𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐒

12

Me and Dannie hook arms as we make our way into the bakery. I look around the town and notice the spike in people. It seems like more people moved to this area, and the night life seems more busy than it was some time ago.

Dannie opens the door for me and all eyes are on us when the doorbell chimes. I look around the busy restaurant and my adrenaline pick up in pace when I connect eyes with Ash.

"Delilah!" Key gasps while coming around the counter. I laugh when I notice the costumers faces shift because it looked like they weren't done with their order.

Key's body crashes into mine but I relax into her arms and suck in the familiar bubblegum scent she had. She changed her bright orange hair to a deep cherry red.

"Dannie," she smiles even brighter at the taller girl. I look over at them confusingly. How do they know each other?

"You guys go sit with Penelope and Ash. I'll get somebody else to be on the cash drawer," she rants excitedly.

I hook arms with Dannie out of nervousness as we make our way through the crowded bakery. Dannie pulls my chair out for me when we make it to the table. Penelope looks over at me before getting up to hug me.

"Delilah where have you been? We missed you! Why didn't you reach out?" She ask.

"Oh... umm- some things happened back at home. I've been experiencing a lot of change you know," I lie. Her and Key don't know what happened between me and Ash. I kind of left without warning.

Penelope holds my hands as she sits back down into the wooden chair. Her hair has grown a lot. And I notice the streaks of blonde that are spread throughout her dark hair.

"Why haven't you texted or called?" Key asks while taking a seat next to Ash.

"I had an emergency back at home and I had to be back so soon. Once I settled in, life did what it is best at doing and kept going," I explain. I ignore Ash's burning stare as me, Key, and Penelope converse more.

"So how did my two friends meet?" Key questions, which causes Ash to visibly stiffen.

"We've known each other for some years. And we are just friends," Dannie laughs while slouching down and putting an arm on the back of my chair.

"Friends they say," Ash mumbles which causes me to look over at her with irritation.

"If we weren't would it really be a a problem?" I argue.

Ash huffs while leaning back into her chair and I feel a slight pang in my chest as my memories flood in. That love I had for Ash never went away and she was the first girl that didn't judge me for my behavior. She worked to get to know me instead of leaving me.

The group talks back and forth but I stay quiet, too lost in thought. I think Dannie noticed because she announces our departure. Key whines as she stands up to hug the taller girl and then she comes to hug me.

I wave goodbye at Penelope and ignore Ash. The door chimes as we make our way into the cool air. I made a mistake of not bringing a jacket, but Dannie doesn't seem to care as she runs to her car. The doorbell chimes again.

"Delilah!" I hear Ash yell and fast pace footsteps behind me.

"Delilah, I'm sorry," she pants while grabbing my cold arm. I look back at her and snatch my arm out of her warm grasp.

"I don't care Ash. Let's just leave the past in the past and move on," I whisper yell when I notice a few eyes on us. I cross my arms from the autumn wind.

"Delilah. I know what I did was wrong but I didn't plan on hurting you. I stopped working for your dad a long time ago before you found those pictures. I swear! So I thought I'd owe it to you by getting you accustomed to this lifestyle. I didn't plan on falling in love with you," she describes.

"Love?" I look over at her and soften up.

"I've been a mess without you," she continues. I take a look at her wrinkled attire and her curls that dance around her head. I notice the eyebags that freshly decorate her face.

Without even thinking, I move towards her and gently move my hand on top of her tight coils. I feel her lean her head into my hand and sigh out a sense of relief.

"I missed you too Ash. You've never left my mind," my voice cracks as I feel tears streak down my face. Ash immediately bear hugs me and I feel her muscles squeeze my body. I instantly melt into her warmth that protects me from the chilly air. It feels good to be home.

I pull away from her and wrap my hand around her neck. I smash my lips into hers and my heart beats loudly in my ears out of excitement. Ash still has her signature wooden sent, but I taste mint on her lips. She moves her hands to my waist and tries to pull me in as close as possible.

"Not to ruin the moment but we gotta get back Lilah," Dannie smiles. I pull away to look back and glare at her before pecking Ash on the lips.

"I'll text you," I whisper to Ash before fast walking to Dannie's car. I buckle up once Dannie gets inside and pulls off. I take my phone out and go to my block list in my contacts app. I unblock Ash's number and smile at her old profile picture.

"Past lovers?" Dannie looks over and fixes her mirror.

"Shutup and wipe that smirk off your face. You remind me of Leo," I laugh while texting Ash. I see three bubbles pop up on the left side of the screen.

Ash ❤️

Hey.

I smile down at my phone before responding. I ignore Dannie's rant about me and Ash, and questions about Key.

Hey.
Delivered 

The End.

I'm done with this book! Don't be too bitter because in another universe they def got married. Thank you guys SO much for all of your support. I'm still debating about writing another book with action in it. But again thanks. I'll most likely be editing for grammar and stuff but yeah. Love you, mwah 🙂‍↕️🫶🏾