scented candles ❁ a.i.

two

(unedited so don't yell at me)

I still sat here, silently looking amongst the ground where the boys shoes still sat upon me. They were all banged up, with scuffs and patches of who knows what. I noticed his left foot earn more weight as he turned.

"So, I'm assuming candle lover has a name?" He crossed his arms, the plaid of the flannel all blending together. I shook my head at his nick name, giving in quietly.

"Allison."

"Allison? Allison..." He hummed, twirling with thumbs together.

"Yes, Allison, you have it correct." I mocked, trying to switch which arm holds the basket of rather heavy candles. "And you?"

"Me?" He put his hand to his chest.

"No the shelf." I rolled my eyes. "Of course you." I playfully hit him as he let out a breathy laugh.

"It's Ashton." He smiled, with dimples piercing his cheeks and a white set of teeth. I gave in, returning a smile, that wouldn't compete with his bright one. I finally traced my eyes down, not wanting to walk away from our conversation but unsure of what to say.

"Hey. Do you have the time? I was trying to find a gift for a friend before the party tonight, don't want to be late."

I fished in my pocket for my phone. I pulled it out and read along the screen.

"Five twenty-one."

"Shit, guess I'm not coming with gifts..." He rolled up his flannel sleeves. "It was great meeting you, see you around?"

"Yeah, see you around." I smiled sheepishly as he walked off towards the exit.

Oh, fuck.

"Im late." I thought aloud, scurrying to the cash register.

-❁-

The drive to Lisa's birthday was rushed. I probably blew some red lights out of pure ignorance. Her house wasn't too far from the previous target, so I wasn't freaking out too much.

Once her house came into view, i nearly hopped out of the car as it was still moving. I skipped every other step and finally hit the front door, letting myself in.

"Allison!" I heard a chorus of calls as I slowly started to shed my coat. I looked around and saw family and some close friends.

"I didn't think you would come!" Lisa hit my arm, apologizing by smiling and leading me to the kitchen.

"I have your gift." I commented, her taking it from me. She returned from a back room as she opened her arms. "Happy Birthday Li." I sighed.

"Thanks Al. Just glad you could make it." She released her hug and led out to her family and friends. "Let me introduce you to some people."

I was aware of most of her family, Lisa and I being childhood friends. Her parents, and both sets of grandparents were here, all siting on the couch. The room had to have fifteen people, if not, more than that.

"Well you know my brother, Michael." She grumbled pushing the red haired boy aside. Michael rolled his eyes, taking a drink out of his cup. There was a group of kids our age all lined up across another couch, socializing all about their lives. Lisa approached them and cleared her throat as heads slowly turned and talked seized. "Hi guys."

Lisa nods to me. "This is Allison. I'm pretty sure you may heard about her or know her." She says.

"I know her." A voice speaks up, a little bit too familiar. I turn my head to the location of the voice and saw the shaggy, curly head of hair smiling at me. "Hey candle lover."

"Ashton, was it?" I crossed my arms as he returned a lazy nod, pushing himself up off the couch.

"The one and only." He said a little too proud.

"Don't be cocky, you aren't that special."

He breathed out a laugh and crossed his arms, copying my action before. "So how do you know Lisa?" He asked, looking towards the back of the room where Lisa ran off to.

"Childhood friends." I sighed. "We hated each other a good solid year but then our parents became coworkers and we were forced to be together at work dinners and parties."

He nodded, scratching at his arm. "Lisa and I are cousins, and we still hate each other." He chuckled. "I ruined half of her relationships and just piss her off."

"What a gentlemen." I commented. He didn't answer but let out a heavy sigh, signaling the conversation wasnt going to to go much farther. His eyes fixated on my bag.

"Now, could you do me a favor and let me have one of those candles you bought?"

-❁-

A/N

First couple chapters are always boring cause you gotta have that character development !!!!!

Yeah so there is some little hints in here about where the story could go, so yeah hints will be laid here in there in the story.

Dedicated to Wondrxus <3