"What are neighbors for?"
Ashton's P.O.V
I had come home from work after an extremely long shift, because someone decided not to show up for theirs so I had to stay, when I saw my mom was still awake.
She normally doesn't wait up for me anymore when I work the closing shift since it can be close to midnight so I was surprised to see her up.
"Hi ma." I took off my shoes & I hung up my jacket. "Why are you still awake?"
"I just couldn't sleep. Uhm, come sit a second."
"Okay?" I was nervous. This wasn't good obviously.
"So I'm gonna need you to swallow your pride a bit for the next week..."
"What are you talking about?"
"Ashton, Ronnie's grandpa died today."
"Oh no."
"Yea. Mrs. Rockford just came over to talk to me. They might need a bit of help these next few days around the house like letting their dog out or maybe picking them up food & such so I might need your help too."
"But is Ronnie okay?"
She was the first one I thought of.
"I'm sure she's taking it hard. You know she was close to her grandfather. I just please beg of you to be nice to the Rockford's for a bit. I know Ronnie isn't your favorite person but I'm sure she could use all the love she can get right now & you know how this feels."
My grandfather passed away just a couple years ago. I wasn't extremely close with him but the experience was super rough. Ronnie was extremely close with hers so I couldn't even imagine how tough this may be for her.
"Yea. I'll be nice, promise."
"Thank you. Ronnie's dad is still out with some family making calls. I think Mrs. Rockford & Ronnie are home though but if you see her out, just let her know you're thinking of her, okay?"
"Do you think she'll be at school tomorrow?"
"I doubt it. I bet she'll take a day or two off. But just be nice, seriously Ashton. This is all I ask of you."
"I will."
Lucky for her, I actually wanted to be nice this time.
My mom went up to bed & I took a shower where I did a lot of thinking. I just remembered how hard it was to lose my grandfather. I thought about everything that accompanies death & just the shitty feeling it leaves in your body for up to months afterwards & I didn't wish that on Ronnie.
After my shower, I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep so I took my dog outside.
I saw one of Ronnie's outdoor lights was on & I assumed she was outside.
At first I thought I'd just peak over the fence & talk to her quickly but once I was close enough to the fence, I heard a lot of tears & I knew just looking over the fence & saying a few words wasn't enough right now for her.
I grabbed a chair from my yard, I lined it up against the fence & I hopped over.
I saw Ronnie sitting in the middle of her grass with her knees in her chest underneath the tree & I knew why she was sitting exactly right there.
-
Seven Years Ago
"Presenting...Princess Ronnie!" I was swimming in my pool when I heard Mr. Rockford yell that from their yard.
