Twenty-Four: Diners & Dudes

First things first, Philadelphia is cold- too cold. Living in the south, snow is rare. Sure, we did get it every once in a while, but not like this. Every second I have been outside, I feel my face hurt and my body shiver, aching for any sort of warmth my body could get.

Tyler told me to bundle up and dress in layers. I listened, of course, but it did not help me in the least bit. I don't know why people would want to live somewhere so cold, but I am working on figuring it out.

Second, everyone here says the word 'water' in the strangest way. Their accents aren't too thick, but something about the way they say that word fascinates me.

In a way, I would describe the accent as a watered down New York accent. I hear it sometimes when Tyler talks. He can sound very aggressive with his words without meaning too. Around here, it's so common to hear the accent and it makes me feel like the odd one out.

Third, I didn't realize that when I agreed to accompany Tyler on this trip that I would be flying in a private plane and staying in a five star hotel. Two things I have never done before in my life.

"Babe, you almost ready?" Tyler calls out to me from the bedroom area.

I check myself over one last time in the mirror, making sure that almost every inch of my skin is covered before I brace the chilly, Philadelphia air once again.

"Coming," I say, flinging the door to the bathroom open to find Tyler sitting in one of the arm chairs waiting for me.

"Finally," he says, standing up from his seated position.

Tyler strolls over to me, reaching his hands up to grab ahold of my face. He presses a kiss to my lips and smiles when he pulls away.

"You are going to be in the car and inside most of the time. Why are you dressed like you're going to Antarctica?" He laughs, pulling my hat down and over my ears.

I swat his hands away and fix my hat and hair.

"You don't understand. It is like a blizzard out there." I tell him.

"Well, considering it isn't even snowing, I don't think it would be classified as a blizzard," he teases.

"I have checked the weather multiple times since we landed. It's going to snow," I inform him.

"We better get going then," he tells me, grabbing my hand to pull me out the door.

I didn't know where Tyler planned on taking me, but he seemed excited.

From what he's told me about our plans, we have Friday together. On Saturday he is going to be busy all day, so I'll be free to do whatever I want. On Sunday he claims to have a surprise for me. Then on Monday we leave around noon.

The second I step out the doors of the hotel and into the parking garage, I feel the cold air hit the skin of my cheeks. I blow out a breath, seeing it in the air. That's how you know it's too cold.

Tyler had rented a car for us to use for the weekend, so I was grateful we were able to avoid using cab services and ubers during our stay. I didn't have anything against them, I just feel that it is easier to have your own car when getting around.

As soon as I get in the car, I turn the heat all the way up, feeling the warm air blow against my skin.

"You're being dramatic," Tyler tells me as he starts to reverse out of the parking spot.

My eyes follow him, watching as he puts his hand on the back of my seat to turn around. Even doing the simplest of tasks Tyler looks so damn attractive.

"Why do you hate me?" I reply to his comment.

"I am far from hating you," he laughs.

The drive from the hotel through downtown was peaceful. It surprised me for how big of a city we were in, there weren't many people out today. I tried to argue with Tyler that it was because of the cold, but he assured me everyone here is used to it.

When we began to venture out of the city, my curiosity grew on where Tyler was taking me. Every time I asked him where we were going he told me it was a surprise, but not a big one.

So, I'm looking forward to a surprise, but not a big one.

"Where are we?" I ask, noticing we are pulling up to a small diner.

"This is my favorite place," he says, putting the car in park.

He doesn't say anything else and doesn't elaborate. Instead, he gets out of the car, me following.

Standing in front of the building, I take in its exterior. With a silver exterior and red neon sign, it definitely gave off the fifties vibe. When we walk inside, the vibe is carried through. The retro black and white tiles cover the floor and booths line the front of the diner, while a long counter is in front of the kitchen. In front of the counter is bar stools, each topped with red leather.

The diner looked like something out of a movie, but I loved it. It had a certain sense of acceptance to it; like it didn't matter who was here.

Tyler directs us over to a booth in the corner, right by the last window. I slide in one side and he slides into the other, the red leather slick enough to let me slide with ease.

"This food better be amazing for a twenty minute drive," I tease.

"It's pretty damn good," he assures me. "This place has a lot of memories."

"Tell me some?" I ask him.

"I came here with my friends after every home football game, win or lose. Me and all my friends would pack this place full back in the day," he recalls. "I had my first date here, back in that booth over there," he tells me, pointing at a booth on the opposite side.

"How did that go?" I ask, a smile playing at my lips.

"I spilt my milkshake on her and she never called me after that. I was fourteen and heartbroken."

I laugh, imagining a younger version of Tyler completely blowing it with a girl he liked.

"My sisters and I came here a lot. Mom and dad worked late a lot of the time, so dinner was always on us," he says, his tone changing from one of delight to a more gloomy one.

Our waitress, dressed in a retro white uniform comes and takes our drink orders, pausing Tyler's talk.

"No fucking way," I hear a guy say from behind me.

