Twister was resting. Those pain killers make him sleepy...." Sam stops and looks fearfully at me, "What?"
"You let him near my brother," I said angry that some one that smart can be that stupid, "I'll be right back." I leave quickly before they can object I walk into the place that we had set up for Twister when we had arrived on the buses.
He was lying in his bed; cot thing eyes wide awake.
"Lars," he said shakily as if I was going to womp him.
"Twister you ok," I sat by him on his bed facing him.
"Lars," he said again shaking his head. "You can't win."
"What?" I said this was not normal.
"Please Lars you can't win," Twister says looking frighten.
"I know Otto..." I start but he stops me.
"No, Lars you can't win. You have to come in last," Twister says.
"You mean lose," I ask unsure of what he was at. "Please," he said.
"I can't do that," I said, "I'm not a lame-0."
"Please Lars you have to," tears streamed down his face, I knew, I had to listen to him, he was shaking in fear.
"Okay, Twist," I patted his leg and he flinched. I glanced at his leg and I saw it red marks that were shaped like fingerprints. I knew it right then what had happened but I had to ask, "What happened?"
"Nothing, nothing," he shook his head.
This made me angry and he could tell he backed up or tried to, "Whatever happened Twist you know I can do worse so tell me before I womp you."
I had really scared him this time he was shaking so much I wanted to take what I said back but I couldn't I need him to tell me. "What happened?"
"J-Jeff," he choked out, "he, he said he'd make sure I wouldn't w-walk right again if I-I d-didn't s-stop you f-from w-winning. You wouldn't will you?"
"I have to Twist; I can let him get away with this," I say, "That's just telling him that it's alright."
"P-Please Lars," Twister shakes, I lean over and hug him, and I could lose my cool now that he had spilt.
"I promise that he wouldn't hurt you. You stay with Ray until the end of the race and then you stay next to me the rest of the night," I say. Twister nods, "Don't worry ok?"
"All right...I'm so glad you're my brother and not that guy he really isn't so cool," Twister says.
"Come on get ready we have to race soon," I say.
"Will you hand me my shoe," he asks and I hand it to him. I waited patently for him to finish and then we went outside.
"Twister you all right," Reggie runs up.
Twister looks at me, "Yeah Reg, I'm fine, don't worry about me."
Wow Twister knew what to say you know he wasn't really that bad for her...it was kind of cool. If they liked each other this much maybe I was stepping in. Yet, I really do like Reggie...great now I'm tore between these two, "I was so worried he'd hurt you," Reggie hugs him, Twister holds her back.
"I'm ok see," he says, Reggie nods as she pulls away.
"Come on Reg we gotta get down to the race," Lars says, "I have Twister taken care of right Twist."
"Right Lars," Twister says Reggie sighs.
"I was so worried," Reggie says again.
Twister grins, "I am really ok."
"I'll see you later ok," Reggie said to Twister and he nodded. "Come on Lars Otto's going to bust."
"You ok Twist," I asked once more.
"I'll be fine." He said as he went over to the place where everyone watched the beginning of the race.
I followed Reggie down to the water, "Finally," Otto said. He must have been waiting. I thought he would yell at me I would have. What he did caught me off guard, "How's Twist?"
See what was I supposed to say I had been ready to defend myself for being late, "Fine," I lied. Otto nods and turned to Sam, they really looked out for each other. I wished my friends did that dude they ditched me when Twist dissed me.
"You'll take the back," Otto said, I think he might have been asking but I didn't reply.
"Otto," Sam whispered, "Make sure you pace; this is a longer stretch then the Catalina's."
"I know Squid, I got it," Otto putted on his wet suit and this weird headphone com-link thing.
"Follow the markers, we don't want you getting lost," Sam said.
"I know," Otto said a little annoyed I don't think he liked being told what to do.
"Talk to us if you need help," Reggie told him I then realized they all had com-links. I didn't wait didn't they have those when we boarded yesterday. Ugh, shut out again, I was not considered one of them, yet.
"I know," Otto snapped, "We can handle it, right Lars?"
"Sure whatever Rocket," I said again he thrown me off guard.
"Hey Dork getting ready to lose," Jeff walked up.
"Not now Jeff we don't need you," Otto said.
"Just wanted to wish you luck, Otto," Jeff said, "You and your team is dead."
"Are," Sam, said, "Its are."
We all looked at him, "Ha, my team is already in 1st and as for me," Otto says.
"See you later cuz, I'll be the one in the front, where will you be oh yeah dead last," Jeff sneers. I didn't say anything Jeff would be messed up later when I beat him. I'd let him have his fun taunting me, I'd get the last laugh in the end. I always got the last laugh, "Little Maurice weighing you down," I turned from him; he wasn't going to get me with Twist, not this time. "Oh you're no fun," yes I had won that battle he had given up. Later Reggie," He winked at her and she backed up. He headed down the beach to his team.
"Jerk," Reggie said, "He's worse then Lars."
"I agree," Otto said, yes score again I was no longer the top of the Rockets rival list, "Ok Lars you have to push off." Otto says
"Sure," I said looking at the Kayak it was blue like the ocean.
"Here," he tossed me one of those link things. "That's Twister's he had it yesterday but he talked me into giving it to you." I was stunned as I put it on was I really fitting in with these guys.
"Places," A coordinator says, Otto jumps in his seat in the Kayak I was of course pushing off so I stood at the starting line, "On your mark," I put my hands on the boat to push off, "get set," they blew that weird shell and we were off. I jumped in and started to paddle, I had to beat Jeff. Otto and I paddled hard and silently for about an hour, Reggie and Sam seemed to be talking to each other. I could hear them because of that earpiece thing.
Otto started to pace so I followed his lead. Then he took his com-link off.
"Those two are so annoying," Otto said, "Talking about Sherry and Trish, Urggh we're racing and those two are back home, who cares?"
"Reggie does," I said and he looked back at me surprised that I answered. "Look we have a nice lead."
"Yeah we have a ton of strength Sam pointed it out," Otto said paddling slightly harder, "Who's right behind us?"
"I can't tell," I replied not looking back.
"Ask Sam," he said pointing to the link in my ear.
"Uh...Sam?" I didn't know how to work that thing.
"What's up," he replied wow that was easy.
"Otto wants to know who's behind us," I said.
