MUSICAL SIREN

When I swing open the door the twins are already arguing. Lyla who is goddess on the bass and Jade who brings people to life with her keyboard skills both babbling on about who is more of an asset to the band. I have no clue what's bigger their Afros or their egos. Derek is leaning against the wall with an amused smirk that doesn't reach his eyes. Lyla turns to me and says, "T! Jade thinks that she is the most talented like, it takes talent to press a bunch of buttons!" Jade gasps and begins to go on about who has won the most awards. "Guys." I say calmly but, it's like trying to shoot a water gun at a forest fire. "Guys!" I yell and the both drop their mouths in shock. "George says we can use the studio!" They both scream and jump up and down, Lyla says, "Finally! Somewhere we can record my talents." Jade shoves her and says, "Our talents bitch." Derek finally steps forward chuckling and wraps both arms around them saying, "Alright ladies you're both amazing. Now can we please get inside, it's pouring out here." Then he turns to me an says, "You look amazing."

I step aside and gesture for them to come in. They all step inside and Jade says, "You have like, the nicest house. Ill never get over it, I wish I was you." Lyla gives her shove and starts counting with her fingers and says, "Twin are you forgetting that her dad is P- to the psycho, her mom is dead and shes like, bullied 24/7."Unknowingly taking stabs at my heart. Jade sighs and says, "Yeah but she's rich and gorgeous plus she's totally a musical siren." Derek puts his hands up silencing them. "Guys." They both turn to look at me and in unison whisper, "Sorry T." I smile and say, "Its cool." I turn to George and ask, "Three pizzas and Two 2 liters please?" He nods his head. Derek slaps his hand and rubs them together in excitement and says," Lets go set up." I gesture in the direction of the studio in the backyard, "Ill meet you guys out there."

George comes around the corner and says, "I couldn't help but, notice your friend Derek can't keep his eyes off of you." I sigh and say, "Well this isn't for Derek, its for Cole." The bell rings for a second time and suddenly there are butterflies in my stomach. "Speak of the devil." I say nervously. I brush my hair behind my ears and straighten the bottom of my dress. "Stop flitting about, you look ravishing." George says to me as he carries his teacup back to the kitchen. I take a deep breath as I approach the front door. When I open the door Cole's leaning again the wall with his eye shut, as if he's in deep thought. "Cole?" When he opens his eyes, he looks me up and down and smiles. "Wow." I smirk , "You don't look too bad yourself." We sit and silence and just stare at each other. What am I doing? I clear my throat and sheepishly ask, "Wanna come in?" I step to the side allowing him to walk in, as he walks past me I catch the scent of what seems to be mint and a camp fire.

I shut the door and say, "I ordered pizza, hope that's okay with you." When I turn back to him he's staring at the family portrait on the wall. "Is this you?" he asks pointing at the doe eyed blonde. I nod my head and he says, "I almost didn't recognize you." I smirk, "Most days, I don't even recognize myself." He looks to me and says, "Why the style change?" I nod my head and say, "It wasn't a choice trust me. My mom and I got in a car accident, she died and it was as if all the light in me died with her. " Cole grabs my hand and says, "She was beautiful." I smile and nod my head. In moments like this, I can't help but, think it should've been me. She should still be alive making this world a brighter place. My dad would still be the kind loving man, I once thought he was. "Don't do that." Cole snaps me out of my daydream. "Do what?" I ask. He looks at me sadly and says, "You're here for a reason Twisted. Your mom would want you here. You wouldn't be alive if someone didn't see all the beauty in you." I scoff, "Like god? If he were real, the accident would never have happened and knowing my luck, I'd be in hell." He sighs and says, "I wouldn't be so sure."

"What's he doing here?" Cole and I jump apart. I turn to look at Derek and before I can answer Cole says, "Checking out my girls mad vocal skills of course." Derek snaps at him and says, "She's not your girl." Cole sighs and says, "She's not yours either.That's up To Twisted." They both turn to me and I say, "I'm not anyone's. I'm not something to be possessed, I'm someone to be cherished." Cole chuckles and turns back to Derek saying, "We all know that's something you've never done." Derek charges forward and shoves Cole against the wall. "You don't know shit about me." Cole swings at Derek landing a devastating blow that causes Derek to hit the ground. "Stop!" I yell desperately. Cole leans over Derek and says, "I know you and I know that you need to stay away from her before someone gets hurt." I shove past Cole and grab Derek's arm, helping him to his feet. "Are you okay?" He looks at me, "Can we talk?" he whispers.

"Yo what taking you guys so long?" Lyla bursts in. "We've been waiting for like, thirty minutes." Jade butts in. They both come to a stop when they see Cole, "T, who's the beef cake?" I smirk and say, "Guys, this is Cole my-" Cole interrupts "Boyfriend." I snap my head towards him but, before I can get a word out the girls scream in unison. Both of them go to him, each grabbing him by his arms. " Wow, total man candy I think." Jade says, "I second that Twin." Lyla says in a sing-song voice. Cole chuckles and asks, "Have you two heard of personal space?" They giggle and say, "We don't mind." I nod my head and smile. I turn to look at Derek and he's glaring at me. "So what do ya lift big boy?" Jade asks. I roll my eyes and walk to them, removing there hands from him. "Okay you two, Let the man be." Lyla gasps, "Wow, so greedy. We just wanted to talk since you never even mentioned him before." I throw my hand up, "We just met today!" Jade scoffs, "And he's already your boyfriend? you waste no time girl." Lyla sighs and says, "Of course she doesn't Twin, T doesn't wanna lose the only guy that been into her in like, forever." I slap my forehead and mumble an apology to Cole who just chuckles in amusement.

"Okay we gotta rehearse so you guys go ahead, We'll be there in a sec. " They both give each other a look. God only knows what they're thinking. "Goooo."I say while waiving them toward the back door. The girls and Derek leave hesitantly and when we're finally alone I slap Cole's arm. "Ow!what was that for?" I huff, "What the hell was that? Why did you tell them we're dating? As much as I love them the whole school will be buzzing with the news tomorrow Cole. I already have enough heat on me for just existing." He smiles, "I know I didn't ask and I know we've only know each other for a short time but, I really like you Twisted. We did go on a date, you had fun." I scoff at him, "That doesn't mean I want to be your girlfriend!" He smirks, "Well your kiss would say differently." I can help but, smirk. "I don't know what you mean." He Gently grabs my chin, pulling my face to his, "You need a reminder?" and his lips are on mine. His kiss is intoxicating, I melt into it,my body taking control. I run my fingers through his raven hair and get lost in how easy this feels. Not just kissing him but, being around him in general. I don't know what it is but, everything I do,no longer seems wrong, I can be myself around him and I don't have to question if he thinks I'm a freak. I never knew that there could be someone who makes me want to be me.

When we break the kiss he smiles at me, "You taste as good as you look." I laugh and give him shove , "Thanks weirdo." He smiles, "So you still mad at me?" I roll my eyes and say, "You're forgiven but, before you make anymore decisions when it comes to you and I, I need to know in advance." I grab his hand and lead him out back as he says, "So does that mean that you're cool with being my girl?" I look at him, his eyes telling me to take the leap. "Sure." He chuckles, "Sure? How romantic." I laugh, "Catch a tiger, you get the claws."