Next Door

The End of Tech Week

A few weeks passed, Big Red and Ashlyn only growing closer. It was now the Friday after tech week. Ashlyn knocked on Big Red's door.

"Hey. What's up?"

"We're finally done." She hugged him. "I just wanna crash."

"Ooh, sit down. I come prepared." He kissed her forehead before opening the door more for her to walk in. She sat on the couch. He joined her with ice cream and two spoons. He handed her one and put the ice cream in between them.

"You already were, but you win best boyfriend award." She said, mouth full of ice cream.

"Oh, got it." He cleared his throat, making her laugh. "I'd like to thank my parents for raising me, and you for making it easy." She put her head on his shoulder.

"That was super cheesy." She grinned.

"I'm well aware." He kissed her.

When they pulled away, Ashlyn spoke. "It was still adorably sweet."

"I hoped so." He smiled and handed her the remote. "Your choice."

She put something on. "I love you." She mumbled into his chest, closing her eyes.

"Love you too." He stroked her hair. "Curfew?"

"11:30."

"Okay. Goodnight." He smiled.

Ashlyn woke up. She was now lying down, Big Red lying behind her with his arms around her, asleep.

"Ashlyn."

"Yeah hon?" She mumbled.

"I didn't say anything." Big Red mumbled back.

"The who— oh no." She opened her eyes. "Hi Dad."

"It's 12:00 Ashlyn."

"I— oh." She sighed. "Sorry."

"Let's go."

"Right, yeah." She nodded. She got up to leave.

"Bye Ash..." Big Red sat up.

"Goodbye." She grumpily responded.