Blind Love

Blind Love 13

Blind Love

Some time later-she has no clue how long, for time seemed to freeze-Ashley is jolted back to reality by a figure crouching before her. She blinks, but her eyes can't seem to focus to tell her who the person is.

"Ashley? What are you doing out here?" Rachel asks in confusion. "I thought you were still back with Brandon. What happened? Are you alright?"

Wiping her blotchy face, Ashley shakes her head and tries to find her voice. "Um, no...Brandon, he...he told me he didn't want to see me anymore. He just wanted me to go away. I think he broke up with me."

"Oh, honey," Rachel says sympathetically. She pulls her in a hug and rubs her back. "Maybe we should just give him some space for a while. Let him get back to himself."

"How? I've spent all my time befriending him since I met him. I dropped everything for him. My old friends hate me. What am I supposed to do?" she asks helplessly.

"I don't know. It's going to be rough, but I think you both just need some time to figure out who you are. It's a process to heal from this kind of thing, so just give him time," Rachel advises.

Ashley sighs heavily, but agrees to try. It's going to be a challenge to leave alone the boy she's sure has stolen her heart.

***

Two weeks later. Two long, bleak weeks later, and Ashley is starting to move on. Her heart is torn up inside, but she tries to find the best in every situation. Each day is a struggle, but she is managing to live. Rachel is the sister she never had but always wanted-she's a friend and helps her through everything, also keeping her updated about Brandon's life. He's away with doctors to help overcome all of his problems since the accident.

One of Ashely's latest accomplishments was trying out for her gymnastics competitive team and making it. The girls there are all really kind and supportive, and it's nice to have people you can call friends again. She goes to the gym everyday after school lately to work off her frustrations and feel accomplished. Without gymnastics, she probably wouldn't be sane.

"Hey, honey. I'm home," Ashley hears her mother's voice from the front door. She looks up from where she has just sat on the couch and smiles. She's moving on, but not as chatty and outgoing as she once was.

"What do you want for dinner? I just bought groceries..." Joanne asks.

"Um, actually, I was going to Rachel's tonight, Mom," Ashley says apologetically.

"Oh, that's fine, dear. Don't worry about me and your father, have a good time!"

"Thanks, Mom," Ashley says as she gets up to quickly hug her mom and head next door. Smiling in anticipation for a fun Friday night with Rachel, Ashley is shocked by who answers the door.

***

"Brandon?" Ashley whispers in shock. Shaking her head and blinking her eyes, she continues, "What...what are you doing here?"

Brandon smiles that small, quick smile of his. "I live here?"

"But...you've been gone. Rachel didn't say you were coming back. Where is she?"

"She left to get some things at the store. She didn't expect me back quite yet, but they said I could leave whenever I was ready. So, here I am," he concludes.

"You're so different..." Ashley whispers, remembering him at the hospital.

Brandon sighs and rubs his forehead. "About that...why don't you come sit with me?"

They walk to the living room and sit on the large sofa. She can't help but notice the space between them. They used to be so close...

"So, I'm guessing Rachel told you about my medical history?" he asks warily.

"Um, yeah, she filled me in pretty well," Ashley replies uncomfortably.

He sighs at her discomfort and reaches for her hand. "Please, don't be too put off by how I acted. You didn't have anything to do with what happened. You were the best part of my life."

"Then...then why did you do it?" Ashley chokes out, something she's been wondering since it happened.

He sighs again. "It was just a rough night. I had a great day with you, but when I got home I realized it was my little brother's birthday. I was so mad. How could I forget something so important? Then my phone rang, and I thought it might be you, but it was a kid from my old school. He kept talking about school and stuff, then the accident. Before long...I lost control."

Ashley cannot believe she is crying again, but here she is. "You should've called me. I will always be here for you, any time. Even if we're not together anymore, I'm here for you."

"I know. I should've known that that day at the hospital, but everything was so crazy. I lost grip on myself and pushed you away when you only wanted to help. I'm so sorry," he apologizes.

"Will it happen again? Do you think?" she asks timidly.

"I don't think so. I've spent these last weeks with doctors teaching me how to control those emotions, and it really helped. I finally feel free of the accident and like me again," he smiles lightly.

"I'm glad. I just wanted you to be okay and happy," Ashley tells him.

"You know what would make me really happy?" Brandon asks.

"What?" Ashley wonders.

He leans forward and rest his forehead on hers. "You."

"Me?" Ashley asks in amazement. "You already have me."

She leans forward that small space and kisses his lips softly. He responds immediately and they both know this is where they're meant to be. After pulling apart, Brandon strokes her face and whispers in her ear, "I love you so much."

Ashley smiles bright as the sun. "I love you more."

"Impossible," Brandon replies, leading them into endless arguments of who loves each other more.

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