The Jock Next Door

The Unpredictable

~ Chapter 45 ~

Enjoy the small Asher and Ava moments ;) and the last chapter where their journey ends. Btw will be writing a second wattpad story, or possible a sequel ;)))

Enjoyyyy

* Saturday 10 A.M.*

" You guys behave, keep up your grades, and stay out of trouble." My Mom's eyes rest on me at the last reassurance for a second too long. I force myself not to roll my eyes during the last minutes I have with my parents, so I only nod.

We all exchange hugs and goodbyes. While I stiffly hug my mom—me naturally being the awkward child—she whispers something into my ear. " If you know what's best for you, you'll stay away from him and focus on the big picture in life."

Immediately, Asher's furious dark eyes appear in my mind and I involuntarily shiver. She Ulla away and sadly smiles at me while my dad talks with Ryder in his fatherly manner.

I turn my undivided attention to my mom and try to sound as politely as possible when I state the facts. " I'm 17, therefore, I'm sure I can decide what's best for me and what's not." I smile lightly and she nods stiffly in response.

My parents grab their bags, give us their final wave, and disappear behind the main gate's entrance. I'll miss these, but for now, I'll have to get accustomed to some independence, after all, I am 17.

—————————

" Check up on Asher." I hear the words for the billionth time and mentally cringe.

" What part about giving him space, do you not understand?" I stare at them as Justin passes the ball to me.

It's a cloudy Saturday afternoon and we decided to spend it in the one and only Centennial Park. Leo and Taylor still haven't arrived and we aren't expecting the vanished Asher Cooper, yet here we are talking about him either way.

He's been suspended for two weeks—in which he'll be gone—considering his behavior from the beginning of the school year I'm guessing. Ever since his suspension, he hasn't answered anybody's calls, nor texts, and he's completely isolated himself, though I've caught him on a few early morning runs he couldn't resist. Therefore, as the open-minded and responsible friend of the group, I presumably know that he needs space for whatever reason that is. More specifically, to spend more time with his mother.

" Why can't you go check on him yourself? After all, you are his best friend." I narrow my eyes at Justin as he juggles the ball unconsciously.

" Because as I recall—as we all recall—the last time I went, he saw my face, then slammed the door in my goddamn face." His hazel eyes meet my gaze as he challenges me.

" I'm. Giving. Him. Space. We're giving him the space he needs until he comes back to school." I continue glaring at him to ensure his comprehension of my words, even though we both know he won't be coming back to school.

Now Justin abandons the ball and approaches me. He lowers his voice as he explains, " What do you mean until he comes back to school? That's after one week. We don't know if he'll be here after one week let alone two days, Ava." Now he crosses his arms at me.

Why am I the bad guy here?

A couple of seconds of silence pass, until I finally make a decision. " Fine. We'll both go check on him." I frustratingly push my baby hairs out of the way as Justin contently fixes his beanie.

" Today." He informs me.

" Tonight." I inform him back.

" 7 P.M." He smiles.