Family Troubles || Redlyn

Traffic

Ashlyn's POV

My mom and I were stuck in traffic, on the way to a hotel for a wedding the next day in North Carolina. It had been quite some time. It ended up being surprisingly fun. What better way to bond?

I laughed at what my mom had just finished saying. "Yeah."

"Ash?"

"Yes?" I asked. The mood seemed to suddenly switch and become serious just by the tone of her voice. I became nervous.

"The thing about Big Red..." she started. I sighed. "He makes you really happy."

"Like I've been saying..."

"Fair enough. But I've been thinking about it more. And I hate to admit when I'm wrong. That's pretty big in my family, and in your dad's, but it doesn't seem to be something you struggle with as much. We're all stubborn, but I think you're pretty good with admitting your mistakes."

"Thanks." I smiled slightly, before remembering what the conversation was about. "What does this have to do with him, though?"

"I was wrong. Your father was wrong. He brought up the subject. I thought he may change his mind, but he never did. And at this point you seem miserable. We both take care of you, but he's in Nevada. My house, my rules or whatever."

"Does this mean..." I started.

"Yeah."

"Thank you!" I squealed and leaned over to hug her. When I sat back in my seat properly, I couldn't help the smile still resting on my face. "Can I call him? Tell him?"

"Sure."

"Thanks again!" I pulled out my phone and called him, which I hadn't done for over a month now. When he picked up, he sounded extremely confused.

"Hi?"

"Hi." I almost forgot he didn't know and sat there smiling like crazy.

"What's happening?"

"Oh! Right, yeah." I laughed. "You wanna go out sometime?"

"Still feel like I'm missing something. That's not rare, but... we're not really together right now?"

"Well... we could be."

"What? Your parents—"

"Okay. Whatever. I suck at flirting." I gave up.

"No, you're great at it. I just can't take a hint sometimes."

"Point is, my mom just gave us permission to date."

"Really?"

"Of course." I smiled. "That would be an extremely rude joke." I added. There wasn't much of a response at first, the time probably was spent comprehending what I had told him.

"I love you." He sounded happy.

"I love you too."

"But does this mean—"

"I promise, I wasn't begging. I'll, uh, move to the other thing next chance I get."

"Okay. Thanks." He said.

"Yeah. I know I should."

"You really should, but I think part of the anxiety's coming from dwelling on stuff, and right now should be happy, so..."

"Yeah." I lightly giggled. "Anyways, I'm out of town until Monday. Well, Sunday night."

"That's fine, I am too. Whatcha up to?"

"Old friend of my parents' wedding— what?" I looked over at my mom, who had tried to get my attention.

"I didn't say anything—" my boyfriend started.

"Not you, sorry, uh... give me a minute." I replied. I looked back at my mom. "Is something wrong?"

"Water broke."