Family Troubles || Redlyn

Embarrassed

"Biggie?" Ashlyn said, breaking the comfortable silence we were sitting in as we scrolled on our phones. It had been a week.

"Yeah?"

"I've missed you."

"What do you mean?" I asked, tilting my head.

"I've hardly seen you this week."

"Just been busy."

"I know. Whatcha been up to?" She asked, sitting up and leaning onto my shoulder.

"Just... you know, stuff." I blushed, embarrassed.

"Stuff you're embarrassed about?" She asked, causing me to sigh.

"I'm just working a lot."

"You got a job?"

"About a week ago." I nodded.

"Why didn't you tell me?" The question filled me with guilt.

"It's all about my family's income right now and stuff..." I mumbled.

"Why didn't you tell me?" She repeated.

"I just said—"

"Please don't be embarrassed, love." She pulled me into a tight hug. "You know I'd never judge you. I don't care, baby, I just love you."

"I know, it's... weird."

"I know, but I'm free to talk. However embarrassing something may be. Judgement free here hon."

"Thank you." I kissed her forehead. She smiled, rubbing my back. I kissed her forehead a few more times before putting my arm around her and leaning onto her shoulder again.

"Finally." I sighed quietly, going outside as I left my boring job. I thought I got lucky as I spotted Ashlyn on the sidewalk (small word, right?), until she jumped up and hugged someone. A guy.

Okay, I try my hardest not to be jealous. Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's easy. Of course, I trust Ashlyn to tell me the truth. She'd never cheat on me, and I know she currently loves me. I don't mind if she hangs around a boy, because I have common sense.

But sometimes it is really hard. She's so perfect, I know she could do better than me. I've barely seen her for over a week, and hugging is definitely different than hanging out. It could be platonic, but it scared me.

I kept watching Ashlyn with a huge smile on her face as she pulled away from the hug.

Even if she likes him, I told myself, she would not cheat.

I knew that was true. It was something I could easily depend on, like her.

She waved me over, her smile not faltering at all. I guess she wasn't nervous. I was probably nervous about nothing. I walked over to her, putting on my best smile (which was easier than you'd think because her smile is so beautiful and contagious), and put my arm around her.

"Hey!" She smiled, kissing my cheek.

What was I even worried about?

"Hey Ash." My smile turned into a real smile.

"This is Big Red, my boyfriend." She leaned onto me.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Eli." He responded.

"Nice to meet you too." I nodded, still bringing Ashlyn closer to me.

"Can we have a sec?" She walked a few feet away with me. "You're uncomfortable."

"Okay, look, I know I get jealous way too often, but you're too perfect and I wouldn't be surprised if everyone ever asked you out. Plus you guys hugged, but whatever. ,I'm trying to work on it. And I don't think you love him and I know you wouldn't cheat on me and—" I was cut off by her kissing me.

"Biggie, shut up." She laughed lightly. "A few things: he's my cousin, who lives a few states away. Second, he's gay, and in a relationship. Plus, I'd never cheat on anyone, let alone you. Lastly, please, please don't think like that. You're perfect love."

"Thanks Ashy." I kissed her hand before holding it.

"Of course."