A/N: Shoutout and huge thanks to I am an Oreo for the "favorite" :)

Chapter 28: Severe Illness: Tali and Tyler

When he was first assigned to do volunteer work at the food bank, Tyler didn't want to go. However, he needed to have an extra-curricular activity as part of the holistic approach of Chapman Private School.

He couldn't participate in sports or other competitions that would involve putting his already frail body to more physical stress. He also wasn't into debate or Spanish clubs like his younger sister Abby. The only thing he's really good at is video games. But schools usually don't really have events or clubs catering to that, especially not Chapman.

So that left helping in the food bank. He wasn't exactly assigned to it but seeing all the other options aren't suited for him, he was highly encouraged to choose this instead.

This weekend's activity is in collaboration with other schools and youth volunteers. Since he's a newcomer, he was given the easier task to organize the donations. He looked up from arranging the canned goods to see a group of teens around his age. But his eyes are drawn to one. She looked radiant with her wavy hair catching the light. Her smile so genuine like she actually wants to be there.

He was surprised when one of the head volunteers talked to her and pointed to him. Seeing her walk straight to him made his palms sweaty. She puts her hand out in front of him as she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Natalia Skye La Croix but you can call me Tali. And you are?"

"Tyler Kelton," he said then hesitated before adding "Valentine."

"Hmm, Valentine? Sounds familiar," she said, shaking his hand.

He snorted. "You mean besides the obvious?"

She nodded. "My father may have mentioned -" she started but was interrupted by one of the leaders calling all the volunteers.

While working side by side, Tyler found himself getting to know more about his fellow volunteer. She was visiting her stepmom in New York but she's staying with her grandparents in Canada. She loves animals and even nursed an injured eagle before.

By lunchtime, she told him that she volunteered at food banks since she was young. "What about you?" she asked him and despite his embarrassment, he couldn't lie to her.

"This is actually my first time," he confessed and told her about his sickness. Tali had a concerned look in her eyes and placed her hand on his back.

By the end of the day, they have shared a lot with each other. She was easy to talk to and he kept opening up to her. "Truth be told, there was a time when I didn't want to use my dad's surname."

"Why?"

"I don't know, I just felt distant from him," he shrugged. "He's working all the time, wasn't around much."

"My dad used to be like that. But now, I really want to have him back. My parents are both gone. I miss him and my mom so much," she said, tears flowing from her eyes. Tyler gave her the handkerchief that his mom insisted he must have.

"Thank you," she said, wiping her tears. After she calmed down, she looked at him. "Ty, I know we just met and I don't know much about what happened between you and your dad but..." she sniffed, "at least you still have your dad." He nodded in understanding then gave her a hug.

Late that night, he called up his dad. Tyler could tell from his voice that his dad is happy to receive his call. "Hey Tyler! What's up buddy?"

"Dad, I met a girl."

Notes:

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