Next Door

Friends, Only Better

"Happy birthday for the millionth time Ashy." Big Red sat next to Ashlyn as guests were slowly preparing to leave her party.

"Thanks." She gave him a quick kiss. "Tonight was great."

"We haven't hit the best part yet." He smiled as he put his arm around her. "It's only 9:30."

"What'd you do?" She grinned cheekily.

"It's still a surprise for now, people are still here. You know when we leave."

"Okay." She smiled. "I should say my bye's and thank you's. See you in a little while." She went off, parted ways with friends and family, and it was almost a half hour before she joined her boyfriend on the couch.

"Ready to go?"

"Still don't know where we're going." She said, hugging him. "Is it a surprise or do I know now?"

"Surprise works best." He took her hand and they walked outside, getting in his car. "So long as you aren't too curious."

"Nope, just curious enough."

"Great, and when do you need to be home?"

"Whenever, birthday's are free of curfew." She said dramatically. "No, but more parents left to go out of town about an hour ago and won't be back for a few days. Their yearly work thing that just has to fall on my birthday."

"I'm sorry about that, but it's wonderful we can stay out for awhile."

"What are we doing?" Ashlyn asked, walking with Big Red down a dirt and cobblestone path.

"You recognize where we are, don't you?" He asked, pushing a bush out of the way and letting go of her hand for her to walk ahead of him.

"We haven't been here in over a year." She said, grabbing his hand again and sitting between tree roots.

They were in a small clearing they used to visit frequently when they were younger. They still loved it, but as time passed they had occasionally forgotten about it. Ashlyn was now sitting against a tree they always sat at which had roots all around it. There were conveniently two spots that were empty of roots, where they always sat.

Big Red sat next to her. "I know, but I love it here."

"I do too." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I miss this place."

"I figured you did." He said, putting his arm around her. "Me too."

"It's such a great date spot."

"That I knew you'd think, actually."

"How come?" She tilted her head.

"You've always loved it here. And, you know, about 2 years ago you said that it was a romantic spot."

"How did you remember that?" She laughed lightly.

"I don't know, I just tend to remember a lot." He said. She raised an eyebrow. "Okay, a lot about you."

"You've been pining after me."

"No. I've just always loved you. But I didn't know it was romantic." He kissed her. She kissed him back with a smile.

"I love you." She replied, her eyes still closed as she pulled back and set her head on his shoulder again.

"You tired love?" He brushed a hair out of her face.

"Mhm."

"You always crash after your birthdays, this isn't unexpected." He said as he pulled her onto his lap and into a hug.

"And you—" She yawned. "You're always there for a few hours... until I fall asleep... oh my gosh."

"What?"

"How did I take you so for granted as a friend?" She hugged him tighter.

"Hey, I probably did the same. We were young. We still are, really."

"Guess it doesn't matter. Friends is a bit outdated."

"Friends, only better." He kissed the top of her head. "You can take a nap now."

"Love you, g'night."

"Goodnight." He held her in his arms as she drifted to sleep.