The Trouble With Two Seasons

Chapter 49 : Forever

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Summer groaned, turning over in her bed,her sheets rustled after her. She stretched out her arm,far enough to reach for the iPhone buzzing with notifications on the nightstand.

Slowly her eyes fluttered open, sunlight creeping in from the half drawn binders hit her face.She stretched out her limbs,using the back of her palm to shade her face from the bright morning light.

She turned her attention to the phone in her other hand, lit with a reminder-- it was for Asher's going away party which started in less than an hour.

A groan escaped Summer's lips,she obviously wasn't getting there on time.After much internal deliberation,she had decided to go over and say her final goodbye. It was probably the last time she would ever see him, she wanted them to part on a good note.

Summer sat up from bed, rubbing sleep from out of her eyes.She slipped into her comfy bunny slippers and made her way to the bathroom to get ready for Asher's party. She was ready in a few minutes.She jumped into the car with some baggy jeans and a basic top,then drove to the antique shop downtown. She picked up some scented candles which she had wrapped up for Asher before heading over to his house.

Time was far spent and the formalities were concluded when she arrived at the party. A huge 'have a safe flight to Toronto' banner hang from the middle of the room. The music was soft and peaceful,blue and white balloons and ribbons littered the floor.She made her way over to the snack bar at the other end of the room,helping herself to some punch. It had been a nerve wrenching drive.

She spotted Asher a few steps away from where she stood sipping her glass of punch.He was engaged in conversation with some kids from school.

For a brief second,their gazes interlocked.A small smile happened to tug at Asher's lips but it seemed to be masked by surprise playing on his face. He excused his guests and briskly made his way towards her.

Summer watched him draw near, oddly finding herself at ease and not fidgeting like she would have been two weeks ago--when she was still dealing with the break up.

"Hey,"Asher said ever so calmly. He wore a white Lacoste polo, tucked into some well ironed pants.A dark blue cardigan was wrapped around his shoulders. Summer casually looked down on her jeans and top. They truly were miles apart,she probably never noticed.

"Hey," Summer nodded back with a small smile.

"Thought you'd bail out on today." Asher broke the silence, pushing his hands down his pockets.

Summer let out a soft laugh,to diffuse the tension."I had a rough evening,so I had to sleep it off."

Asher softly kicked an imaginary particle on the ground,"So,is he alright? Grayer?" He enquired.

Summer nodded. She pushed the gift box in her arms at Asher. "I got you something."  It was her bid to shift the topic away from Grayer. Her mind always went blank and her hands were clammy whenever his name was mentioned.

Asher received it,"Thanks, I'll put it with my other gifts." He laughed, gesturing to the gifts stacked up a table.

Summer shrugged,"It's some scented candles,so you can feel a little more at home in Toronto when you're napping."

Asher was immediately moved by her thoughtfulness."I'm packing this with my hand luggage."

Summer nodded,"When are you setting off?"

"First flight tomorrow morning." Asher announced.

There was silence,Summer lowered her gaze.She played with the waistband of her jeans.