Next Door

Arguing

"Mom!" Big Red whined as he arrived home. He collapsed onto the couch, where she was sitting. "Ash's parents caught us talking."

"What'd they say?"

"They know they can't really force us apart, but they grounded her for longer and they don't want me there or her here."

"Come on." She stood up.

"What?"

"We're going to talk to them. Because, frankly, that's stupid."

"But they don't want me there..." Big Red trailed off.

"They'll deal." She said, determined. She quickly headed out the door, followed by Big Red. They were soon on Ashlyn's doorstep. Big Red knocked, and he was glad to see Ashlyn answer.

"What are you doing here?" She furrowed her eyebrows before spotting his mom. "What—"

"Honey, are your parents here?" Mrs. Redonovitch asked.

"Um, yeah, they are. They're in their room, uh, talking about... well, probably me. I can go get them?"

"That'd be great."

"Come on in." Ashlyn invited, letting the two inside. She then left to find her parents, who soon came back with her. Everyone settled into the living room. Hesitantly, Ashlyn took a spot by Big Red. "Hey." She said under her breath.

"Hey." He put his hand over hers.

Mrs. Redonovitch skipped greetings. "You can't ban our kids from dating."

"We didn't." Mr. Caswell replied.

"You can't ban Ashlyn from our house. It's our house."

"Yes, but Ashlyn isn't allowed over there." Mrs. Caswell countered.

"Mom, I just wanna see my boyfriend." Ashlyn complained.

"You can."

"Only because you can't stop us. Just get used to this, he's the love of my life. So just get used to it, or the second I turn 18 you're not seeing me again."

"We are your parents! We make the rules, Ashlyn! And frankly, we don't think you should settle for this idiot."

"My son is not an idiot." Mrs. Redonovitch gritted her teeth.

"Regardless, we make the rules!"

"Don't yell at Ashlyn!" Big Red wrapped Ashlyn in his arms. "It's okay. It's okay. I've got you."

"N- no, it's not. It's— I can't..."

"Breathe. Breathe, Ash. I love you."

"I—" Ashlyn heard the arguing of their parents, which only further made her panic. "I don't..."

"Hey, hey, you've got this." He hugged her tighter.

"Come on, we're leaving." Mrs. Redonovitch turned to Big Red.

"But Ashlyn..."

"She can come."

"Right. Uh..." They all made their way to the door.

"If you take a step inside their house—"

"She's freaking out! And it's all your fault! Just— just shut up!" Big Red snapped, managing to pick up Ashlyn. He carried her out the door.

"They're... gonna be so mad." Ashlyn cried.

It took Ashlyn around an hour to calm down. She had panicked, to say the least, but was now laying her head on Big Red's lap. He brushed his hands through her hair. Mrs. Redonovitch took the chance to speak.

"Ashlyn, hon?"

"Yeah?" She replied.

"You ever thought about therapy?"

"My parents won't let me." Ashlyn shook her head.

"You want to, though?"

"I mean, yeah. I don't want to, but I think I need to, so."

"We can pay for it." She decided.

"What? No, I can't—"

"Babe, hear her out." Big Red interrupted.

"I've known you for years. You're practically my daughter, and almost literally my daughter-in-law. And you've gotta take care of yourself, and your parents should be, but since they aren't, I will."

"I can't just..."

"Don't fight it." Big Red held her hand. "You need it. You know that."

"Yeah, I do." She nodded.

"Good." Mrs. Redonovitch left the room. A few minutes later, Ashlyn broke the silence.

"I don't wanna go home. They're gonna yell. So much."

"That doesn't matter right now. Just hold on to me. I've got you." He readjusted as she sat up to hug him. She leaned onto his chest. "I love you so much."

"I love you more." She closed here eyes.

"You ready for bed?"

"Yeah." She gave him a weak nod.

"Alright." He rubbed her back until she fell asleep.