Next Door

Not Listening This Time

"Good morning." Ashlyn mumbled as she joined Big Red walking to school on Monday.

"Good morning Ash... you alright?" He asked, concerned.

"Dumb rules. Dumb, stupid, horrible rules." She muttered.

"What is it this time?" He sighed quietly.

"They don't want us dating." She admitted. "Probably because you aren't their idea of perfect."

"Oh." He frowned. "Oh, well, okay. Yeah, yeah. That's fine. Friends it is." He nodded frantically.

She glanced back at her house, barely visible now, deciding no one could see them. "Shut up." Ashlyn grabbed his face gently, stopping him from nodding. She kissed him, followed by him kissing in return. Pulling back a minute later, she continued. "I'm not listening this time."

"Uh— wow." A smile grew on his face. "Yeah, okay, sounds good."

"You liked that?" She grinned. He nodded. "Me too." She held his hand and kept walking. She was bright red, but he didn't notice, too self conscious about how much he was blushing. She didn't notice his blush either.

"So we're still dating?"

"Of course." Ashlyn confirmed.

"Will you be my girlfriend then?" He asked hopefully.

"Really?" She bit back a smile.

"Only if you want to." Big Red nodded.

She smiled. "I'd love to."

"Great." He smiled. "That was my question the other day."

"Hm?"

"Before your mom saw us. When we were on your porch." He explained.

"Why didn't you ask me?"

"I didn't want you in trouble... but it seems clear you don't care right now."

"I don't. I really like you." They approached the school. "We'll have to decide who can know though." She let go of his hand. "Because if this gets to my parents..."

"I know." He nodded. "They find out, we're probably not together."

"Chances are you're correct." She hugged him. "I'll talk to you later."

He hugged her back. "Mhm. Can't wait."

"Because of me or school?" She smiled.

"Definitely both." He pulled away and they both walked up to the school.