𝓐𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓷 𝔁 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 (but you're Ashlyn) 𝕊𝔹𝔾

Episode 55

>>>>><Reckless Reunion><<<<<

*WITH THE OTHERS (In Aiden's POV)*

There was a loud clash, and everyone in the waiting room turned to see Tyler running toward us like a wrecking ball. 

Of course, Taylor was the first one to react, throwing herself at him and knocking both of them down with a tackle that could only be described as epic.

They were both a mess of tears and jumbled comforting words, a sight that made my heart swell despite the craziness of it all.​For the first time ever, Tyler wasn't the stuck-up rude halfwit he usually was; he was just Taylor's brother who had been dead and was now somehow back to life.​ Part of our kick-ass friend group. The relief was almost palpable.

I squeezed in beside them, with me, Ben, and Logan crowding around. Logan was sobbing at Tyler's other shoulder, and Ben had his phone out, fussing over Tyler, checking if he was okay. I crouched down where Tyler's mom had been just a moment ago, trying to catch my breath amid the whirlwind of emotions in the room.

Mrs. Hernandez had rushed off to deal with some doctors who looked like they'd just run a marathon.Well, what else could you expect from chasing after an athlete like Tyler? As we waited, it wasn't long before the doctors came to take Tyler back, with Taylor and their mom following closely behind.

I couldn't help but mumble "Halfwit" under my breath, but my attention was quickly diverted when my phone rang. 

I held it up to my ear and immediately recognized Ashlyn's voice, causing me to smile slightly. "Ash? Yeah, everything's okay now. Tyler's in rough shape, but he's awake. How'd you know to call though?"

We chatted for a couple more minutes, and I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that I should've gone with her instead.
After the serious talk the adults had—who even knows what they talked about since grown-ups always seem so serious—we were finally told we could visit Tyler's room. I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement at the thought of seeing him again, ready to tease him about being such a dramatic halfwit.

*BACK TO ASHLYN'S POV* 

I slowly opened the door leading to Tyler and the others, my heart racing with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

"Ah, it's Ash!" Aiden's face lit up, his usual loud energy filling the room.

I walked over to Tyler, my head down, trying to hide the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. "I..." I felt my voice crack and instinctively swallowed hard. No... I can't cry right now. Not in front of them. Not when it feels like it's my fault.

"I'm sorry," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. There was a short pause before Tyler spoke up.
"Not your fault... so stop acting mopey, carrot top."

I looked up at him, feeling a mix of confusion and disbelief. My eyes widened as his teasing tone pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts and shifted my concern into annoyance.

"What." "Your hair is orange, so I'm calling you carrot top from now on." "No, you aren't." "Too late, I've already made up my mind."

Despite the heaviness in my heart, I couldn't help but roll my eyes, a small smile creeping onto my face. The other giggling and laughing as well. ​Tyler's nonchalant banter was comforting, a reminder that even amidst chaos, some things would remain the same.​ It was good to see him pushing through, teasing me like nothing had changed. 

Perhaps everything would be okay after all...

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