"Everyone, you're on fire, we can't see you. We're right behind you, you're cousin's behind us but he's not gaining speed," Sam said.
"They're behind us," I told Otto, he nodded and paddled harder so I paddled harder, he slowed so I slowed, harder, slower, I think he was testing he finally he choose a pace. Then he looked behind us and changed the pace again harder then before like when we started. I looked back, and didn't see anyone gaining on us, but I followed anyway paddling harder knowing that we would tire if we continued to go that fast.
"I think we should slow down," I said after a while. I couldn't even see the other Kayaks.
"Yeah," he looked back, "Ok but not too slow."
"Got it," I said slowing to a normal speed, I wasn't tired yet but I knew I would have been if we kept up that speed we had, been going. We continued for a long time. I really enjoyed it, the Ocean all around me with no land in sight. It was calming and peaceful especial when the sun went under a cloud and a breezy picked up. I forgot all about Twister, Jeff, New Zealand, and this competition. I just went, with the Ocean it was relaxing no refreshing, or cleansing I'm not sure.
"What are you doing?" Otto asked breaking my peaceful paradise. "You're speeding up."
"Sorry didn't notice," I answered I hadn't noticed but we were going faster.
"Its cool just thought you were spacing out," Otto says making a weird face. "Man you're nothing like Twist, he would have laughed at that, and then we would have had a funny face contest." Otto sighed, "I wish he was here."
"Don't push him Otto," I said, "He needs to rest. He needs to heal or he wouldn't be able to play again ever."
"I know," Otto sighed again, "But, I still miss him,"
"I'll try to act more like him," I said. Wait a moment how does Twister act.
"No, Don't" I sighed with relief.
I never wanted to be Twister. "Hey take you're link off aren't they bugging you?"
"No," I removed it anyway, "They were talking about Twister too."
"Yeah, he's really part of the group," Otto said, "We don't want to loose him."
"Twister, never," I reassured mostly for me.
"Uh...Lars, I have to, uh...tell you something," Otto says sounding like this was something hard, "Don't stop me or I wouldn't get though," ok now I knew something was up, "I'm s-s-sorry," Did I hear that correctly, "I was really a Jerk to you yesterday. I busted on you because of that tie. I had no right to you should have the same chance as I do to win. If you win you, win. I'm just a horrible loser. Not only that I haven't really been accepting of you as a teammate. You came here to help Twist. I thought it was because you felt guilty but you came to help him because you're a good brother. I should treat you as a team member and not as a rival. What I'm trying to say is I'm sorry for being a Jerk and that I'll try and remember you're a team member. Oh and if you want to win you can," he stops. I knew I should have said something, but I was too shocked to. We continued on sometime later Otto put his link on and began asking Sam questions like how far they were behind us, what place they were in, and how long was this part of the race. I tuned out I couldn't hear Sam anyway. I didn't have my link in. I lost myself in thought. I thought about Reggie. The way she smiled, the way she wore those butterfly hair clips when she thought she was meeting Twister. I thought about how much I liked her, and then I thought about how much, Twister liked her. He really did like her, maybe even more then me. No he did like her more. She liked him more and I think that would never change. I liked her so much but I knew she was one thing I could never have. Did I want her? Well sort of, but maybe I just wanted her friendship and not as a girlfriend. That was better then nothing, actually, it was something. This was something bigger then I had seen before this time my goal was simple, but worth getting. Wait would she accept me as her friend, I've been their rival for so long. Well I had to try. Tonight I would talk to her if I didn't get her friendship in New Zealand I'd never get it.
"Lars," Otto says, "Is that land?" I look to where he's point and nod, "put your link on now, ok."
"Sure," I put it on.
"Reggie he hasn't taken a bite since we got here and Twister said he started this nine days before we got here," Sam says I knew they were talking about me.
"I'm sure he's ok," Reggie says.
"I don't know Reg, he doesn't look right," Sam said Otto looked over at me.
"Guys can it," Otto said, "We can hear you."
"We!" Sam said gulping so loud, I could hear him over the link.
"Sam, talk later, paddle now," Reggie said, "Jeff's trying to pass us."
With in the hour Otto and I reached the beach we pulled the kayak up and headed over to the mountain bikes. Otto and I slipped out of the body suits and put on helmets. I stuck my hat in my uniform pocket as Otto took the lead on me. I glance quickly to the ocean. I could see the shine of the other boats on the water.
"Lars, are you coming? Otto asked though the link that snapped me out of it. I got up on the bike and rode. It was shorter then, I thought. Maybe it's because I don't remember much of it. I causally came in second. The camp seemed to be set up and the crowd cheered before going back to watch the other people still racing.
"That was so awesome; you guys went so fast," Twister said, I was glad he wasn't scared anymore, "Any words for the Twister cam?"
"Eat my dust," Otto said.
"Otto I was talking to Lars," Twister explained.
"No its cool Twist, I'm not a camera person," I said removing my helmet. "I'm going to clean up."
"What about the other racers?" Twister yelled as I walked away. I wanted to see the racers but this was the only time I had to myself. I quickly cleaned up and went back to the finish line no one had arrived yet. Otto and Twister waited by the finish line. I hadn't put my hat on my hair was still wet if I put it on my hair would never dry.
"You look strange without a hat," Otto laughed.
"You'd look strange with a fist in your face," I said that stopped Otto's laughter that's the first time I had threatened to womp someone since that day in the hospital.
"Never, mess with a Rodriguez's hat bro," Twister commented. As he pulled his hat further down.
"Hey here they come," Otto jumped up. As a few bikers pull into view.
"Reggie's in the lead," Twister said.
"I know and Sam's not far behind," Otto said he still had his link on so he yelled, "Way to go Rocket Girl you too Squid."
Soon after that, Reggie and some other bikers crossed the line, "So wiped."
"You tired Rocket Girl?" Twister said as she got off her bike.
"Yeah, are you Rocket Boy," Reggie asked.
"Sure am, we got here faster. We used more energy," Otto said.
"Reggie looks worse still," Twister said, Reggie gives Twister a look, and Twister grins innocently.
"Yeah well she had Squid, I had your brother," Otto pointed out.
"I'm not tired," I tell them I wasn't. I think I had been blowing off steam about Jeff in the water.
"How can't you be tired," Sam said as he pulled up patting. "You didn't eat, you went to bed later then us, and you paddled harder then us."
