My Orphan

Chapter 12: I'm An Orphan

Ashley's P.O.V. :

The school day has now ended and I was standing outside next to my car waiting for Layla.

I really wanted to know what she had to tell me because I'm so happy she is finally opening up to me.

But by the look on her face I knew she was serious about it and it was obvious she was scared to tell me. This is why I didn't want to rush her into saying it.

I was so happy I finally was able to tell her that I love her, even if it was by accident, but I wanted to tell her for a while now. I'm a bit upset she didn't say it back, and I know she's not ready yet. But I know she will one day. I am ready to wait for her as long as she needs.

After a couple of minutes, I saw her come out of school and head towards me.

"Hey you ready?" I said as I opened her door for her.

She nodded and got in.

When I stepped into the car, she looked at me and took my hand in hers. This put a huge smile on my face.

"We don't have to go get Ricky, he went to his friend's house for a sleepover." She said in a shy voice.

I nodded and started the car to take her home. It was obvious she wanted to start talking but she was scared so I squeezed her hand to incorige her to talk.

"You don't have anything to be scared about, you can tell me anything." I kissed her hand gently.

She smiled, making my heart melt.

She took a deep breath. "Wow this is hard to say. I-I..."

"It's okay, baby, take your time. I don't mind."

"I'm an orphan." Whoa, this took me off guard.

I didn't say anything for a while. Trying to take it in. Then I noticed a small park, so I decided to stop there so we could talk in peace.

I looked at her and noticed tears in her eyes. Oh no, by staying silent I made her think the worse.

I quickly hugged her to me. "No don't cry, I'm sorry I didn't say anything, I just wanted to take it in first." I cupped her face and wiped her tears with my thumbs.

"You don't hate me?" she asked in a voice that broke my heart, I hate to see her like this.

"No. Why would I? I don't care that you're an orphan, you're still the Layla I know and love." That made her cry harder.

I got out of the car and went to her side and opened the door.

"Come on, let's go for a walk." I put my hand out for her to take it and she did.

We walked in the park hand in hand and decided to sit in a bench near a tree.

"Do you want to tell me more about you?" She nodded slowly, hesitating at first.

"I want you to know everything, but I'm scared you will leave me, like a lot of people in my life did."

I looked her in her eyes to tell her I was completely sincere.

"I didn't leave, and I don't plan on it. Shouldn't that give you courage to trust me?"

She nodded.

"Where do I even start?"

"How about the beginning?"

"Okay, well. When I was about 7, my parents died in a brutal car crash. They were a big deal in the business department, but little to no one knew they had kids."