The Cancer Chick's Best Friend

Chapter Eleven

"So you guys sure you don't wanna come watch us novices attempt to make a costume?" Drew asked for the third time.

"Yeah, you've got it covered, I've got homework and Jared has a date apparently" Ashleigh said and shrugged.

Drew watched Jared's eyes widen in surprise at the information and then sighed.

"You guys don't need to do this, I know you wanna watch her finish her list so just come."

"You aren't into the idea of meeting someone, maybe you just need to spend time with Liv to get the closure you need, and I trust you more than anyone around her right now. So it's alright" Jared said.

"Yeah, plus it's best Jared stays away from that side of town after his history with, you know" Ashleigh added.

"Plus I have no interest in watch sewing classes happen, I love Liv but not that much, no thanks"

Drew smiled, he knew Jared was telling an outright lie but he went with it.

"Okay then, see you guys later at her place? Around 5 pm" Drew finally said and got out of Jared's car. Ashleigh got into the passenger seat that was previously occupied by Jared who just plainly asked, "Wanna go to the Lakeside?"

"Sure, but it's your treat, I deserve it"

_______

Jared and Ashleigh were sat at a table on the corner of the Cafe, Jared drinking hot chocolate while Ashleigh was munching on her burrito, with complete delight.

"What's the real reason you didn't go?" Ashleigh asked Jared, who was staring at the lake intently.

"What?"

"JJ, don't act like you have absolutely no clue what I'm trying to say here"

"What are you trying to say?"

"There is absolutely no way that you actively chose not to go with Olivia and Andrew. I know this isn't some weird 'Help Andrew move on' plan, you aren't that nice even on your good days, so spill."  

"I didn't know I was being analysed so much, better be careful huh?"

"Jared"

"It's nothing Ash, I'm just not comfortable watching her finish the bucket list and have her keep mentioning that it is a bucket list. It just makes this whole ordeal way too real for me. Truth be told, I don't want to let go of her yet, but I can't hold on either."

Ashleigh's eyes softened. She understood what Jared meant. She had put up a strong front the entire time because everyone else was breaking down. It wasn't easy.

"You know, her parents felt this way and distanced themselves from her, remember how she felt?"

"I do."

They sat in silence, Ashleigh put her hand on Jared's shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze, a little symbol of strength and hope.

"Tell me something, how are you coping with all this?" Jared asked.

"Who said I am?"

"I haven't seen you burst out like we have since the day you found out, you're always cheerful and you've been the most rational and calm. If I didn't know you any better I'd think you didn't care, but I know you do. So how are you doing it?"

"I accepted the truth Jared. She's leaving. This isn't some big movie where a miracle will save her and everyone will live happily ever after. She's my best friend and the happiest days of my life were spent with her and you guys, so I'm going to do everything I can to give her some of her happiest days before she goes. I do cry myself to sleep sometimes, I do breakdown while showering, but you know me, I don't like crying infront of other people."

"You're right, I can't sit and mope about the inevitable, We've got to get a grip and make Olivia the happiest person on the planet."

"I was thinking, we help her set up her YouTube channel next. Weve got those exams coming up too she wouldn't let us do anything else till those end, and then we can do the roadtrip and she could maybe film that for her YouTube too?"

"Ash you're the smartest person I know"

Ashleigh chuckled. "And you're the weirdest"

"Would you have me in any other way?"

"I mean, maybe a little taller, a little better looking, with six packs would have worked"

"Your lack of noticing my abs has offended me deeply."

"Good, stay offended then and lay off my hot chocolate" Ashleigh said and swatted Jared's hand. Jared gave her an amused look and said, "You sure you're okay right Ash?"

"Mmhm"

"It's been a while since you even met your parents."

"I don't want to talk about them."

"Ash they called Drew and Me to ask about you"

"Jared, we were having a lovely conversation, it's probably the first time we have been civil since ages and you had to ruin it"

"Look, all I'm saying is, talk to them."

"I don't want to."

"But why? What happened?"

"I gotta go, Homework and stuff, I've got a project to turn in two days and since Olivia is with Drew today I shouldn't waste this time, Bye Jared."

"You're avoiding talking about home by going home?"

"They won't know I'm home. I sneak in through the window."

"Your window is on the second floor"

"I have my ways, See ya later"

Ashleigh gathered her belongings and walked away. Jared sat there biting into his sandwich which had gone cold and just wondered, "What was Ashleigh hiding?"

"Maybe Drew knows. I'll ask him." Jared decided and shrugged.