"I'm just not; you figure it out Mr. Science. I'm bigger then you guys plus I've done this before," I said.
"Well whatever we're still first and I have 1 and 1/3 wins," Otto said.
"Nice job Otto," Jeff walked up shooting an evil glance at Twister. Twister backed up.
"Sorry I can't say the same for you," Otto sneered.
"I don't cheat," Jeff said.
"Either do I," Otto exclaimed very angry at being accused of cheating.
"No but you're untried teammate might, they're checking your kayak right now," Jeff sneered back. He glared once more at Twister and then left.
"You didn't cheat did you?" Twister accused me almost looking like I had let him down.
"No," I said.
"Better not have blown this for me Lars," Otto said still mad. Sheesh I was once so close to being a teammate now they're accusing me of cheating what next I'm a shoebbie?
"Otto lay off," Reggie defended me, "Lars has been cool this whole trip don't go accusing him of something just because that jerk Jeff said it."
"You're right Reg, I'm sorry," again he's sorry it made me sick.
"Well we checked everything out amazingly there were 20 pounds extra at the bottom of your kayak if anything he should have been behind everyone," Tau- woe-fu said.
"Weights!" Otto said.
"I didn't," I said quickly.
"Its over you won and the team's first," Sam said, "Let's celebrate with some marshmallows."
"Ok but Otto has to eat his this time," Twister said.
"No guys lets go to that place," Reggie said winking.
"That secret place from last year?" Sam asked winking back.
"Yeah," Otto's eyes gleam, I backed away this was their thing.
"Ok," Twister said, "But you guys should get your eyes checked."
"Come on guys let's go," Reggie said, Otto, Sam, and Reggie head off.
"Come on Lars," Twister said, "You're part of the team now."
"No Twist," I shook my head.
"Yes you are, plus what about the plan?" Twister asked.
"As long as your friends are there," I said as Otto, Sam, and Reggie come running back.
"Come on guys," Sam says, "What are you waiting for?"
"Lars doesn't think he's invited," Twister explained.
"Then he can stay here with these mugs," Otto said whatever that was.
"He's not a mug," Twister argued I assumed it was bad at this point.
"You called him a Shoebbie once it's the same thing," Reggie said.
"Not him, those guys like your cousin," Otto said now I knew mug meant Shoebbie and I nodded.
"Cleo's not here," Twister said stupidity.
"Ok Sheesh I'm coming," I said they all grin, "Just, never do that again." I said putting my hat on.
They lead the way down a path to a kind of cliff place that looked into the ocean it was tight. They sat on this huge rock, Twister sat by Reggie who sat by Sam, and Otto sat next to him. I stood back still not certain if I fit in. Twister motioned for me so I sat by him.
"So...What do we do?" I asked.
"Shhh, Lars," Twister shushed me, pointing to the water. I wasn't sure what they were looking at but I was watching the sunset below the water.
Finally, Otto jumped up, "I have to celebrate, food, music, and Party!"
"There's food at the camp," Sam stood up.
"I'm coming," Twister said Otto helped him up.
"Stay with the guys," Reggie said and he nodded as they left I would have gone too but I didn't want Reggie to be alone, she moved closer to me, "You wrote that letter, huh?"
This threw me, off guard. "What...ooh uh...about that. You and Twister well you're meant for each other. The thing is I'll never like you the way he likes you."
"It was a sweet letter, Lars I'll always keep it," Reggie looks away, "but, my heart belongs with Twister." I nodded, "I would like to be closer to you. You know I like to say that you were my friend."
I wasn't sure what to say. That's what I wanted, I think, "Reggie," she looks towards me, "You are my friend."
"That's good, sometimes the guys are just too much they don't listen but you do," Reggie said. I knew she was talking about this morning with Twister when else had I listened. "I can really rely on you. Plus I know I can trust you."
"Serious?" I asked this was just too much.
"You're a loyal friend Lars, just like before," she remembered, "I watched some of Twister's old videos," well close enough.
"Of course I am," I smile at the compliment and she leans her head on my shoulder.
"I'm glad Twister has you as a brother," Reggie says, "To protect him."
"Twister," I jump up, she stood up quickly too, "Oh Reg I can't leave him alone this long."
"He's with the guys..." She said.
"Those weak kids, Reg Jeff isn't going to be scared of them," I said heading back she caught up to me and walked the whole way back with me.
"There's Otto," Reggie pointed to him once at the camp, "And Sam, Where's Twist?"
"Rocket, where's my brother?" I asked looking uneasily for Jeff.
"He...I don't know," Otto shrugged. I couldn't see Jeff anywhere. I grew angry with Twister for leaving, at Otto for letting him, at Jeff for being here, and at myself for letting Twister out of my sights. Otto backs away I must have been reflecting my feelings, but I didn't care I was ready to womp something. "I think he went back to the tent, right Sam?"
"He was getting music," Sam said. I looked towards the tents, and quickly walked over and inside Reggie, Otto, and Sam followed me.
"Twister!" Otto said. Twister was on the floor hollering in pain.
I scanned the room Jeff wasn't in here, "Stay with Twist, Reg, I have fresh meat to womp," the guys backed away as I walked out before she could protest. I spotted Jeff right away I didn't take him out of my sights as I walked up, "Jeff," I smiled evilly it felt good to do that again, "we have a score to settle.
"No I settled it you beat me and Twister suffered," Jeff laughed, "You should have heard him scream it was almost music."
"Dude only I mess with my brother," I told him and he laughed again.
"Face it, cuz I win you lose get use to it," that was it in seconds I had him pinned to the ground and gasping for breath.
"Stay away from Twister, got it?" He nodded and I slowly let him go.
"Sheesh Lars I was just playing," he said.
"Don't play with him. He's new territory if are you willing to play with fire?" I asked and he shook his head, "You're making the right choice cuz because I've played this game and I never lose." He backed up finally my years of being the most feared name in Ocean Shores had paid off. I walked away, I didn't want to fight. Beside, Twister needed me. I walked back into that huge 7-person tent; Twister was still on the floor. I think he was afraid to let anyone near him.
"Lars, what did you do?" Reggie asked. About Jeff, I'm sure.
"Later Reg," I moved over to Twister, "Twist."
"Don't come near me," Twister snapped trying to back away.
