A Different Kind of Therapy

chapter four

"well aren't they cute together, what do you think buddy?" a strange voice says I just ignore it thinking I'm dreaming but then the bed started bouncing my eyes flutter open Xander groans pulling me closer to him "Daddy,daddy,daddy" a small boy jumps up and down on the bed he looks exactly like Xander only his hair is a shade of light brown but other than that he's a miniature Xander and behind him was a woman with the same pair of forest green eyes as Xander with long ash blond hair dressed in some shorts and a over sized shirt holding a spatula, what is going on?

Xander releases me from his hold and sit up grabbing the little boy tickling him, a small cute laugh erupts from the little boy's tummy and Xander kisses him no the cheek before setting him down on the ground and getting up pulling me along "good Moring Mea" he says kissing the top of her head " Theresa this is Mea my weird and very loud little sister and this little champ right here is Tylor ,my son" he introduces us and to say I'm shocked is an understatement, I never knew he had a son! "hi Theresa its nice to finally meet you" she says her face glowing with a genuine smile "Call me Tessa, what do you mean by finally meet me?" I question "mother dearest called me last night to tell me that my goofy big brother has someone new in his life and how she cant wait to meet you" she playfully hits Xander with the spatula he rolls his eyes at her taking away her weapon they remind me so much of me and Brandon "Xander you never told me you had a charming sister, you absolutely have to come on the trip can you get packed and ready by tonight?" I insist I never told you because she isn't quite that charming and fortunately for me she cant come she has a big dance and gymnastics thing this week" he says and she ignores him "he's right unfortunately I have a big dance show Friday night and during the week I teach dance class and then Saturday I have a gymnastics competition, but next time ill come I promise" she admits Tylor whispers something to Xander and they take off running down to the hall Mea looks at me her eyes widening in realization and she takes off after them yelling.

in the kitchen Mea swats Xander's hand away from the bacon piled up in a plate whilst Tylor is sneakily picking out the chocolate pieces from the pancakes "if you two boys don't behave I wont ever cook for you guys again" those words make them stop immediately, Tylor looks at his aunt and then at his hand then quickly sticks the piece of cholate in his mouth and sits down on Xander's lap, I smile at them why do I have a feeling this happens regularly, I sit next to Xander at the island as Mea places plates in front of the two boys Xander's plate has pancakes and a stack of bacon and little Tylor's plate has just pancakes. "what would you like Tessa bacon and eggs or pancakes with syrup" I look over at little Tylor as he flashes me a toothy smile holding up a fork with a piece of pancake for me. I take the offering smiling at the little boy,ooh-my that's heavenly no wonder they obeyed her threat on never cooking again "ill have what the little man is having its delicious" she nods with a smile and stacks up a plate of pancakes for me before drowning it in syrup. we chatted through breakfast and decided on taking a picnic later but Mea cant make it she has a date with her boyfriend to which Xander just glared at her annoyed.

After breakfast Xander disappeared along with Tylor down the hall and Mea and I are lounging in living room couches watching Romeo and Juliet "aren't they perfect for each other?" she mentions I honestly don't thinks so, he couldn't have ruined their relationship more I mean he knew their families didn't get along yet he still chose to put her through the pain that their relationship cost and he kills her nephew and they even drove each other to suicide even if it was for love or if that's what you want to call it I do believe there is a thin line between love and l**t" she sits there astonished at my remark about the classic love story " I do admit there was some stupid choices made but they did it all for love a love they thought was worth dying for" she says dreamily "even if it was for love why kill yourself without knowing if your really going to live in the after life with the one you love they had no proof they would ever be together in death" she just sighs defeated "you sounds just like Xander always seeing the logic in the movie instead of the just enjoying the idea of the story but don't worry I don't like you any less I actually like you" she says her eyes never leaving the screen a smile tugs at my lips "not to be rude Mea but I do have to agree with Tessa she makes a valid point" Xander chips in from behind us leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets "okay you spoil sports I'm going back to my place to get ready for my date wish me luck" Mea rises to her feet hugs me before ruffling her brother's hair "aunty Mea don't go!" little Tylor yells running down the hall into her arms " sorry sweetheart I have to go but you know I always come back" she peppers his face with kisses releasing him from her embrace and grabs her bag before leaving. Xander kneels down eye level to Tylor "why don't you go grab your back pack the one we packed for the picnic and then ill go grab your other bags okay buddy?" Tylor runs down the hall Xander gets up looking at me running a hand through his hair tousled hair "now it all makes sense at least the bathroom light being on and why I couldn't sleep in the quest bedroom" I stride over to him he chuckles nodding his head "ty is still going through a scared of the dark phase and I highly doubt you would have wanted to get cuddled by Mea" we both laugh at the idea of being cuddled by a bubbling Mea.

