Chapter 25
2349words
I lay on the porch swing in Storm's back garden, book in hand. Storm laying next to me, a warm fluffy blanking shared between us. She hadn't moved in half an hour, blindly gazing into space. Probably shaken up thanks to the hard talking to her parents had given her this morning, forcing me to sit in and spectate if only to give Storm some sense of comfort. As of Monday, they were forcing her to return to school. Her father had said things like 'it will only get harder the longer you're away' and 'your feel better once you're there'. I almost cringed, even though I agreed Storm couldn't avoid school forever.
Yet she was still so vulnerable, and this was the most she had left the house in three weeks. It didn't feel right pushing her like that. She barely concentrated on anything these days, only sleeping. She hadn't even done the work the teachers had sent, which was really unlike her. I was worried. Storm could very well have a breakdown In the middle of the school corridor. But at least they had requested Adam and Loki to help her too.
I put my book down and turn to Storm. “We should go out today, get you out the house. We could go grab milkshakes, a movie or something. Try to get out of the house before school on Monday,” I suggest. But Storm made no attempt to answer me; I wasn't even sure she had herd me. I tap her foot with mine, trying to get her attention. “Earth to Storm!” I summon louder. She blinked, looking over at me, confused. “We are going out today,” I summarised.
“What!” she exclaimed, sucking in a breath. “Why?”
“Because you need to get out the house,” I claim, getting to my feet and hold out my hands to her. Storm looks at them frightfully as if I had offered her a dead rabbit. I close the gap between us slowly and pull her to her feet. I had to practically drag Storm inside to change and selected an outfit for her that was both warm and functional. Then proceeded to brush through her hair, putting it up in a messy bun.
Storm didn't object when I directed her down the stairs and out the front door. Her body moving like a life-size doll. I opt to walk to the local Diner; we could both use the fresh air.
Attempting to make conversation as we walked. “Asher asked me to go on a date with him,” I tell her. Usually, Storm would have demanded every detail. But today, she didn't.
“Are you going to go?” She asked instead, her voice faint.
“I don’t know yet,” I admit, letting out a deep breath through my nose. “We had lunch together on Friday, you remember? And He did really cheered me up,” Storm nods, seeming to think about it, then turns back to me. A small smile gracing her lips.
“You enjoy his company, and he makes you happy. So you should go.”
“Yeah, maybe your right...” I trail off, feeling better now; my friend appeared more like herself.
“Text him”, She suggests.
“What now?” I question, eyes wide with surprise.
“Yeah, why not? have you talk to him since?”
“No”, I admit, pulling my phone out of my jean pocket, I flick through my contact and pull up Asher's number. Then hesitate. “What should I say?”
“Start with something simple like Hey. Then wait for him to reply,” She proposes. I nod. It was simple, I guess, didn't suggest anything. Just letting the conversation take its course. I like that.
Me to Asher.
Hey
I expecting his reply to take a while. But it didn't, he replied within two minutes. Much more conversation than my own text had been.
Asher
Hello gorgeous. How are you today? Doing anything nice? X
Me to Asher
I am good, thank you. I'm taking Storm out for milkshakes. What about you? x
Asher
Nice! What flavour are you going to get? Just playing on the Xbox with Shawn, he's being a dick LOL x
Me to Asher
Mint chocolate chip. What game? Shawn is always a dick :P x
Asher
Yum! Now I want a milkshake, bring me one? ;) War zone. He says he loves you to x
Me to Asher
You were not supposed to tell him that! I was actually texting you about what you said on Friday x
There was a long pause this time. I wondered if he got detracted by the game or was simply busy. Maybe Shawn was helping him construct a casual text. The idea made me laugh out loud. No boys didn't do that....did they? I wondered what Adam would say if he found out that I was letting Asher take me out on a date. He probably wouldn't believe it even if Asher had confessed straight to his face. After all, Asher had asked me many times over the year that I had lost count. I didn't know why this was the first time I had given in. Maybe it was related to the whole Loki thing. I was surprised Asher hadn't asked more about what had gone on between us. As friends, it was none of his business, and I had asked him not to ask questions when he had picked me up from the lake.
We finally arrived at the diner and grabbed a table by the window, ordering two mint chocolate chip milkshakes with a portion of fries.
“What he say?” Storm finally asked, taking a sip from her milkshake.
“He's not replied yet. I kind of hinted at what he had said on Friday,” I admitted—taking a sip from my own straw. Before munching on the chips. My phone buzzed.
Asher
Someone had to tell him :P you’re going to need to be more specific. We bunt through a lot of topics at lunch. I did set the guys straight if that's what you’re asking?? X
Me to Asher
I've been thinking about what you asked me to consider? X
My phone started ringing seconds after I sent the message, Asher's number appearing on the screen. I press accept, holding it to my ear.
