In the name of 'Friendship' [COMPLETED]

32: Distance?

Derek's POV:

"Why do you look so upset dude?" Ashton asked.

"Do I ?" I tried deviating the topic with sarcasm.

"He's upset because Ashley's not here." Jacob teased.

"Shut up." I sneered.

We were in Brooklyn for a day. Ashley was supposed to come but she cancelled last minute saying a sudden shoot had come up.
Bull shit.
It was a lie. I'm pretty sure the reason she cancelled was because the drive till
here would've been awkward.
The past few weeks, she started avoiding me like plague. I did not think things would get this bad between us. She asked me to never bring up that topic and I obliged but even that could not save us..
Just last week, we were all at Jacob's place for a gaming night. She was there too. We were playing fifa and this time, we were in the same team. Obviously, we won and in that winning spirit, excitedly she pecked my cheek. It was just a casual one, she has given me one before but this time it was different. It got different. Within minutes, she realised and started ignoring me. She even left early that night saying she was meeting up with Brent.
I just don't understand why is she avoiding me? Does she not like me anymore? That night should have meant at least something to her! It was so easy for her to say let's forget it. Her words literally cut slices through my heart.
"It was a mistake."
That line kept on repeating in my head for days making it so difficult to focus on work and everything else. Even parents noticed that something was up with me. Dad definitely figured out it was because of Ashley. I still remember the conversation we had. He was the first person to figure out that I was falling for her without even meeting her.

"And you know Dad, she only looks innocent but inside, she's a total packet." I chuckled.

"She's a very sweet girl." Mom grinned and left to wash up the dishes.

"So tell me how did you meet her?" Dad asked.

"In the park. It was actually Coco who found her but I got a little cocky with her and it was then when I realised she wasn't like other girls to fall for that trap. Later, Elena sort of tried to set me up with a friend. I was supposed to pick her up and then head to a club. It was her. She was Elena's friend." I smiled at the memory.

"So it hasn't been that long."

"No but its enough. She has been through a lot and I just want her to be happy now."

"She does sound wonderful, Derek."
"Although, if she's your best friend already, it will be difficult to make it out of friend zone."

"What?" I asked puzzled.

"You're falling for her, son." He smiled.

"No ways." I winced.

"Yes. Make sure you don't hurt your feelings along the way."

"No."

"If you need any help, I'll be there to guide you." Dad smirked.

"Common Dad, I don't like her." I groaned.

"You'll soon see it yourself." He winked and left.

You know what Dad? I could use a full training manual right now. I should probably tell him what happened as he's the best person I can go to right now for any relationship advice.

"Snap out of Ashley and your wonderland." Jacob snapped his fingers.

"I'll repeat myself, shut up." I growled earning a laugh from him.