Infinite Love: Ashley and Amal

Understand Me (Ashley's POV)

Thoughts were racing through Ashley's mind. Is it possible that she knows? What do I do? She wanted to say something that would keep her secret safe, like, What are you talking about, Preya? But all Ashley could do was mumble something unintelligible as she stared at Preya with shock.

Preya laughed at the look on Ashley's face. "Ashley, I know what you think about Amal. Don't even try to deny anything. I'm practically your closest friend. Don't you think I can see the way you look at him?"

Ashley tried to compose herself. She settled for, "Damn. You better not have told anyone," even though she had a thousand other things to say. You're so much better than me at this, Preya. I need you to tell me what to do. Understand me right now, Preya. I'm hurting on the inside. I'm hurting so badly. I need him.

Preya rolled her eyes. "Really? Do you even have to ask that? I'm always going to be here for you."

Ashley gave Preya a hug that nearly suffocated her, and finally the courage to ask, "So what do I do?"

Preya asked, "Whatever I say, you're going to do it, right?"

Ashley said, "Yes, I promise. I trust you."

At that, Preya smiled and told her, "By Friday, you have to tell him. Tell him exactly how you feel."

She stuttered, "B-but why? He's probably going to laugh at me, and then he's going to think that I'm an idiot!"

Preya said, "If you really like him, you won't be scared. Besides, you're both going to leave this school in a year, and then you'll never know if he liked you back. What have you got to lose?"

What matters most in my life, Ashley thought, but she knew that Preya was right. She was filled with an alternating sense of dread and desire at what Amal might say.

"Wish me luck."