But even if Ike was feeling the tiniest bit guilty about hurting Tay, he figured that Destiny was worth it, and she obviously felt the same way about him, so he didn’t let it spoil his fun.
The next day flew by, with Ike and Tay only speaking when absolutely necessary, in an effort to make it all seem ok for the rest of the family’s sake.
Ike knocked loudly on Tay’s door.
The whole way the party, Tay watched as Destiny and Ike talked and laughed and carried on like old pals.
Ike mentally groaned as his father went through the whole “behave yourself yada yada yada” spiel and wished to god he would hurry up and leave before anyone came out of the party and saw Isaac Hanson getting a lecture from his father.
It was working.
‘Destiny, you wanna go get a drink?’
But it didn’t take long for Tay to realize they were gone.
‘Wanna get away from here?’ Ike asked, a little nervously.
Tay felt like crying.
Ike and Destiny found a large weeping willow in the far back corner of the yard, it’s branches touching the ground and forming a curtain, hiding them from the rest of the party goers, and it seemed, the world.
The night for Tay however went by in a blur, mostly sitting by himself in the corner, he didn’t remember much.
And even though Tay was not speaking to him, he hadn’t lapsed back into his funk and was still acting normal towards everyone else, so that was a small relief.
And he didn’t even hold it against Destiny.
Only Ike.
In fact, Tay seemed to be acting if not extra nice and buddy-buddy with Destiny.
A good plan.
A plan that would see Ike come undone, and see Destiny become his.
Ok, so he had half a plan....or not even that.
He had an idea, a notion.
Actually, all he knew was that he had to do something to get Destiny back.
And quick.
Ike, in his own world, the sun shining almost as brightly as the smile permanently fixed on his face.
And Tay in his own world, of shadow.
‘Taylor? We’re leaving, for the party, are you ready?’
Taylor didn’t answer his brother, merely grabbed his jacket and strode out into the hall.
Was he ready? Ha!
He’d been ready for this his whole life.
The way he and Destiny should be getting along.
Seeing as they were the old pals.
But Tay knew he wasn’t going to let this get him down.
Ever since he had seen his angel that concert, then ever since he found out Destiny was his angel, he had known that the two of them were meant to be.
Even if she didn’t quite see it yet.
Even if Ike was in the way at the moment.
For it wouldn’t be long before he wasn’t.
He just wanted to get into that damn party, and then leave again, alone, with Destiny.
Leaving his brother Tay somewhere behind in the crowd.
Ike knew that there was at least one thing working in his advantage tonight.
Even though every other day of his existence he rued the fact that Taylor was the most popular of him and his brothers, today it was a blessing.
It wouldn’t be long before Tay was swamped by teenies in love with him, totally indisposed, leaving Ike the perfect opportunity to sneak off with Destiny.
The only problem was the fact that Tay seemed to be permanently attached to Destiny or something.
He would not leave her side and even when they entered the party, he was right there, all the time.
Ike was boiling.
Brilliantly.
Destiny was paying more attention to him and Ike was steaming mad.
Tay could see the anger rising in his eyes.
And he could not help but smirk in Ike’s direction.
It wouldn’t be long Ikey.
Not long at all.
Before Destiny was Tay’s, this time for good.
Ike discreetly nudged Destiny as he asked his “innocent” question.
All night he had been waiting for the chance to drag her away from Tay.
Tay, who had been monopolizing her company all night.
Tay, who had been all over her all night.
Like some pathetic, lovesick schoolboy.
Which of course, was exactly what he was.
And Ike was not impressed.
Especially at the way Destiny had not exactly been pushing him away.
But a wave of relief washed over Ike as Destiny agreed enthusiastically to his request, a similar look of relief in her eyes.
Quickly, Ike grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the room, while Tay was talking to a busty redheaded girl and momentarily not glued to Destiny.
His heart dropped to his feet.
They had entered the kitchen to grab a drink and Ike had been mighty pleased when Destiny expressed her relief at leaving Tay for a few minutes.
He liked the way she had said that he was a “a little more than just overbearing tonight” and the way she’d stressed the “little more than” part.
Destiny’s eyes lit up and she nodded.
Ike’s heart melted as she wrapped an arm around his waist and the two of them wandered outside together to find a nice quiet place under the trees.
After everything had been going so well.
She had still left with Ike.
He had never felt so low.
His best friend forever had come back, easing his long felt pain, only to bring it back double-fold by rejecting him for his own brother.
It was devastating, and not to mention totally humiliating.
His angel, with his brother.
He could not picture it.
It was too unfair.
Groaning, and almost to tears, he slumped down against the wall to sit the night out.
Alone.
Ike knew he would never forget that night, sitting with his one and only true love, staring up at the stars.
It was perfect.
The only problem was that the night went by too fast.
Except that at one stage a young guy had bumbled over to him and asked if he’d drunk to much and was going to puke, because if he did, he should do it outside and not on his mom’s carpet.
Tay guessed it must be the kid’s house that he was in.
Of course he didn’t puke, he just sat staring out into the crowd of faces, all happy and smiling.
He himself could not smile though.
And he felt as though he may never smile again.
He could not even manage a smile for the cute blonde who came up and introduced herself, asking him what was wrong.
‘Hey. Not feeling well?’
Tay merely shrugged his shoulders.
‘Nah me neither. Had too much to drink?’
‘Don’t drink.’ Tay mumbled.
‘Oh. Ok. You don’t drink, so....let me guess, girl problems?’
Tay didn’t respond.
‘Uh hah! I see. Well, guess what? We’re in the same boat, you and me. Only I did drink, a little, and it’s worn off now anyways. Oh, and that I am having boy problems of course, not girl problems!’ she laughed.
Tay turned to her; she had a nice laugh.
‘Sorry, I tend to blabber a little. Anyway, I’m Peta. And you’re Taylor Hanson. I know, I’m a huge fan. But I guess you could care less hey?’ she shrugged, turning away, obviously discouraged by Tay’s distant demeanor.
But Tay kinda liked this girl, and didn’t want her to leave yet.
‘Pleased to meet you. And yeah, I am having girl problems.’
Peta’s smile returned and she turned back to face him.
‘Sucks hey? Parties always seem to do that to me, get me depressed and all. Never seems to turn out the way I’d planned.’
‘I know how you feel. Wanna talk?’
‘Why not?’
Tay felt himself cheer a little as he opened his heart to his new friend, and she to him.
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