Tell Me A Story

Chapter 19

After everything that happened that night, things went back to how they usually were. Ashley came to visit me at work and I introduced her to my boss. He jockingly mistook her for my girlfriend, but Ashley never denied it.

I remember it was a few days before Christmas when we decided to hang out again. We went to get lunch and just randomly walked around the mall. Passing the corner of the skateboard store, I saw the corner where it all happened and then it hit me. It was for a millisecond, shorter than the blink of an eye.

The hate and disgust I felt seeing her on the ground, crying. Taking in the pain of that asshole to avoid being alone...

Then I remembered the willingness of her to be used by that douchebag in college. All to avoid not being loved...

It was all due to that one moment of her past. One single thing that she blamed herself for. That she hated herself for. The smiling and bright girl I fell in love with was really fragile and broken. And that made me love her even more. It wasn't out of pity or empathy, I just felt like it hurt me as much as it did her... That I wanted her to only smile and be happy.

That was the vow I made to myself that cold winter night a few days ago. I remember the warmth of her body... the softness of her skin... How close she was...She was so beautiful.... WHAT ARE YOU THINKING, ADAM???!!! Geez, just ask her already...

"S-Say, mom wanted to throw a little christmas party. My sister invited a few friends and uh..."

She just looked at me and giggled.

"Why, Dear Adam, are you asking me to be your date?"

I looked downwards and blushed so hard, I felt like my face was gonna melt off.

"Y-yeah..."

She laughed a bit and twirled a bit.

"I'd love to spend Christmas with you."

I looked up and smiled shyly. Her bright, warm smile was even more so than it was before that night. She finally seemed free of everything. And that was worth everything.

Finally, the day of the party came by. As guests arrived one by one, friends and family of my mother and my sister. I spent my time close to the staircase, sipping on some punch.

Ding-dong.

"Coming."

I came by the door and opened. On the other side was Ashley, her long copper hair tied back in a bun, wearing a beautiful red dress. She had little make-up, like always, save for the absurdly red lipstick on her soft, tender lips.

"Evening. Am I too dressed up?"

I could barely say a word, but managed to pull through to the end.

"N-no, you're good. Almost as good as you look."

She laughed and stepped in.

"My, since when did you become such a flirt?"

I surprised at myself even more for having it in me to say such things. She really did look amazing. I could see some heads turn as she walked in.

"Say, remember what you said that other time at your cafe?"

Wait, is she reffering to what I said about her past?

"You mean about contacting that guy from middle school?"

"Yeah, that. I actually found his number. Which is weird that he kept that number all the way into college."

"Really, how'd it go?"

"Not good. He's traveling with his parents right about now, but he said he wanted to hang out. So I came to ask you something..."

"Sure. Ask away."

She got up really close and whispered in my ear.

"After I do get to go out with him, would you be there? I wanna see if you approve of him."

"Of course. I'll make sure he is worthy of being by your side."

She kissed my cheek and smiled while while walking away.

"Thanks, Adam. You're the best."

I smiled at her and chuckled. Man, I'm a sucker for this girl. Time and time again, I know I don't have a chance with her, but I don't give up. Maybe I'm being creepy. Maybe I'm a nuisance. But until the day Ashley herself tells me to leave, I will remain by her side. As a friend, if nothing else.