Next Door

An Incomplete Question

Ashlyn called Big Red a few hours after their date. "Hey."

"Hi, what's up?"

"Did you have fun today?"

"Is it not obvious? I always have fun with you, and I kissed your cheek..."

"So you did." She smiled.

"Obviously. How about you?"

"It was definitely the best date I've been on."

"I'm glad you liked it." He smiled. "Ash? Um..."

"Yes?"

"Can you meet me outside?" He asked.

"Well... sure, I guess?"

"Talk to you in a minute." He hung up. He rushed outside. He waited a minute, then she came outside. He went over to her on her porch. She hugged him.

"Hey."

"Hey, do you want to maybe be—" He was interrupted by the front door reopening. It was Ashlyn's mom.

"I, uh... hi Mom." Ashlyn awkwardly waved.

"What are you two doing?"

"Nothing, nothing!" She realized she was still hugging him. She let go. "Nothing."

"Ashlyn, stop wasting your time with boys—"

"But I'm not Mom!" She protested. "Come on, you know he's amazing!"

"You still didn't tell us."

"Look, I'm sorry, I asked her out." Big Red added.

"And I said yes because I wanted to." She said, not wanting him in trouble too. "Mom, please."

"We'll discuss this later, Ashlyn." She shook her head and walked to her car.

"What was it you were asking?" Ashlyn asked Big Red.

"I... it's nothing." He forced a smile.

"You sure?" She asked. "You can ask me." She smiled.

"It's nothing." He repeated. "See you later, no need to get in more trouble."

"Well... okay." She hugged him again. "I'm sorry about my parents though."

"I know." He nodded. "Bye."

"G'bye." She opened her door. "See ya." She went in and closed the door.

Big Red walked back to his house and into his room. He sighed as he laid on his bed. He wanted a normal relationship with Ashlyn, without her parents getting in the way. He didn't mind keeping it a secret, as long as Ashlyn was happy. But a part of him fully wanted to tell the world, because he realized how much he liked her.