Even Through the Storm

7. Mom

It's nine o'clock, and I'm still in Asher's basement. If there was a bed, I swear I could live down here. Asher is sitting on the couch, trying to decide on a movie for us to watch. I'm laying down, my head on his lap, and my feet hanging off the couch's arm. "So, you really kissed Peter?" He asks me. I sit up, my arms supporting my back under me.

"I did. And again, we were in first grade. No biggie."

"Why?"

"Why what?" I rub my hand through his hair.

"Why'd you kiss him?" I sit all the way up, putting my legs on the floor. This is going to take a while.

"Ash, you know Pete and I have been friends since before my mom died, right?"

"Lola, why did you kiss him?" I jump up.

"We were seven!" I sit back down. "It was right after she died. We were in first grade. When I was at the hospital, I saw her go. I saw her heart stop. I saw her die. I still remember every second." I start crying. "She was saying, she said, she said to my dad: take care of her. Take care of Lola. She looked at me. I could she tears in her eyes. She told me she loved me. Right before she went, my parents, my parents kissed. I just wanted to know what that felt like. Love. After she died, my father stayed for like ten minutes, just holding her hand and telling her that he loved her. I just wanted to love like they did." Asher wraps his arm around me and pulls me in tight. He kisses the top of my head.

"It's okay. It's alright. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I sit back up. He looks into my eyes. "Do you need anything?" I wipe my face with my sleeve.

"I'm alright. Thanks," He hugs me again, and presses play.

"I love you." I look up at him.

"I love you too."