Family Troubles || Redlyn

Midnight Fears

Big Red's POV

I lied in bed, awake. It was around midnight, and I couldn't sleep. I sighed. After much hesitation, I grabbed my phone. I tapped Ashlyn's contact. A minute later, she picked up.

"Hey, are you okay Biggie?" She mumbled tiredly.

"S- Sorry, I know you were probably asleep, but... no, I'm sorry, go back to bed." I replied. "I'm really sorry."

"What is it?" She asked again.

"It's nothing new, babe, I shouldn't have called."

"If there's a problem, we can talk. I'm already awake now."

"Fine... I can't sleep."

"I could tell." She said. "Why?"

"I'm so scared. I have no idea what I would do if I moved." I whispered. "I really need you."

"Aw, baby... I don't know what to say. I can't lie, moving's really hard. But if you have to, we'll make do. I know things will be harder, but it doesn't mean anything for us. We'll just be apart more." She responded.

"Yeah." I sighed. "I wish you were here."

"I know sweetie... but I'll see you tomorrow... and we can keep talking if you want..."

"Thank you Ash, thank you." I managed a small smile. "Can we maybe FaceTime instead? It feels more like you're here. But we don't have to."

"We can." She switched the camera on. "I look a mess."

"I look a mess, you look great." I replied. Her hair was messy, but she looked just as amazing as usual.

"Whatever." She smiled slightly.

"What the—" I jumped into a sitting position. I looked around. An alarm was going off, but I didn't have one. I spotted my phone and grabbed it.

"Sorry." Ashlyn mumbled. "Didn't mean to fall asleep..." She yawned, reaching over to turn her alarm off. "It's too loud, I know."

"It's fine. Guess we need to get ready for school then?" I asked.

"That's what it's for, yep." She widened her eyes, trying to wake up. "Pick me up on the way?"

"Mhm, sounds good."

"Honey!" Ashlyn came running into my car when I arrived at her house. I weakly smiled. "Oh I'm so sorry." She wrapped me in a hug, which I gladly returned.

"It's fine." I nodded.

"No, I wish I could've been there. Just to hold you."

"That... it would've been nice. But it's okay." I kissed her cheek.

"I know what you're feeling like and I hate you're going through all this too." She sighed. "I'm always here..."

"Thanks love."

"Ready to go?"

"Mhm." I bit my lip.

"Ash, Ash!" I ran after Ashlyn as she started walking home from school. I hugged her from behind, skidding to a stop.

"Woah!" She stumbled back against me. "That was fast love."

"I'm sorry!" I held her hand and kept walking with her. "But I've got news."

"You're not moving?" She guessed, looking up at me and smiling.

"I'm that predictable?"

"Nope, I'm just trying to be super optimistic." She kissed my cheek. "But that's amazing sweetie!"

"I know! Nothing's really figured out yet, but we definitely aren't moving, and I'm so glad." I put my arm around her.

"Me too." She kissed my cheek again. "I love you so much."

"Love you too hon. Want a ride?"

"That'd be great, yeah."