Why Can't I
Chapter 2
Disclaimer: Hey guys, I do not own the cast of Summerland or the story of Summerland. I do, however, own all the fictional characters, the story line and the title of the story, Why Can't I. Please, no stealing. However, I do not own the lyrics or song by Liz Phair called Why Can't I. Also, remember that this is FICTION and I made it up. Thanks!
A/N: Hey guys! Thanks to everyone for reviewing! To answer your question, kaitheholly, lol, I haven't quite gotten to the point as to why she's in Playa Linda. Her parents aren't dead, I...don't believe I said they were. Sorry if you thought that, but thanks for the questions! If anyone has a question, ever, on the story...just ask! :-D. Thanks for all the positive feedback! I appreciate it! Keep it coming!
"T-Taylie?!" He exclaimed with a smile and ran towards her. She smiled with tears in her eyes and stood up as they embraced. She felt a few warm tears run down her cheeks and she pulled him closer to her. "W-What are you doing here?" he asked with enthusiasm that could have made anyone smile. She laughed lightly and wiped a few of her remaining tears and smiled as she got a good look at him. He had changed...a lot.
"We have a lot to talk about, Bradin," Taylie laughed lightly and smiled at him. "God, it is so good to see you again." She smiled and ran a finger over his jaw line. "I missed you, Bradin. I missed you a lot." She smiled and sighed.
"Well, it was nice meeting you, but I have to meet Erika," Jay smiled at them. "Bradin, we have a family dinner tonight, so, make sure you're home." He winked and walked out the door. Bradin smiled back at Taylie and took her hand in his.
"Let's go for a walk on the beach. I'll walk you down to where my Aunt is with Derrick and Nikki," he smiled and Taylie smiled as well. All of her fear and nerves had disappeared instantly when Bradin had hugged her.
"So...how do you like it here, huh? Look at this," Taylie smiled out at the water and looked around the beach. "You have everything here. You have the beach...the water...and you surf now?" Taylie laughed and looked back up into those intense green eyes.
"Yeah, yeah," he nodded and smiled. "I've been surfing for a while now. It's great. I mean, I miss Kansas. I miss mom and dad even more," he sighed and looked down at the pale sand. Taylie looked down as well and intertwined her fingers with his to try and ease the moment a little bit. He smiled back up at her. "I missed you. I missed our late night talks over the phone...I miss the way I used to climb up your gutter and fall into your room at three in the morning." He laughed.
"Oh yeah? Well...I miss the way your mom used to yell at us whenever we would try and cook in her kitchen and we'd burn things and make a complete mess," Taylie laughed and threw her head back a little in hysteria. Bradin laughed as well and kicked his feet up in the water a little bit. "Remember that time that she banned us from the kitchen and said that if we ever touched the stove or oven again that she'd ground us." Taylie laughed and they started to swing their hands as they walked.
"Yeah," Bradin laughed. His smile faded and he looked over at Taylie. "What's going on with you, Tay? Are you honestly okay?" He sighed and looked over at Taylie. He knew that Taylie had a hard time with him moving to California. They had grown up together. They had always been best friends and when Bradin left, Taylie was really upset.
"Yeah," Taylie nodded with a smile. "I'm fine." She nodded in reassurance, not only for Bradin but also for herself.
"Taylie?!" She heard someone yell and looked ahead to see nine-year-old Derrick running towards her. Taylie laughed and squatted down to hug Derrick tightly. "Taylie! What are you doing here?" He asked her and pulled away. He was almost as excited as Bradin had been. Taylie giggled. "Aunt Ava! Aunt Ava! This is Taylie!" He exclaimed to a petite brunette/blonde woman. She had a bright smile. Taylie smiled and stood back to her normal height.
"Aunt Ava, this is my best friend, she's from Kansas, Taylie Kipp. Taylie, this is my Aunt, Ava Gregory," Bradin introduced with a smile. Taylie smiled and waved at her.
"Nice to meet you," Taylie smiled and nodded her head.
"You too. What in the world are you doing all the way from Kansas?" She laughed lightly and frowned at Taylie. Taylie sighed and looked over at Bradin, then back at Ava.
"It's a long story," Taylie laughed nervously and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Well then, how about you join us for dinner?" Ava smiled at her. "We have a big family and the more the merrier." She smiled brightly. "So? What do you think?" She smiled.
Taylie sighed and looked back between Bradin and Ava. She smiled and nodded. "Sure! Why not?"