Family Troubles || Redlyn

Forgotten

Big Red's POV

I tried to make Ashlyn extra comfortable, and I hoped I was succeeding. She seemed a lot calmer than she had been the rest of the day. But that's when I got a call from Madeline. My phone was on vibrate, so Ashlyn didn't notice, and I was very hesitant to get up.

"I'll be right back Ash. Just in there." I pointed to the room right beside us and kissed her forehead, while she nodded, as I walked there. I picked up. "What's up Madie?"

"Dude, you were my ride." She retorted. "You just left school without me."

"Sorry, it's just that Ash was feeling bad, so I offered her a ride home, and—"

"You gave your girlfriend a ride instead of me?" She accused. "High school relationships are, like, never permanent. Unlike your family. Can't believe you ditched me for that weirdo."

I took a deep breath, and tried to keep my voice quiet. "What do you have against Ashlyn? She's the sweetest person, and just has every quality you could want!"

"You call it sweet, I call it soft and clingy. She's just weird."

"You hardly know her!"

"Even from your point of view where she's perfect, she's kinda weird in your stories, and she's weird in class too. Frankly, you've been annoying too. You just have a weird group of friends."

"Who are your friends? They're probably all annoying and shady." I said angrily.

"Whatever. Just stating my opinions."

"Look, Madeline. You'll be here for who-knows-how long, so just suck it up. This is how I am, how she is, how all my friends are, got it? I'm willing to give you a ride if you want it, but don't expect me to try and be outgoing anymore." I muttered into the phone, really hoping Ashlyn couldn't hear. I knew my voice was definitely raising.

"Sure, come pick me up. I'd rather you not be outgoing anyway." She hung up before I could reply.

I made my way back to Ashlyn. "I may or may not have forgotten to give Madeline a ride, I need to go pick her up. You can stay here. Or, uh, come." I told her.

"Oh, um... I can just walk home if that would be easier." Ashlyn offered, though it was clear she didn't want to leave yet.

"You don't have to leave." I shook my head. "You can come with me if you want, or watch the movie." I hoped she chose the movie.

"I'll just stay here, I guess." She shrugged. I smiled and threw a blanket to her, which she caught and spread across her.

"Bye Ash." I waved.

I drove back to school. Madeline was on her phone when I pulled up to her. She got in the passengers seat. I started driving again. After a few minutes of silence, I spoke.

"Ashlyn's at home, we're hanging out. So just ignore her." I told her.

"Gladly." She nodded, and the rest of the drive was silent.