Even If I Can't Love You

Chapter 8

I love you. The words stayed in Ali's mind as she drifted off the sleep. 

The next morning, Ashlyn was already gone when Ali woke up. She had gone to an early class. This gave Ali time to think.

In what way did she mean "I love you?" As a friend? As more?

Ali decided she had to tell Ashlyn before the semester ended. She needed to. She was going to tell her the two things on her mind lately: that she liked Ashlyn, and.........

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Ali saw Ashlyn walk into their dorm room with her books and bag in hand.

"Hey, babes," Ashlyn greeted.

"Hey! Are you doing anything later?" Ali asked.

"Um, no...... why? Wanna hang out later?"

"Ash, I was wondering if you maybe wanted to go out with me. Like, on a date as maybe something more than just friends?" Ali asked, her voice turning into a squeak by at the end.

Ashlyn's face broke out into a huge grin.

"I would absolutely love that! Where are we going?"

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Ashlyn slipped her hand into Ali's as their toes met the sand, causing the brunette to smile and look up at the taller girl.

"I'm really glad we're doing this," Ashlyn said to Ali, with a huge smile on her face.

"I am too," Ali said. 

"Really, Ali. I like you a lot. I can't even describe how I felt as soon as I heard the word date come out of your mouth. Thank you, princess. Thank you for everything."

After a few quiet moments of the two girls sitting on the beach and enjoying each other's company, Ali finally decides she has to tell Ashlyn eventually.

"I'm transferring."

"You're what!?!"

Ali puts a hand on the taller girl's shoulder.

"I'm transferring schools, Ashlyn. I'm going to Penn State next semester."

"You're leaving me? Alex, it's our last night before break."

"Ash, sweetie, I'm not doing this to hurt you. I just feel like PSU's a better fit for me. I swear I would stay if I could, but I can't. I'm flying out tomorrow morning. I guess there'll only be six in the suite now."

"Six? You mean seven," Ashlyn corrected.

"No, I mean six. I'm not sure if I was supposed to tell you this, but Alyssa's transferring to Penn also," Ali clarified.

Ashlyn let out a sigh and looked out at the water in front of them.

"Can I do one more thing before you go? Please?"

Before Ali could even finish nodding, the blonde had already connected their lips.