The Story of Us

Chapter Six: Ashley

 This is dedicated to Amanda, bemystar. Thanks for being so awesome :)

Chapter Six: Ashley

The next morning, I unwillingly pulled myself out of bed. I had been up til 4 AM talking with Naomi about what had gone down at dinner. I still couldn't believe that she had caught Liam and Beth making out in the girl's bathroom. How could Liam be that stupid? And why did he tell Naomi that Beth told him to lie? Add the kissing and lying together, and you've got a suite filled with tension so thick you can barely breathe. I washed my face, pulled on my favorite Victoria Secret sweats, and grabbed my laptop bag. I didn't have class until the afternoon so I decided to have a late breakfast.

As I stepped out into the snow, I put in my headphones and turned on my favorite artists, Megan & Liz. They weren't super popular yet, but their music always made me feel calm and happy. A few songs later I arrived at the Atticus Bookstore Cafe', ordered my usual hot chocolate, and sat down in a plush arm chair in the corner. I loved coming here. It was more of a home to me than my own dorm room. The atmosphere was so cozy and perfect for hanging out.

Just as I was settled-laptop open, hot chocolate in my hand-I felt my earphones being jerked out of my ears.

“What the...” I exclaimed, looking up to see who the culprit was. Adam. Of course. What the heck did he want?

“Did you get the email?” He said impatiently, his left foot tapping rapidly.

“What are you talking about? What email?” I wearily replied, wishing he would go away.

He grabbed my computer away from me and shoved it back to me a few seconds later.

“That one right there. The one from Professor Laden. Read it.”

Scowling, I began to read the email.

“Dear Students,

This is the email I promised containing the details about this semester's project. I have divided up the class into teams of two. Each team will design their own website. The website must reach the criteria provided in the document attached. Also attached is the list of partners. Considering the fact that we are all adults, there will be no switching of partners. You will work with the partner that I have paired you with and you will make it work. The project is due March 14. Don't wait until the last minute.

Professor Laden”

Before opening the attachment, I already knew who I was paired with. Hoping I was wrong, I opened the attachment and searched for my name.

“Ashley Thompson and Adam Moore.”

Instantly, my hopes were crushed and I felt panic rising up in my throat. I looked up and saw that Adam was sitting across from me looking as if he'd just received news that his dog had died. He ran his hand through his hair and turned to look at me. His blue eyes were penetrating and seems to be unrelenting.

“What are we going to about this?” He asked.

“What...what do you mean?” I managed to choke out. Sure, this wasn't an ideal situation but would it really be that bad to work with Adam? We could make it work, right? I could put up with him being a jerk as long as I could look into those beautiful eyes... right? Yes. I could totally do that.

“I mean, what the hell are we going to about this? We can't possibly be partners.” He said with a look of disgust on his face.

I broke eye contact and fiddled with the fringe on my scarf. His words hurt. I didn't want them to hurt and I didn't want to care. But I did. Hearing his bitter words caused my stomach to get tight with anger. However, I knew this anger was going to do no good. Professor Laden had made it clear that you were stuck with the partner chosen; no switching or trading. We were going to have to make it work no matter how much we hated each other.

“We're going to get over ourselves, we're going to learn to get along, and we're going to make a bad ass website because I really need a good grade. What Professor Laden said is true. We are adults. Not children.” I said, opening up the calendar on my iPod. “When are you free? I want to start working on this as soon as possible.”

Adam studied me for a minute, his eyes never breaking contact with mine. Then, suddenly, he stood up and walked out the door.

Once again, Adam Moore had left me hanging.

* * * *

Feeling defeated, I packed up my stuff and headed towards the door.

“Ashley! Hey, come over here!” I turned around to see Liam waving at me from across the room. I wasn't in much of a mood for company but we hadn't had a chance to talk since before Christmas break. Plus, I needed to ask about what was going on between him and Beth.

Once I was closer he asked, “What's with my brother? He just stormed out of here like a mad man.”

“We just found out that we have to work on a project together for our graphic design class. He's not too happy about it.” I replied, plopping next to Liam on the couch near the front.

“I'd say. But who cares. He'll soon get over himself and realize that you're the best partner any one could have.” He said, smiling at me. I could see why Beth and Naomi were so captured by him. His smile was entrancing and he had the same piercing blue eyes as his brother.

“We'll see about that.” I said, positioning myself on the coach so I was facing him. “Enough about my problems, let's talk about yours. You pulled a smooth move last night getting caught necking in the girl's room with Beth.”

“Great, I was hoping you weren't going to bring that up.” He started squirming and pulled out his phone.

“Of course I am bringing it up.” I snatched the phone out of his hands. “No, I get to keep this until I get answers. So start talking.”

“Fine, I will. Chill out.” He said, sighing. “We just got caught up in the moment. Hanging out at the park with her had been a blast. She's so carefree and well, have you seen the bod on that girl? Anyways, when she whispered for me to meet her in the bathroom, I didn't know what to do. Then, before I realized what was happening, my hormones had taken control and we were making out.”

“Sure, blame it on the hormones. Are the hormones gonna be the ones taking care the baby? I don't think so.”

“I don't know what you learned in Sex Ed, but you can't make a baby by just making out. And trust me, I'd never be stupid enough to knock her up.” He pointed to his brain. “I'm smarter than that.”

“You have no room to be bragging about your intelligence. You weren't smart enough to realize that lying to Naomi was a bad idea. Why would you do that?” I asked him.

“Beth asked me to. She was worried it would affect their relationship. I figured this way there would be less drama. I guess that backfired, huh?” He chuckled quietly.

“Oh yes. It definitely backfired. You've got quite a mess to clean up.”

“How do I do that? Last night, Naomi wouldn't even listen to me.” When he said Naomi's name I could hear the care in his voice. Sure, he'd messed up but he really did want to make things better.

“Give her time to process things then go to her. You need to tell her the truth. Not just about what went down with you and Beth, but from here on out.” I answered.

“Okay. That's what I'll do. Thanks.” I gave him back his phone and got up to leave.

“And Ash, my brother will come around. Just give him a chance.”

Boy, did I hope he was right.

 ***Stay tuned in to find out if Naomi is right. Is there sexual tension and will it begin affecting Adam and Ashley's relationaship?***