Skinny Love | l.h.

6

"Bree?" Ashton says for maybe the fifth time, waving his hand in front of my face.

"Huh?" I flinch a little, being brought out of my dazed state and finally coming back to reality.

"I said, this movie is pretty good so far, don't you think?" Ashton says pointing to the tv screen in front of us.

After hanging out with Luke yesterday, Ashton called and asked if I was free to hang out today possibly. Of course I immediately agreed to come over because I did promise to make it up to him, but I've been spacey all afternoon. We decided to watch a movie when I arrived but I don't even remember the title of the movie to be honest. That's bad, isn't it?

"Um, yeah, it's pretty good." I nod, agreeing with him even though I have no idea what's going on at the moment.

I know the movie stars Kevin Hart but he's been in a few movies lately so I can't really tell which one we're watching.

"You have no idea what's going on, do you?" Ashton chuckles.

I almost deny what he's saying but I decide to be honest with him, "No, I don't." I say sheepishly.

Ashton picks up the tv remote and points it toward the screen. The action going on in the movie comes to a halt and the little pause symbol appears in the corner of the screen.

He brings his legs up on the couch, crossing them and turns to face me, "What's on your mind?"

I shrug, "Just stuff."

"What stuff exactly?" Ashton smiles slightly, finding my short answer amusing I guess.

I bite my lip reeling my mind for an appropriate answer. I know exactly what kind of stuff I've been thinking about since I got up this morning; Luke.

He's been on my mind since I left his house yesterday actually. Just seeing him act so differently than before has me completely puzzled but intrigued at the same time. I was hoping Luke would've opened up to me about his traumatic experience but I guess later hasn't came yet.

Basically, I spent almost all night last night thinking about what could've happened as I usually have since I found out about this event. So many theories and thoughts have been swimming through my mind and I guess I've just been lost in my own world today.

I don't think it would be smart to just blatantly tell Ashton what I'm thinking about because that would just drive the wedge between his friendship with Luke even farther than it already is.

"Nothing important." I finally reply.

"You sure?" Ashton studies my face as if he'll he able to read my mind. "You can talk to me, Bree."

"I'm fine, I promise I'll pay attention now." I giggle a little.

"You better because you're missing all the funny parts." Ashton smiles, pressing play on the movie, which I finally realized is called Ride Along.

I'm relieved Ashton wasn't too curious about my thoughts because I really didn't want to tell him. He's not too pushy about things and I like that.

We're sitting a little closer on the couch than a couple of friends would as we watch the movie. The movie is almost halfway through but I start picking up on a few things, like how Kevin's character is so set on impressing his girlfriend's brother so he can marry her.

Ashton slowly snakes his arm behind me, letting it rest across my shoulders. I can't help but lean into him as he does this.

For the rest of the movie, I force myself to push my thoughts about Luke away and focus more on spending time with Ashton right now.