"Twister it's me," I kneeled close to him and he shook with fear just like Jeff did a few minutes ago, "You're brother, I'm sorry he did those things to you." He quivers at the thought, "I wouldn't hurt you. Its ok now," I pulled him close to me, "I'm here." He wrapped his arms around me and I sighed, "You'll be okay." I had never been that close to Twister before not like this but I had to he really was freaking out
"Twister," Otto said coming over Twister clung harder to me, "What happened?'
I wasn't sure if he was asking Twister or me, but Twister shuttered, at the thought, "Not now Rocket."
"Let's let Twister rest," Reggie said coming over to Twister and he grabbed me even tighter I couldn't tell why he knew all these people weren't going to hurt him but it was as if he didn't even know who was who.
"Good idea Reg," Otto said, I quickly lifted Twister into the nearest bed, and then I tried to loosen his grip from me. It was like one of those death grips where you can't get out of because the person's dead but Twister wasn't dead just scared.
"No don't leave me, you can't go stay here. Don't leave me alone you can't go," he said grabbing on tighter although I had thought he couldn't go tighter and he did.
"Twister I'm not going anywhere, just let go," he eases up and lies on the bed. Almost instantly, he was asleep if he hadn't been already just that before he had his eyes open. I took the time to remove his shoes I didn't like it when people slept in shoes. Then I kneeled beside his bed, I even took his hand in between mine that way he knew I was still there. His friends sat down on the bed next to his other side.
"Okay tell us what happened," Otto orders.
"I let him down, I promised I'd protect him and now, now, Twist," I explained.
"We need more details," Sam said. I kept my glance on Twister as I explained the last day to them. I couldn't look at them I felt like I had let them down too.
"Jeff did that to his Cousin!" Reggie said.
"He saw Twister as a pawn in our game, the little dork, damn it this is all my fault," I said.
"Reg I'm still hungry," Sam said I think he was just uncomfortable with Twister next to him in who knows what kinda of pain, "Lets get something to eat."
"Yeah ok, you coming Lars?" Reggie asked.
"No," they all left. Poor Twister, I thought, looking away from him. I prayed that he'd be ok, I prayed that he wouldn't blame me, although, it was my fault. This whole thing was my fault. If I had just kept Pi in check or if I had got that nurse to help Twist, if I had never let him come with us, if I had refused to come, if I had never let my personal feelings with Jeff get in the way, if I had just listened to Twist this morning, if I hadn't let him leave that rock, if I hadn't broken my promise. I had to be the worse brother ever, I swore, I'd never break a promise to Twister again. I was in the middle of this pray when Twister started to stir; I looked up and realized that he was dreaming a nightmare he had to relive this horrible day.
"No, stop, stop, Lars!" He cried in his sleep. I touched his forehead and he seemed to calm down. Soon Reggie walked in, sat by the other side of him, and took his other hand.
"I'm sure he'll be ok," Reggie assured but not me I knew Twister would be ok it was if I'd be ok. "It wasn't your fault, you tried your best."
"My best wasn't good enough," I said looking at Twist, "He's my little brother I never wanted anything bad to happen to him."
"Neither do I," Reggie said kissing his hand.
"I let him down, he needed me," I said and he began to move around again, like he was having another nightmare he was sweating in fear. Reggie touched his check with two of her fingers he settled down at her touch. Who knew if he could tell the difference between Reggie and I? Soon after Otto took Reggie place, he didn't say anything he didn't touch Twister. I think he was afraid of Twister. I think he believed it was my fault. I think he thought I would lash out at him if he said anything. It didn't matter. I continued to pray that Twister wouldn't hate me. Sam came in later and stood at the end of Twister's cot Otto stayed where he was until it got late and they all went to bed. I didn't move Twister wanted me to stay.
"Don't try and claim me Lars," Reggie says that made me anger, "I'm not in the middle of your feud."
That made me feel a little better she hadn't chose his side and just choose to stay out of it, "What about Twister?"
"What about Twister?" Reggie asks, "Oh see uh...can we talk about this later." She walked away just like that sure, Reg do what you want.
"Let's go Lars!" Otto ordered.
"Where's Twist?" I ask.
"Uh..." Otto looks around, "I'll get him." He runs back towards the tent. I head on the bus Reggie and Jeff were already sitting together. I gave Reggie one of those looks to make her feel guilty, I'm not sure it worked. I sat in the back and forgot it. I pulled my laptop out and started playing this cool game. I didn't even notice the whole trip there, except that Otto sat with Twister and Sam sat close to him, I was glad he had friends that were that good to him getting him stuff every time he managed to get a word in.
We arrived at the kayaking place early the rules were simple or so I thought sea kayaking from here to a smaller island in New Zealand then a short mountain biking race to the finish. There was one problem the sea kayaks were for two people that meant someone Otto, Reggie, or that Squid would be paired with me. I headed over to my team to find out whom.
"You have to go with him. I'm Sam's partner," Reggie says to Otto. They were fighting over who got stuck with me, I guessed.
"I'm not going with him; he'll try to beat me!" Otto says having trouble with the fact that he couldn't order Reggie around.
"Whatever Otto, doesn't that mean the two of you will get there faster," Reggie says.
"Uh yeah but," Otto whined.
"Sam will slow you down and if Lars is in my kayak we'll beat you there and I'll win," Reggie states.
"Then, Lars and Sam," Otto says.
"Me," Sam gulps at least, he still remembered my power.
"I'm not arguing with you Otto, you have Lars deal with it. Why don't you set up, Otto and think about how you're making Lars feel," Reggie orders, I saw her eyeing my cousin as she walked away.
"If..." I start Otto was steamed, I could tell but I had to say something, "we beat the other kayaks then I wouldn't have to worry about Jeff and you wouldn't have to worry about me," I say. Otto eyes me, trying to decide if he should let his guard down.
"Ok," Otto nods. I think it had more to do with Reggie yelling at him then what I said.
"I'm going to find Ray and Tito," Sam says heading up to the camp.
I should have left, I really should have, but I felt I should stay and explain thing to Otto or something, "Need help," I ask.
He looked at up surprised to still see me, "You're not going to put a hole in the kayaks?" well that was uncalled for I had no intention to sink the kayak I was in, "That's a joke dude," he laughs, "you can help." I didn't see the humor in it, but maybe it was because I was the brunt of the joke. He hands me things to get ready. We finish very quickly and quietly Otto continued to soot glances at me. After we were done Otto seemed to be deciding if I was ok, to consider me as one of them, "Thanks," I nod, "You're not like Twister." I think that surprised him. I don't know why, Twister and I never acted like each other. "Well I'm going to get something to eat you coming."
