The Mute

Chapter 12

Ashley's P.O.V.

Upon arrival to school, my excitement grew due to a realization.

I no longer lived in fear to speak. I no longer feared what Beth would think of me if I told her the truth. Now, I have to just tell Lucas.

Tomorrow was the night. Beth planned for us to have a slumber party at my house just like the old days. This consisted of the following: a lot of snickerdoodles made my Beth before coming to my house, board games, and a lot of romantic comedies. Lucas just stays for the cookies.

My father, always out of town, never knew of these overnighters. It would be nice if he would notice the change in my behavior these last few years, but that would require for him to be a parent. I only see my father for holidays. Otherwise, Judith, my 75 year old nanny, visits the house on weeknights to check in on me.

By the time 7 p.m. rolls around, she's gone. Which leaves perfect time to sneak them over. Just like old times.

I sought out Beth in the ladies' room where she fixed her soft pink lipstick.

"You'll never guess who texted finally?" I exclaimed.

"Finally.." she groaned. "He acts like a lost puppy. He's worse than Lucas," she mocked.

Whoa... Lucas? Wait... is this why they were acting strange?

"Beth... Are you and him? Together? Cause if you are, I'll be happy for you both." I sincerely explained.

Lucas and I had a complicated relationship that Beth was well aware of.

She nodded.
"I wanted to tell you sooner. I just didn't know how... Lucas and I have been together for the past six months," she stated.

"I understand. The heart wants what it wants," I laughed.

She hugged me and giggled. I could tell this was a huge relief for her.

"By the way, I love the outfit. You look just like her you know," she spoke slowly.

"Thank you."

When Beth and I walked to head to our lockers, I saw Tyler. He leaned against the wall of the hallway with his cell phone in his hand.

Beth was gossiping about her brother Gabe and their recent argument. Which I was responding to her with the same generic responses, "yeah... okay. That sucks. How rude," whenever Gabe and her fight.

My eyes, however, were stuck admiring my crush. Our eyes met. Looking at his casual lean with one leg and the wall, and then back up to his sharp jawline, made my heart pound. He looked back down to his cell.

I felt my phone vibrate.

You look beautiful when you smile. I love the dress. :)

I giggled and looked up. Beth looked at me agape and shook in disbelief that I was never truly listening to her story.

She snapped out of her frustration and accepted why my attention was elsewhere.
We parted ways and I headed to homeroom.

Just happy we are partners. Thank you. It was my mother's.

•••

Tell your mother that she's lucky to have you. Just as I do that we are partners. ;)

•••

I will... see you in class.

And with that.. I knew I would never be paying attention in Dr. Evans' class.