The Player and the Nobody

Chapter 21: So the Truth Comes Out

§So the Truth Comes Out§

Ashton had fallen asleep during our marathon of Disney movies and I put a blanket on him. After a quick conversation with Jessi on the phone, telling her to ask Ricky questions about his trip to France, I head to the stairs. As I walk up, I start to hear loud thumping music. When I get in my room, I walk over to my window and open the curtain. Sure enough Derek was there, beating up a punching bag.

I open my window, "What a brute!"

Derek stops and looks around the room with a confused look on his face.

"Yoo-hoo!" I wave and Derek looks over at the window.

He smirks, "Hey sweet cheeks."

"What are you doing up so late hitting a punching bag?"

He shrugs," Couldn't sleep. What are YOU doing up so late, alone when lover boys car is still in your driveway?"

"He fell asleep." I walk over to my jewelry and makeup table and take my bracelets and necklaces off.

"Awe. Well you can come over here. I'll do what he failed to do."

I turn around, "And what would that be?"

"I can show you the world! Shining, shimmering, splendid. Tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?"

I burst out laughing, "Did you seriously just quote Aladdin?"

Derek lifts his head proudly and sticks out his chest, "Yes, yes I did."

"Thanks, but I think Ashton does just fine."

"Suit yourself." And with that Derek turns around and goes back to the punching bag. I roll my eyes and chuckle one last time before gathering my things and hopping in the shower. When I get out in my pajamas, Ashton is laying on my bed reading one of my books that are scattered on shelves around my room.

"Hey, did I wake you?"

Ashton looks away from the book up at me, "Hmm? No. I woke up on my own and realized you weren't in my arms, so I went on an adventure to find you. When I noticed you were in the shower, I found something to occupy my time while I waited for you."

"Awe. Thanks." I bend over and quickly give him a small peck.

~SUNDAY~

*Jessi POV*

"I'll have a chocolate shake with some fries." The lady nods her head, writes it down, and walks away, "So babe, what did you have in mind after this?" I ask Ricky while grabbing his hand.

"I don't know, I guess we can walk and talk."

"Okay. I do have a few questions for you, if you don't mind..."

After we finish eating, we walk around the little shops and down the pier.

While swinging our interlaced hands, I ask Ricky a few things, "So what city did you vacation in while you were in France?"

"Paris. Gotta be in the middle of where everything is happening."

"What areas did you see?"

"Eiffel Tower and some art galleries."

"Really? You were gone an entire year and all you saw were a few art galleries?!"

"I ate a lot of croissants...."

"Okaaayy... Why did you go to France?"

"Vacation time away from everyday life."

"Wow. Your family must be loaded."