"No," I reply. I wasn't in the mood to eat.
He walked away and I sat down in the sand on the beach. I love the ocean its open, and free, I always feel trapped in cities or even in the forest, but not the ocean. It's like the most amazing place. I watched the waves roll back into the ocean it was going into low tide. It was easier to think by the ocean, but right then I didn't think about anything. I just thought about the ocean and how I'd like to be under the sea in an Octopus' Garden, wait that's a song. Well that's what I thought about. Until a Shadow fell over me I looked up to, see Reggie standing over me.
"What are you doing?" She said in small talk, I could tell, but I had to answer her.
"Watching the Ocean," I say, "It helps me think," Not at that moment, but I couldn't sound weird.
"Really, I do that sometimes," she replies, but I knew that everyone did, didn't they?
"What's wrong?" I finally ask. I hate small talk. She looked so worried, so I stood up making it easier to talk because then she wasn't looking down at me.
"It's Jeff I'm afraid he's going to hurt Twister," she said.
"What?" I grow hateful; I think she noticed because she stepped back, "What did he say?"
"Well when we were on the bus to go cave rafting he said Maurice was a Lame- 0 and Stuff like that," She bites her lip she was afraid to tell me. So, I try to loosen up on being hateful, at least for now. "That's why I talked to him last night."
"You don't have a crush on him?" I ask hopeful.
"No, I like Twister," back to that guy, oh well Twist was better then that good for nothing cousin of mine, "Today he said he knew away to get you to lose. He said something about a weak spot."
"I don't have a week spot," if I could help it.
"Everyone does, Otto has his ego, Twister has his mindless head, yours is Twister, everyone knows that," she adds.
"That's not true," Okay it was dead on or I wouldn't be here but did people actually know that?
"Lars I'm really worried about him," She did look that way, "Jeff practically told me that he was going after Twister and Twister's really easy to go after right now."
"Twister," my eyes grow in fear at what that lame Jeff might do, "Where is Twist?"
"I have no idea," Reggie shakes her head.
"I'm going to find him," I start heading back to the camp, "Reggie," I called her over, "Stay away from Jeff, okay I don't want him turning on you."
"I will, he's a jerk," Reggie walks beside me until we reach the camp, Otto, and Sam were eating with Ray and Tito but no Twister.
"There you two are," Otto says, "Hurry and eat we have to start in 30 minutes."
"I'm not hungry," Reggie says scanning the area; then she whispers, "Where's Jeff?"
"Reg that guys on the other team and not very nice," Sam says, "He was looking for Twister an hour ago we told him Twister was resting. Those pain killers make him sleepy...." Sam stops and looks fearfully at me, "What?"
"You let him near my brother," I said angry that some one that smart can be that stupid, "I'll be right back." I leave quickly before they can object I walk into the place that we had set up for Twister when we had arrived on the buses.
He was lying in his bed; cot thing eyes wide awake.
"Lars," he said shakily as if I was going to womp him.
"Twister you ok," I sat by him on his bed facing him.
"Lars," he said again shaking his head. "You can't win."
"What?" I said this was not normal.
"Please Lars you can't win," Twister says looking frighten.
"I know Otto..." I start but he stops me.
"No, Lars you can't win. You have to come in last," Twister says.
"You mean lose," I ask unsure of what he was at. "Please," he said.
"I can't do that," I said, "I'm not a lame-0."
"Please Lars you have to," tears streamed down his face, I knew, I had to listen to him, he was shaking in fear.
"Okay, Twist," I patted his leg and he flinched. I glanced at his leg and I saw it red marks that were shaped like fingerprints. I knew it right then what had happened but I had to ask, "What happened?"
"Nothing, nothing," he shook his head.
This made me angry and he could tell he backed up or tried to, "Whatever happened Twist you know I can do worse so tell me before I womp you."
I had really scared him this time he was shaking so much I wanted to take what I said back but I couldn't I need him to tell me. "What happened?"
"J-Jeff," he choked out, "he, he said he'd make sure I wouldn't w-walk right again if I-I d-didn't s-stop you f-from w-winning. You wouldn't will you?"
"I have to Twist; I can let him get away with this," I say, "That's just telling him that it's alright."
"P-Please Lars," Twister shakes, I lean over and hug him, and I could lose my cool now that he had spilt.
"I promise that he wouldn't hurt you. You stay with Ray until the end of the race and then you stay next to me the rest of the night," I say. Twister nods, "Don't worry ok?"
"All right...I'm so glad you're my brother and not that guy he really isn't so cool," Twister says.
"Come on get ready we have to race soon," I say.
"Will you hand me my shoe," he asks and I hand it to him. I waited patently for him to finish and then we went outside.
"Twister you all right," Reggie runs up.
Twister looks at me, "Yeah Reg, I'm fine, don't worry about me."
Wow Twister knew what to say you know he wasn't really that bad for her...it was kind of cool. If they liked each other this much maybe I was stepping in. Yet, I really do like Reggie...great now I'm tore between these two, "I was so worried he'd hurt you," Reggie hugs him, Twister holds her back.
"I'm ok see," he says, Reggie nods as she pulls away.
"Come on Reg we gotta get down to the race," Lars says, "I have Twister taken care of right Twist."
"Right Lars," Twister says Reggie sighs.
"I was so worried," Reggie says again.
Twister grins, "I am really ok."
"I'll see you later ok," Reggie said to Twister and he nodded. "Come on Lars Otto's going to bust."
"You ok Twist," I asked once more.
"I'll be fine." He said as he went over to the place where everyone watched the beginning of the race.
I followed Reggie down to the water, "Finally," Otto said. He must have been waiting. I thought he would yell at me I would have. What he did caught me off guard, "How's Twist?"
See what was I supposed to say I had been ready to defend myself for being late, "Fine," I lied. Otto nods and turned to Sam, they really looked out for each other. I wished my friends did that dude they ditched me when Twist dissed me.
"You'll take the back," Otto said, I think he might have been asking but I didn't reply.
"Otto," Sam whispered, "Make sure you pace; this is a longer stretch then the Catalina's."
"I know Squid, I got it," Otto putted on his wet suit and this weird headphone com-link thing.
