Next Door

Driving and Dates

"My parents won't be home for about an hour." Ashlyn said as they pulled into Big Red's driveway.

"Oh. Sorry."

"Don't be. Maybe we could hang out though?"

"It's just today and tomorrow, then you aren't grounded. We really shouldn't risk getting in trouble." Big Red sighed.

"Come on! We won't get in trouble. We can just sit outside and talk. I'd technically be home. Plus, they'll be back in an hour. Can we at least hang out 30 minutes or something?" She asked.

"Um..."

"Please?" She fake whined.

"Fine." He smiled. He unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over to kiss her forehead. "But if I'm the reason you get in more trouble—"

"I'm the one asking you to stay with me."

"It would still be my fault."

"Fine, both our faults. But also my parents for being so strict." She compromised.

"I guess." He briefly looked out his window. "If you get in trouble, I'm really sorry."

"You're too kind." She got out of the car and sat in the grass. He sat by her. "It's a risk I'm taking. I really miss seeing you for longer than... I don't know, an hour? Each day? Spread out minutes, random times... being grounded is stupid."

"Come on, it's not that bad." He put his arm around her, pulling her closer. "But I miss you too."

"It's just not normal." She shrugged. "I love being with you."

"I do too." He smiled and put his forehead against hers. "Are you tired?" He whispered.

"A bit exhausted."

"Makes sense. I promise to stay awake this time if you want to rest."

"Maybe."

"Ash."

"Mhm?" Ashlyn mumbled into his shoulder, waking up.

"They'll probably be here soon."

"Right." She sighed. "Goodnight."

"Night."

"See you tomorrow hon." She kissed his cheek then stood up. "Thanks for the ride, by the way."

He smiled. "Anytime." She walked in her house, waving right before closing her door. He stood up. "Wait!" He ran over to her door, quickly knocking.

"Yes?" Ashlyn opened the door. "What?"

"Let's go out Saturday. A real date, not just hanging out."

"Oh? You want to?" She bit back a smile, which turned into a small smirk.

"Yes, I do."

"Hm..." She looked in his eyes and smirked. He awkwardly waited for her reply. She laughed. "Of course I want to. Our dates aren't normally that formal, but we're still dating." She placed her hands on his cheeks gently and kissed him.

He put his arms around her, near her waist, and kissed her back. "Good." He whispered before kissing her again.

A minute later, they stopped kissing. She dropped her hands to rest them around his neck, and they both looked as if they were dancing. She stared in his eyes. "I'm in love with you."