Family Troubles || Redlyn

Communication is Key

Ashlyn's POV

The second I left lunch, I quickly made my way to the bathroom. Luckily, it was empty. I locked myself in one of the stalls, crying. The Big Red I knew wouldn't cheat on anyone. I didn't want to jump to any conclusions, but all evidence pointed in favor he had. So I guess I didn't know him.

If he had been lying to me, how much was a lie? Did he love me? If he thought I was lame, who was going to disagree? He always said I was amazing, and he was so reassuring... but it was all a lie.

"Ashlyn!" Nini wandered in. "Big Red wants to talk to you."

"Nothing to talk about."

"I'm sure there's plenty to talk about." She said.

"If he wanted to see me, he'd find me."

"Ashlyn, this is the girls' restroom. He's like 5 feet away, in the hallway, waiting for you. I think he's crying too, you know." Nini told me. "Go out there. Pull yourself together. Or don't, just go see him."

"I... fine." I agreed.

"I'll see you later." She left, probably going back to her perfectly happy relationship with Ricky at the lunch table.

I wiped the tears off my face, but more streamed down. I gave up, walking out to Big Red. "What do you want?" I almost couldn't say it. How could I be mean to him? I couldn't imagine him being mean to me. Until a few minutes ago.

"Ash—"

"Don't call me Ash if you're cheating on me!" I cried. Plenty of people called me Ash, but it was always better when he said it.

"But I'm not!"

"Then why did Felicity say you couldn't go out 'anymore?'" I remarked.

"She meant that she couldn't try to get me to go out with her. She's been flirting with me for awhile, she keeps asking me out and stuff, but I hate it!"

I wanted to believe him, but if my heart would get broken I wasn't going to put it off. "How do I believe you?" I asked quietly.

"Because I'd never cheat on anyone... especially you... you get me, you're talented, beautiful, sweet, amazing, and I love you!" Big Red started slow, hurrying up towards the end. "And countless other reasons." He added.

"...You promise?"

"Of course." He nodded. I looked at the tears in his eyes, and I started crying more. I didn't say anything, but hugged him. He hugged me back. "Besides, we've talked about this. I don't plan on leaving you." I nodded.

"Love you too." I kissed his cheek. "I'm gonna freshen up." I gestured to my face, with tears rushing down, and a bit of makeup running. I didn't wear much, but it smeared nonetheless.

I always tell everyone, but struggle to follow this myself: Communication is the key to relationships.