Beside You

Chapter Twenty-One

I escape the apartment building, fans, paps, etc. within fifteen minutes.

Of course, I stopped to talk to fans. I couldn't leave without it.

But, the biggest thing I mustn't stop doing is finding out if I knew Alexia before.

I pull my thin gray jacket tighter around my stomach and neck as the cool, morning fall air sweeps across my body.

If I want to talk to Alex, I first need to know if she is home. And where she lives, to be exact.

My glasses start to slide off my face as the wind gently and carefully chills me.

It's nearly eleven o'clock. Maybe a little past it.

I turn the corner to get some coffee. It should heat me up.

I arrive at the best coffee shop in town; Little Miss's Coffee.

I've been going here every since we came to town. Yes, I have tried other places, but Little Miss's Coffee is the best.

"I'll have a regular, no cream, please?" I give the cash register lady my order, along with a smile.

She, Sandy, writes my order down on a ticket, then, with a smile, responds. "I'll bring your coffee out to you when it's ready."

"Thank you."

Sandy nods and I make my way to an empty Booth.

Feeling odd, I pull my phone out of my pocket and scroll through our Facebook page.

There are many notifications from fans with our merchandise on. Many from fans commenting on our recent picture telling how much they love us, want to meet us, etc.

They think we don't read them, but we do—at least I do. I just never respond due to the fact I don't want one member of the famdom to get jealous of the other.

"One regular, no cream?" Sandy says, holding the coffee out to me, with a smile.

"Thanks, again." I say with a smile.

"You're welcome." Sandy returns to her job.

I'm actually glad some people don't freak out when they see me (us) in person, like Sandy.

I don't mind it, actually.

I take a selfie with my coffee and upload it to our Facebook page, twitter (both) , and my instagram with the caption: 'Little Miss's Coffee. Best coffee in the universe!! #breakfasttime.'

Within minutes, nearly seconds, of posting, I get tons of likes/tweets and retweets.

Once I'm finished with my coffee, I throw the cup away and get back in line.

"What may I get for you, again, Ashton?" Sandy asks with a light laugh.

"Three regulars, no cream, please." I say. I take out five dollars and lie it on the counter.

"Drinking heavy, huh?" Sandy writes the order down on a ticket and smiles. "It'll be ready in a few."

"Thanks." I say. "And, actually, its for my..friends? Yeah, my friends." I step aside and let other customers order.

"Friends, aye? You don't sound so sure about that." She hands me the drinks with a smile.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. Come again."

"I will." I imply before leaving.

I make the long cold walk to Amanda's and Alexia's as quick as possible.

Yes, I figured out where they live.

Once I arrive at the apartment, I knock on the door with my elbow.

"Coming!" Alex's tired voice calls. She must've just woken up.

"Ashton. Hi."

"Good morning, Alex." I say with a smile.

"What're you doing here?"

"I just thought I'd bring you and Mandy coffee while I was out." I reach two coffees out for her to take.

With confusion, Alex says, "Thanks? She's asleep, actually."

"She can drink it later, then."

The air heats up, slowly, in time. It isn't as cold as it was before, but it's still cold.

"Oh, come in. I know you're freezing." Alex expands the doorway for me to enter.

"No, I'm fine. You're probably the freezing one."

"Exactly, now, get in here."

I enter their apartment, beautiful on the inside, amazed.

"Mandy fixed it all."

"It's beautiful." I admire the details Mandy must've put into it.

"So, why are you here, exactly?"

"What's your last name?"

"Carter. Alexia Carter."

"Your name, it sounds familiar. You look familiar."

"Yeah, everyone says that."

"No, I'm serious."

"Well, since you're here, why not watch some movies with me?" Alex reaches over to grab the remote.

"Sure." I lay back and enjoy the movie.

Alex lies beside me.

In my arms.

It might not be much to you, but to me it's everything.