Chapter 23

After Sarah and I finished washing the dishes, it was time to go to bed. I got upstairs and put on my pyjamas and got ready for bed. I was now taking up my book to do my nightly reading, when I heard a clink on my window. Putting down the book again, I walked over to the window and draw the curtains open. I looked out to see Tyler at his window grinning like a Cheshire cat. I scowled at him. "Why are you always doing that?" He continued to smile. "Because it's fun." As he said that he climbed up on his window sill and sat down. His feet dangling over the edge. I swear this boy was crazy. I don't understand how he could do that. Wasn't he afraid he would fall? Realizing that Tyler was just sitting there, not saying anything, I brought my focus to him and crossed my arms. "Is there something that you want?" A sheepish grin came on his face. "I want to apologize about the other day." He said finally. "You were right." He added in a quiet voice. I looked at him disbelievingly. "Is Tyler King admitting to being wrong?" I teased. He crossed his arms and sent a glare my way. "Couldn't you have let me apologized without saying anything?" He asked. "Nope," I replied. "Where is the fun in that?" I laughed out loud as I mimicked his earlier words. I then began to pull away from the window. "Good night, Tyler." "Wait!" I came back to the window when I heard Tyler's voice. "I was hoping we would continue with our fake dating." I sighed and rest my hands on the window sill. "Is this really a good idea?" "Of course it is. I came up with it." Tyler answered. I rolled my eyes. "Do you always have to be full of yourself?" He just smirked at me, then ask. "So, what do you say?" I thought about it for a while. "Okay fine, but no more making out or flirting with girls in public. If you must, do it in private." Tyler nodded his head. "Deal. Same thing goes for you too." I rolled my eyes once again. As if I'll be making out with boys. "Deal." I replied nonetheless. Tyler jumped off his window and grinned at me mischievously. "Good. My mom is having family over tomorrow and invited you." "What?!" I exclaimed. Tyler continued to grin as he entered his room. "Tyler King, you get back here right now!" I whisper-yelled. "Be here at seven!" He shouted over his shoulder. "I hate you so much right now!" I said. I only heard his laughter from inside his room. Letting out an annoyed huff, I moved away from my window and closed it shut. That boy was so infuriating. He didn't asked if I wanted to go. I know for sure that it's going to be so difficult to pretend to be Tyler's girlfriend in front of his whole family. This is going to be so awkward. Pushing that thought at the back of my mind, I got in my bed again. I didn't bother taking up my book that I was going to read. I just went straight to bed and fell asleep instantly. I still can't believe I'm going to Tyler's family dinner. I hate family dinners. I don't even like attending my own family's dinner and yet here I am. He's going to owe me big time for this. I took a deep sigh to mentally and physically prepare for this night and take a look in my full length mirror. I look simple which was what I was going for. I was in a simple casual light purple dress that I got for Christmas and my brown sandals. My hair was caught in a messy ponytail. I put my phone into my small shoulder bag and went downstairs. My father and Sarah were laughing in the living room when I went down the stairs. I couldn't help the smile that took over my face when I saw then together. I was so glad that my father was happy again. I couldn't ask for anything more. "I'm leaving now." I announced, drawing their attention. Dad looked up at me. "Okay sweetheart. Have a good time." He said. "And please say hello to Rachel for me." Sarah added. "Okay, thanks. I will." I waved at both of them and head to the front door. Once I was on the front porch, I took a look over at Tyler's house. I heaved a heavy sigh. The backyard was already buzzing with people and all the lights were on inside and outside the house. I had no idea it would be so many people. I started to feel nervous. I checked my watch and saw that it was ten minutes to seven. I took another sigh, but this time it was to calm my nerves. You can do this, Emily, I thought to myself. Just go over there, be yourself and before you know it, this will all be over. With gained confidence, I stepped from my front porch and walked over to Tyler's house. I knocked on the front door and Tyler answered. A mischievous grin crossed his face. "Good, you made it." "Yeah, yeah, yeah." I said as I stepped inside the living room. "You're lucky I turned up." "Oh come on. This is not going to be bad." He replied. "Not for you, but this is going to be torture for me." I countered. Tyler just laughed at me and stretched out his hands for me to take. I looked at the outstretched hands for a few seconds, before I sighed and took it. He then led us through the living room, the dining hall and finally through the back door where most of the guests were gathered. Tyler led me in the direction of where is mother stood with three other people. Rachel looked in our direction and smiled when she saw us.