Falling For Asher

21

Paige Evans

~*~

My head throbs, and I fail at an attempt at blocking out the light. Covering my face with one of Zoey's blankets with a groan. Her footsteps become louder until they're right at the door.

"Good morning." Zoey loudly announces the door clicking behind her.

I wince in pain, glaring at her. "Why are you yelling?"

She shrugs with a laugh, gesturing to the bedside table. Reluctantly I take the pill and wash it down with water. Memories from last night coming in pieces. Like a puzzle, small bits of the party still missing.

I notice that Zoey keeps looking at me and that's when I decide to ask.

"What did I do?" I wait anxiously for her to tell me. The look on her face isn't a good sign.

Zoey is easy to read, her expressions say it all and more. "Candice made chocolate chip pancakes." She jabs her thumb towards the door.

"Zoey.." I blink, not amused and more awake now.

"Do you seriously not remember anything?"

I shake my head, before changing my mind. "Actually, I know that I was with a boy most of the night. He was cute, did you get his name?" I ask, my smile falling when she raises an eyebrow.

"I'm also curious as to why you continue to push Brody away?" My eyes drop to the floor at the mention of his name. "I think your plan to keep him away worked this time."

I glance at her curiously. "What do you mean?" My face pales, "Shit." I mutter the memory of me being an idiot comes to me.

Who even allowed me to be around alcohol when I'm sad. I clearly recall telling Brody – the boy that causes my stomach to flutter – to leave me alone.

"I was drunk, he didn't take my words seriously, right?" I search her face for even an ounce of reassurance.

Zoey bites her a lip, a tell that she is going to be honest instead of telling me what I want to hear. "I don't know Paige, he was already going to leave you alone."

I nod, "We talked and I suggested that we stay friends because I'm a dumbass who freaks out at the thought of someone wanting to be with me." I bury my face in my hands like the drama queen that I am.

"What about it scares you?"

I feel like I'm in therapy again. Having to unlock the gates that keep my emotions guarded.

I struggle with an answer because I know that it sounds ridiculous.

"I'm just afraid of not being loved in return," I admit. "I know that it will be me who will get hurt, it always is."

"You can't be sure of that, the future isn't something that you can really prepare for. Things just happen and if you do get hurt, I'm sure you'll be led to someone who will love you."

I stand up, determined to fix things. "I'll take a quick shower," I call out, carrying my bag to the bathroom.

The water helps clear my mind. I know what I have to do. Although Brody might not want to even see me. I wouldn't blame him if he chose not to ever get near me.