It Started with a Kiss by Jennifer Trevino (best mobile ebook reader txt) 📕

            Robert whistled and patted my back in a way to comfort me. “Must be tough, well how about I go with you the next time so that little prick won’t try something?” He suggested and for once I was surprised by his generous offer.

            “Wait a minute…what do you want?” I narrowed my eyes; I knew this was too good to be true. He must want something in return, or he wouldn’t offer something that would waste his time after school.

            “Nothing…at the moment,” he shrugged his broad shoulders and brought a hand up to shove his pitch black bangs to the side. “But I really want to see this punk who thinks he can just so easily touch what is mine,” he explained.

            My cheeks flushed at his words and I felt my heart skip a beat at the possessiveness glinting in his dark eyes.  “I’m not your toy Robert,” I sighed as I shook my head at the silly thought in my head. There is no way Robert looks at me as a girl, if anything I am only his friend because I know his secret.

            “Whatever, the kid just messed with the wrong guy,” Robert grumbled a deep frown on his chiseled face. I rolled my eyes in annoyance and carried on walking along his side to school. For once I wasn’t thinking of any upcoming test or quiz, or about anything related with literature.

            No for once I was thinking about something that was in no relation with school or my parents…Tyler. My lips still remembered the feel of his own as they moved so passionately against mine. Was it all right to think of him like this?

~♥~

Tyler P.O.V.

            “How boring,” I sighed as I crossed my arms over my head and slouched back on the seat. The classroom was bustling with students talking and creating some load of crap that I honestly do not care about. The project that consisted of modeling a virus didn’t appeal to me in the least bit; I would rather be kissing a certain brunette.

            “What’s with that relaxed smile?” My best friend since elementary asked as he finished the model we (he) were creating. Albert was a smart know it all that got the best marks in class but sucked in anything related to sports.

            The first time I met him I thought he was annoying, but certain events brought us together. Maybe I unconsciously became his friend because he reminded me so much of Angela, who also bared the same brown light hair and sparkling hazel eyes.

            “Nothing, can’t a guy feel relaxed once in a while?” I blushed when I remembered Angela situated on my thighs or when I had embraced her. I wonder what she thought of me, it has been years since we have seen each other.

            And now she was even more striking and beautiful, it is true of what they say…women become more pretty as they mature. I furrowed my eyebrows when I realized that she could have a boyfriend already, but then rested assured when I remembered she had said she didn’t.

            “Then there is something wrong with you, because I just saw you change expressions three times,” Albert chuckled to my irritation. “Could it have something to do with Angela?”

            My cheeks became warm once again at the mention of her name; did I have it that bad?

            “That…well it kind of involves her,” I admitted with a flustered face, my arms came forward and I sat straight on my seat. Albert is the only one I entrusted in confining my secrets and love life, and is the only one that knows I have been crushing on my tutor since I was four years old. I know it’s young but to this day I still clearly remember Angela’s sweet smile and caring embraces.

            “That’s to be expected you have liked her for a long time, so did you confess your undying love for her?” He implored pushing his glasses back with the tip of his finger. I glanced away and accidently met the eyes of Tiffany.

            She blushed and looked away as if I hadn’t caught her staring. But it didn’t really matter since I held no interest in her, my mind and heart was dead set on Angela.  There was no way I could gaze at another girl, especially if she was my friend’s twin.

            “No, I didn’t because I felt too nervous,” I replied with a slight shake of the head. “But today when she comes to my house I will make sure to tell her how much I like her,” I declared with determination. It’s true that I was so nervous when she had come and had unexpectedly kissed her because of the moment, but I didn’t convey my feelings.

            “That’s the spirit!” Albert encouraged throwing his fist into the air. “Now if only you put that much effort into school,” he added, which to I smacked him across the head.

            I’ll make sure that I get my feelings across Angela and tell her that I see her more than an older childhood friend and a tutor. 

“What a loser playing with a girl,” a tall boy with thick brown hair announced as he put his hands against Tyler’s chest and pushed him back onto the sandbox. The sand fell over his new shoes and fluttered around him like a wave of water. “Yeah, what a loser,” the other boys around him shouted in unison.

            “But-” his words fell into a sob, his hands forming a fist on the soft sand that filled his palms.

