Cloudy Cover, Clear Contents

Chapter 12 - Heated Stuff

Ash's POV

Well, that was very interesting. I'm not sure about Calem's true goal, but I know his immediate goal is to get Serena back. At first I thought that the whole 'give Serena back at the end' would be a good thing, but now.. I'm not sure if I want to give Calem any satisfaction. Anyways, I've got to figure out a plan for the party. Probably going to spend the whole afternoon getting things with Bonnie and Astrid. I know Calem is coming so maybe I want to bring Serena with me? Sounds dumb, but I'm not sure if she wants to hang out at a party.. yet.

Finally the last class was getting to its end. Serena and I were finishing up some paired paper that we had to write. Something on the true meaning of compassion. While putting the stuff away I noticed the quick glances that Serena shot me. "Serena? Something up? Other than this whole mess?". She quickly turned her face away from me and twirled around with her hair. With five minutes left.. it was now or never. "There's a party happening at my house this Friday, you want to come?". Her face was still facing away "Well.. I'd have to check to see if-" "That's fine, but what's up?" "I-I w-was wondering I-if you were f-free today?". That kinda came out of nowhere, but I do have to shop after, but this is a good opportunity. "Yes and no" "What do you mean?" "Bonnie, Astrid and I are gonna head to the mall to pick out some furniture for my house". Her eyes swivel around and lock with mine. "Furniture? Don't you have things at home?" "I keep my house empty.. don't pry" "But-" "We aren't close, remember that this relationship is a fake" "Still-" "You wouldn't want me to pry into your life would you now?". Her face stares at the ground as she inches away from me. "You know what, why don't you come with?" "We aren't close right? I don't want-" "This is a way to get closer? I'm not wrong?" "Fine, we can go.. but can we get something for dunch?" "Don't you mean linner?" "Who says it that way?". Oh she's just declared war. I head to the front of the class and tap on the chalkboard "Guys!? I got a serious question here!". The conversations die down as pairs of eyes stare at mine. "What is it Ash?". Looks like Trip wants to answer. "I was wondering what you call the time in between lunch and dinner?" "Are you serious? Obviously it's linner!". The class starts to get into it, with just one minute left. "No, it's dunch!" "No one says dunch, everyone says linner!" "That's right, dunch is fake news. Linner is the way to go" "Are you trying to sound smart? Dunch just makes more sense". The teacher starts to laugh as she joins "I would have to say that Trip is right, linner is more common". Most of the class starts to cheer "But, dunch is just as recognizable as linner". Some cheers and groans echo in the class.

*Ring* *Ring*. *Ring*

"Come on Serena, let's not keep Astrid waiting" "Bonnie's there too?" "Her moods aren't as bad as Astrid's" "Wait, Astrid is in our class?" "She leaves five minutes early everyday".

We make our way down the large hallway. The halls sound like Nimbasa city, super loud and super unimportant. I grab Serena's hand and pull her towards an exit. Bursting out of the halls, we enter the third floor of the garage. As we get closer to my car I can hear a conversation. "If Ash doesn't come in the next minute... he's going to wish he never existed" "Astrid, don't you think you're overexaggerating?" "Maybe, but Ash is never late" "So why do you keep threatening to end his life?" "Secrets are called secrets for a reason Bonnie". My chuckle turns into a full blown laugh as it reverberates throughout the parking lot. Astrid's head turns towards me and her legs push off towards me. In a mere second her arms and legs wrap around me as she buries her head into my chest. "I thought I was going to have to put you down". Serena's face has a confused look written all over it. I rub Astrid's head as I give Serena a glance. "Astrid is just very passionate. Don't mind her two-faced personality". A small grin appears on Serena's face as Bonnie comes closer to the scene. "Ash? Why is Serena with you?" "I could answer it in two ways" "Serious answer, please?" "She is my 'girlfriend'" "That's not serious!!" "She's gonna come with us to the mall. Maybe she'll be able to pick some good accessories.. that will match the look I'm going for". Bonnie pouts as she heads towards the car. With Astrid still latched onto me, I manage to pull out the keys and open the car. I place Astrid in the backseat next to Bonnie. With my hand I motion Serena to sit in the passenger seat. "Are you sure Ash? Shouldn't-" "They love to talk, so why not have them sit next to each other?". While turning on the car I turn my head to check on the two. "Everything good back there?" (Both of them) "YES!! Let's GO!!". Serena and I chuckle as we make our way towards the mall.