Life as Prolonged

Two times the trouble

CHAPTER XVI

The beating of Ashton's heart was gone when I woke up.

When I first wake up, you could basically label me drunk.

"ASHTON?!" I squinted my eyes open and looked around for Ashton. All I saw was the edge of his New York Giants sheet. "Damnit." I cursed, rubbing my eyes violently.

My sloppy bum hung low off of my head, tickling my neck. I flopped back and forth on my way to the kitchen.

That was a trip.

I made it there and found myself pouring a glass of ice water from the fridge. Of course, when I went to take a drink, I missed my mouth completely. I shreiked as I ran.around looking for a towel. Instead, I found a note.

'Aubree,

I went out to pick up some breakfast. Be back soon. Don't miss me too much.

-Ashton'

I couldnt help but smile as I read his smart-ass note. I knew if he was gone much longer I would miss him.

What in the hell am I thinking?

Am I actually dating him? I couldn't process. Nothing was making sense to me. Absolutely nothing. Why am.I here? Why did my parents allow it? Where is Ray?

Oh, that's right.

I let a tear slip down my cheek. I snuck the sliding glass doors and carried my self to the pond. The dew-covered grass chilled my toes. The wind was lightly blowing, and a thin layer of fog hung over the pond. It was beautiful. I made my.way to the end of the deck and kicked my legs over the edge. I reached my hand over and picked up some water. It was so clear, so pure.

I couldn't say the same about most other things. My mind was a mixture of thoughts, visions, and confusion. I sat still and let my body chill. I cross my ankles and rested back on my palms. I couldn't stop staring at nature's beauty. The calm water froze, as if it was waiting for someone, something. I looked over and picked up a small rock. I ran my thumb over it then tossed it into the water. I watched the ripples fade.

I was so focused on the water that I hadn't heard Ashton calling my name. Before I knew it, his presence was directly behind me.

"Hey. What are you doing out here?"

"Just needed an escape."

"Ray?"

"No."

"What is it then?"

"I don't really know. " I looked into his eyes. "My thoughts just kind of take over."

"Its like you have no way of controlling it." He stated. It was like he read my mind.

"Yeah. Exactly like that." He let out a 'huh' and pulled out a little napkin with a muffin on it.

"Is that...?!"

"Uh-huh." He handed it to me.

"I love coffee cake! How'd you know?"

"Lucky guess. Everyone loves coffee cake." I picked off little bite-sized pieces and popped them in my mouth as we sat in silence.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"Six." I nodded as I continued eating my muffin. "Want a drink?" He held out an iced coffee. Im not fond of coffee, but it looked tempting. I took a sip, then another. "Are you just going to drink it all?" He asked. I stopped sucking it down and handed it back. He took a sip and sat it down. I moved closer to him and laid my head on his shoulder. "This pond reminds me of you." He said.