Family Troubles || Redlyn

Kitchen Bantering

Ashlyn's POV

"Oh... hi." I waved shyly when I noticed Jackson in the kitchen and got a cup out of the cabinet.

"Yeah."

"Y—" I was about to question why his response was 'yeah' instead of something like 'hi' or 'hey,' but caught myself. No need to talk much, especially with someone that unpleasant.

"What?"

"I didn't say anything." I lied.

"Yeah, you did."

"I was talking to myself." I lied again.

"Are you EJ Caswell's... uh, I don't know, someone related to him?"

"I'm Ashlyn. But yes, I'm his cousin." I nodded. I set down my water. "Why?"

"Thought I had seen you before."

"We've met." I nodded. "Not to mention..." I trailed off.

"Not to mention what?"

"That you knocked me over in the hall a few days ago." I said, gesturing to my ankle which still had the brace on.

"Oh right."

"Mhm." I forced a smile. "See you around."

"Hopefully not."

"Hm, thanks." I rolled my eyes.

"I'm just saying, both you and your cousin are annoying and suck ups. And at least he used to be fun."

"I don't really care, mkay?"

"I don't care, it's an opinion." He replied.

"Which you really could just keep to yourself."

"Shut up."

"Then, you know... don't insult me? Is that so hard?" I rolled my eyes again. "Trust me, I'm a friendly person, so long as the other person is making an effort."

"I could make an effort, I'm just not stupid."

"Where's your girlfriend?" I asked with a sigh.

"We're about to leave, she's getting ready. Which always takes her so long." He complained.

"Give her the time she wants." I glared at him.

"You're really asking to be pushed over in the hallway, can't you just shut up?"

"Whatever." I sighed. "I'm gonna go back to my, not annoying, boyfriend."

"He's obnoxious." He scoffed. I turned back to him.

"Just keep insulting me, I don't know why you feel the need to insult him. He is perfect." I said, aggravated. "And you've never hung out with him, you just know he exists. So be quiet and let me have my own boyfriend. He's an angel."

"Oh my God, he keep telling me to shut up and then go on and on and on—"

"Because you're being a jerk to both me and my boyfriend!" I groaned.

"Um... Ash?" I felt myself being wrapped in a hug from behind by Big Red. "What's going on?"

"Nothing." I said, calming down.

"Hey babe." Jackson put his arm around Madeline when she came in. "Ready?"

"Ready." She nodded. "See you later." She glared at Big Red and I, making me roll my eyes. Why did everyone care we were standing there so much?

"Yeah." Big Red waved slightly. They left the house. "What just happened?"

"Long story. Weird story."

"Tell me in a minute, I've gotta use the bathroom." He said, walking out as I nodded. I was walking back to the couch when I tripped.

"Very mature." I glared at Jackson. "Why are you even back in here?"

"Forgot my keys."

"I'll see you around." I decided to ignore him and walked back to the couch as he left. I let out a sigh.