Chapter 3

I hated that Tyler had this effect on me. I slipped my hand out his grasp, and I opened the door to leave. I stood outside pacing around Tyler's porch, I decided to call an Uber to take me home, for I couldn't stand being around Hailee or Tyler anymore. I heard the door open, and it was Derek, he glared at me angrily, his eyes piercing through mine.

"Why do you always have to such a detective all the damn time?" Derek asked.

"I can't help it, being curious is in my blood, and I won't be apologetic for it.

"Sometimes, I wish you could just be normal for once," Derek shook his head and walked away.

I felt tears coming up, and I took a deep breath; Derek didn't mean that did he? I know I've always been different, and I liked being unique, but sometimes it felt like I was cursed. Mysteries help me with that dilemma, reading and solving puzzles always calmed me, and it also sharpened my mind. Without mysteries, I would be nothing.

"Derek, I got an Uber!" I shouted.

"I'll walk," He waved his hand without looking at me and kept walking. I sighed and waited for my ride to come.

/ / /

After a long car ride, I finally arrived at my house. I went inside and let out a long sigh. I was tired, the day was stressful, and Hailee was still on my mind, why was she behaving like a child? I went upstairs and went to my room. I flopped on the bed and took a nap for what felt like an hour. Later, I heard the door open and close, Derek was home. I waited for him to come upstairs so we could talk.

"Can we talk?" I asked.

"About what?" Derek said, annoyed.

"Just tell me what you and Hailee and were talking about, then I'll leave you alone," I said.

"You really don't know when to butt out, do you? He scoffed. "This is my business, not yours. . . so back the hell off."

Derek walked away and slammed his bedroom door shut. I went back to my room and screamed into my pillow. I needed to know what was going on between Hailee and Derek, it was eating up at me, and it felt like this hunger that wouldn't go away. I was going to find out what they were hiding. . . one way or another.

"Looks like Nancy Drew's on the case," I said sarcastically.

///

The next day at school, I was following Derek and Hailee everywhere, I felt like a stalker, but I didn't care. I needed to know what they were hiding. I went to my classes as usual, but then I went, full detective. After what felt like an eternity, I spotted them near the lockers next to the boys' bathroom. I saw them embrace each other before Hailee walked away. Derek was walking towards my direction, and I stopped him.

"Hey, Derek," I said.

"Hey," he said quietly.

He looked at me sadly, and I could see his mouth open, but words wouldn't develop. At last, he finally was able to say,

"I'm sorry Vee, I didn't mean what I said yesterday. You know I love you despite your weirdness."

"I know, and I forgive you." I grin and give him a hug.

He puts his hand on my shoulder and walks away. I hated that I had to spy on my brother, but I couldn't help it, my curiosity always got the best of me. I walked to my next class and waited for another encounter between my friends. Hours go by, and there hasn't been another confrontation among Derek and Hailee, and I was getting antsy. I needed an idea of some sort to figure out was going on, then it hit me, I needed them to be alone with each other, no distractions, just them.

After a few more classes, it was time for dismissal. I went outside and waited for my friends to arrive. Finally, they came.

"You know what would be fun? Let's go to the boardwalk, we could go for a walk, get some cotton candy, it'll be great!" I said.

"I don't know, I'm not really in the mood," Derek answered.

"I'm down, I guess, Hailee, do you want to go?" Tyler asked.

"I guess, besides, I've been craving some junk food," Hailee responded.

"Ok, then I guess, Derek can go ho--,"

"On second thought, I think I will join you guys, I don't want to be a lame-ass," Derek interrupted.

"Oh, ok then, let's go! I smiled.

My plan was working flawlessly, soon I'd figure out what was going on.

Tyler drove us to the boardwalk near our local beach, the sun was setting, and it looked beautiful, the sky was pink with hints of orange, it was majestic. We exited the car, and we walked on the wooden bridge for what felt like an hour. The breeze touched my cheek like a child's kiss. I rested my eyes for a moment, hearing the sounds of the ocean flowing, taking in the smell, letting my brain be tranquil. We talked on and on and finally reached the concession area.

"Finally," Hailee let out an exaggerated sigh and went to the cashier to get her treats. "I'm gonna be here awhile guys, don't wait up," Hailee giggled.

"Are you sure? We can wait." Tyler said.

"I'm sure, go have fun," Hailee reassured.

"I'll stay with her," Derek said.

"Oh, ok," I said.

Derek and Hailee were at the stand while Tyler and I were alone.

"Come on," Tyler said. He extended out his hand for me to grab.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

He turned his head to the beach, he smirked at me, and I blushed.

"I didn't bring a swimsuit," I chuckled nervously.

"We can just walk on the sand," He grinned.

"O-ok," I said hesitantly.

He took my hand, and we proceeded to the beach.