Ashling

Chapter 25

They were eating the left over birthday cake. Tyler had managed to get the bigger piece, and he was pretty satisfied with it. So was Cassandra, with her small piece.

"I really like this cake." Cassandra said with her mouthful.

Tyler licked his spoon and said, "I'll get you this one on your birthday."

She laughed and said, "Okay."

"It went well, yeah?" Tyler asked. "The birthday. Zanna was really happy."

"Look." Cassandra said while pointing to the corner of the room where Suzanna and Sam were sitting on the couch and looking at the frame.

Tyler turned his body in their direction and looked at them. They were giggling and kept pointing at different pictures from the collage.

"They're ecstatic.. They're literally glowing with happiness." Tyler said.

"What's more important, is that you're the reason behind this joy."

He swallowed and ducked his head.

Cassandra asked softly, "What's the matter?"

"I never knew I was capable of bringing joy and happiness to someone. I.. I never even imagined I'd have such amazing friends.."

Cassandra bought her chair close to his and said, "Friends are our family outside the closed walls of house. They have a huge contribution in making us who we are as individuals. Their importance in life is indescribable."

"Uh-huh.. I'm starting to believe that. I don't know, I've always liked being alone. I'm not really big on socializing or interacting."

"And yet, you're a lawyer." She teased him and he smiled. She continued, "Being alone, away from the world, can be appealing at times. But you don't even realize when loneliness becomes a void. And it's friends that have the power to fill that empty hole sometimes."

"So you're saying, that I should befriend a lot of people?"

"Not at all." She waved her hand to dismiss that thought. "It's not at all important to have tons of friends, but it's crucial to have a few genuine ones."

He nodded slowly, pondering over every word she said.

"Tyler, these friends you've made, they are two of the best people you'll ever meet. They're kind and honest. They're loyal. But most of all, they care for you and they love you. Never, ever let go of them."

"I won't. I won't." Tyler promised.

She leaned back in her chair, satisfied. She looked over at Sam and Suzanna, but they were gone.

"Huh.. They're gone. It's your dream, why'd you send them away?" She asked.

Tyler leaned forward and said, "I guess I wanted some alone time with you."

She leaned forward as well and bit her lip. "Why..?"

Tyler took a shaky breath. He looked her in the eye and said, "I want to kiss you."

She laughed lightly and cupping his cheeks said, "Right now?"

He swallowed and said, "Right now."

He wanted her, more than anything he wanted her in this moment.

"Hey!" They both turned their heads to look at Sam standing there.

"Not so easy there, Ty. You gotta wait for the perfect moment."

"I sent you away!" Tyler protested.

Sam laughed and stuck his tongue out. Then he said those words that Tyler didn't know could be said by anyone else other than Cassandra.

"Wake up, Tyler. Wake up."

I just noticed Ashling has reached 100 votes! Thank you so much everyone who's been keeping up with this story and voting, really it means a lot! I love you all!
- H <3