Family Troubles || Redlyn

Weight

Ashlyn's POV

I didn't feel great after Jackson's punch, but things were not awful. Big Red barely seemed to grasp the concept of this. "I'm fine!" I laughed.

"But kids are too rowdy, and I don't want anyone to run into you." He said, grabbing my hand and leading me through the crowd. I smiled at him, simultaneously rolling my eyes. We made our way into the parking lot, where there were finally less people.

"Thank you." I kissed him. "But honestly, it barely hurts."

"Anytime."

"Yeah, I doubt you'd be able to stop yourself." I gave him one more quick kiss. "It's really cute when you... care? Never mind, caring's a given since we're dating... overprotective. I promise, I'm good."

"You got punched hours ago, it's hurting."

"Yeah." I nodded. "I don't need constant help."

"I guess... is your mom gonna be home when you get there?" He asked, both of us getting in his car. I shrugged as he started driving.

"I don't know. Probably not."

"You want me to stay over? I don't have anything to do, and you—"

"Yes, I do. But I'm fine."

"I know..." he trailed off.

"How am I supposed to tell my mom?" I asked. "I never told her he was doing anything. Now I have to tell her he full on punched me." I sighed, putting my head in my hands. He reached a hand over. I took it, using my free hand to continue holding my face.

"I can be there."

"No." I shook my head. "I should probably do it myself."

"Yeah, if you're sure." He squeezed my hand.

"I might change my mind... I mean, I want you there, I just have a feeling I should try to get over something myself. You know, try not to lean on you way too much."

"Yeah, okay." He nodded slightly.

"I think our time apart kinda taught me that."

"Yeah." He said simply, eyes still on the road.

"No, I— you know that's not what I meant..."

"I know."

"I'm not glad it happened babe... you know that... I barely even talk to my dad after what happened, and you saw me breakdown..."

"Ash, I know." He nodded. "I just... want you to know that that's for yourself. I don't... I don't know. I guess I'm just trying to assure you it isn't a problem for me? I like to help you. I guess for some people they just aren't there to be so deep all the time... so things don't work out. But I am here, nothing feels like a weight, and I just sometimes fear you don't exactly realize that."

"I love you." I smiled slightly. "And thanks."

"You're welcome." He kissed the top of my hand. "I also just don't like how scared you are about talking about it. And I still wish I could've stopped him, or stopped you from talking with him."

"Things go how they're meant to." I assured him. "Don't dare to blame yourself, hon."

"I love you so much."