Snapback

''Last one in pays''

Michael

"Hey ash" I said quietly, reaching to grab her hand. She opened her eyes when I did. She blinked a few times before focusing her eyes on me.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" I asked softly.

Ashley looked away from me and towards the door when Tyler and Nick came through.

"Hey Ashley, I brought Taco Bell for you" Tyler said, holding up a container.

"I told him it's too early but as usual, he didn't listen" Nick said as he rolled his eyes.

"I'm always up for tacos, give me" Ashley replied.

I laughed and handed the container to her. Nick and Tyler sat on either side of me as Ashley ate.

"Mike you stayed" Tyler stated the obvious.

"He didn't do well in high school" Ashley muttered.

"Wasn't hard to tell" I laughed.

"I got tacos for everyone so you have to share" Tyler said as he took one of the tacos from the container.

"Want one Mike?" She offered.

"I'm good, I got to get going anyways. See you soon" I waved.

"See ya" Ashley mumbled. She watched me leave before she returned to her conversation with Tyler and Nick.

I walked down the quiet hospital halls until I made it outside. As soon as I did, I lit a cigarette and continued walking.

Ashley

"Are you ready to go home Ashley?" The nurse smiled at me as she took the IV out of my wrist.

"Yeah" I replied quietly.

"Your brother signed all the papers for you and he's bringing the car to the front" She informed.

"Why is he doing that?" I questioned.

"So you won't have to walk as far. You'll need to adjust to walking with crutches" She said.

"Crutches, no" I yelled.

"I'm sorry dear but because of where your injury is, you'll need the crutches. It won't be for long. Maybe a week or two" she explained.

I sighed as I watched her bring over the crutches. Tyler helped me off the bed and kept his hand on my back as I placed the crutches under my arms.

"You good?" He checked. I simply nodded and headed towards the door. Tyler stayed close by my side as we went down to the car.

Nick was leaning against it waiting for us. Tyler took the crutches from me as I got in the car.

"Should we go get something to eat?" Nick asked as he got behind the wheel.

"I say pizza" I smiled.

"Tyler?" Nick questioned.

"I should get to pick since Ashley already stole my spot as shot gun" He muttered.

"So where would you like to go jackass?" I asked.

"I want Chinese" Tyler stated.

"You're the tie breaker" I said, turning to Nick.

"I'll have either, I don't care" He shrugged.

Tyler groaned and fished a coin out of his pocket. He flipped it in the air, caught it, and turned it over on his hand.

"You didn't call which is which" I yelled at him.

"Fine, pick one" Tyler muttered.

"Heads"

"Chinese it is" He smirked, leaning back in his chair.

"Whatever" I rolled my eyes.

Nick laughed and reached over to pat my arm. "I'll take you out for pizza some other time" he said.

"You're the best" I smiled.

"You never take me out to the place I want" Tyler whined.

"Cause I don't like you" Nick looked at him through the review mirror.

I shook my head and laughed as Tyler slumped down in the seat. Nick turned up the radio as he continued to drive.

Not long after we were pulling into the Chinese restaurant parking lot. I waited in the car while Nick got my crutches from the trunk.

"Take my hand" Tyler offered.

He pulled my out of the car then moved his hand to my back when Nick handed me the crutches.

"Last one in pays" Tyler winked as he and Nick ran towards the building.

"Real nice assholes" I yelled, crossing the parking lot.

They were already at a table by the time I made it in. I placed my crutches next to me as I sat down.

"Guess you're paying" Tyler smirked, picking up his menu. He used it to block the punch I threw at him.
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"Alright let's go" I said, leaving a twenty dollar bill on the table.

I grabbed my crutches before I hurried to meet Tyler and Nick at the door. Nick held the door open and walked with me to the car while Tyler ran ahead.

"Guess you'll have to sit in the back" Nick laughed. I noticed Tyler had already taken the passengers seat.

I turned my attention from Nick and looked towards the back of the building. I saw some movement, then nothing.

"Ashley what are you doing? Get in" Tyler said, catching my attention again.

I nodded at him before I got in, still keeping my eye on building. But I saw nothing. I could have sworn I saw a person watching us but now I was questioning myself.

I shook my head and slumped down in the seat. The trees outside raced by as we sped down the highway to get home. After a while, I laid down across the seats and closed my eyes.