Love Me to the End

|05 - Happy Birthday Bitch|

Ash POV

As soon as she slams the door shut, I sigh and crawl out of the closet, coming face to face with a fuming Elle.

"What?" I muttered, and she held up a small bag in front of my face, waving it by the handles on top. "You are the stupidest, most idiotic bitch I've ever met." My face dips into a frown, and she huffs angrily.

"She got you a gift, Ash. She heard us talking, realized it was your birthday, and got you a fucking gift.

I scoff before grabbing the bag out of her hands, jaw locked. Elle rolled her eyes and stood in front of me, hands on her hips like a condescending mom, and I glare right back at her like a rebellious teenager.

"Iris spent money on you, and you ditch your dorm and hide when she comes. Are your screws loose?"

"Look, I didn't ask her to spend money on me. I didn't ask to be her roommate, I didn't ask for her to even fucking walk into my life, so all I did was open the exit door. Why the fuck does she care anyway?! I bet whatever is in this bag-" I wave in front of her face angrily and continue. "-is just as shitty as her and her dresses."

She looked at me, her mouth agape before flicking my forehead harshly and walking into the small kitchen area. I wince, massaging the bruised bit and grumbling. "What the hell was that for?" She just flips me off from behind and joins Celeste, shaking her head in disappointment.

Pissed, I walked over to the couch, plopping myself down, and poured out the contents of the bag, curiosity getting the best of me.

A small, black box tumbled out first, and a muffin rolled out next, almost begging to be eaten.

Chocolate, my mind murmured, the look of it alone enough to make my mouth water.

Hell no. What if it's poisoned?

Shaking my head, I tried to set the resolution of not eating it and crossed my arms, turning my head away to keep my eyes off of it.

I sat there for about a good two seconds before reaching for it, inspecting it carefully just in case...well, you know. Poison.

Finally giving in, I take a bite and immediately sigh at the burst of flavor in my mouth, the taste rich enough to drown me.

I missed you, chocolate.

Chewing, I side-glanced at the box that had somehow rolled a few feet away from me and contemplated.

Why would she get me a gift? What advantage would it give to her?

Unconsciously, I reach towards the bag again, and a small card tumbles out. Just as I reach for the black box, a thought stumbles through my head.

Wait, no! Hell nah. I am not going to open it.

Immediately I cringe, carelessly tossing the black box in the corner of the living room before walking into the kitchen.

As I walk in, the smell of spices and soup drifts around me and I glance at my two friends. Celeste was cutting up vegetables as Elle took out the meat from the fridge.

"Olive oil and pepper, please," Celeste says to no one in particular. I silently grab the things she asked for and put them next to her.

A comfortable silence hugs us as I lean against the counter, dusting my hands off after finishing the muffin.