Forever & Always || Redlyn

Rehearsals

"Oh."

"Did you not get it?" Big Red asked, taking Hazel out of her arms and holding her.

"No, I did get it." She looked up and smiled at him. "I actually got it." In disbelief, she seemed extremely calm, while also looking nervous.

"Ash." He looked her in the eyes. "You got it."

"I got it." She repeated. "This is incredible!" She hugged him from the side, trying not to touch Hazel.

"It's amazing!" He hugged her tighter. "It's a huge, huge deal. And you're gonna do wonderful."

"This is insane. I actually— woah."

"EJ! Thanks for coming over!" Ashlyn hugged her cousin, beaming, the next day.

"Mhm, no problem." He smiled.

"Biggie!" Ashlyn ran into their bedroom. She had been super energetic the next day after overcoming her initial shock. "He's here, come on out."

"Mkay." He carried Hazel out with her.

"She's adorable!" EJ gushed.

"Yeah, we were wondering if you could watch her tonight? You don't have to, we just wanted to go out and celebrate." She told him, holding onto Big Red's arm.

"Of course... celebrate what?" He asked, confused. Ashlyn had avoided mentioning the auditions to anyone, scared to let anyone down if she didn't get the part. She knew she would end up telling them eventually, but still waited.

"I booked a role in a tour." She grinned. Big Red squeezed her hand, smiling.

"Congrats Ash!" He hugged her. "That's so cool."

"Thanks!" She beamed. "I think I'll get changed."

"Okay babe." Big Red kissed her cheek. She left. He sat down, inviting EJ to do the same, which he did. "How are you?"

"Pretty good, you?"

"Same. Besides lack of sleep." He joked, looking at Hazel in his arms.

"Not worried about Ashlyn?"

"Why?"

"It's gonna be a lot of work and you won't really see her much." He pointed out.

"Oh, that." He nodded. "I'm not really worried about her, I just know I'll miss her." He sighed. "It's really amazing though."

"It's incredible." EJ agreed.

"Yeah..."

"I'm ready." Ashlyn walked in, fidgeting with a bracelet on her wrist. "Hon?"

"I'm ready too." He stood up and passed Hazel to EJ. For this, but not you leaving. He thought. He tried to remind himself she still had rehearsal and it would be awhile before she left.

"Great." She held his hand and they walked out. Making their way down the hall, she continued. "Where d'you wanna go?"

"Your choice."

"Something bothering you love?" She slowed down.

"Nothing." He forced a smile.

"Sweetie, don't lie." She finished walking to his car and they got in. "I want you to tell me if something's bothering you. We always do."

"It's different."

"You admit something's bothering you, go ahead and tell me." She held his hand.

"I should get past it."

"We can do that together."

"I'm just really gonna miss you." He whispered.