I turn around and see two guys walking up to us. Both of them are tall and broad shouldered with an athletic build. One is even paler than me with red hair and freckled skin while the other has caramel skin and tattoos peaking out at his neck.

"You got some explaining to do," the ginger says, a smile on his face as he approaches the two of us.

Tyler stands from his seat and does some kind of handshake to hug move, a grin on his face. He then moves to the other man, doing the exact same shake and hug combo as before.

"Wesley, Deon! What's up?" He asks.

This is probably the most excited I have ever seen Tyler, and I begin to grow excited for him. They're obviously friends. I can tell by how they've greeted each other that they must have known each other for a long time.

"What's up? What's up with you? Haven't heard from you in a long time," Deon says, his voice much deeper than I expected.

"I can see why. He must have been busy," Wesley says, finally noticing me sitting here.

I smile at him and Tyler introduces me.

"This is Octavia, my girlfriend," he says to the pair.

It's the first time I've ever heard Tyler tell someone that I am his girlfriend. It's weird to hear it, but I like it. I've missed being in a relationship a lot and being with Tyler just makes me happy.

Sure, it also stresses me out and I sometimes have to ask myself if he murdered five people, but he makes me happy.

"Nice to meet, y'all," I say, shaking both of their hands .

I actually hate hand shakes.

"I heard you had moved down south, but I didn't believe it until now," Wesley comments, noticing the hint of a southern drawl in my voice.

"You two should join us," Tyler comments, motioning to our table.

So much for some quality time with just Tyler and I. Though, it didn't really matter. These guys are definitely friends of Tyler and he looks so happy to see them. Plus, I see Tyler all the time and he has to put up with my annoying friends, it would be nice to meet some of his.

Tyler switches seats and sits beside me and Deon takes the seat across from me, letting Wesley sit beside him. Tyler puts his arm over my shoulder and even though it was thoughtless on his part, it made me feel better.

It doesn't take much for Tyler to have an affect on me like that.

Before we could even start a conversation, the waitress is already serving the two drinks, without them even ordering. I'm assuming their regulars, and the fact that I am the only person looking at the menu helps prove that theory.

"Octavia, right?" Deon asks and I nod. "You know you're dating what could have been a professional athlete?"

"Oh c'mon. You know I wasn't that good," Tyler says, the modest man he is showing.

"You're right, but you could have played college ball if you didn't quit senior year. Now you're washed up and fat," Wesley jokes, making the three of them laugh.

I knew damn well that underneath the thick layers of clothes Tyler is wearing that his body is far from fat.

"Couldn't handle the pressure from you two watching me," He says, though I don't think that's the reason.

Did these two not okay football with Tyler? They definitely have the build of a football player, most likely a lineman.

"Did you guys play?" I ask, confused.

"Played and won almost every game. Regional champions all four years. School almost had a ten year streak for it, until Tyler messed it up his junior year," Deon answers.

I guess they're a little older than Tyler then. Probably were seniors when he was a sophomore.

I know that Tyler's junior year of high school was when everything happened with his family's murder, so that would explain why Tyler 'messed up' the record.

"No, listen babe," Tyler says, turning his attention to me. "Deon and Wesley both were washed up athletes who couldn't let go of their high school days and still showed up to every game and even some practices. I couldn't breathe without them on my ass," He clarifies.

"Oh, bullshit!" Wesley calls out.

"To top it off. Deon was at my house every hour of the day almost every day of the week. I couldn't escape these goons," Tyler explains, his accent thicker than I have ever heard.

"To justify my appearances, Octavia," Deon says, making my attention go to him, "I was there for Allison, not for Tyler."

Allison was his older sister, so that would explain the age difference.

"Nah, he was actually there for Tyler. Allison was just his cover up," Welsey says, making Tyler laugh an Deon glare at him.

"What can I say? Everybody wanted me," Tyler says as he pulls his arm away from me to stretch.

The waitress comes by and takes our dinner orders, not even bothering to ask Deon and Wesley what they wanted. When Wesley makes a sexist comment towards her, she replies with a slap to the head and threatens to spit in his food.

With how they all laughed and the smile on her face, I knew they were regulars. It made me picture Tyler here when he was younger, coming in often with his friends and sisters. I'm sure he loved this place even more then than he does now.

"What is if that you do, Octavia? You look a little young, still in school?" Wesley asks me.

"Oh, no. Taking a break with school before I go for a doctorate. I'm a psychologist," I answer them.

"Well, shit. We know what she's doing with ugly ass Tyler," he replies.

I adored the joking humor between the three of them. It didn't matter what came out of each other's mouths, they all laughed. It reminds me of Evan, us having a similar relationship to these three

"Actually, under the circumstances, I think I turned out pretty normal," Tyler says in a matter-of-fact voice.

I knew the circumstances were his family dying, and to be honest he was right. From what I could tell, Tyler didn't have any post traumatic stress from what had happened. It's odd that he didn't, or maybe he actually did. It's possible he went through therapy when he was younger and learned how to cope the best he can.

"I still miss her," Deon says in a whisper, looking down. "Visit her grave every now and then."

