Eternally Yours

Chapter Ten

Chris' pov

After school, Ashley and I started walking to her house. On the way there, we talked mostly about Ricky. When we got to her house and walked inside, her mom was standing in the kitchen. She looked like she was about to leave. "Oh, hi Ash. Hi Chris."

Ashley just waved, plopping on the couch. "Hello Mrs. Costello." I said quietly. She playfully glared at me. "How many times do I need to tell you to call me mom?" I smiled a little, walking over to her and kissing her cheek gently. "I'll remember next time, I swear." She laughed a little, ruffling my hair. "You're too cute." She said, making me smile more.

She walked over to Ashley, looking down at her. "Ash, I'm going out with some friends. I don't know when I'll be back. Stay safe, okay? I love you." Ashley nodded. "I love you too, mom." Her mom smiled, looking over at me. "Bye Chris. Keep an eye on her." I nodded. "Will do. Bye mom." She smiled, kissing Ashley's forehead before walking out, closing the door behind her.

~~~~~

Ashley and I were currently sitting on her bedroom floor, a half empty bottle on Jack Daniels on the floor in between us.

"Chris, do you really think going to a mental hospital will help with the voices?" She asked calmly. "Honestly.. I don't know. But I just want the voices to go away. Trying won't hurt." I said slowly. She nodded, taking a sip of the Jack Daniels.

After a few minutes of silence, Ashley broke it. "You know I care about you, right? And that I love you?" I nodded, looking at her. "I love you too, Ash. I care about you a lot. You're like my little sister." She nodded slightly, looking down at her lap. I just watched her quietly.

~~~~~

Ashley's pov

I shouldn't feel this way about Chris. He's like a brother to me. I can't be in love with him. He doesn't even love me in that kind of way. He's always loved Ricky. I never had a chance to get with Chris, and I never will.

After sitting in silence for a few minutes, I decided to say something.

"You know I care about you, right? And that I love you?" Chris nodded. "I love you too, Ash. I care about you a lot. You're like my little sister."

"You're like my little sister."

I know it shouldn't have hurt me, but it did. I don't know why. All I could do was nod slightly and look down at my lap while Chris just watched me.

I can't be in love with him. I just can't. I have to move on.