"daddy I'm ready" Tylor yells appearing from the hallway Xander kneeling down again fixing the straps on the bag "okay daddy is going to go take a shower and then we are going to Tessa's house first before going for a picnic" he says and Tylor nods then Xander looks up at me then back to the little boy "okay now go brush your teeth and Tessa is going to check if you did a good job" Tylor smiles at his father then takes off down the hall again "would you mind?" he question I shake my head and follow after little Tylor. I sit on the edge of the tub behind Tylor watching him as he takes out a small wooden stepping stool paling it in front of the basin then gets up on it takes his green dinosaur toothbrush wetting it with water then turns around and looks at me "can you help me with the toothpaste, please" I nod "of course sweetheart" leaving my seat on the tub I get up stand next to him take the toothpaste from the cabinet turning the cap and squeezing a string of toothpaste on his toothbrush "do you like dinosaurs?" I question trying to break the silence" his eyes light up at the subject "yes" he's squeals "do you have a favourite one?"

he nods his head eagerly "the big ones with the lonnggg necks that eats all plants' he explains stretching his arms out to show me how long the necks are I giggle at his cute attempt "wow, that's really big" he smiles at me before turning back to the mirror and brushing his teeth when he is done brushing he spits it out and turns around to me toothpaste foam around his mouth he shows me his teeth and I give him a thumbs up then he turns around rinses his mouth and wipes the water form his mouth with a towel before rinsing off his toothbrush and placing it back in the cup next to the hand soap. "Tessa, do you have a favourite dinosaur?" he says slurring on the 'r's "yes of course do, the ones with the big wings that fly around" humouring his previous attempts I extend my arms out to the side souring around like a bird. little Tylor laughs and soon follow my actions a throat clears and Tylor and I stop what we are doing almost like we got caught with our hands in the cookie jar then look at each other and then at Xander that's leaning against the bathroom door with his arms crossed trying not laugh but failing miserably "are you guys ready?" he questions Tylor and I both nod and walk out past Xander.

I unlock my apartment inviting Xander and Tylor in setting my handbag down on the kitchen counter everything was back where they belong no plastic covered anything, who? was the only question I could come up with. "Tyler you can watch some tv if you want" I say handing him the remote which he gladly takes and jumps up on my couch. Xander notices my confusion "what's wrong?" I don't know who cleaned up my apartment" what kind of weirdo breaks into a house only to clean it up. "I'm going to go get dressed" I leave them and head towards my room going through everything in my closet I settle on a light purple knee length sundress that's nice and flowy I pair it with black flip flops spraying on perfume and comb my hair letting it hang loose "aunty Tessa, aunty Tessa!" a familiar voice calls, Emma? before I could acknowledge anything Emma jumps into my arms and I quickly catch her before she could fall her arms warp around my neck hugging me "can I have a cookie, please aunty Tessa" she plays with my hair as I walk with her to the kitchen my brother was making coffee whilst chatting with Xander who sat at one of the barstools I set Tessa down and she runs to Tylor sitting next to him on the couch watching cartoons.

"good Moring Tessa" Brandon greets "moring" I say getting the cookie jar from the cabinet I open the jar holding it out for Xander to take one and then my brother then I let each of the kids take a couple of cookies before taking one myself and join Xander and Brandon in the kitchen leaving the cookie jar in the middle of us "hey Brandon did you bring the supplies I texted you?" he nods toward the two bags behind him I thank him and start packing away the ingredients "so sus what's your plans for today before we leave?" Brandon takes another bite of the cookie "well I'm going to take Xander and Tylor to my favourite place in the world and then I'm going to come back and pack before we take off" I say standing on my toes to get the basket off of the fridge "you're going to the lake that's great would you please take Emma with you its hard for me and Jen to pack when you have a energized five year old running around wanting to play and you cant because your busy I mean I did you clean up your apartment" and there is the weirdo who breaks into your house only to clean it up well at least now I know its not some weird stalker "yeah sure I mean we have plenty of food" I say packing a container of strawberries and grapes in the basket "Xander is Tylor allergic to anything?" I don't want to end up giving his child something that might kill him so I'm being cautious "just pears that's all" I nod and make a mental note. I made grilled ham and chees sandwiches and packed them along with orange juice and packs of chips into the basket digging out the chocolate and caramel ice cream from the freezer along with some frozen fruity popsicles also adding it into the basket.

