Sweet, yet bitter

Chapter 16

"Hey, Ashley! Sorry I'm late," Bubba greeted her. I hadn't seen Ashley for almost 2 years. We didn't contact each other because I was ashamed of myself. I guess she understood that. After our breakup I tried to act as if nothing had happend and I never knew her. I did miss her from time to time but not in the romantic way. I wanted to meet her again but as a friend or as someone I used to know.

"Marshall Lee, I see you're doing well," said Ashley with a soft smile. She gave me a hug and quickly let go.

"So where are we gonna go?" Bubba said so it doesn't lead to an awkward silence. He might think we hate each other but I don't hate Ashley. I never did.

"I wanted to buy my mom a pretty dress and maybe some chocolate or candy too. What about you, Bubba?" Asked Ashley.

"I'm not sure myself. Maybe I could also buy a dress for my sister. I think you and her have the same size," answered Bubba. I've never seen his his sister, not even pictures. But I have talked to her through the phone with her and Bubba's parents. They seem nice people. Despite being rich, they care about others. A few years ago they donated a lot to families with one parent and has financial problems. That included me, since I only have a mom who was barely home and left notes for me all over the place.

"Hey, Marshall, are you gonna buy anything to your family?" Bubba asked after he and Ashley talked for a while about presents.

"I'm not going home for christmas. There's no point in buying presents for a mother that rarely shows her face at home," I said, "I'll stay here and celebrate on my own."

Bubba looked at me with sadness in his eyes. He looked so sorry for me being alone when you're supposed to be with your family. I always celebrated holidays alone but lately, they're just regular days for me.

"Maybe you want to come visit my family for a change?" Bubba asked. I could feel my heart bumping a little harder. I wanted to meet them but there also might be a chance they will find out about me and Bubba.

"Are you sure? But don't you think your parents will mind me being there? I'll admit, I kinda want to but would it really be alright?" I dropped a few questions to Bubba.

"I could call them. I'm sure they wouldn't mind." Bubba said and took out his phone. 

"Wait, you're gonna call them now?" I asked. 

"Yeah, why not?" He said and started calling his parents.

"Sooo what have you been up to lately?" Asked Ashley, leaning a bit forward and hands in her jeans.

"Nothing much. Didn't expect you to be in the same uni as me." I answered with a soft giggle.

"Neither did I expect to see you here too. I'm a terrible person to say this but I thought you'd be wrecked after.... after what happened between us." She said while looking on the ground.

"I actually was but I managed to forget about it by studying and getting into this uni. It was hard, about the feelings and studying." I said looking at the clouds moving forward.

"Same with me. I'm actually glad to see you're ok and with a person like Bubba. You deserve to be happy." she looked at me and smiled.

I looked away and blushed about her comment. "I'm really lucky to have him. Without him, I wouldn't be this happy."

"Aaaaawww... you're blushing." She said and fist bumped mu shoulder.

Bubba came back from the phone call. "What were you guys talking about?"

"Nothing..." I said while still blushing.

"Well we were talking about you and how Marshal is lucky that... mpfh" Started Ashley before I put my hand on her mouth so she doesn't say anything embarrassing.

"NO NO NO, it was nothing like that! We weren't talking about you! We were talking about our past and getting into this uni!" I said while being extremely flustered. I let go of Ashley, hoping she wouldn't say anything.

"Ok...?" Bubba was very confused. "Anyways, Marshall, my parents allowed for you to come over for the winter holidays."

"Oh, really? Are you sure they won't mind?" I couldn't let go of that thought so I asked again.

"Marshall, I'm sure they won't mind. Plus, they said they have helped you before but I'm not exactly sure how since you've never met them." Once again Bubba was confused. I could tell him about what Bubba's parents have done for me but I don't know if now would be the right time to do so.

"Talking about your family, Bubbs. Let's go buy your sister a dress. Marshall, you're coming too." Said Ashley and took our hands and dragged us to a clothes store.

There were many dresses from a low price to a high one. Bubba told me Fiona's favourite colors are sky blue and fire red. Of all the pretty dresses we found, they were mostly fancy and looked like they were supposed to be worn for a ball.

"Guys, I think I found two perfect dresses for Fiona." I said, and Ashely and Bubba came to me to look at the dresses.

"You have a good eye for dresses and fashion, Marshall. Why didn't you tell us?" Said Ashley in amazement. 

"Both of them could actually fit Fiona but don't you think me giving her two dresses would be too much from me?" Said Bubba. I had a sudden thought.

"Maybe I could buy her the blue one. If it isn't that expensive. I do have to show some gratitude towards them for letting me stay." I brought forward my idea.

"Well if you want to then sure. But let's keep looking for other gifts." Said Bubba and gave me the dress.

As we moved to the men's colthes section, Bubba noticed a Metallica shirt and walked up to it to check it out.

"Woah, I've never seen this one before." He exclaimed in amazement.

"I thought you already had a Metallica shirt." I said.

"Well yeah but this one is on a whole new level. Well we're here to buy our families presents. I'll come buy it later." Said Bubba and moved on. I quickly took the shirt without Bubba seeing. As Ashely walked past me, she smirked at me and giggled quietly.

"Not a word." I whispered to her. 

"Yeah, yeah, don't worry. You're lucky there was only one left." She said and walked to Bubba checking out flannels. Bubba took one and so did Ashley. After a while we all three went to buy the clothes. Thanks to Ashley for keeping Bubba distracted while I'm buying the clothes so he doesn't notice I bought the Metallica shirt for him.

"Ok, so now where? Do we buy more stuff or go eat?" Asked Ashley.

"Food." said me and Bubba in unison. We looked at each other and laughed.