NERVOUS! stick goldstein

CHAPTER FIFTEEN, friendship in tough times

(winnie's outfit for this chapter)

The next day Winnie found out that Ashley's project had been finished and hadn't gotten picked which made her understandably upset. She had been looking forward to getting her robot to Mars and now wouldn't be able to. When Winnie tried to comfort her, she brushed her off, saying she didn't want to talk about it. So Winnie decided to do something else to cheer her up. Winnie went to Ashley's house and wouldn't expect it, but she hoped it might cheer her up at least a little. After a moment, Ashley opened the window, her face tired and still upset.

"Winnie, what are you doing here?" Ashley asked, her voice soft but clearly frustrated.

Winnie holds up a gift bag of Ashley's favorite ice cream and favorite candy. She smiles a little at seeing Ashley's face lit up slightly. "Figured you could use some cheering up," Winnie responds softly, holding the gift bag out. "I know it's not Mars, but it's your favorite, and I thought maybe it would help even just a little."

Ashley sighs but took the bag, her lips twitching into a small smile. "You didn't have to do this."

"I know," Winnie replies, stepping closer to the window. "But I wanted to. I know how much this project meant to you, and I'm really sorry it didn't work out the way you hoped. I just wanted you to know that I'm here for you."

Ashley bit her lip, clearly trying to hold back her emotions. "Thanks, Winnie," She said, her voice breaking slightly. "It sucks, you know? I put so much work into it, and it feels like it was all for nothing."

Winnie shakes her head, her expression filled with empathy. "It wasn't for nothing, Ash. You made something amazing, and just because it didn't get picked this time doesn't mean it won't in the future. You've got the brains, the talent, and the drive to make it happen. This is just a bump in the road."

Ashley sighs again, looking down at the bag in her hands. "Maybe. It just...It feels like a really big bump."

Winnie nods, understanding. "I get it. But hey, you've still got me and the others, and we'll get through this together. And next time, you're going to blow everyone away. I believe in you."

Ashley's smile grew a little more as she looked up at Winnie. "Thanks. You always know what to say."

Winnie grins. "Well, that's what best friends are for, right?"

Ashley chuckles softly. "Yeah. Come inside, we can eat this together. Maybe I'll feel better after some ice cream."

Winnie nodded eagerly, climbing through the window as Ashley stepped back to let her in. The two friends sat on Ashley's bed, sharing the ice cream and chatting about anything but the project, giving Ashley the distraction she needed. For the first time in days, Ashley felt a little lighter, knowing she had a friend like Winnie by her side.

****

As they dug into the ice cream, Ashley let out a small sigh of relief. "I really needed this, Winnie. I didn't realize how much I just wanted to forget about it for a while."

Winnie smiles warmly, scooping another spoonful of ice cream. "That's what I'm here for. You don't always have to be tough, you know. It's okay to be upset, but it's also okay to take a break and enjoy something sweet. We'll figure things out one step at a time."

Ashley nods, her shoulders relaxing. "I just feel like everything I do has to be perfect. And when it's not, it's like I've failed completely."

"I get it," Winnie said softly. "But you're not defined by one project or one setback. You're brilliant, Ash, and you've already accomplished so much. This is just part of the journey, not the end of it."

Ashley swirls her spoon in the ice cream, her eyes softening. "How do you always stay so positive? I swear, nothing ever seems to bring you down."

Winnie chuckles, nudging her friend playfully. "Oh, I definitely have my down moments, trust me. I mean, especially being the only girl in the football team, it's a lot of pressure and sometimes it gets to me. But I just try to focus on the bigger picture. Life's full of ups and downs, but if we only focus on the lows, we'll miss out on all the good stuff too." Winnie smiles, her eyes filled with encouragement. "And besides, I've got amazing friends like you to help me through the tough times."

Ashley gives a small smile in return, her spirits lifting a little more. "You're right. I guess I've just been stuck in my own head about it. Thanks for reminding me that it's okay to not be perfect all the time."

"Anytime." Winnie grins. "Now, let's eat this ice cream before it melts!"

They both laughed, digging into the ice cream as they talked and joked, Ashley feeling better than she had in a while. She was grateful for her friends, especially Winnie, who always knew how to cheer her up.

With the ice cream gone, the two friends curled up on Ashley's bed and watched movies, laughing and enjoying each other's company. It was just what Ashley needed, a chance to relax and forget about her worries, at least for a little while.

Ashley smiles, her eyes shining with happiness. "Thanks again, Winnie. I really appreciate you being here for me. It means a lot."

Winnie smiles warmly, giving Ashley a gentle nudge. "You don't have to thank me, Ash. That's what best friends are for, right? I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Ashley nods, her heart feeling lighter as she leaned into Winnie. "I know. And I'm really lucky to have you."

Winnie chuckles softly, wrapping an arm around Ashley's shoulders. "Now, let's focus on these movies and forget about everything else for a while."

As the night went on, the two friends laughed and joked, watching their favorite movies and losing themselves in the moment. For now, the worries about failed projects and the pressure of perfection could wait. What mattered most was the friendship they shared, knowing that no matter what life threw their way, they'd face it together.

A/N sorry this is kinda short but i loved focusing more on ashley's & winnie's friendship!