"Brandon would you please fetch me the big blue and red flannel blanket in the hallways closet" he gets up and bring me the blanket I sit it next to the basket I have to go now Tessa thanks for taking Emma with you baye" he hugs me then tells Emma she's going to stay with me for today and that he will see her later then he says goodbye to Tylor and Xander and disappears out he door are you ready to go love?" "yes let me just get the kids" he smirks for some reason I shrug it off the two were playing with Lego's on the carpet with SpongeBob playing in the background I take the remote and switch of the tv "okay kiddos we have to go" they pack away the Legos and jump up running to the front door where Xander stand holding the basket I take the blanket on the way out.

Xander let me drive since I knew exactly where we are going and he plays the music the greenery of the woods outside town shows the beauty of the surrounding mountain I make a left onto a dirt road then at the very end of the dirt road is a cottage owned by my family the lake stretching through the mountains just two feet away from the house. I pull up to the front of the cottage and every one piles out of the car, I missed coming here, I spent a lot of time here after Elly died that was before we even owned it I stumbled upon this cottage by accident one night when I got lost hoping someone would live here and give me directions but instead of finding people I found the fully furnished cottage abandoned so I made it my special hideaway until my parents bough it a when they won the lotto. the two story house looks hidden away in a clearing surrounded by trees with big French doors and the stone pillars in front with fines growing over them and most of the house the Spanish style widows untouched by the fines. "its amazing here" Xander gawks Emma pulls Tylor to the swings in the garden "Emma Tylor don't go into the water!" I shout as they hurriedly run further away from us nearing the swings they giggle running hand in hand, "their adorable" I say to myself watching them swing and laugh "yes they are love" Xander stands next to me holding the basket and blanket I lead the way inside. the cottage is made to house twelve people so its really big with most furniture antiques and wood but with a modern style the grand the stairs leads to the bedrooms one livringroom upstairs and a few bathroom a living room and downstairs is a modern kitchen a dining room one bedroom a living room with a fireplace. A study, a playroom with a pool table and a bar and other games and a porch at the back that overlooks the lake.

