Blind Love

Blind Love 5

Blind Love

Ashley and Brandon ended up spending most of Saturday afternoon together at the park. She dropped him off at home later, but they never continued working on their project. Some things would have to wait for later.

They didn't see each other again for the rest of the weekend. Ashley wanted to pop in again like she did Saturday, but her mother kept her busy at home cleaning the house. Would Brandon have even wanted her to come over? He never said anything about meeting up, but he didn't seem to mind her stopping by early Saturday. Ugh, he was too confusing to make sense of.

***

Waking early Monday morning, Ashley had a plan. She quickly got showered and dressed and headed out the door. Instead of walking straight to her car on the curb, she veered to her neighbors house and rang the doorbell. She waited several long seconds before it finally opened.

"Oh, Ashley. Good morning!" Rachel said cheerfully. "What can I do for you?"

"Um, I was actually wanting to see Brandon. Maybe I should ask you though..." she said thoughtfully. "Okay, I was wondering if I could drive Brandon to school? I know you're going there anyway, but he might feel better to go there with a friend."

Rachel smiled at Ashley's words. The teen might not know it yet, but she was not merely worried about her nephew's well being. This girl was definitely developing feelings for him.

"That sounds great! I was getting ready to leave, but Brandon tends to drag his feet in the mornings. He hates going out now," she finished sadly. Brightening up, she continued, "just wait in here if you like. He should be down soon."

"Okay," Ashley smiles. "See you at school!"

"See you!" Rachel sings on her way out the door.

Deciding to make herself comfortable, Ashley lays out on the couch and closes her eyes. Seconds later, she hears calls from Brandon.

"Rachel! Rachel, where are you?" he calls while moving through the silent halls. Ashley keeps quiet and listens as he comes closer. When he stands before the couch, he finally speaks again.

"Ashley? What are you doing here?" he says confused.

"What?" Ashley splutters. "How did you know it was me?! I didn't say a word!"

Brandon laughs lightly under his breath. "First, I heard you breathing on the couch-that gave away your location. Then, I smelled your perfume. It's very easy to distinguish you from my aunt."

"Wow, you're good," Ashley grins.

"Thank you," Brandon says more confidently than usual. "So, where is my aunt anyway? And why are you here?

"Gee, glad to know I'm wanted," Ashley jokes. "Anyway, I asked Rachel if I could drive you to school and she agreed. She's gone now, so you're stuck with me."

"Oh, great," Brandon mutters. Then more clearly he says, "Thank you. You didn't have to-"

"Don't start. I wanted to. We're-"

This time, Brandon cut Ashley off. "Friends, I know. Thank you."

"Anytime, now let's get to school," Ashley smiles and leads him to the car.

***

At school Ashley parks her car in her usual place and just sits there silently gazing at Brandon. He seems nervous, and all she wants to do is help ease his worries. She knows today will be a defining day in their friendship. She's about to walk into the school on the arm of the boy everyone's attention is centered on. She can't even imagine what her 'friends' will say.