Anthropophobia → a.i

0.7

"Do you like this boy?"

"Mum I barely like 4 people. He's okay and I'm just trying to expand my circle. Like my therapist said" was the only thing I said as a response. Mum was determined that I liked Ash in a more than just a friendly way while all I was trying to do was sort of thank him for his help or maybe the wake up call.

Ashton came towards me the other day and told me that he would like to come to dinner with me and my family and indeed, on Friday at 8 o'clock the bell rang and Ashton was standing there with his usual smile and some flowers.

During dinner my mum and dad seemed to like Ashton way too much. They kept talking about his activities and school. I thought he would be annoyed by their constant questions but he kept smiling and answering politely. Also, he and dad seemed to get along very well, even on the sports topic (!).

I - on the other hand - answered only when some question was referred to me and kept my head low and focused on my plate. I would rather talk to my sister than everyone else on that table.

Until dad asked the dreaded question.

How did we meet.

Now for me that memory was a really bad one. All I remember is that I was scared and that I wanted to stay as far away as I could from him.

Ashton blushed a bit but then proceeded to tell my parents how he found his ex cheating and then as he was trying to get away from her saw me. And that I freaked out.

I smiled. It was a very comical presentation of the day.

"Well I found him lovely" mum said and nudged my shoulder; giving me a knowing look.

I just chuckled and kept washing the dishes; keeping myself occupied while mum kept talking about Ashton. You would think that she liked him more than even I did. Friendly always.

Two days later went back to school and Ashton and I waved at each other whenever we would see one another. He always smiled and it always made me feel a little uneasy.

It wasn't his fault; but I really couldn't help the usual feelings surface again.

---

"Hey Nat - can I call you Nat? - anyway I was wondering if you would like to um...uh..."

"Calm down, will you?" I said and reminded myself to smile.

Sometimes I forget. I'm just really mesmerized with how easily they fall for the smile. I guess it makes people feel secure. Or something like that.

"Yeah sorry" Ashton said and flashed me a smile of his own. Totally different than mine and definitely more believable. Probably because he isn't scared of a conversation.

"I'm trying to ask you out but I keep failing miserably" he said and chuckled. I on the other hand, froze.

Ask me out? Why? I mean what did I do? Why me? There are so many girls at this damn school he could jusy pick another one.

"I don't want to cause you any trouble or anything" he added, probably because of my horrified expression.

"Don't" the only word I manage to say.

"Okay" he said quickly nodding his head.

"Help me with Latin?" He asked instead. That wasn't so bad right.

I could handle Latin. And I guess Ashton learning Latin wouldn't be that much more difficult.

So I agreed.

Mistake number one was made.

Lovely.

***

Sucks I know. I'm in a very tired state and I suck.

Great huh?