Next Door

Love

"Wait, wait!" Ashlyn ran towards Big Red. They hadn't seen each other that day, or the day before, and the only time they could was right before walking home. "I miss you!" She hugged him.

"I miss you more Ash." He hugged her back, putting his chin on her shoulder, with a few tears on his face.

"I know this makes me the most needy girlfriend ever. Keeping this all a secret, hardly ever seeing each other." She mumbled. "So if you break up with me for someone else, or for any reason, I will get it."

"You're crazy." He shook his head. "I'm not breaking up with you."

"Thank you." She hugged him tighter. "I really want to spend more time with you. I'm so sorry."

"I know." He sighed. "Don't move on from me either."

"I'm never actually going to like anyone my parents like, so not gonna happen. Plus, I really, really, really like you." Ashlyn kissed him. "I'll see you later." She said, sounding miserable.

"Um... yeah, goodbye." He sighed. She walked away.

"Come on, are we walking or what?" Ricky showed up beside him.

"Oh. Yeah. We are." He nodded. They started walking, Big Red silent.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine." He lied.

"You don't seem fine."

"Of course I am!" He said defensively.

"What's the problem?"

"Ugh... fine. Ashlyn's parents won't let me see her."

"I thought that was already the rule?"

"We couldn't date. Now we can't see each other, at all." He explained.

"Do something about it."

"Don't you think I would if I could?"

"Just think about it." He shrugged.

Big Red rang Ashlyn's doorbell. She opened. "What are you doing here?"

"Let me talk to your parents, please."

"It's not like that will change their minds, hon."

"I know, I just... I don't know Ash. It's at least closure."

"Er... go for it." She opened the door more and let him in. "Mom! Dad!"

"Yes?" They walked in. "What's he doing here, you—"

"I'm more than aware I'm not allowed to be with your daughter." He said.

"Then what are you doing here?"

"I love her." He blurted out. "And even if you don't think love is enough, it is. Even if you're going to force her into some career path she hates, or eventually into some jerk rich guy, or whatever controlling things you're doing to your own daughter, your only kid, it's not today." He ranted. "I love her, and I think she might love me, so please— just reconsider things." There was a silence when he finished. "Uh... I'll go." He turned to leave.

"I do!" Ashlyn piped up.

"You what?" He glanced at her.

"I love you." She ran over and hugged him. "Mom, Dad, please. Please, please, please. I don't really care whatever else you make me do, please." She begged, crying.

"We'll... think about it."

"Thank you!" She beamed.