"I haven't been in a while," Tyler confesses. "Not since I left."

"Why'd you leave?" Wesley asks, the conversation taking a turn.

"I needed to get out of here. Too many memories," he says, though I know that's not the full reason. "I guess it was a good idea, cause I met Octavia in the process."

I smile as he puts his arm back around my shoulder, pulling me into him for a side hug.

"Well, as long as there's alcohol at the wedding, send me an invite," Wesley says, the humorous tone being revived again.

"I'll keep that in mind," Tyler replies.

I really hope he does, too.

*

Tyler was right. The food at Happy Days is amazing. That was probably one of the cheesiest and juiciest burgers I have ever had. I don't know if it was that good, or the fact that I hadn't had a burger in months helped contribute to the taste. Either way, I loved it.

Currently, Tyler has us both driving even farther away from downtown Philly. Once again when I asked him where he was taking me he didn't give an answer.

Always a mystery with him.

"Why did you quit?" I ask, referring to his senior year of football.

"Got involved with the wrong people trying to figure out who would want to hurt my family. I barely passed school that year. Even if I didn't quit, I would have been kicked off the team," he answers, eyes following the dark road ahead of him.

The street lights had ended a while ago, leaving us with only the light of the head lights.

"I'm sorry," I say, placing my hand on his shoulder for comfort.

I hear my phone go off and check it quickly. Despite the amount of group messages I am in, I tend to keep my notifications off for them all. Only people who ever message me separately is Haley, Tyler, and Jace. Since Tyler is right beside me, that leaves Haley and Jace.

Noticing it isn't a text, but a Snapchat from Jace, I quickly open it. A picture of him with his newly unpacked partner appears on my screen, making me smile. The caption read 'Completely unpacked. Wished you were here to see it."

I sent him a snap back, the dark lightening of the car barely letting my face be visible. Knowing flash wouldn't be the best option for me right now, I sent it anyways, telling him how I wished he was here to see Philadelphia.

"It's getting late," I say to Tyler, though I'm sure he already knows.

"I know. We're almost there though. Promise," he assures me, eyes still skimming the road.

"Are you taking me somewhere to kill me?" I ask.

"Definitely," he says, the corners of his lips turning upwards.

When we pull up on a cemetery, I began to think that maybe that is what he is doing. It took me a second to even remember the fact that he has a whole family who is most likely buried here. The large 'W' on the entry gate gave that away.

Tyler turns the car off and we sit there fo a few seconds, neither of us saying anything. I could see that being here brought out a new wave of emotions, similar to the night he first told me about all this.

"Come with me?" He begs, grabbing ahold of my hand.

I don't answer him with my voice, choosing to nod instead. Together, we get out of the car and Tyler begins to lead me through the graves.

There aren't a lot of them, something to be expected when you're in a family cemetery.

I wonder if this is where Tyler would want to be buried. Even though we haven't been here a full day yet, I can tell this is home to him. The way I feel about Madison is the same way he feels about here, and I know that no matter where we are in the world he will always be drawn to this city.

Tyler halts his steps, coming up to a joined grave site. When I finally catch up to him, I see the gravestone for his parents. Only fifty-three and fifty when they died, not nearly enough time to live a life.

The only light in the cemetery is a few lamp posts, making the lighting dim. The cold weather contributed to the eeriness of the location, but I didn't feel uncomfortable or scared like I usually do when visiting a cemetery. For some odd reason, I feel at ease.

"It's really sad that you're seeing my parents before I'm seeing yours," Tyler chuckles.

"I'm doing you a favor! My parents can be a bit much," I confess, knowing exactly how they'll be when they meet Tyler.

"Mine would have loved you," he says, face fixated on the headstone in front of us. "God, my sisters would have loved you even more. I could see Em and Allison both fighting over you."

"I'm sure I would have loved them too," I say, grabbing ahold of his hand.

Tyler gives my hand a squeeze and leads me to another two headstones, belonging to each of his sisters. Only fifteen and eighteen when they died. Emily was barely fifteen, only a week after her birthday.

"Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I was home that day. Maybe I could have stopped it. Even if I didn't, at least I wouldn't have to live without them, you know?"

"You can always think about what could have happened. There's always going to be endless possibilities, but you have to keep in mind that it didn't happen that way. You're here Tyler. That happened for a reason," I remind him, grabbing ahold of the ends of his jacket as I stand in front of him.

"Why do you always know what to say when I'm feeling like this?" He asks, letting out a sigh.

"I don't know. It might be the fact I have a degree in it, but that's a wild guess," I joke, making him grin.

"You're something else, Octavia Bradley," he whispers.

"I know that this probably isn't the best location for me to say thing, but I love you, Tyler," I finally confess.

Tyler looks down at me, caught off guard but still happy. His eyes crinkle as that same smile as before appears mouth.

"You love me," he repeats, his hands cupping my cheeks.

"I love you," I say again.

Tyler presses his lips to mine, giving me a quick kiss. When he pulls away, he mutters the words I wanted to hear back to me.

"I love you."