Broken Memory ✓

20. Cuddles and Important Talks

The first thing I wake to in the morning is the sound of trees rocking back and forth and birds chirping eagerly. I sigh, opening my eyes, but am surprised to find a warm figure next to me.

Caleb?

Memories of last evening flood back and I find myself grinning at how sweet he was. Calming me down and lending me his clothes... The dreams we created together about traveling... The confirmation of us talking past high school... I can't help but blush at the fact he's laying with me on the couch.

Caleb's arm is draped around me and as my eyes adjust to the room, I realize he's sleeping with his face cuddled against my shoulder. His black hair is a huge fluffy mess and it gently tickles my arm as I move slightly. I use my free arm to comb his hair back and I notice his forehead crinkle as he moves slightly.

Awe. I love that.

God, what's happening to me? I've had crushes before. I've gotten close to people before. I've felt butterflies before. But this feels... So new... So much more intense. I don't know what to do anymore when he's just so... Adorable.

Oh God. Wait.

It's morning. As in I've been gone all night. As in I'm in even more trouble. I don't have my phone so I can't reassure Mom that I'm alright or anything.

"Caleb," I shake him awake. He groans lightly as his eyes open up to meet mine.

"Hi," he says, his voice groggy.

"Uh, hi," is all I can reply with. He smiles at me and turns over on the couch, slowly falling back asleep. "Caleb, I'd really love to lay here with you more... But it's morning and my mom doesn't know where I am."

He sighs. "I don't want either of us to leave."

"The longer I'm gone, the more trouble I'll be in."

"Five more minutes?"

"Fine," I chuckle. He holds me close once again, burying his face into my neck, and I feel my face heat up once more towards the entire situation.

"So, I'll see you," Caleb says as we walk out of the house together. I'm changed back into my original clothes, except they're dry now. My bike is still where I left it on the grass. "Text me when you can about whatever your mom says."

"I will. But Caleb?"

"Yeah?" he pauses on the sidewalk next to me when I stop in my tracks to face him.

"Thank you... Just... For everything. I mean, for hearing me out... And then showing me the treehouse. You made the entire situation so much better."

"Aw, Ash," he focuses his attention to his shoes. "It was no trouble at all. I'd do anything for you... And I had a good time in the treehouse. It feels nice to share my thoughts with someone."

"We should hang out there more often," I smile.

"Agreed," he grins. "You make me really happy."

I blush, shyly glancing away. "And vice versa. I've really got to go now, but I'll see you. I'll text if I can."

"Alright. And hey, my bedroom window... Just knock and we can hang out or head to the treehouse. Okay? I don't care what time."

This invitation... It makes me grin and I immediately nod. Butterflies are practically exploding out of my chest and I wouldn't be surprised if they're flying me to cloud nine. "I might take you up on that. See ya." I walk away and look back at him. He waves, an adorable smile still on his face, and I wave back before getting on my bike and pedaling home.

When I approach my house, I feel anxiety building up inside me. I can already imagine Mom's screams the moment I walk inside. Leaving my bike against the outside wall of the house, I walk up to the door and inhale deeply. "Well, here I go."

I knock on the door and wait for it to open. Footsteps are immediately heard and the door unlocks and swings open.

"Ashlyn!" Mom yells, engulfing me in a tight hug. I stand there, frozen in shock for a couple of seconds before hugging back. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

"You are?" I murmur.

"Of course! Come inside. Are you hungry?"

"Uh, yeah... I am actually."

"Come on," she leads me inside and shuts the door, then brings me to the kitchen table. I wait at the table in awkward silence as she gives me a muffin and some milk to eat, then she sits at the seat next to me. I eat as she talks.

"I'm so sorry, Ashlyn. It was stupid of me to make such a big deal of music. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay," I nod. "I forgive you... Just... We can't keep doing this..."

"Doing what?"

"You still don't trust me all the way. It shows with the Nirvana thing, it shows with you bringing up my friend... I just want you to be okay with who I am and trust I'm being responsible."

She nods, looking to her hands shamefully. "You're right..."

"Why have you always been so paranoid?" I ask. "There's no denying it."

"Okay, look... I've been exposed to a lot of dangers all through my life," she begins. "And I... I guess I just don't want you to have the childhood I did... I thought I could protect you and keep your life on a good path... But I think it went too far. I wanted to keep myself and your dad safe as well..."

"But you ended up ignoring your problem. And now, look where it's gotten us."

"I... Yeah. I know."

"So, are we going to do anything about it?" I question, taking another bite into the sweet muffin. She stays silent. "Mom?"

"I think something more needs to be done. Maybe getting a professional involved." Upon saying this, I notice a flash of dread and fear in her eyes. "Mom, I know you don't like change, but please... If you love us, you'll try to do what's right. We just love you and want you to live without as much anxiety. It's hard for the both of us."

"Okay, Ash," she nods. I'm taken aback a little at the fact she called me by my nickname. "I'll do whatever you and your father feel is right. I want to be better and make things better for you and him."

I stand up and wrap my arms around her. "I love you."

A/N sorry we be havin shorter chapters. That's gonna happen for the next chapter as well since the story is getting closer to the end. :)