            “What are you going to cry like the little girl you are,” another boy taunted with a smirk, his eyes shining with mischief. “Go on and cry!” The other boys chanted as their beady eyes glared at the helpless Tyler.

            He was frightened by the boys his age and timid at having the courage to face them for a fight. Tears brimmed in his eyes and he found it difficult to see their rude faces. I should have stayed home, he thought to himself.

            “Hey! Stop bullying Tyler or I’ll beat you up!” A high voice demanded as she ran toward him with her fist shaking in the air. Angela gritted her teeth and stood over the boys younger than her; she held her head high and had this determined glint in her.

            “Just try Angela, you are no match for us,” David, the boy with thick brown hair started as he narrowed his gaze with distaste. “An ugly girl like you can’t beat the five of us,” he snickered as he nodded at his group of friends.

            Angela felt a vein throb near her head at the cockiness these boys were exhibiting; these haughty boys are just asking to get beat up. “Don’t call me ugly you kid!” Without hesitation she threw her fist right at his cheekbone and he grunted as he fell back on the grass.

            Tyler watched as Angela fought against the five boys, she was amazing he thought as his heart raced for the wild girl with short hair. David pulled on her hair and she shrieked, he felt his face hardened at the sound. But before he could stand up Angela kicked him in the groin.

            “Just you wait Angela we will get revenge!” He yelled as two of his friend’s helped him from the shoulders and scattered away from the sandbox.

            Angela spit the blood on the grass and cleaned her mouth with the sleeve of her navy shirt, her eyes narrowing at the five figures making their way toward the park exit. “Serves them right those bullies,” she mumbled with anger.

            Tyler wiped away the tears in his eyes and looked up at his hero, even with her short hair pointing at every angle and her clothes disheveled she managed to make his heart accelerate.

            She turned to face him and lent him a hand, “You okay Tyler?”

            He felt his cheeks blush as she smiled warmly at him, and reached for her hand. With a single jerk he stood up and crashed against her chest, she was warm and smelled like strawberry he noticed. “I’m fine, thank you Angie,” he answered with a shy tone.

            “I’m glad,” she muttered as she hugged his small body, her arms wrapped around his shoulders. Tyler felt so happy that he felt a smile form on his face.

~♥~

            I glanced at Tyler who was quietly working out a problem I had chosen from his homework, the sound of a pencil scratching over paper filled the room. It was a surprise to find that the deceiving angel had not mentioned the day before or even attempted to touch me.

            Albeit my heart was nervous right now from the proximity between us but it was reassuring knowing the door was wide open. I’m lucky that I had rejected Robert’s suggestion to come over or who knows what trouble he would cause in the presence of Tyler.

            I huffed in anger at remembering Robert’s attitude this afternoon, he was up to something and it pissed me off how he was so sneaky about it. I don’t even know if I should consider him a friend when he is a complete jerk most of the time.

            “Angela?” Tyler asked.

            “What?” I snapped as I whipped my head to the left to glare at him.

            “Um-well I don’t get this step in the equation,” he stuttered in fear and pointed with the end of his pencil at the question.

            “Oh,” I felt bad that I took my anger on Tyler and tried to smile as I scooted a centimeter close, because I haven’t forgotten what he did to me. “Let me take a look at that,” I grabbed my own pencil and began to explain what to do next.

            “I see…thank you very much Angie,” he gave me a sweet smile and got back to answering the question without difficulty. For a moment I was transfixed but glanced away so he wouldn’t notice the effect that smile had on me.

            Get a hold of yourself Angela he is younger than you, I thought silently in turmoil.

            “Hey Angie,” Tyler muttered bringing my head from the gutter.

            “What is it Tyler?” I looked at him in wonder. Does he have a problem with the equation again?

            “Angie, do you remember when we were younger I was always bullied by the other kids,” Tyler started as he paused over the next question. I nodded and he continued with a peaceful sigh. “I was such a crybaby back then and always depended on you to come and save me, and I’m so embarrassed that I still remember this,” he glanced at me with those clear grey orbs.

            I remember clearly, because he was so adorable and innocent back then.

            “But I always thought you were cool and strong, like a superhero,” Tyler mumbled as his cheeks flamed into a soft red.

            Where is he going with this…?

            “And since I was a kid I have always…toward you-I um have…” his voice faltered and he gulped nervously, his hand trembling over the desk.