14 days

nine // day 6

"Just take my spare keys." I mutter, tossing them over to Ashton. Yet another day started off with him screaming my name from outside the door.

He catches them midair and takes a look at them before shoving them in his pocket. 

"Don't abuse the privilege, though. Make sure you don't sneak in at two in the morning." I tease.

He rolls his eyes, and lets out a chuckle. "For sure. Do you think an intellectual poem is cheesy? Or not enough?"

"No, I actually kind of like cheesy things. And it depends on how you write it, smart things make me think, and I love that. And not enough for what?"

"As a gift, maybe."

"No, I don't think so." I shrug. 

"I scheduled a painting and pottery class for this afternoon."

"Oh joy."

"I'm guessing you know how to paint and do pottery as well?" He jokes.

"I can paint, but I can't do pottery."

"God, there's always something you can do."

"I'm pretty skillful." I smirk playfully.

"Hmm, we'll see about that."

"So what are we doing this morning?" I ask.

Ashton shrugs. "I don't really have a plan."

I gasp. "Ashton Irwin, practicing teacher and veterinarian, doesn't have a plan?" I place my hand on my chest for emphasis.

Ashton frowns at me, but I can tell in his eyes he isn't upset or angry.

"We can go sit out on the balcony." I suggest. "Might be nice just sitting back for once."

Ashton nods in agreement and I lead him up the stairs to my parents' bedroom, and then unlock the balcony door.

I sit back into a chair and Ashton sits on the other one.

"It's an amazing view here."

I shrug. I had gotten used to it. Nothing here ever changed, so I didn't find it anything special.

We sit in silence for maybe around ten minutes. I wasn't good with silence. It kept me up at night. I always had a million thoughts swimming around in my head. I always had new ideas or worries and I tried to come up with ways to cope. To solve them. 

What happened yesterday between Ashton and I was nice. But did that mean he wanted to be friends? He said we could be, but I just needed reassurance. 

"Are you okay, Zara?" Ashton glances over me.

I shrug.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I say.

"Seriously? It doesn't look like it."

I lower my eyes, bringing my legs up to my chest. "I'm just thinking about yesterday."

"What happened yesterday?"

"Are you stupid?"

"Excuse me? That's disrespectful."

"Great. It's nice to see you have feelings too."

"You were fine this morning, what even happened suddenly?"

"Like I said, just yesterday in general." I say, closing my eyes, leaning my head back. I was confused at what happened yesterday. 

"Tell me, Zara. Communication is key."