Family Troubles || Redlyn

Boyfriend

Big Red's POV

I received a call from Ashlyn. I was at Ricky's house, so I excused myself to the bathroom before answering the call.

"Hey." Ashlyn said.

"What's up?"

"Not much. I was just bored. How about you?" She asked me.

"I'm at Ricky's."

"Oh. You should go."

"You sure?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be sure? It's not like I have a reason to— never mind." Ashlyn sighed. "So talk later?"

"Do you need to talk now?" I asked, concerned. "Because I can hang out with Ricky whenever..."

"I—" She stopped. She didn't answer for a few seconds. The silence was its own answer, though.

"Do you want me to come over?"

"Yes please."

"I'll see you soon."

I knocked on Ashlyn's door, about 15 minutes later. I got tackled in a hug the moment it opened. I smiled and hugged her back, until I remembered the reason I was there. Ashlyn was crying, and I heard some other people talking, probably in their kitchen.

"Ash?"

"My mom's dating again and her boyfriend just got here right now. She just told me they've been dating for weeks." She rambled quickly. "They're both in the kitchen and I'm supposed to be meeting him."

"Oh, I, uh-" I always freeze up at the worst times. "Do—"

"Ashlyn, dinner's ready!" Her mom called her into the kitchen. I followed her in, holding her hand. "Oh, Big Red. Want some food?"

"I'm alright, thank you." I declined. Ashlyn pulled out a chair for herself and one for me. She hesitantly sat next to her mom's boyfriend. I kept her hand in mine as I sat down beside her.

Ashlyn's mom served dinner and they started eating. Ashlyn looked uncomfortable, causing me to be uncomfortable as well. There was small talk as they finished eating. A few minutes after Ashlyn finished eating, she excused herself to use the bathroom. There was an awkward moment of silence, before I awkwardly excused myself to follow her.

I knocked on the bathroom door. I knew the likelihood she was actually using the bathroom was low. "Who is it?"

"Me." I answered, and she opened the door. I hugged her.

"Can you follow my lead a little?"

"Uh... yeah?" I said, confused. She wiped a tear from her eye, grabbed my hand, then walked back to the kitchen.

"Hey mom?"

"Yes?"

"Can we go out, or do I need to stay here?" She asked.

"I'd enjoy if you stayed."

I could tell Ashlyn was expecting that answer, because she continued with no hesitation, and it was a lie. "But Big Red and I planned a date days ago."

"Alright. Be home by 11."

"Thanks." She nodded, before nearly dragging me outside. We walked to my car, both of us getting in. "Before you ask, I don't care where we go."

"Um, right." I grabbed her hand again and started driving. "So, like, the park?"

"Yeah, sure."

I started driving. "I'm really sorry."

"It's not your fault."

"Of course, but I just... wish things were easier."

"Me too." She kissed my cheek.

We quickly arrived at the park, and we both got out of the car. We found a spot away from others and sat down before Ashlyn broke down crying in my arms. I didn't think we would get a good conversation through her tears, so I sat silently hugging her. It would be a lie to say I didn't cry along with her. I'm not even 100% sure why.

Awhile later, she whispered. "Thank you."

"No."

"What?"

"You don't need thank me when these things happen. I help you for a reason." I explained.

"Oh, okay— actually I have to thank you."

"No—" I got cut off by Ashlyn kissing me.