The Jerk Next Door

Chapter 12: The Date!

Asher

"Ash!" A small voice cries out.

Looking around, I realize that I'm back to the playground from my elementary school. I remember how many times I laughed and smiled here.

"Asher" the voice said not as loud as before. I try to remember who this is calling me.

"Asher, please?" It cried out again. At this, I start to walk around to find the voice. After passing by the swings and slide, I get to the monkey bars. On top of them sits a scared little girl with curly red hair that is a mess. She has tears slipping from her dark green eyes.

"Maks?" I ask. "What are you doing up there?" Only now do I notice that I'm the smaller body of my younger self.

Then it all hit me. I remember this. I remember Maks asking if I could climb the monkey bars and when I said yes she seemed to be so amazed. She told me she didn't think she could do something like that. I decided that she should try and made her go up there. I just wanted to show her that she could do it too, but she got scared and started to freak out when she got up there. I didn't know she was terrified of heights, I just thought she didn't believe she could do it.

"Asher help!" She began to shake.

"Okay. Okay, Maks, look at me. I'm going to catch you just jump down." I told her. She nodded and wiped her tears. When she was about to jump down, her foot slipped causing her leg to fall through the poles. Now her left leg was stuck stretched in an uncomfortable position while the rest of her is on top of the bars.

"Ahg!"

"Maksean!" I yell, running under her. I push her leg up enough for her to regain some balance. "Okay, Maks, lower yourself down. I'll hold onto you so you can get down. Okay? Slowly"

She did as told, and once she got down, she threw her arms over my shoulders. She kept muttering things about never listening to me while also saying thank you. I just held her as the memory began to fade.

When I woke up, the sun shone brightly in my face. I sit up looking around my eyes stopping when they see Maksean brushing her hair in her room.

That's right, today's Friday. We have our date tonight.

I get up taking my shirt off and begin to change right in front of the window. As I took a glance at Maks, she wasn't even in her room. Man, I wanted to see her reaction to me shirtless again.

Throughout the week, I spent my time watching and teasing Maks when no one was looking along with having to listen to my dad complain to me about almost everything. I must say I do find a lot of fun from her.

Pushing my thoughts aside, I get ready for school. After showering I throw on a pair of khaki shorts and a random t-shirt. I head downstairs after gathering my things to see my mother and step-mother in the kitchen cooking and smiling.

I'm glad my mother found someone who makes her happy. My father was never one to care for others- hell he is still that way with me- but Kelly is sweet and kind to her. She is always there when mom is stressed and always seems to make her smile. Something I'm not good at. I have been told that I'm similar to my dad in how I express myself. Though I secretly have my mother's silly and kid-like side, I prefer not to show it.

"Asher!" My mom exclaims excitedly. I usually leave without any breakfast or even a good morning, but the past week, I have stayed a little longer to have a meal with my family. Even though I don't talk much, I can tell my mother is pleased with it. "I just finished making eggs! Just how you like them!"