Game Over, Round One

Can I walk you home? 1/2

"There is no "we" in summer. Only 'u' and 'me' " - Anonymous

After the boys finished their subways, we walked around the mall for the next two hours. Then I went back home and prepared myself some Mac&Cheese. I ate half of the box and saved the rest in the fridge. I cleaned the house, put music on, and then took a nap.

We attended the funeral the next morning. Ugh... I hate funerals. They are so sad and everyone gets depressed. But it's also kind of nice when all the family and friends go to show their support and show that they actually cared about the one who died. Anyways... After the ceremony, Austin's family gathered inside a room with a lawyer to read the old man's will. Meanwhile, the guys and I waited under the bridge that was at the park near Austin's house.

When they finally finished with the testament, we asked Austin for the details.

- Well, he left me his house... - He said with a neutral tone, with a hint of... disappointment?

- Whoa! That's so cool man! Why aren't you excited? You have your own place now! - Luke said all happy and jumping up and down just like a little child on Christmas. He was definitely thinking about the parties they could have in that beautiful house.

- Yeah, I know! I mean... I'm happy I got the house; it's just that I got to clean it and everything. You know... take his stuff out and put in boxes the things that matter.

- We can help you with that! - Ally said with a big smile on her face - I love cleaning and it must be fun. Just imagine all the cool stuff we can find in there!

- Yeah, I'm fine with helping. Anything you need Austin - Hailee said and we all nodded. We arranged to meet at his grandpa's house at eight sharp the next day.

The rest of the day went by fast. We skated for a few hours around town, ate at the mall, and skated some more. Before I knew it, it was five minutes to midnight. It was really late and dark, and I had to walk by myself in the middle of the forest to get to my lovely cabin.

- Well guys, I better get going, see you all tomorrow for some Cinderella time - I said hugging them goodbye. They also said they were going home right away. When I was turning the corner, Ashton grabbed my shoulder.

- Hey, you're not going alone, right? - He asked concerned.

- I actually am - I replied like it was no big deal - It's okay, really. I'm used to the darkness of the woods. Don't worry about me, Ash.

- I can't let you do that. Please, I insist. Let me walk you home - his voice was sweet and his words almost a whisper. He had that lovely sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his face, so I couldn't say no. And... lets be honest... I loved the idea of him walking with me in the middle of night.

- Okay, fine - I finally said after a few seconds. His smile grew bigger as he held my hand. That really took me by surprise, and I can tell he noticed, because he giggled right after.

The night was a little cold and silent, but nice. There were no clouds in the sky, so the stars were shining and the moon was glowing. We didn't make much noise; we just talked about how great that summer was going to be. He told me about the college he had chosen. He was pretty excited about it. Although he would have loved studying abroad, he was happy he was staying close to us.  

It took us like twenty minutes to get to my house. When we arrived, he let go of my hand and stood in front of me.

- Are you sure you don't wanna stay with Luke and me tonight? - He asked.

- I'm sure Ashton. It's not the first time I stay home alone during the summer - I said kindly.

- I don't know... I just don't like the idea of you being all by yourself in here during the night... - Ashton seemed preoccupied and continued shyly - But anything you need just call me, okay?

 - Okay - I said with a smile - thank you Ashton, for walking me home and... everything.

- Anytime - he said kissing my cheek - Good night Emma.

- Good night - I said, walking towards my door and opening it. As I was about to close it, Ashton turned around.

-      Hey, Emm?

-      Yeah?

-      Sweet dreams.

And there he did it again. He looked straight into my eyes, stared at them for three seconds, gave me a cheeky smile, and winked with his left eye, ending with a shy little smile facing the ground. I know he saw me blushing, because as soon as he looked back up, he giggled.

- Yeah, you too - I said, closing the door slowly.