You Make The Pain Fade Away

Chapter Five

I braided all my hair to the side. The light pink headband matching my pale, bubbly, pink dress from Forever 21. I shoved my feet into my flats. I gaped at my reflection in the mirror, grabbing my perfume, and sprayed it over my body.

With a final check out, I declined the set of stairs and walked down the hallway. Then down the second set of stairs. I went to the front porch where Grandma and Grandpa were chatting with, to my dismay, John.

"Hey Grandma," I smiled without looking at John. Grandma returned the smile and I smiled at Grandpa too.

"Have fun sweetie," Grandma said, before I stepped out.

"Bye Paul and Susan," John said from behind. I climbed his truck, noticing the white box that I had forgotten last night. John hopped on and placed his truck into gear.

"You look amazing," John smirked at me. I rolled my eyes, disgusted.

"Shut up."

"What have I done to ya?"

"I hate you," I said harshly. He laughed.

"Sure ya do."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"Forget it," he said dismissively. I gazed out the window. We got to town, but John took another route that led to Red's house. John parked behind other cars. I was about to open the door, when John grabbed my wrist. My eyes flickered to his. I raised an eyebrow.

"Let me open the door for you," John mumbled then jumped out and ran to my side and opened the door.

"What was that all about?," I said, holding back a laugh as I stepped out. He took the box out of my hands.

"I'm trying to be a gentlemen, so don't say anything, because I won't think twice on closing the door on you."

I burst out laughing. He scowled at me.

"Oh. Oh. That was hilarious!," I choked out. "Best joke ever!"

I quiet down when I saw him leaning on his truck, his arms crossed, and was sending me a death glare. I bit my bottom lip.

That was a good laugh and it's been a long while since I laughed like that.

"Are you done?," he said coldly. I could hear kids yelling happily from the back of the house. I nodded, staring intently at my feet. He shove the box into my hands and he trudged towards the backyard. I followed him close behind.

"Ashley!," Red said. She was wearing white shorts with a red shirt that blended good with her hair. "I'm glad you came."

I handed her the box. "Where's birthday boy?"

"Sam!," she yelled. A little boy with brown-reddish hair came running to her. She knelt down and gave him the box.  I watched Sam's expression widened with excitement.

"For me?," he said in his boyish squeaky voice.

"Yes. Say thank you to, Ashley."

Sam stared at me with a happy face. "Thank you, Ashley!"

I smiled down at the marvelous little boy. "Open it."

He glanced at his Mom for appeasement. She grinned encouraging the little guy. At first he struggled to open it, but after I helped him, the yellow construction truck came into view. The boy grinned in astonishment.

"Look Mommy! The truck I wanted," he grinned excitedly. The other little kids dragged him to play at the end of the yard where a pile of dirt was located.

I met Red's gaze. She stared at me with a serious expression. "You shouldn't have."

"Huh?"

"The truck was expensive."