My Last Breath

Chapter 12- Falling for you

Ashely's POV
     ***
Smiling against Bruce's lips, he hooks his thumbs into my belt loop, pulls me close to him  and kisses me. He gently bites my lower lip just as he pulls away, "this is wrong Ash, you have a boyfriend that loves you." Rubbing my neck, I sigh "I know, but I've liked you for a long time and I don't care who knows."
    Shaking his head, he looks out into the distance "no, it can't happen like this. I'm sorry." Before going to his car, he embraces me and whispers in my ear "I still care for you Ash, never forget that."
Calling Mitchell, he answers "I told you to call at 8:30 Ash, what happened to that?"
     "Sorry, but I had my phone on silent," I lied.
He exhales through the phone "fine, I'll be there in 15." Hanging up, I lean on the brick wall and wait for my ride. Jesse comes out, sees me and smiles, "hey." I smile back "hey Jess."
Walking toward me, he runs a hand through his black hair and looks up "Ashely, I'm sorry; I know I was a jerk in there. But if I could do it all over again and make things right, I would. I'm so so sorry babe." Looking ashamed, I glance up at him and see he's actually sorry for what he did. Nodding, I hug him "I forgive you babe, just don't make that mistake again." Embracing me back, he grins "I won't," kissing my forehead.

Hearing the car horn honk 15 minutes later, I kiss his cheek and walk to the car. Driving off, Mitchell asks, "so how was your friends house?"
Rubbing my arm, I fidget "it was good thanks." Raising an eyebrow, he chuckles "I know you were with Jesse stupid." Closing my eyes tight, he sighs "don't worry, I won't tell a soul," he winks. Sighing in relief, I give my thanks and look out the window as I hear thunder in the distance.  Making it home before it pours, I change into my pajamas and do my nightly routine.
Plugging my phone into the charger, I toss and turn in bed, thinking about what both of them said. Falling asleep at 10, I dream of Bruce holding me until morning comes.
***
"Beep-beep-beep."
Hitting my alarm, I trudge out of bed and put my uniform on. On the bus, I have tears in my eyes but I keep a straight face. Pulling up to school, I walk out and am greeted by Carter.

    Screaming, I hug her "oh my gosh girl, I haven't seen you in forever. How have you been?!"
She returns my hug, "I've been good, but finally glad we're seniors. Junior year sucked man, I had so many bad teachers." Laughing, I nod "same girl, same," and walk with her to my locker. Getting my books out for class, she waves to Jesse and he waves back. Walking to class, I yawn and see Bruce. I glance at him as he walks past me and I inhale his cologne. Toward lunch, I can't concentrate anymore cause Bruce is sitting right next to me. Looking away, his eyes dart toward me and I look at him. He smiles, "uh hey."

I smile "hey," just as the light comes on for lunch. Getting up, I walk out and fast walk to the commons. Sitting down with my lunch, Carter and Jesse sit down across from me. Drifting my eyes upward, Carter looks at Jesse and sighs "she hasn't been herself lately." He nods "Oh I noticed," and looks at me, "Ash, come on baby; you know I love you."
"I know that and I love you to," as I eat my pizza. Carter places a hand on Jesse's knee and he holds her hand. Talking to them, I glance over at Bruce talking and laughing with his gang as he looks at me. Looking away with a sniff, I pretend everything is okay, cause we all know I'm a brilliant actress.