Life: Unexpected

4

ASHLEY

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?!" screamed Isaac. I literally had to remove my phone away from my ears.

"Isaac, please. Listen." Shit, shit. Not the time, tears, please stay inside my eyesockets or wherever the hell you come from.

"Ashley? Are you okay?" he asked, in concern.

I'm sorry to disappoint but no shipping here because guess what? We used to be best friends, remember?. Just because we haven't been talking for a while doesn't mean he doesn't care.

"I got my period. A..and I don't have anything with me." I burst into tears.

God damn it. I was so weird and emotional on my first day. I hate being so vulnerable.

"Okay. Okay. I'm coming. Which store are you by?" he asked me.

"H&M"

"Hey. Excuse me. My fiancee really needs a tampon or pad or whatever. I know this is awkward and embarrassing but please I'm freaking out. Help me."

Did I hear that correctly? Who is he asking this?

I hung up because I didn't want him knowing I overheard that, yet. YET.

Within 5 minutes, the door to the bathroom slammed open.

"This is the women's restroom!" yelled a woman who had recently just come in.

"I don't fucking care! Ashley? I got you pads." he said, knocking on the stall next to mine.

"I'm here." I said.

He handed over the pads and waited outside the stall.

I got out and ignored his gaze. I was embarrassed, okay..?

I washed my hands and grabbed my bag. We went out together.

"You good now?" he asked me.

I don't know why but there was a lump on my throat, tears threatening to come out.

I shook my head no. Cramps were killing me.

He stopped me and lifted my chin up so I was looking at him.

"Tell me what's wrong."

"Cramps" I whimpered.

He pulled me into a hug.

"I've missed you so much Ash. You were such a great friend. I blame that fucking asshole even though it's my fault for not standing by your side. I'm... I'm sorry."

"It's alright. At least we're good, now."

Silence...

Until I break it.

"Can we go home? Or somewhere else less crowded?" I asked.

"Let's go." he replied, holding my hands as we walked through the crowd toward the exit.