"Follow the markers, we don't want you getting lost," Sam said.
"I know," Otto said a little annoyed I don't think he liked being told what to do.
"Talk to us if you need help," Reggie told him I then realized they all had com-links. I didn't wait didn't they have those when we boarded yesterday. Ugh, shut out again, I was not considered one of them, yet.
"I know," Otto snapped, "We can handle it, right Lars?"
"Sure whatever Rocket," I said again he thrown me off guard.
"Hey Dork getting ready to lose," Jeff walked up.
"Not now Jeff we don't need you," Otto said.
"Just wanted to wish you luck, Otto," Jeff said, "You and your team is dead."
"Are," Sam, said, "Its are."
We all looked at him, "Ha, my team is already in 1st and as for me," Otto says.
"See you later cuz, I'll be the one in the front, where will you be oh yeah dead last," Jeff sneers. I didn't say anything Jeff would be messed up later when I beat him. I'd let him have his fun taunting me, I'd get the last laugh in the end. I always got the last laugh, "Little Maurice weighing you down," I turned from him; he wasn't going to get me with Twist, not this time. "Oh you're no fun," yes I had won that battle he had given up. Later Reggie," He winked at her and she backed up. He headed down the beach to his team.
"Jerk," Reggie said, "He's worse then Lars."
"I agree," Otto said, yes score again I was no longer the top of the Rockets rival list, "Ok Lars you have to push off." Otto says
"Sure," I said looking at the Kayak it was blue like the ocean.
"Here," he tossed me one of those link things. "That's Twister's he had it yesterday but he talked me into giving it to you." I was stunned as I put it on was I really fitting in with these guys.
"Places," A coordinator says, Otto jumps in his seat in the Kayak I was of course pushing off so I stood at the starting line, "On your mark," I put my hands on the boat to push off, "get set," they blew that weird shell and we were off. I jumped in and started to paddle, I had to beat Jeff. Otto and I paddled hard and silently for about an hour, Reggie and Sam seemed to be talking to each other. I could hear them because of that earpiece thing.
Otto started to pace so I followed his lead. Then he took his com-link off.
"Those two are so annoying," Otto said, "Talking about Sherry and Trish, Urggh we're racing and those two are back home, who cares?"
"Reggie does," I said and he looked back at me surprised that I answered. "Look we have a nice lead."
"Yeah we have a ton of strength Sam pointed it out," Otto said paddling slightly harder, "Who's right behind us?"
"I can't tell," I replied not looking back.
"Ask Sam," he said pointing to the link in my ear.
"Uh...Sam?" I didn't know how to work that thing.
"What's up," he replied wow that was easy.
"Otto wants to know who's behind us," I said.
"Everyone, you're on fire, we can't see you. We're right behind you, you're cousin's behind us but he's not gaining speed," Sam said.
"They're behind us," I told Otto, he nodded and paddled harder so I paddled harder, he slowed so I slowed, harder, slower, I think he was testing he finally he choose a pace. Then he looked behind us and changed the pace again harder then before like when we started. I looked back, and didn't see anyone gaining on us, but I followed anyway paddling harder knowing that we would tire if we continued to go that fast.
"I think we should slow down," I said after a while. I couldn't even see the other Kayaks.
"Yeah," he looked back, "Ok but not too slow."
"Got it," I said slowing to a normal speed, I wasn't tired yet but I knew I would have been if we kept up that speed we had, been going. We continued for a long time. I really enjoyed it, the Ocean all around me with no land in sight. It was calming and peaceful especial when the sun went under a cloud and a breezy picked up. I forgot all about Twister, Jeff, New Zealand, and this competition. I just went, with the Ocean it was relaxing no refreshing, or cleansing I'm not sure.
"What are you doing?" Otto asked breaking my peaceful paradise. "You're speeding up."
"Sorry didn't notice," I answered I hadn't noticed but we were going faster.
"Its cool just thought you were spacing out," Otto says making a weird face. "Man you're nothing like Twist, he would have laughed at that, and then we would have had a funny face contest." Otto sighed, "I wish he was here."
"Don't push him Otto," I said, "He needs to rest. He needs to heal or he wouldn't be able to play again ever."
"I know," Otto sighed again, "But, I still miss him,"
"I'll try to act more like him," I said. Wait a moment how does Twister act.
"No, Don't" I sighed with relief.
I never wanted to be Twister. "Hey take you're link off aren't they bugging you?"
"No," I removed it anyway, "They were talking about Twister too."
"Yeah, he's really part of the group," Otto said, "We don't want to loose him."
"Twister, never," I reassured mostly for me.
"Uh...Lars, I have to, uh...tell you something," Otto says sounding like this was something hard, "Don't stop me or I wouldn't get though," ok now I knew something was up, "I'm s-s-sorry," Did I hear that correctly, "I was really a Jerk to you yesterday. I busted on you because of that tie. I had no right to you should have the same chance as I do to win. If you win you, win. I'm just a horrible loser. Not only that I haven't really been accepting of you as a teammate. You came here to help Twist. I thought it was because you felt guilty but you came to help him because you're a good brother. I should treat you as a team member and not as a rival. What I'm trying to say is I'm sorry for being a Jerk and that I'll try and remember you're a team member. Oh and if you want to win you can," he stops. I knew I should have said something, but I was too shocked to. We continued on sometime later Otto put his link on and began asking Sam questions like how far they were behind us, what place they were in, and how long was this part of the race. I tuned out I couldn't hear Sam anyway. I didn't have my link in. I lost myself in thought. I thought about Reggie. The way she smiled, the way she wore those butterfly hair clips when she thought she was meeting Twister. I thought about how much I liked her, and then I thought about how much, Twister liked her. He really did like her, maybe even more then me. No he did like her more. She liked him more and I think that would never change. I liked her so much but I knew she was one thing I could never have. Did I want her? Well sort of, but maybe I just wanted her friendship and not as a girlfriend. That was better then nothing, actually, it was something. This was something bigger then I had seen before this time my goal was simple, but worth getting. Wait would she accept me as her friend, I've been their rival for so long. Well I had to try. Tonight I would talk to her if I didn't get her friendship in New Zealand I'd never get it.
"Lars," Otto says, "Is that land?" I look to where he's point and nod, "put your link on now, ok."
"Sure," I put it on.
