You Left Me Stranded

Chapter 9

I guess sometime during the movie I fell asleep because I woke in my bed, with Bob next to me. Looking outside, I noticed it was storming, which I've never been good with. So, being the chicken I am, I cuddled up to Bob and hoped I'd fall asleep soon. 'I wonder if Austin will ever love me the way I do him. He's an amazing guy and if someone like THAT were to love someone like ME, there's no telling what I'd do. Maybe it'll be easier to deal with since I'm living with him now.' I then drifted off to a deep sleep.

The Next Day

Waking up, I could hear Austin singing in the kitchen, which wasn't unusual being he always sings. The unusual part is that he was singing a song I loved to listen to when I was upset. He never sings it unless I'm that way and I've never known him to sing it unless in that situation. So, being the nosey person I am, I got up and snuck into the living room to listen to him. The way he was singing it, was so beautiful. It's "Hey, Jude" by The Beatles.

I sat there listening to him sing the song when all of the sudden I start hearing him cry. 'Why is he crying for? Get up and go see.' Why is he crying? Did something happen that I didn't know about? Like a death or someone being a dick towards him? Only way to find out is me asking, but I doubt he's gonna wanna talk about it. 'I can't just leave him there alone.'

Austin started to cry even more now and I couldn't sit there any longer. I peeped my head into the kitchen and I saw his back was pointed to the living room while he was leaning it against the island. He had his hands over his face, covering it. I couldn't stand there longer, so I walked up to him and started hugging him. "Austin, I'm here. Whatever is wrong, we can get through together. You aren't alone." The crying slowed a little, but he was still crying. "Shh, I'm here. There, there. What's wrong, darling?" I finally looked up at his face. It was swelled from the crying and was also damp from the tears. I reached up and wiped his face off with my thumb and smirked at him. "Austin, look at me. You know I'm here and whatever is wrong, I wanna help." He sighed and finally made eye contact with me.

"Ashlen, do you remember how mom had Marfan Syndrome? (Which is: a hereditary disorder of connective tissue, resulting in abnormally long and thin digits and also frequently in optical and cardiovascular defects.)" He was looking out the window now, no eye contact. "Well, she died today. I didn't even get to say goodbye." Austin was full blown bawling now, and I couldn't do anything. I felt horrible. "Shh, Aus. It's okay. I told you whatever it was we will get through it together, and I meant it. Okay? Look at me." I took his hands away from his face and looked at him in the eye. "Ashlen, you don't have to be here. I'm used to being alone on these things. Don't feel like you have to be here for me." He looked down at me and frowned. "Don't you dare say that, Austin. You know good and Damn well that I'm always here. Whether you want me to or not. You are my bestfriend, and I love you. Why would I not be here? You've been here for me since day one. Hell, you even let me fucking stay in your house. I WANT to be here for you. The only time I won't be is if you tell me to leave. You can always count on me. No matter the problem or situation. I do not care if it's three o'clock in the morning. I am here." I finished talking and gave him a hug and he smiled. "Thank you, Ashlen. You're the best." He smiled. "You're welcome, Aus. Now, what do you want for breakfast? My treat."