Xander sets the basket down and I pack the ice cream and popsicles in the freezer and the juice and fruit in the fridge I take a strawberry and sit on the island looking out the kitchen window at the lake and keeping an eye on the two little rascals outside and take a bite of my strawberry nudging Xander to join me "you want one?" I ask holding the strawberry in front of me he moves closer to me his arms on both sides of me traps me on the counter he leans closer taking a bite of the strawberry just inches from my lips, my throat dries up his hand moves form beside me tugging a strand of hair behind my ear his piercing green eyes never leave mine he takes the strawberry holding it in front of my lips I slowly take a bite seeing his eyes darken he throws the rest of the strawberry behind him his fingers trace my jaw line slowly he steps in between my legs my breathing hitches his other hand tracing patterns on my thigh setting my body on fire his finger goes from my jaw over my lips and then into my hair as he leans in closer our lips barely touching "aunty Tessa can we go swimming please" Emma and Tylor burst through the front door "every time" I mutter silently leaning my head against Xander's chest groaning as he laughs "yeah sure kids just wait for us Tylor would you take this outside for daddy please" Xander hands him the blanket Emma runs up stairs I know she has a swim suit up stairs Brandon comes here often with the kids "your going to have to swim with the kids I don't have I swim suit here" I say he cups my face in his hands "don't worry love I've got you covered" he steps back and pulls his shirt over his head almost making me drool at how yummy he looks he hands me the shirt kicks off his shoes and disappears outside I use the down stairs bathroom to undress and pull on Xander's shirt. "great idea Tessa white shirt and hot pink underwear" I scold myself knowing this wont end well for me I drape my dress over the shower door and open the door little Tylor stands outside the door holding his own swim suit which I'm guessing Xander packed for him in his backpack I move out of the way so he can use the bathroom "thank you Tessa" he says with a cute smile the door closes and I walk outside in Xander's shirt that only comes about mid thigh so I'm constantly tugging it down the blanket laid out on the grass and Xander already in the water, Emma slides down the waterslide and splashes into the water Xander catches her and hands her one of the two pool noodles that are floating around which she wraps around her and swims . the water is cold against my feet I stand there considering weather I should go in or not, a small hand takes mine "lets go Tessa" Tylor exclaims as he takes another step in deeper "you go ahead kiddo ill catch up but use the slide so your dad can catch you okay" he nods and runs to the slide I run to Xander's car and take out my phone and then run back to the water just in time to catch a photo of Tylor in the air with a big smile on his face droplets of water around him from the slide just before he lands in the water, then I take a picture of Xander catching him, Xander wraps him in a pool noodle and Emma takes his hand and they float hand in hand like otters taking a picture of them I snap a few more shots of all of them and send the pictures of Emma to Jennifer and Brandon they both coo over the picture of Emma and Xander floating together. Xander talks to the kids but I cant hear anything I'm too far away they point to me and then Xander says something I ignore them and take photos again Xander appears in one of my photos coming out of the water like a fricken supermodel and then another where he runs his had through his hair damn this lighting is good for him and then one where he looks at me with a smirk. "aren't you coming in?" Xander questions standing right in front of me not wanting Xander to drip all over my phone I set it down on the blanket and turn back to Xander "thanks doing that love it makes this a whole lot easier" my brows furrow "makes what eas-" he picks me up and runs into the water "XANDER NOOO!!!!!" the water cold against my skin i struggle in his arms "Xander let me go!" he shrugs with a sly smile "oky love" and just like that de drops me in the water the kids jump on him and he looks over his shoulder at the two "hello there spidermonkeys" he reaches behind him tickling their side their laughter ecos through the trees they paddle to me "aw is the big bad lake monster being mean to you guys" they nod giggling ,Xander vanishes underwater only to jump up again "who dares laugh at the lake monster" his voice deep trying to sounds like a monster 'go guys! don't let him get you" I pay along with Xander their little arms working overtime to get away I swim behind them pushing the back of the pool noodles and they shoot forward, a hand warps around my ankle pulling me back colliding with a rock hard chest his arm wraps around my waist holding me in place the heat of his body radiating off of him his lips on my ear "where do you think your going love" he whispers his other hand tracing patterns on my thigh under the water his hand moves up my thigh then runs up my arm then over my shoulder my eyes close feeling heat run through my body his finders lightly run up my neck and around the rim of my ear.

his warm hand cups my cheek running the pad of his thumb over my lips his eyes moving from my eyes to my lips and then back to my eyes I chew my bottom lip my breathing hitches in my throat "can I kiss you" how can he even ask me that I've been waiting for him to kiss me ever since the very first day I stepped into his office "yes" my voice sounds hoarse he leans in pulling me closer his lips grazing mine "Aunty Tessa were hungry" Emma yells from a distance pulling me out of my daze Xander's chuckle vibrates through his chest he kisses my fore head "ill get the kids" he offers I nod and get out of the water an move towards the house I grab towels out of the cabinet in the bathroom packing the food in the basket taking it on my way out. I set the basket on the blanket Xander appears out of the water setting the kids down on the ground I hand Xander a towel I wrap the kids up in towels and dry them off "did you have Taylor?" I question rubbing his arms up and down so he can warm up "yes thank you Tessa" his little arms wrap around my neck as he hugs me "I'm glad kiddo" I rub his back he pulls away from the hug and runs to Emma holding out the packet of chips for him I smile watching the two bickering about what potato chips tastes better . I feel Xander's gaze on me he has that unrecognizable look in his eyes again with a huge grin plastered on his handsome face I tilt my head a little "what" I question his eyes rake over my body his white shirt sticking on me like a second skin revealing my hot pink underwear feeling a little self conscious I tug the shirt down "come here" he calls and I move towards him he softly pulls me closer dabbing my hair dry his touch so gentle his piercing green eyes never leaving mine "watching you with them you would have been a great mother" his words tugs at my heart a blush crawls onto my face intertwining our hands we join the kids.

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