"Reggie he hasn't taken a bite since we got here and Twister said he started this nine days before we got here," Sam says I knew they were talking about me.
"I'm sure he's ok," Reggie says.
"I don't know Reg, he doesn't look right," Sam said Otto looked over at me.
"Guys can it," Otto said, "We can hear you."
"We!" Sam said gulping so loud, I could hear him over the link.
"Sam, talk later, paddle now," Reggie said, "Jeff's trying to pass us."
With in the hour Otto and I reached the beach we pulled the kayak up and headed over to the mountain bikes. Otto and I slipped out of the body suits and put on helmets. I stuck my hat in my uniform pocket as Otto took the lead on me. I glance quickly to the ocean. I could see the shine of the other boats on the water.
"Lars, are you coming? Otto asked though the link that snapped me out of it. I got up on the bike and rode. It was shorter then, I thought. Maybe it's because I don't remember much of it. I causally came in second. The camp seemed to be set up and the crowd cheered before going back to watch the other people still racing.
"That was so awesome; you guys went so fast," Twister said, I was glad he wasn't scared anymore, "Any words for the Twister cam?"
"Eat my dust," Otto said.
"Otto I was talking to Lars," Twister explained.
"No its cool Twist, I'm not a camera person," I said removing my helmet. "I'm going to clean up."
"What about the other racers?" Twister yelled as I walked away. I wanted to see the racers but this was the only time I had to myself. I quickly cleaned up and went back to the finish line no one had arrived yet. Otto and Twister waited by the finish line. I hadn't put my hat on my hair was still wet if I put it on my hair would never dry.
"You look strange without a hat," Otto laughed.
"You'd look strange with a fist in your face," I said that stopped Otto's laughter that's the first time I had threatened to womp someone since that day in the hospital.
"Never, mess with a Rodriguez's hat bro," Twister commented. As he pulled his hat further down.
"Hey here they come," Otto jumped up. As a few bikers pull into view.
"Reggie's in the lead," Twister said.
"I know and Sam's not far behind," Otto said he still had his link on so he yelled, "Way to go Rocket Girl you too Squid."
Soon after that, Reggie and some other bikers crossed the line, "So wiped."
"You tired Rocket Girl?" Twister said as she got off her bike.
"Yeah, are you Rocket Boy," Reggie asked.
"Sure am, we got here faster. We used more energy," Otto said.
"Reggie looks worse still," Twister said, Reggie gives Twister a look, and Twister grins innocently.
"Yeah well she had Squid, I had your brother," Otto pointed out.
"I'm not tired," I tell them I wasn't. I think I had been blowing off steam about Jeff in the water.
"How can't you be tired," Sam said as he pulled up patting. "You didn't eat, you went to bed later then us, and you paddled harder then us."
"I'm just not; you figure it out Mr. Science. I'm bigger then you guys plus I've done this before," I said.
"Well whatever we're still first and I have 1 and 1/3 wins," Otto said.
"Nice job Otto," Jeff walked up shooting an evil glance at Twister. Twister backed up.
"Sorry I can't say the same for you," Otto sneered.
"I don't cheat," Jeff said.
"Either do I," Otto exclaimed very angry at being accused of cheating.
"No but you're untried teammate might, they're checking your kayak right now," Jeff sneered back. He glared once more at Twister and then left.
"You didn't cheat did you?" Twister accused me almost looking like I had let him down.
"No," I said.
"Better not have blown this for me Lars," Otto said still mad. Sheesh I was once so close to being a teammate now they're accusing me of cheating what next I'm a shoebbie?
"Otto lay off," Reggie defended me, "Lars has been cool this whole trip don't go accusing him of something just because that jerk Jeff said it."
"You're right Reg, I'm sorry," again he's sorry it made me sick.
"Well we checked everything out amazingly there were 20 pounds extra at the bottom of your kayak if anything he should have been behind everyone," Tau- woe-fu said.
"Weights!" Otto said.
"I didn't," I said quickly.
"Its over you won and the team's first," Sam said, "Let's celebrate with some marshmallows."
"Ok but Otto has to eat his this time," Twister said.
"No guys lets go to that place," Reggie said winking.
"That secret place from last year?" Sam asked winking back.
"Yeah," Otto's eyes gleam, I backed away this was their thing.
"Ok," Twister said, "But you guys should get your eyes checked."
"Come on guys let's go," Reggie said, Otto, Sam, and Reggie head off.
"Come on Lars," Twister said, "You're part of the team now."
"No Twist," I shook my head.
"Yes you are, plus what about the plan?" Twister asked.
"As long as your friends are there," I said as Otto, Sam, and Reggie come running back.
"Come on guys," Sam says, "What are you waiting for?"
"Lars doesn't think he's invited," Twister explained.
"Then he can stay here with these mugs," Otto said whatever that was.
"He's not a mug," Twister argued I assumed it was bad at this point.
"You called him a Shoebbie once it's the same thing," Reggie said.
"Not him, those guys like your cousin," Otto said now I knew mug meant Shoebbie and I nodded.
"Cleo's not here," Twister said stupidity.
"Ok Sheesh I'm coming," I said they all grin, "Just, never do that again." I said putting my hat on.
They lead the way down a path to a kind of cliff place that looked into the ocean it was tight. They sat on this huge rock, Twister sat by Reggie who sat by Sam, and Otto sat next to him. I stood back still not certain if I fit in. Twister motioned for me so I sat by him.
"So...What do we do?" I asked.
"Shhh, Lars," Twister shushed me, pointing to the water. I wasn't sure what they were looking at but I was watching the sunset below the water.
Finally, Otto jumped up, "I have to celebrate, food, music, and Party!"
"There's food at the camp," Sam stood up.
"I'm coming," Twister said Otto helped him up.
"Stay with the guys," Reggie said and he nodded as they left I would have gone too but I didn't want Reggie to be alone, she moved closer to me, "You wrote that letter, huh?"
This threw me, off guard. "What...ooh uh...about that. You and Twister well you're meant for each other. The thing is I'll never like you the way he likes you."
"It was a sweet letter, Lars I'll always keep it," Reggie looks away, "but, my heart belongs with Twister." I nodded, "I would like to be closer to you. You know I like to say that you were my friend."
I wasn't sure what to say. That's what I wanted, I think, "Reggie," she looks towards me, "You are my friend."
