Keep your distance love

Chapter 3: What Just Happened?

Paul entered into the shed the very next morning. "How did things hold up last night while i was gone? Hmm? Any problems?" Jake shook his head no. He began to forget what his real voice sounds like until last night when he used it for the first time in forever. He made a mistake. He shouldn't have shown himself to that girl. It doesn't make much of a difference now, does it? Just means that he will live through another lonely day with only Paul to share the air with.

"Well Jake, You're getting older now so i think i can start confiding in you to watch over the shed while i'm gone more often. Hell, to watch over this whole god damn graveyard. I think you can handle it." Sure as long as no more teenagers get curious Jake should be safe. With that Paul decided to leave for the day again considering no one was stopping by to visit their loved ones, and no one came by to place an order for a new burial. This cemetery has not had many visitors or people willing to bury their loved ones here for the past three years I don't see why anyone would want to start now. When Jake was confident that Paul was long gone he went into his office and grabbed a book to read. He only had up to a middle school education but continued to read. It let his mind think f other things instead of the eternal mourning he was forced into.

Quite hours passed until there was a sudden knock on the door. Had Paul come back so abruptly? Jake hid the book under the desk chair and raised from his seat to open the door and find a familiar face.

It was the freckled face beauty from last night. Jake was shocked that she had come back when he thought that he scared her off for good. "Umm, Hi.." She begins softly after a solid minute of silence.

He is so much more captivating up close and in light, the girl thought. Not the frightening figure she remembered from last night. His eyes are a soft shade of dark blue and his black hair is ruffled around like he hadn't combed it in ages. He was beautiful.. Yes beautiful. Not handsome. That word is reserved for men, in front of Ash stood a young teenage boy that was holding back his own mystery. A fear or secret that she wanted to discover. "I-i just was looking for my father.. What are you doing here in his shed?"

Jake tried to think of a response that would satisfy her enough for her to leave. He closed his lips that had recently fallen agap at her sudden appearance. He turned to walk back to his chair and prayed that maybe his silence would be enough for her to go. Maybe if he just ignored her she would leave. He did not want to risk speaking to her. It was too risky, he might catch feelings after a measly conversation. He's still a very sensitive boy. So he decided to pick up his book and continue reading, pretending that she was not now standing in front of him watching his every move. "Hello?" God dammit his plan is not working! "Why are you on my father's property?" Jake puts the book down and leans his elbows on the desk never taking his eyes off of the brunette. "I work here." Her eyes show a hint of shock and confusion at his response. "Oh.. I'm Ashlee by the way. Sorry for last night.. My friends can be idiots sometimes." Ash hold her hand out as an indication for Jake to shake it, but the small boy does not move. "So, uh.. What is your name?" Ash retracts her hand and gives Jake a weary smile. "Not important. Your father isn't here." Ash nods at his stone cold tone. Jake knew exactly who she was. He knew of her reputation and wanted nothing to do with it. He had a friend once and it did not work out. The last thing he needs is to make another mistake.

"Okay, I guess ill just sit and wait here until he comes back." Ash moves across the floor after shutting the door to the shed and plants herself on Jake's couch. His eyes grow wide once more at her audacity. "He is not coming back for the rest of the day ma'am" She waves him off. "Oh please don't call me that, I'm only 16.. How old are you?" Jake ignores her question and pretends to read once more. "Where are you from?" Jake continues to fake read. "Do you have any friends?" He flips a page. "Okay look. I know what happened last night was awful but that doesn't mean-" "I think you should leave now ma'am." "What?! You can't kick me out! I practically own this place. I demand that you tell me your name." She stomps her foot. Jake just eyes her from over the rim of his novel. "If I tell you my name, will you go away." Ash smiles at the progress she has made with communication to this lifeless being. "There is a great chance." Jake nods. "Jake. My name is Jake." "Nice to meet you Jake." Ash rises from the couch and sits on the edge of the desk. At this moment Jake gets up from his chair and moves into Paul's office. "Why are you so scared of me, Jake? It is I that should be scared of you."

"Indeed you should ma'am."

"Why should I though is the question?"

"I am no good for people.. You need to leave." Jake stopped at the chance to get closer to Ash. "How old are you Jake?" She ignores his request and moves into Paul's office to lean on the door. Their eyes meet and a warm feeling washes over Jake's body. This is bad. He can't control himself, "16." Ash smiles at his welcoming response. "Really? What school do you go to? You can't go to ford high.. I would have seen you around."

"I don't go to school ma'a-" Ash interrupts him by walking closer to Paul's desk causing Jake to lean back. "I swear if you call me ma'am one more time I will scream. Haha call me Ash." Jake swallows. "Ash I think you can leave now.." Ash continues to rebel.

"Jake, what are hiding?" Jake furrows his eyebrows at this odd question. "Nothing ma'a- uhm Ash, why?"

"You are a very mysterious character."

"I could say the same about you." He smirks. It is an odd feeling but nice.

"Really? I'm an open book."

"That I surely don't want to read.. Ash please."

"Jake you should get out more. You are paler than paper." She changes the subject in order to stay in her place.

"I'm fine right here.."

"Where do you live?" Wow that is personal question to which Jake just points to the couch sitting in the middle of the small shed.

"Seriously?!" He nods his head.

"You have to come hang out with us some time." By 'us' Jake knew she was referring to those awful kids that consistently taunt him. Ash could read his expression, "They are not as bad as they sound." He looks at her with saddened eyes. Words can be hurtful, especially the ones they shouted to him last night. "They were more scared of you then you probably are of them.. Trust me." He just shifted his eyes quickly down to the floor.

"It is settled i will be here tomorrow to pick you up!" She says excitedly and rushes to the exit. "Ash wait!" Jake wants to tell her no but with a "Bye Jake!" She is out the door.

What Just happened? That is what you get for opening your mouth. God dammit Ash.