The Story of Us

Chapter Two: Ashley

Chapter Two: Ashley

I was sitting in the back of my graphic design class. As usual, I was ten minutes early. I checked my phone to make sure it was on silent and opened up my laptop. I smiled when I saw my desktop background; it was a picture of me, Naomi, Cassie, Liam and Adam. It was taken the night before Adam left for his semester abroad in France. In his words, it was an opportunity to experience “true class and sophistication.” In reality, it was a six-month photography program. I hadn't spoken to him once since he had left. To him I had only ever been “Naomi's obnoxious, pop culture obsessed friend. Yet, for some reason, I'd always had a small crush on him. After all, he was your classic blonde-haired, blue-eyed babe. Earlier today at breakfast, Naomi had informed me that he was in this class too. So naturally, I was more nervous than usual.

Adam came walking into the classroom two minutes late. He was wearing jeans and a Super Mario t-shirt. I guess the sophistication of France hadn't changed him too much. As he scanned the room for a seat, his eyes fell on me and the seat beside me. Of course the only empty chair in the classroom would be beside me. He swiftly walked over, took a seat and slid his laptop out of his bag. Unlike my background, his was a picture of the Eiffel Tower. Less personal, but definitely beautiful.

“Nice background. I assume you took it?” I said, figuring I should at least try and be friendly.

 “Yea.” He said quickly. Well, it's the same Adam alright. Quick and short.

 “Were able to get a lot of good shots?” I asked, hoping he'd offer up more of an answer this time.

 “Yea. That was kind of the whole point. Can you save the questions for later? I'm here to actually learn something.” He said before he stuck in his headphones.

 Oh yes. Adam hadn't changed at all.

 * * * *

 “So? How was it?” Naomi asked. We were in the campus coffee shop, Willoughby’s. Naomi was drinking her usual, venti soy latte and I was drinking a hot chocolate.

 “How was what?” I asked, even though I knew the answer.

 “Seeing Adam. How was it?” She looked up from her computer and gave me her “duh” face.

 “The same as it always is. I asked him a couple questions and he answered them the rudest way he could. Nothing new.” I always feel a little guilty talking bad about Adam to Naomi. He is one of her best friends and she hates that we don't get along.

 “He is not always like that, Ashley. If you really got to know him, you'd see that.”

 “I know, Naomi. You of all people should know that I've tried to get to know him. He just doesn't give me anything work with. He hates everything that I love and visa versa.” I said, as I took my last sip of hot chocolate.

 “Well, maybe tonight we can remedy that. I was hoping all six of us could go out and have dinner together. You know, like old times?” She said this cautiously, knowing I wouldn't be thrilled. But what was I supposed to do? As her best friend, I was obligated to suck it up and make it work. That was exactly what I was going to have to do.

 * * * *

 When I open the door to my dorm room I hear “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver playing. This means only one thing: Cassie is in another world. I'd known Cassie since we were little kids, same as Naomi. She was shy and preferred paintbrushes over people. We always stuck together and rooming with her felt like home.

 “Hey, Cassie. Can you turn down the tunes and put down the brush?” I said, as I plopped down onto my bed. I was exhausted from my day and felt like taking a nap.

 “Yea, yea. Hold on.” She said as she wiped her hands off on her on her old jeans. “What's up with you? Rough day?” she asked with genuine concern in her eyes.

 “Yea. Adam's back. He's in my graphic design class. He sat beside me today.” I said, my voice tired and flat.

 “Oh. Well, that explains it.”

 “And on top of that, Naomi wants us to all have dinner at Pepe's Pizza tonight. I swear it is all apart of her plan to make me and Adam like each other. It's not going to work. He won't say more than ten words to me. He's just so rude and stuck-up. I can't stand him. She knows. Why can't she just accept that?” I ranted.

 “Ashley, seriously? Chill out. He is not that bad.” She said as she rolled her eyes.

 “No. He is not that bad to you. You, Cassie, are an art-loving, quiet introvert. I am a TV-loving, loud extrovert. He finds me annoying and makes it obvious by ignoring me.” I said impatiently. Why does nobody seem to understand why I dislike him so much?

 “Ok, Ashley. Maybe you're right. But Naomi is your friend. If she wants you two to get along, then you've got to try to get along. Who knows, maybe he'll surprise you?”

 “Maybe. Maybe we'll fall in love and drive off into the sunset.” I said with bitter sarcasm.

 “That's the spirit!” She yelled as she disappeared into the backroom.