"That's good, sometimes the guys are just too much they don't listen but you do," Reggie said. I knew she was talking about this morning with Twister when else had I listened. "I can really rely on you. Plus I know I can trust you."
"Serious?" I asked this was just too much.
"You're a loyal friend Lars, just like before," she remembered, "I watched some of Twister's old videos," well close enough.
"Of course I am," I smile at the compliment and she leans her head on my shoulder.
"I'm glad Twister has you as a brother," Reggie says, "To protect him."
"Twister," I jump up, she stood up quickly too, "Oh Reg I can't leave him alone this long."
"He's with the guys..." She said.
"Those weak kids, Reg Jeff isn't going to be scared of them," I said heading back she caught up to me and walked the whole way back with me.
"There's Otto," Reggie pointed to him once at the camp, "And Sam, Where's Twist?"
"Rocket, where's my brother?" I asked looking uneasily for Jeff.
"He...I don't know," Otto shrugged. I couldn't see Jeff anywhere. I grew angry with Twister for leaving, at Otto for letting him, at Jeff for being here, and at myself for letting Twister out of my sights. Otto backs away I must have been reflecting my feelings, but I didn't care I was ready to womp something. "I think he went back to the tent, right Sam?"
"He was getting music," Sam said. I looked towards the tents, and quickly walked over and inside Reggie, Otto, and Sam followed me.
"Twister!" Otto said. Twister was on the floor hollering in pain.
I scanned the room Jeff wasn't in here, "Stay with Twist, Reg, I have fresh meat to womp," the guys backed away as I walked out before she could protest. I spotted Jeff right away I didn't take him out of my sights as I walked up, "Jeff," I smiled evilly it felt good to do that again, "we have a score to settle.
"No I settled it you beat me and Twister suffered," Jeff laughed, "You should have heard him scream it was almost music."
"Dude only I mess with my brother," I told him and he laughed again.
"Face it, cuz I win you lose get use to it," that was it in seconds I had him pinned to the ground and gasping for breath.
"Stay away from Twister, got it?" He nodded and I slowly let him go.
"Sheesh Lars I was just playing," he said.
"Don't play with him. He's new territory if are you willing to play with fire?" I asked and he shook his head, "You're making the right choice cuz because I've played this game and I never lose." He backed up finally my years of being the most feared name in Ocean Shores had paid off. I walked away, I didn't want to fight. Beside, Twister needed me. I walked back into that huge 7-person tent; Twister was still on the floor. I think he was afraid to let anyone near him.
"Lars, what did you do?" Reggie asked. About Jeff, I'm sure.
"Later Reg," I moved over to Twister, "Twist."
"Don't come near me," Twister snapped trying to back away.
"Twister it's me," I kneeled close to him and he shook with fear just like Jeff did a few minutes ago, "You're brother, I'm sorry he did those things to you." He quivers at the thought, "I wouldn't hurt you. Its ok now," I pulled him close to me, "I'm here." He wrapped his arms around me and I sighed, "You'll be okay." I had never been that close to Twister before not like this but I had to he really was freaking out
"Twister," Otto said coming over Twister clung harder to me, "What happened?'
I wasn't sure if he was asking Twister or me, but Twister shuttered, at the thought, "Not now Rocket."
"Let's let Twister rest," Reggie said coming over to Twister and he grabbed me even tighter I couldn't tell why he knew all these people weren't going to hurt him but it was as if he didn't even know who was who.
"Good idea Reg," Otto said, I quickly lifted Twister into the nearest bed, and then I tried to loosen his grip from me. It was like one of those death grips where you can't get out of because the person's dead but Twister wasn't dead just scared.
"No don't leave me, you can't go stay here. Don't leave me alone you can't go," he said grabbing on tighter although I had thought he couldn't go tighter and he did.
"Twister I'm not going anywhere, just let go," he eases up and lies on the bed. Almost instantly, he was asleep if he hadn't been already just that before he had his eyes open. I took the time to remove his shoes I didn't like it when people slept in shoes. Then I kneeled beside his bed, I even took his hand in between mine that way he knew I was still there. His friends sat down on the bed next to his other side.
"Okay tell us what happened," Otto orders.
"I let him down, I promised I'd protect him and now, now, Twist," I explained.
"We need more details," Sam said. I kept my glance on Twister as I explained the last day to them. I couldn't look at them I felt like I had let them down too.
"Jeff did that to his Cousin!" Reggie said.
"He saw Twister as a pawn in our game, the little dork, damn it this is all my fault," I said.
"Reg I'm still hungry," Sam said I think he was just uncomfortable with Twister next to him in who knows what kinda of pain, "Lets get something to eat."
"Yeah ok, you coming Lars?" Reggie asked.
"No," they all left. Poor Twister, I thought, looking away from him. I prayed that he'd be ok, I prayed that he wouldn't blame me, although, it was my fault. This whole thing was my fault. If I had just kept Pi in check or if I had got that nurse to help Twist, if I had never let him come with us, if I had refused to come, if I had never let my personal feelings with Jeff get in the way, if I had just listened to Twist this morning, if I hadn't let him leave that rock, if I hadn't broken my promise. I had to be the worse brother ever, I swore, I'd never break a promise to Twister again. I was in the middle of this pray when Twister started to stir; I looked up and realized that he was dreaming a nightmare he had to relive this horrible day.
"No, stop, stop, Lars!" He cried in his sleep. I touched his forehead and he seemed to calm down. Soon Reggie walked in, sat by the other side of him, and took his other hand.
"I'm sure he'll be ok," Reggie assured but not me I knew Twister would be ok it was if I'd be ok. "It wasn't your fault, you tried your best."
"My best wasn't good enough," I said looking at Twist, "He's my little brother I never wanted anything bad to happen to him."
"Neither do I," Reggie said kissing his hand.
"I let him down, he needed me," I said and he began to move around again, like he was having another nightmare he was sweating in fear. Reggie touched his check with two of her fingers he settled down at her touch. Who knew if he could tell the difference between Reggie and I? Soon after Otto took Reggie place, he didn't say anything he didn't touch Twister. I think he was afraid of Twister. I think he believed it was my fault. I think he thought I would lash out at him if he said anything. It didn't matter. I continued to pray that Twister wouldn't hate me. Sam came in later and stood at the end of Twister's cot Otto stayed where he was until it got late and they all went to bed. I didn't move Twister wanted me to stay.
