The half <3

[7] Beginning of the end.

Ash POV
Winter break came and went with me missing a lot of musical rehearsals due to travels out of town filled flashbacks of what happened the night before we went on break.
I was more than ready to be back with my people though.

By this point Trey and I had no communications and my arm was pretty much healed apart from a scar I still had. I hated it but it was much better than what it was before.
In summary.... Life was goin pretty good.

The school year was zooming by and before we knew it, it was time for us to put on our musical.
Everyone was doing their pre show rituals, while taking it easy because the singers were on vocal rest. I walked into the auditorium and caught Nick's eye. He waved me over and when I was in range he said lowly "we need to talk".

I furrowed my brows but before I could protest he gently yet firmly grabbed my wrist and led me to the dressing room back stage.
"Ash I can't do this" he said visibly stressed.

I blinked confused because I tended to be slow, but when it clicked I was quick to console him. "Nick what are you talking about? You're literally dance captain and you've been killing it on stage since day ONE. All I need you to do is go on stage and show everyone what they've been missing out on."

He looked down at me. "Yea... yea you're right. Thanks."
I shot did finger guns at him and started walking away to get ready.
"Mmcht. Ash"
I turned around and he waved me over. " I can't do you dirty knowing you'd never do me wrong."
My face fell. "What... are you talking about"

"I'm talking about us. Don't get me wrong I love what's goin on. But knowing me and my track record I'm gonna mess it up"

I backed up a little " Okay, why are you telling me this before the show? And like...what is this supposed to mean"

"Don't be upset ma I'm just saying I want us to go slow" he pulled me back to him "and I just wanted to tell you about how I've had commitment issues. I don't know... I just- I really like you Ash"
I looked up at him confused. Then I looked away trying to understand what theeeee Fck was happening rn.

Then I felt him put his hand under my chin and make me face him again.
"Don't be mad ma cmere"
Our faces were inches apart again but before I could pull away I heard Ella's voice. PUSSSYYYYYYYY
Man Fck it. I tiptoed forward and connected our lips.
Embarrassingly enough this was my first kiss so I had no idea what I was doing.
His hand moved to the back of my head deepening the kiss and we were there for God knows how long.
Nick broke away and grabbed my hand leading me to the hallway behind the stage and into one of the rooms. He sat in a chair and brought me back to him and kissed me again.

This time I broke away. "I don't think we're supposed to be in here" I said.
We heard keys in the distance and I walked back to the stage without saying anything. By this time more people were in the auditorium but my mind was racing trying to understand what I just did.

I wiped my lips and started feeling sick to my stomach before I saw Ella and Destiny at the doors of the auditorium.
I ran from the stage to the doors to meet them, gave them the we need to talk look and walked away.
They followed me to a corner and I said simply "I just kissed Nick".

Their faces dropped and it was almost as if they were pitying me. Something in the back of my head said they knew something I didn't , but I shook it away.
"Oh imma beat his assssss" El said speed-walking to where Nick had just emerged from at the stage.
I looked to Des for some kind of clarification. She held up a finger, shook her head and caught up with El.

I ran over to see what they were yelling about , but as soon as I approached them they told me to go away.
What the hell.......

I walked over to the side of the stage where I saw Trevor and Gabe sitting and chatting. Nick Ella and Des walked to the auditorium doors.

"Damn" was all Trevor said patting my shoulder.
"Bro it's been TEW minutes. What is wrong w niggas bro" I sighed sitting down.

"ASHLYNNNN" I heard from across the auditorium. If it ain't one thing it's another. I looked up seeing my friend Stephen running over with a paper bag and he handed it to me. Inside was a cinnamon roll that I completely forgot I asked for.
" oh thanks" I said lowly taking the bag from him.
He paused looking at me "you good?"
I looked up "yea I'm straight Stephen thanks"
"Ogey" he said as he skip-jogged away.
Trevor snorted.
"Who could have thought the theatre group would have soooo much drama"
"Mmcht I just wanna go home" I said eating my cinnamon roll which helped my stomach from fighting me.

"Girl it better be good" Trevor said.
"Oh it is ... stay mad" I responded.
"My stomach may be empty... but my lips are clean" he said before taking off running. My jaw dropped.

All I could do is laugh and shake my head before doing my tech checklist and preparing for the show.

Before we knew it, it was our last show night and our cast took their final bows. Everyone hugged and cried and reminisced because this would be one of the last times we were with our seniors.

"Ugh imma miss those people and ion even like them" I said wiping my face as I sat with El and Des.
"No frl... this wack" El said resting her head on my shoulder.
"Couldn't be me" Des said hopping up from where she sat and began walking off.
I got a text from my mom sayin she was picking me up and I better be outside in 3 mins. I didn't even get to do my farewells man. I sighed knowing argument would only make my life more difficult in the future so I gave El a hug, dapped up Trevor and made my way outside of the auditorium. I'd have to find another time to say bye to everyone else.

I got into the car and my mom drove me home. My mind was blank as I took a shower in boiling water and got into bed. My eyelids were heavy as I put my phone on the dresser next to the bed. Right before I drifted into sleep my phone buzzed , but I didn't bother looking at it. They could wait till the morning.

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I stretched , irritated as I turned off my alarm and got ready for the last bit of school I had left. All the clubs had their banquets, we had award ceremonies, and the next thing I knew I was watching my favorite seniors walk the stage. It didn't hit me that they were really gonna be gone until I was sitting on my bed thinking about nothing. Before I knew it I was sobbing uncontrollably and struggling to breathe. I frantically checked my blankets and sheets for my phone, eager for a distraction or something to cheer me up.

When I was calm enough and TikTok wasn't worth scrolling through anymore, I texted Trevor telling him what happened. Ever since the musical we'd become something of a dynamic duo. He responded saying he felt the same way and he couldn't even fathom the fact of them leaving.

We settled with the fact that when we all finished college we would get a nice house together and be with everyone forever. At the time, that was enough for me to function like a regular person and get out of bed to be productive.

With that.... Summer started.