Kudos To You, April

Chapter: Four - Ashley's Date

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I opened my eyes to see Jared staring at me. I shot up from my lying position and looked around. I was not dead, nor was I dreaming.

"Sleepy?" He asked, his voice sounding like a soothing song. I smiled at him sheepishly and took off the blanket that was covering me.

"I don't remember getting a blanket.." I mumbled, furrowing my eyebrows.

"Oh, that was me," He said, rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed. He was so thoughtful but that didn't excuse the fact that he was watching me sleep.

"Where's Ally?" I said, trying my best to sound as unenthusiastic as possible.

"I told her to go home," He said, a bit sad. I thought of something to say but I couldn't say anything. It's not like I can explain to him that the girl he's been dating for two years wants to kill me.

I sighed deeply and stood up. "I'm going home."

"Already?" He asked, not moving.

"Yeah, Ashley wanted me to meet some guys but I-" I realized I said the most idiotic thing halfway through my sentence.

"'Meet some guys'?" He asked, hurt.

"Yeah, she says I'm too much of a loner," I said, quickly.

"April," He sighed.

"What?" I asked, I thought of a few things he was going to say next. Maybe he's moving away and never wants to talk to me again? Or maybe he's feeling "My girlfriend wants to kill you, is that okay?" today.

"I know I haven't been the best friend lately.." He started to say, standing up.

"It's okay, really," I reassured him.

"No, it's not okay. So, I want to make it up to you," He said, looking at me for approval.

I approve.

"Like what?" I asked.

"You could make me your personal slave," He said, joking. I knew it was too good to be true.

"I take it that's out of the question?" I teased, blushing.

"Not entirely," He teased back, that smirk leaking out the corner of his mouth.

The door suddenly forced open and I stared at Ashley, her mouth forming an "O" of shock.

"Woops!" She squealed, shutting the door.

Jared and I stood there for a few seconds, our cheeks both as red as an apple. Then we started laughing.

"I probably should go now," I awkwardly said, poking my fingers together.

"I'll walk you home," He smiled.

"Really? Isn't Ally waiting for you?" I asked, the green monster so obvious.

"I told you. She went home. She wasn't too happy about it but she went home," He said, leading me downstairs.

He grabbed the door knob when Ashley stopped us.

"April, before you go.." She started to say. I knew she wouldn't let me escape! "I want you to meet someone."

I sighed but followed her into the kitchen.

"This is-" She started to say but he stood up properly after leaning against the kitchen counter.

"Oh, it's you," He glanced at me, unenthusiastic. By the way he was looking at me, I felt kind of violated. "Ashley, I thought you said your friend was good looking."

I didn't need to say anything. My face exposed my attitude towards him - my attitude being pissed off.

"I already met this guy. I hoped I didn't have to meet him again," I mumbled, crossing my arms.

He looked back at me, negatively and slanted his back against the counter once again. Ashley walked me out of the kitchen and whispered to me, "Well, that was pleasant."

She probably just wanted me to make up with that guy, seeing as we both highly dislike each other.

"Well, I have to go. Jared is waiting for me," I started to say, looking around. Ashley waved to me and walked back into the kitchen.

"Jared?" I said quietly. I looked around for several minutes but it was like he vanished.

"You're so obvious," A voice said from behind me.

"What was that, stalker?" I slowly commented, horrified, immediately knowing this was the jerk from the kitchen.

"I'm not a stalker," He smirked, then added, "I'm just investigating."

"Shouldn't you be off with Ashley somewhere?" I asked skeptically. I never acted this way towards any other guys. Well, at least not this bad.

"I should but I'm not," He smirked. What an ass!

"You're ruining my night. Go away," I sulked, still scanning the room for Jared.

"That makes two of us," He said, that smirk still lingering in the corner of his mouth. Then he swiftly turned around, walking in the kitchen to put an arm around Ashley.

I stood there for at least five minutes before I spotted Jared.

"Hey," I started to say as I walked up to him but he put a finger to my lips.

"What's your deal?" He sighed, an angry expression on his face. I slowly smiled without realizing it.

He was on the phone with Ally and things weren't turning out too well.

"You're insane. Wear a tampon," He said, gradually raising his voice.

"What? I second that. I'm breaking up with you!" He yelled into his phone, taking it from his ear and placing in front of his mouth so he could exceed the regular volume. He then slammed his phone shut and looked at me. I tried my best to look concerned. "Don't ask."

"Didn't plan on it," I mumbled sarcastically.

"So, who was the guy?" He asked, pointing at the guy making out with Ashley. I shivered for a moment.

"Ashley's date. He sort of just started talking to me," I replied.

"Sounds like an ass," He commented, opening the door.

"You have no idea," I mumbled, walking out the door with him trailing closely behind.

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