Goodbye, sis! *Completed*

Chapter 2- The boy

When the first rays of sun began to seep into my room, I knew I should try to stay in bed. Mum and Dad don't like it if I'm up too early. Aparrently I need "more sleep at my age." But today I don't feel like laying around. I want to get out, to feel the suns warmth, to let it melt away the memories of last night's dream. I clamber out of bed and pull my duvet neat. I put on my skinny jeans and top and carry my shoes to the front door. Slipping into my black leather jacket, I step into my black and white sneakers. The white caps bump gently against the skirtings. I tie them quickly and then gently open the door. I stepp out onto the doorstep and tilt my face up to the light, breathing in the damp spring air. The neighbour must have mowed his lawn again. The air smells of wet grass. My favourite smell. I begin down our pathway and through our front gate with a little skip between my steps. I want to forget that dream lastnight so I decide to head into town. You see, I live in a small town called Maplestein, in Lincolnshire. It's small but it has some of the major brand shops that are in the big shopping centres in the cities. I decide I'll do a little shopping in Claire's, then Newlook and Dorothy Perkins and then I'll wander down to Starbucks. After all, if your best friend works behind the counter and gets a discount on any drinks, you might aswell use it, right?

Fully laiden down with bags and having almost used up my entire credit card allowance, I found myself  sat at the tall bar with a white chocolate mocha in front of me, and my best friend Brook beside me.  "And it's the same dream?" Brook's eyes burn me. The concern obvious with the glitter in them.

"Same dream. Every night. And I'm always in the same state when I wake up." I say.

"Hmmmmmmm....." She taps the table with her neatly polished nails. I glance at the clock. She'll be off her lunch break soon. "Ash, have you ever thought that maybe you're having these dreams because you still can't get over what happened to Zoey? I know it was recent but you said you'd laid it all to rest."

"I know Brook. It's just...... Oh, I don't know"

"No. Say what you were going to say."

"Well," I lick my lips. "In the dream It's always Zoey saving me. I can't help but think that maybe, it's my fault  what happened to her. I mean, it was me he was expecting to meet. It was me who couldn't pull her out. Maybe the dream is Zoey trying to tell me that it's my fault."

Brook is silent for a moment. "No. No! Zoey would never say that and you know it! When she was lying in that hospital bed she told you she doesn't blame you for anyth-"

"Maybe she was just saying that. Maybe that's not how she trully felt!" I sigh. "It doesn't matter anyway. I'll never know." I pick up my mocha and take a sip. Brook takes a sip of her hot chocolate.

"I am sorry, Ash. About what happened to Zoey."

"I know. Thanks Brook. Anyway can we change the subject." I sip again.

"Sure. You know Ash, there's a boy over there who's been looking at you ever since you walked in."

I almost spit my drink. "What?!"

"Look. That one there. Dark hair. Cute. Staring right at you." I swivel on my seat and look round. And sure enough, there's a guy, about my age, looking straight at me. He blushes when he sees me spot him and turns back to his friend. "I think I smell something. Oh yeah. Could it be luuuurrrrrrvvveee??" 

"Shut up, Brook. He only looked at me."

"So?"

"Havn't you got work?"

"Oh yeah. Damn! I need to ask for longer breaks." I laugh and she smiles but she still has a worried look in her eyes. "You're ok?"

I smile. "Yes. I'll be fine. Do you want to come to mine tonight? We could get Ben & Jerry's? Marshmallows?" She grins.

"You had me at Ben & Jerry's."

"Cool. I see you in a bit Brook."

"In a bit Ash." Brook gets up and squeezes back behind the counter, her brown hair flopping in its loose bun. I sit for a bit, finishing my mocha and then collect my bags. I wander over to Brook to let her know I'm leaving. She grabs me by the forearm. "He still hasn't left." She winks and lets go. I smile.

"You just make coffees ok?" I say stepping back. She smiles again.

I turn to go and walk directly into somone's chest. I jump back repeatedly saying "sorry, sorry." But when I look up, I see dark hair and green eyes. It's the boy from across the shop. I stumble and almost trip.

"Hey. It's ok. No biggie." He grabs my arm to steady me. "I'm Max by the way."

"Uuuuuuhhhhhhh......" I stand dazed for a moment. He smiles at me and I snap back into focus. "Um... I'm Ash....ley. I'm Ashley. Call me Ash if you want though. Everyone does."

"Ash. Ok. Well, see you around Ash." He's still holding my arm. I smile and then look down at his hand. "Oh! Sorry," He let's go and tucks his hand in his pocket.

I smile. "It's ok. No biggie." I walk past him and out the doors. I turn and look behind me. He's still watching me. I turn back and smile to myself as I walk down the high street.