honey ◇ ai

lunch

The quick break that Helene had intended on had quickly transitioned into a nearly two hour period spent with Ashton. It was something that she really couldn't mind though as the lunch crowd had cleared completely by this point, leaving a rather minimal group in the cafe.

Within the time spent together, Helene had polished off her tea and Ashton had slowly drank away at his larger than life coffee. It had surely become cold by this time despite his savoring of the liquid; he didn't seem to have any care in the world aside from listening to and watching Helene's every breath.

"There's something about you Helene, I hope you know that," he spoke up again, smiling at the girl who remained seated directly across from him, "I wouldn't just spend two hours with any girl from the library."

Ashton's knuckles has rapped lightly against the table as he spoke. His feet lacked any ability to stay still and were often found invading Helene's space due to his unbelievable stature. Usually she struggled with this sort of action but Ashton's presence hadn't bothered her.

Helene found herself smiling back at him as he continued. The man had emotions that were contagious, everything so genuine it could be viewed as exaggerated by an outsider. Helene was no longer that outsider though and was coming to terms with that a bit more quickly than originally anticipated.

"You just impress me. Your dedication is rare, and so is your overall personality. It's lovely though, I don't want you to  misinterpret my observations," he admitted, words flowing softly before he took another sip of his coffee.

"Thank you, really," Helene blushed somewhat reluctantly, "Yet you're overestimating my character, I'm just a  college student who is advocating for their future. I need to be able to take care of myself."

"Ah Helene, you're anything but typical. You mustn't put yourself down like that, I barely know you but I know you're special," Ashton paused, "You also shouldn't have to worry about providing for yourself. Little girls like you shouldn't be concerned about that."

Ashton's dialect ceased as he glanced over to Helene. Her expression was nearly impossible to read and that worried him.

"I hope that didn't seem to forward on my behalf, the last thing I want to do is scare you off."

Ashton was to the point of rambling and his best option would've been to stop talking ages ago; it was far too late to escape to that resort though. He had gotten himself into a difficult predicament; he knew what he wanted but also realized how improbable of a desire it was.

He'd also made it slightly obvious to Helene yet he was assured she wouldn't think about it to deeply albeit his treading over thin ice. Helene seemed oblivious to it all but Ashton knew she must have some sort of inkling. If so, that made his role much simpler.

"I'm sorry Helene, but I've got to head out. I have class in ten. I hope you didn't mind my intrusion because I had a lovely time. I'll see you tonight?" Ashton apologized, finally breaking the tension.

A bit thrown off, Helene was able to find herself nodding, "I practically live in that library, that's where you'll find me," she giggled almost inaudibly, "And thank you again."

"It wasn't a problem at all, thank you for letting me have your time," Ashton replied, leaving Helene to be in her lonesome.

It was odd how open she'd found herself within the recent time spent with Ashton. He had a way with his words that could convince you to share your most incriminating secrets with. It was as if he could be trusted with every nefarious detail without any sort of doubt.

Ash thought there was something about Helene, yet she believed there was something about him that she couldn't quite understand. What baffled her the most was the fact that Ashton had been pursuing her over anyone else. He'd already gone out of his way for the girl without receiving anything but her company in return.

-

The remainder of the day had been quite lacking in comparison to its eventful start. Helene had found herself caught up in Ashton's gestures.

She didn't want to assume as he seemed to be harmless but after all, she was naive and knew it.

Helene had this awkward sense of trust for Ashton simply because he was friends with her favorite professor. That fact should've been taken with a grain of salt due to its insignificance yet she continued to dwell on it.

She knew little to nothing about Ashton which was a risk on its own. But Helene had promised herself to be a bit more hazardous in her actions. She was tired of her monotonous life but had a deep-set hatred for change. Her family though had suggested it was what she would need upon entering university.

A new town and a new experience called for some great adjustments. Helene had considered the furthering of her education to be risk enough. She'd moved in with a stranger, spent her savings on a car and was ultimately indebting herself for a piece of paper that had the potential to be worthless.

Now she had found herself talking with a man, a few years her elder, and she remained calm through it all. From simple exchanges in the library to a newer experience of an impromptu lunch that she couldn't refuse.

What Helene remained blind to was the fact that Ashton wouldn't let her to refuse. He wouldn't let her go once he had her in his grasp because he was what she needed.

Ashton was determined to keep Helene safe and sound. He never wanted to see her hurt and he could only promise her that if she was his and his only.

She was as sweet as honey and Ashton refused to let another man, sicker than himself, use that to their advantage.

↠

Hello? I'm alive? But I'm barely breathing.

I'm so sorry about the wait and for this being terrible but what do you expect from a flop like me.

I love you all and I wish you a happy holiday season.

Stay beautiful.