Family Troubles || Redlyn

What's Wrong?

Ashlyn's POV

Big Red arrived at my house as quick as he could. "Hey."

"Hey..." I replied.

"Um, I— what's going on?"

"Just... you know, wanted to talk." I said. "Um, let's go to my room."

"You already told me you wanted to talk, I knew that, I... I'm really worried Ash." He said. I stopped walking and turned to face him.

"It isn't good news, but it's fine. I'm not the best, but I'm fine. We're fine." I kissed him. He let out a sigh.

"Okay."

"Yeah." We made it to my room. We sat on my bed. I wrapped him in a tight hug.

"What's wrong love?" He frowned as he hugged me back.

"My dad, and Jackson, and Madeline, and... ugh. Everything."

"I know what's up with your dad, but..."

"Madeline's trying to be my friend. I don't exactly trust her, especially because her boyfriend... seems like he's going out of his way to 'accidentally' bump into me constantly. Luckily my ankle's feeling alright, but... I don't know. Still kinda stumbling." I mumbled into his shoulder, just loud enough for him to understand.

"Well, I mean... I told him to stop tonight, so we'll see what happens, but, um... that's awful." He hugged me tighter. "I guess... you're vulnerable, emotionally, right now and he annoyed you. So I guess he thinks... he's higher than you or something. Which is absolutely such a lie."

"I know, yeah. Thanks." I nodded, smiling sadly. "And my dad still... doesn't exactly love you. And that's making things hard for us, not to mention he lives in another state, because I'm not letting him mess things up with us again. I love you." I looked up at him.

"I'm sorry. I love you too." He made a sad smile.

"Biggie, I know I say it a lot, but I really am sorry." I sighed. "What you say always helps, I just... I don't feel like a burden, I like who I am and how I am... lines are just so blurry sometimes. Is leaning on you this much... a good thing? Does it mean we communicate and have good trust? Or does it mean that I dump all my problems on you and you just feel... stuck?"

"Hey, Ash." He looked me in the eyes. "I know it does seem kinda blurry, I really do know. But Ashlyn, I like to see you happy. Which I know is normal when you're in love, wether you're healthy or not. But trust me: I do not feel stuck, and I hate when your upset, but you feel better and I even feel better after cheering you up." He said. "And, I repeat, I don't feel stuck. I'm really happy with you. I'm sympathetic, of course, but... despite the fact you listed a bunch of problems, if you understand what I'm saying right now, I'll be... pretty happy. Not exactly screaming and cheering, things are hard, but... satisfied. Because I'm with you and because I trust you and because I love you."

"That's the sweetest thing I've heard... ever." I said. I barely blushed around him anymore, but I did slightly then.

"Good." He kissed my forehead.

"Yeah."

"Okay, so what's up with the whole Madeline wants to be your friend thing?"

"Not sure, but I'm currently 76% sure it's a lie." I responded.

"Specific number."

"I've put in much thought." I joked, lying down. He laid next to me, our faces pretty close. I smiled. "I don't really care. We'll see what happens. If she's sincere I'll forgive her eventually, if she isn't I think I'll find out before I actually trust her because you know me. I hold strong grudges."

"In this case, rightfully. She's been a jerk to you."

"And you too."

"Yeah, but... I don't know, she comes at you a little more." He said. I nodded. "Speaking of jerks..."

"I don't get it. He just knocks me over, with the occasional insult that randomly has to end with 'Caswell.'"

"Ah, edgy last name usage." He laughed.

"Literally." I agreed.

"I'm really sorry though. Tell me if it keeps going on."

"I will."

"I know it's hard, so please promise me you will."

"I will." I promised.

"Great."

"Wanna go out and grab something to eat? It's kinda late, I guess, but oh well."

"I should probably get home." He sighed. "I was supposed to be studying but kinda... freaked out over your text and left. And, honestly, I think my parents think I should be home and they might be back from work."

"Oh, then definitely goodbye." I grinned. "Night hon."

"G'night."