Family Troubles || Redlyn

Thank You

Ashlyn's POV

"Thanking someone is an instinct for me, but you've really helped me so much. For both of those reasons, I'm thanking you now, and I'll continue to." I explained as I wiped many tears off my face. Some kept rolling down, but much less than a few minutes before.

"I— yeah, okay." He smiled a little.

"Great."

"Do you want to talk?"

"Not right now. I think I'm good for today."

"Okay." He nodded. "What then?"

I shrugged. "Maybe we could just... sit here?"

"Sounds nice."

"Mhm." I leaned on him, staring at the sky. He put his arm around me, and I felt him start twirling my hair around his finger. I could tell it was a subconscious action, which I found sweeter than him doing it on purpose. Either way I would love it, though.

It was quite some time before either of us spoke. "What time is it?"

"Um...9." I answered.

"Alright."

"Wait— did you ever eat dinner?" I asked, remembering that he hadn't eaten with us.

"Nope."

"Hungry?"

"I could eat." Big Red responded. I nodded, stretched, then stood up. "Where d'you wanna go?" He asked, standing as well.

"I'm not hungry, so it's your choice." I shrugged. I got a text and checked it. "I take that back. Looks like I gotta go early."

"Why?"

"I— Emmett." I muttered, putting my phone in my pocket. "He's still at my house, apparently." I explained while we walked to his car. He started driving.

"I probably won't be asleep for awhile if you want to call me later." He offered.

"I might. We'll see." I sighed.

"Besides, Ash... they're just dating, remember that."

"Well, yes, but... it's just weird. It doesn't feel right." I fidgeted with my hands. He nodded. There was a minute of silence. "Besides, why didn't she tell me she had a boyfriend? I knew she was seeing people again... but as far as I knew she'd never had a second date with anyone."

"No idea. That is pretty weird... I'm sure they had a reason, but it makes sense to be confused. Or upset."

"Thanks." I nodded. He pulled into my driveway. I hugged him, then pulled back. "Really, thank you." I smiled slightly.

"It's really not a problem, but you're welcome." He smiled.

"Goodnight." After quickly kissing him, I got out of the car. I closed the door, waved, sighed, then walked inside. "I'm back!"

"Great. Emmett was just about to leave." My mom said, as I made my way to them.

"Got it." I nodded. "Goodbye." I probably sounded rude, but I didn't want to keep a long conversation going.

"It was nice to meet you." Emmett said, putting his hand out for me to shake. I shook it briefly and nodded. "Goodbye."

As he and my mom parted ways, I snuck up to my bedroom. I contemplated calling Big Red, or anyone, but decided against it. The day had felt long enough. It was overwhelmed, and almost right when my head hit my pillow I fell asleep.