// ROBBERS // a.f.i

chapter one

//C H A P T E R  1//

Arden's POV

I kept my head low inside of the small gas station, careful to avoid eye contact with the older man behind the counter. I went through the isles a few times casually flipping candy bags around and picking up small packs of gum. I heard the bell above the door ring signaling that another person has come in; I took this as my chance. I took a few packs of gum off the shelf and hastily shoving them into my bag and walked over to the Slurpee machine and pulling out a large cup, filling it to the top with blue raspberry flavored ice.

  The man behind the counter had been eyeing me the entire time I was in here obviously wary of my presence. I slapped a five dollar bill on top of the counter and walked out of the grimy convenience store into the autumn night. My dark hair whipped around my face due to the wind. I pulled my coat tighter around my body and continued walking. My apartment wasn’t that far away but it wasn’t in the best part of town either so being alone wasn’t the most fun. I slowed down as I began walking past my old school near the playground. I opened the small metal fence and strolled to the swing set, setting my cup on the ground I began to swing myself thinking of how much easier everything was when all I had to worry about was if I had brought my colored pencils that day, but things just got progressively more complicated.

  I was quickly thrown out of my thoughts when I felt the presence of another body. I hastily jumped out of the swing, my docs sliding in the gravel and stumbling slightly forward. So I did what I do best; I got the hell out of there. I had just barely turned the corner of the street that runs in front of the school when I heard a voice.

“Hey!”

 Panicking I instantaneously sped up, to which the voice got louder and the foot steps behind me got quicker. Before I knew it I was stuck in front of a brick wall.

“What do you want from me?!” I yelled at the silhouette that was gradually getting closer to me.

“Well baby,” I cringed at the nickname the person not knowing the history that word holds for me, “I believe it’s you who might want something from me.” I could hear the obvious smirk in his voice. Confused, I turned around to face the stranger only to be met by a pair of glossy hazel eyes and a mop of unruly curls.

“Who are you?” I questioned the man in front of men staring at him intently.

“Who are you?” He countered putting an emphasis on ‘you’. What the heck is going on?

“I definitely asked you first.” This guy was a joke and I just really want to get home and her some rest.

“Why are you walking alone?” He asked ignoring the prior question and squinting his eyes at me as if to get a better look at me. This is fu.cking weird.

“That’s none of your business.” I spit and try to push past him, but as soon as I tried to move I was slammed back into the wall behind me. My eyes instantly widened as I looked up at the boy whose eyes grew considerably darker. “I always walk alone.” I managed to squeak out. His grip on my wrists loosened up enough where I could move again. His eyes went back to the hazel color that they were earlier.

“Well not tonight.” He said with a smirk as he stepped forward offering me his hand, to which I declined. We walked back to my apartment- for the most part- in silence other than the few times I would stumble where he would be quick to catch me and I would mumble a ‘thank you’ in return. We got about halfway to my apartment before he broke the awkward silence “What’s your name?”

I thought about whether I should even answer him his outbreak in the alley still fresh in my mind. “Arden.” I responded quietly. He repeated my name to himself with a small smile, which he was quick to wipe away as soon as he realized I was staring. To be fair it was hard not to. “What’s yours?” I asked shyly.

“Ashton.” He replied softly, looking down at me. I didn’t even realize that he had moved out from behind me.

“Well Ashton” I said putting emphasis on his name “this is me.” I said gesturing to the apartment building. “Thank you for walking me back.” He told me that it was no problem and began to walk away but I forgot to ask him something that was running through my mind all the way home. “Ashton!” he swiftly turned back to face me, raising his eyebrows as if telling me to continue. “Why were you at the school tonight?” He smirked and walked me backwards until my back was pressed against the elevator. I saw him press the button before leaning down bringing his lips to my ear. I stared ahead afraid to speak in fear that my voice would betray my mind.

 My eyes fluttered shut as his lips pressed to the skin under my ear before he whispered “Waiting for you.” As soon as the word left his lips the elevator door opened and he began to walk away. I stood still in slight shock of what just happened.

“See you ‘round Arden.”

AN: HELLO EVERYONE I’M BACK AND THIS TIME I’M HERE TO STAY. I’VE BEEN REALLY INSPIRED LATELY AND I WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE. I WILL TRY TO UPDATE EVERY THURSDAY, HOPEFULLY. IF NOT NEW CHAPTERS WILL BE UP ON SATURDAYS FOR SURE. I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE HAD AN AWESOME DAYA AND THIS UPDATE IS LATE AF AND IM SORRY FOR THAT ANYWAYS, I LOVE YOU GUYS TOO MUCH. BE SURE TO VOTE AND COMMENT. HAVE A GREAT DAY.

XOXO -SYD