Blind Love

Blind Love 3

Blind Love 3

When the bell rings signaling the end of drama, Ashley and Brandon have only managed to work out what they want to do and meeting at each other's houses some days. Ashley stands, but looks back down to Brandon. He is still sitting uncomfortably in the chair. Poor boy, she took him to the library now he doesn't know how to leave or his aunt know where he's at.

"Come on," Ashley smiles, weaving her arm in Brandon's again. "I'll walk you to class. It will be easier for everyone this way. You don't have to wait on your aunt and she doesn't have to find you."

"You don't have to...I'm fine...." Brandon trails in embarrassment.

"Nonsense!" Ashley sings as they step out of the library. "We're friends so I'd want to walk with you either way. Hush up your protests and just enjoy our friendship."

Brandon relaxes slightly but tenses up again as the hallway becomes more crowded. He can feel people looking at him, practically hear them judging him in their minds. Not to mention who he's walking with...someone as nice and popular as Ashley is probably frowned upon hanging out with him. He keeps his head down in shame while being lead by the outgoing, popular girl.

"Brandon," Ashley says quietly. "We're here. Follow me and relax. Don't worry about anyone else."

Brandon nods hesitantly and follows Ashley to his seat. He could tell by listening she sat beside him. So much for being left alone to wallow in his own regret of the recent past.

Ashley studies Brandon silently, wanting so bad to help him. She can't explain the feeling she gets being near him, and his sadness hurts her. Looking to the front of the room, she's sees they have a sub today. Fabulous. Subs meant no work.

"Brandon, since we've got nothing to do, let's talk about our project. There's a lot to do. I think we should meet after school," Ashley throws out there. Brandon tenses, then sighs and nods in resignation.

"Fine, might as well get started. Where do you want to meet?"

"Um, can we go to your house? My parent have a movie night tonight and that way I can drive you home after school." Ashley asks.

"That sounds fine. It's my aunts house but she won't be home until later. She doesn't live far from the school," Brandon agrees.

"Great," Ashley smiles. "After class we'll go to my car and you can tell me your aunt's address."

***

The car ride home was quiet. Ashley was surprised to find Brandon's aunt lived next door to her own house. She never noticed her neighbors before.

"Well, we're here," Ashley announces while stepping out of the car. "Home sweet home."

She heard Brandon scoff but dismissed it. Once they were on the path to the door, he maneuvered himself. He must have memorized the layout of his aunt's home. Stepping inside, Ashley smiled and said, "It's beautiful."

"Yes, well I wouldn't really know, would I?" Brandon replies bitterly. Ashley flinches at his words, and Brandon quickly retakes them. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. The place is nice. I just wish I could see it anymore."

"It's okay," Ashley says back. "You don't have to worry about hurting my feelings. We're friends. Say whatever you feel."

Brandon laughs lightly, looking more comfortable than ever, while sitting back on the sofa and putting his hands behind his head, knocking his hood off in the process. For the first time Ashley sees Brandon's short brown hair and more of his face. If only she could remove those sunglasses...

"You know, I never thought I'd have another friend again. Didn't really want one. But you're different. You don't judge me or talk to me like I'm a freak. I don't deserve it, but thanks."

Brandon's statement fills Ashley's eyes with tears. No one deserves to feel like they're less than deserving of anything. She was dying to know what he'd been through before moving here, how he'd become blind, but she fought off the urge to ask. No need to halt the progress they'd made.

"Well, no matter what you say, I'm here for you. Now, about the project..."

They work together for hours, finding ways to communicate their thoughts. Ashley read and wrote while Brandon listened to recordings and interviews on his computer and relayed them to her. It worked well, and Ashley was proud of their progress together.

***

Two hours later, Ashley jerked awake with a start. The sound of a door slamming and then clicking footsteps approached her. As she looked up tiredly, she saw her counselor looking down at her curiously. Clearing her throat, she said, "Well, Ashley, I didn't expect to see you here. When Brandon told me he found another ride home, I didn't expect he'd have a girl over," she smiles mischievously.

Ashley's cheeks redden while Brandon says from beside her, "Aunt Rachel, cut it out. We were working on our project."

"Mmm-hmm. I see. You two are very hard at work sleeping on the sofa," she teases.

"I'm sorry, Miss," Ashley injects. "We were working, but I guess we dozed off. I'll just leave now."

"Oh, dear, I was only teasing!" Rachel Wells interrupts. "Why don't you stay for dinner? I'm sure Brandon won't mind," she shoots a smirk his way, which he obviously can't see. He hears the suggestion in her voice anyway.

"Um, yeah, that's fine," he coughs. "We could catch up on some of the work we slept through anyway."

"Great, its settled! I'll go start on dinner," Rachel announces, smiling to herself as she walks away. Neither of the teenagers were aware of it yet, but there is a definite chemistry between them. Her nephew is definitely going to be blindsided by the arrival of this new girl in his life. She can already see him opening up from his long depression after the accident. Maybe she is what he needs to finally heal.

***

"Well, I think we've done a lot. I'm going to see if your aunt needs help with anything," Ashley announces to Brandon. "Um, do you need help getting to the kitchen?"

"No, I'm fine," Brandon says tightly. Ashley can tell he's upset, and in truth Brandon is tired of people trying to help him do every little thing-he's blind, not helpless. Forcing a smile, Ashley chirps a quick "okay" and rushes to the kitchen.

"Hey, Ms. Wells. I came to see if you needed any help?" Ashley said as she stepped into the kitchen. The smell of pasta and bread cooking met her nose. Rachel stood at the island chopping vegetables for salad and smiled when Ashley walked in.

"Now, I would love the help. But outside of school I am Rachel, not Ms. Wells," she said while scooping the vegetables into a salad bowl. "Let's see. I'm about done preparing everything, but if you'd like to set the table that would be great."

"Yes, ma'am. Is it just the three of us?" Ashley asked.

"I'm afraid so. Still haven't met the perfect man yet," Rachel teases.

"As if he exists," Ashley laughs. "My mom always told me I'd die waiting on the perfect man. Everyone of them has faults. My dad snores like a train and couldn't cook or clean to save his life. Good thing my mom has so much patience."

"She sounds like a smart lady," Rachel says. She finishes up the dinner and places it on the table. As if on command, Brandon steps into the kitchen. Ashley watches in amazement as he walks easily around the table and to his seat. He sits alone, and Ashley is happy to see he is more confident and comfortable at home.

Joining him at the table, they all begin their meal. Ashley watches Brandon as he eats. He handles himself well, but seems self conscious. She wishes she could give him the confidence he lacks with his disability.

After dinner, Ashley says goodbye to Brandon and Rachel and walks next door to home. She smiles to herself thinking of the progress she made with Brandon. Their project is really coming along, but more importantly he is becoming more comfortable with her.

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