Chapter 20: The More Things Change

The stand-off in the hospital parking lot was tense. One would think that simply deciding who would drive home with who wouldn't result in a war. But if one thought that, one would be wrong.

Even in the dark, Lil could see the icy blue of Tom's eyes as he glared at his cousin. "I don't know," he said, drawing out the words slowly in a drawl filled with suspicion. "I think Chuck shouldn't be left alone at his apartment after a head injury."

Angelica rolled her eyes. "He's a big boy, and the doctors gave him a clean bill of health. He'll be fine, Tommy."

Tom's eyes moved over to Chuck and, if possible, narrowed even further. Chuck seemed to flinch a little but offered up a game smile. "It's okay, Tom. Really," he said.

"Then it's settled," said Lil, beginning to get a little annoyed. "Chuck drives back with Susie and Angie. Dil and Kim will swing by campus to drop off me, Tom, and Phil. And everyone lives happily ever after. The end."

Phil cleared his throat and got a shifty-eyed look that Lil didn't like in the least. Before he'd even said a word, his sister knew exactly what was coming. And no telepathic twin bond was necessary in the least.

"Actually, I was thinking I'd just ride back with Susie." Phil shrugged while shooting Lil an apologetic grin. "Since she was, uh, nice enough to drive me here and all."

Sometimes Lil hated being right all the damn time.

Ignoring Phil, she walked over to Chuck and gave him a hug, standing on tiptoe to place a light kiss on his cheek. "Call if you need anything?"

He nodded. "Of course."

Next Lil stopped over by Susie, leaning in close to whisper, "Don't even think of hurting him."

To Susie's credit, she didn't even flinch. "Wouldn't dream of it," she replied, also in sotto voice. "I know you'd totally put a twin curse on me or something."

Despite herself, Lil grinned a little, remembering how much she'd always liked Susie Carmichael. Maybe the whole Phil and Susie thing wouldn't be all too bad. Then she turned to the elder Pickles brother. "C'mon, Tom. Let's blow this popsicle stand. It's late, and I'm tired." Over her shoulder she called out, "G'night, Philly."

Kim gave Chuck a hug and kiss as well, while Dil stuck with a manly handshake, then together the quartet headed in the direction of Chaz Finster's van. Dil and Kim walked a few steps behind, and Tom occasionally glanced back at them over his shoulder. Finally he leaned over to Lil, and his warm breath sent a shiver through her. "I don't like my brother dating either," he whispered in her ear.

She too glanced back at the couple behind them, holding hands and laughing quietly, and she nodded. Tom understood her, and she understood Tom. At least some things never changed. She whispered back, "I wonder what Chuck thinks."

Before Tom could reply, they'd reached the van. While Kim fished in her purse for the van keys, Dil leaned against the van's side and grinned. "You just know Phil's staying over at Susie's tonight," he said cheerfully.

Lil made a face, and Tom glared. "No way," Tom shot back. "Susie's got a roommate, remember? And not just any roommate. No way would Angie let Phil—" He trailed off suddenly. His brow furrowed, and he looked over worriedly at Susie's car, where the other four were piling in.

Lil couldn't figure out just what the furrow was about, but she was pretty sure it couldn't mean anything good. But then a smile came to her lips as she realized that if Dil, against all odds, was in fact correct in his prediction … that meant that Tom would have the room to himself tonight.

While Kim slid into the driver's seat, Tom got into the back of the van. Lil followed, given a helping hand by Dil, and just before ducking her head inside, Lil gave the younger Pickles brother a wink. She was rewarded when Dil's grin turning immediately into a look of confusion, one that was not entirely unlike Tom's.