Family Troubles || Redlyn

Apologize

Big Red's POV

I got a FaceTime call from Ashlyn. The moment I picked up, she started talking. "Am I dramatic, or annoying, or... bully-able?"

"What?"

"EJ told me the only reason I don't get bullied is him." She mumbled. "Am I that bad?"

"No." I said simply, confused. "I don't know what happened, but I think you're taking it the wrong way."

"He told me that theatre kids get bullied and I hadn't because we're related."

"Okay, so he just meant theatre kids in general."

"None of our friends have been." She said. "And I got bullied in Nevada."

"I know... but you're amazing." I paused, trying to figure out what to say. "Don't listen."

"I'll try." Ashlyn nodded, though I could tell she wasn't close to over it.

My mom called my name for dinner. "I've gotta go Ash. Talk to you later."

"Goodbye." She hung up.

I hadn't seen many of our friends until lunch, as always, and right when EJ showed up I glared at him. After waiting for a moment, I went over to him.

"Yeah?" He asked.

"Can we talk?" I asked. Before he answered, I walked to the hallway, resulting in him following.

"What?"

"Apologize to Ashlyn. Explain what you meant." I demanded. I was normally intimidated by EJ, but then I wasn't. "And listen to her, Madeline's not someone you should date."

"Apologize about what?"

"You told her she'd be bullied without you. I don't know what you meant, but she's beating herself up about it, so apologize. Now."

"Okay." He nodded.

"And have a real talk with Madeline." I added. "She can't act nice in a deep conversation." I walked back to our lunch table, EJ following behind. I sat by Ashlyn, who got up to talk to EJ.

Minutes later, they were both back. Ashlyn sat by me, holding my hand. "Thank you." She smiled a little.

"Anytime." I hugged her.

A/N: Hehe overprotective Big Red