Not So Romeo

9

Shawn

Sleep didn't come easily for me last night. I was so aware of Tatum's small body against mine that it was completely unnerving. At the same time it was quite comfortable but I just couldn't find sleep.

The events of the night replayed in my mind and seeing Tatum look so broken literally broke my heart. Her hazel eyes lost their shine and she just quietly sobbed for hours. Even though she couldn't help but cry, she was still incredibly strong. She stood up to her father to save her brother and friend's lives.

I can tell that after last night, things will definitely be different. Tatum is still asleep, a frown etched onto her face. I could tell she wasn't sleeping very well last night because she was whimpering a lot. I wish I could take all this sadness and fear away. I would bear it all of I had too. It scares me how much I care about her. We've only been friends a week, and I already feel like I would do anything to make her happy and feel loved.

Tatum stirs and wraps her arms around me. She slowly opens her eyes, a lazy smile on her face. "Hi."

I chuckle, "morning, cutie." she blushes and buries her face in my chest. I wrap my arms around her tiny body and pull her on top of me. Through this all, she keeps hiding her face on my chest.

After a couple minutes of just sitting there, she finally looks up at me. "What time is it?"

I check my phone, "9:37" her eyes widen and she tries to jump of of me but I hold her still. "Where's the fire?" I joke, "Tatum, we're staying in today."

She visibly relaxes, "okay. I really didn't want to go."

I give her a small smile, "I know." My phone pings, signaling that I have a new message. I check it then smile at Tatum again, "let's go downstairs and get something to eat."

She just nods and gets out of bed. I take her hand and lead her downstairs to the kitchen. Eric, the cook, smiles kindly at us when we walk in.

"Good morning kids. What can I make for you this morning?"

"Can I have a cheeseburger?" Tatum asks. Eric and I just raise our eyebrows but he nods then turns to me.

"I'll just take some pancakes."

He nods, "alright, a burger and a stack of hotcakes coming right up."

We both say thanks and I realize I haven't introduced them yet. "So Eric, this is Tatum Mackenzie. Tatum this is my chef and good friend Eric."

Eric smiles and Tatum returns it. "A Mackenzie, eh? Never thought I'd see the day the family members got along."

"Honestly I thought the same thing when we started hanging out." Tatum laughs.

As we're eating, the doorbell chimes through the house and I hear the pattering of footsteps going towards the front door. I assume it's one of my family's maids. Either Antoinette or Maria let's our guests in.

I smile as Tatum looks at me, a confused look on her face. Suddenly her eyes light up and she drops her half eaten burger on her plate. She jumps from her seat, "Tyler!" she tackles her brother in a hug.

He chuckles along with Grayson and I. "How you feeling?" I question.

"Eh, I've been better." He takes a seat next to me, Tatum still clinging to him. Grayson steals Tatum's spot and starts eating the remains of the burger.

She groans loudly, "Graayysoonnn!" he just smirks and continues eating. After he finishes it, he takes the rest of my pancakes.

After a few minutes of talking about random stuff, Tyler sighs, a serious look in his eyes. "So the parentals were released after a couple hours of being locked up." wow, I guess money really is power. "Their assistant informed me that they are off to Dubai for a year. They don't want this getting out, they said they'll cut off our supply of money and we'll be in a lot more trouble when they get back. I hate that they're getting away with this."

"You're almost 18, what can they really do?" I question.

"Not much to me, but I'm really worried about my baby sister." ahh, I get it. I think we all are.

Tatum just rolls her eyes, "I'm not a baby. And besides, we have money saved up so we could get a house or something. I'm not worried."

"You're only 16 though, Tatum." Grayson chimes in.

"I know. I'm old enough to get emancipated so I think we can work something out." she smiles and walks out of the dining room. The guys and I follow her up the stairs and to my room.

I sit beside Tatum on by bed and Tyler and Grayson sit on the small leather couch across from it. "Who the hell have you been texting all morning?" Tatum asks as I reply to another text I've just received.

I chuckle at her outburst. "Just my cousin, Carter. He's coming into town in a few weeks." her face softens a bit. "Why? Are you jealous?" I tease.

She scoffs. "Me jealous? Because of you? In your dreams, Andrews."

The guys and I start to laugh. "She was so jealous." Tyler declares when he sobers up.

"was not!" Tatum whines.

"Whatever you say, Tatum." Grayson replies, trying not to laugh again.

Tatum pouts like a little kid, "you guys are mean."

"Awe, come here." I open up my arms and she wastes no time in cuddling up to me. "You can't be mad at them for saying how it is."

"Shawn!" She hits my chest then turns away from me another pout on her face. Us three guys laugh and I pull her back into me. Her body is stiff for a few moments until she relaxes into me.

"I hate you." she mumbles.

I kiss the top of her head, "I highly doubt that, Tatum."

Suddenly she looks back at me with a smirk. "Did you know Tyler is a virgin?"

I chuckle, "I had a feeling he's all talk."

"I'm right here guys." Tyler's voice monotone.

"Exactly why we're talking about you." Tatum replies in a duh tone. She turns back to me. "So anyways, he's only ever kissed like five girls as well. Its crazy how conservative my player brother is."

"Like I said, I had a feeling he was all talk."

"You two are honestly perfect for each other. You should just date already." Grayson chimes, not looking up from his phone he's been occupied with.

Tatum and I look at each other and start laughing. "Us?" I motion between me and the giggling girl.

"Never gonna happen." Tatum gasps for air.

"Why not?" he questions. "Everyone including the both of you said you'd never be friends and now look at you two. You're practically inseparable and it's only been like a week."

He's got a point, and although I'm completely infatuated with this girl, I just can't see Tatum and I together. Not yet at least. "that's different." Tatum sighs. "besides, I'm not his type." this causes all of us to look at her, brows raised.

"what makes you think that?" I inquire.

Before she can respond Grayson adds with a smirk, "And why do you sound so sad? I thought you didn't like him." this causes Tyler and I to smirk as well. She blushes and glares at Grayson.

"I um..." she trails off.

"Me thinks my little sister's got a crush." Tyler teases.

"I do not!" she exclaims.

I whisper in her ear, "Don't worry, love. I like you too." And with that she blushes even harder and bursts into a fit of giggles.