My Trip with Ash

Chapter 2

I MUST HAVE FALLEN asleep, because when I open my eyes Ash is shaking me. 

   "Dude wake up! We have to get to Miss Dew's class before Jay!" He says as he shakes me viciously. Jay was one of our best friends. All of us had been together since pre-school. Back then we all played with Mega Blockers, having competitions to see who could build the best house.

   "Okay, I'm up!" I sigh and stand up and try not to think about where Ash's hands touched me. Arm, waist, shoulder, I think. I mentally slap myself and keep walking. Once were off the bus Ash walks beside me and slides his phone in his pocket. 

   He looks at me and then asks, "So did you finish the assignment for Mr. Finch's class?" Shit. I completely forgot about it. He must be able to tell so in my eyes, because he smiles kindly and says, "Me either."

   I smile and look at the pavement as we head to first period. Then my mind wanders as we travel up the flight of stairs in the 600 building. Hmm, I need to call mom tonight and see how her and dad are doing. And I need to go to Elliot's house to get that book. 

   We finally reach Miss Dew's class and I see Jay sitting on our table, wearing his overly masculine boyish grin. "Beat ya again." he says cockily. I cant help but laugh as Ash sticks his tongue out at Jay. 

   "You may have won this time. But next time me and Alex are totally gonna get here fir-" He gets cut off by Jay  rolling his eyes.

   "Blah blah blah, you say that every time. And not once have you been victorious Ashton." he retorts.

   The bell rings and I get in between them and put my finger to my lips as the morning announcements start. I don't really listen anymore. It use to be interesting. But now its tedious and I grow tired over the screechy voice of Mrs. Price. So I take my seat and open up my sketch book, I try not to think as my hand starts moving but then I look up and see Ash sitting across the table from me. His Bronze hair shines in the crappy fluorescent lights of the class room, and his perfect blue eyes look around the room. Almost as if they claim everything they land on. His perfect pale skin is complemented by a fresh spray of light freckles on his nose bridge. He smiles and his snake bite lip piercings catch the light blinding me slightly. He is so perfect. And I need him to know that. I need him in general, I think. When I look back down at my paper my pencil begins to move again, and before I can stop myself my pencil begins to draw Ash. 

   Ash and his handsome features. Ash and his swell personality. Ash in his lovable nature. NO, Alex. Stop thinking like that. I have already started adding his freckles when Miss Dew tells us to set our chronebooks up and begin working. So I do that. Slowly forgetting about my teeny ginormous crush. On the boy. Across the table. 

   ...

AFTER SCHOOL ON MY walk home I let my eyes wander over the trees and there swaying leaves. So peaceful and happy.  Squirrels jumping branch to branch. Storing nuts in the little crooks and crannies. Birds making nests to keep their young warm. I smile and continue to walk. 

   I'm five feet from my front door when I remember the book. The book I was suppose to pick up from Elliot. What was it called again. Pride of Mr. Walker? I can't seem to remember. I pull out my phone and begin to text Elliot.

Alex- Hey, I won't be able to get the book today. Got sidetracked.  

   After a couple minutes he replies.

Elliot- Okay that's fine. But um. I have a question for u.

Alex- hmm?

Elliot- U know how homecoming is happening soon?

Alex- Uh.. yea

   Oh no, this can't be happening. Not with him. No NO NO NO!

Alex- Why?

Elliot- I wanted to know if you'd go with me... to homecoming?

   Dammit!!!!  

Alex- I would but i'm gonna be busy that day. I'm sorry Eli.

Elliot- It's totally cool, I understand.

   Oh thank god. I would hate for him to be angry with me or sad. I would cry if I hurt his feelings. 

Alex- Okay thanks for understanding. I g2g.

Elliot- kk. Bye

   I sigh and push my phone into my back pocket. Then I reach into my hoodie pocket and grab my key. I open the door, immediately feeling relieved as the familiar smell of lavender cleaner and freshly cleaned clothes seeps its way into my nose.

   I set my bag on the floor next to the front door then lock it back up. I place my key on the little key rack me and my father made when I was in fifth grade then pop my shoes off. I head over to the couch and sit down.

  As soon as my backside hits the couch I feel immediate relief. Like all the things in my mind are relieved of their heavy tolls.

   I lay my head on the grey decorative pillow that mom made last year and doze for a while. Everything falling away around me. Everything from the noises of kids playing in the street to the delightful smell of my home. 

   I even let my situation with Elliot fade from my brain. And the he pops in my head again. Ash.

   Why can't I escape his image. His voice. His eyes. His lips. GAH, STOP IT ALEX!, I think.

   I open my eyes and stare at the ceiling. The white has aged into more of a cream color. And the texture is smooth and even. It looks so nice but at the same time worn. Homey in my opinion. Perfect in my opinion. I cross my hands over my stomach and study the paint stokes that crease there way into the ceiling. I wonder how many strokes it took for them to paint the ceiling. 

   I close my eyes again after what I assume is only a short while. Then drift into a deep sleep. And stay there for a long while.