“Hello,” I speak into the receiver nervously.
“Are you pranking me right now? Or am I dreaming?” Asher's teasing voice called, though the speaker.
“I was being serious... Just pick me up at seven?” I suggest chewing on my straw—the phone when quiet for a full 30 seconds. I could hear Shawn in the background but couldn't make out what he was saying.
“Like on a date?” He clarified, his voice hopeful. I could almost see his amber eyes light up.
“Yes, nerd, on a date!” I laugh.
“Okay... yeah! That sounds great. Really great, actually. I'll pick you up at seven,” Asher blurts, only making me laugh harder.
“See you then, bye,” I say before ending the call. Speaking with Asher had put a smile on my face, which surprised me a little bit. Was I looking forward to this date? I guess I was. I didn't think I had been on an actual date before, in all honestly.
“You look happy,” Storm commented “I think you do like him.”
“Yeah...I do like him. I'm just not sure if I like him like that,” I shrug, taking a large sip of milkshake.
“If he kisses you. You will know,” Storm claims. Asher Whiteforn kissing me... The idea didn't repulse me; he was attractive. Fit because of all his football training, and he was funny, charming cute. I could kiss Asher.
I decided to go casual for my date with Asher. I wore my hair down, a black scoop neck tee, black and white striped mini skirt, black tights, and black Doc Martins with white paint splatters print. A small black shoulder bag and my leather jacket. I had painted my lips black, winged my eyeliner and added silver eyeshadow to my lids.
I when downstairs to wait and found my brother sitting in front of the TV, beer in hand. Loki sprawled on the other end of the sofa, his eyes snapping to me. Well, Fuck.
“Hey”, I Great them half-heartedly, perching myself on the arm of the opposite sofa. Adam grunts in reply, his eyes not leaving the TV. While Loki glares me down. A warm welcome indeed.
I take out my phone, quickly busying myself. I should text Asher, ask him to meet me there or around the corner. That was a better idea. Headlights flash through the window as Asher's car pulls into the driveway. Too fucking late now! I smile bitterly, stashing my phone into my bag and jump to my feet.
The doorbell rang, and before I could even think about getting it. Adam darts up for the sofa, beer in hand as he answers the door. I didn't move, practically frozen to the spot. Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Hey, Adam!” Asher calls, cheerful. I close my eyes. Someone just shoots me fucking dead now! I didn't hear Adam reply; I didn't need to. Shortly after, two sets of footsteps came strolling into the living room.
“Hey, Scarlett, really great skirt,” Asher smiles. I crack open my eyes and give him a half-smile.
Asher had dressed in smart black jeans and a Red and black tartan shirt. Nobody dared speak as both Adam and Loki stared down my date. Asher's gaze focused solely on me, hands in his pockets. Well, this was fun.
“Shall we go?” Asher asked me, nodding to the door. I wince.
“Where the fuck are you going?” Loki asked, getting to his feet. He crossed the room in two steps to stand in front of Asher. Loki was a fair bit taller than him, broader and overall more muscular. But Asher, to my surprise, held his ground.
“I'm taken Scarlett out on a date,” he shrugged, meeting Loki's burning gaze. Brave man. Loki turned to Adam expectantly. But Adam offered no complaint; the bastard knew!
“You knew about this?” Loki questioned my brother.
“Yes, he asked my permission to take her out,” Adam grunts, still looking downright pissy.
“Like f-” I snapped out of my trance, completely cutting off whatever Loki was about to say.
“You did what?” I fumed, turning to Asher. My anger matching Loki's. to my surprise Loki stepped back, looking between Adam and me. But Adam only glanced back at me before quickly looking away. While Asher pinched the bridge of his nose, cringing slightly. He wasn't going to tell me that little fact from me. wonderful! “I'm not fucking property!” I declare.
“No, you’re my fucking sister,” Adam shot back. “Excuse me if I give a shit!” I shake my head at him. I couldn't believe this; it wasn't the fucking nineteen hundreds I could date, kiss and fuck who I wanted to. He had no right. I pushed past Adam, slamming my shoulder into him as I pass. hurting me more than my brother, but I didn't fucking care. I was royally pissed off. I Seizing Asher arm as I go, dragging him after me and out the front door.
“Don't forget what we talked about!” Adam had the audacity to call after us. I slammed the front door behind us with enough force to make the windows shake. stalking over to the passage side of Asher's land rover while he quickly got into the driver side. He turned expectingly.
“Drive”, I order, not looking at him. I was too busy scowling through the window of the living room at my brother's back. If looks could kill...
Asher obeyed, not saying a word as he quickly sped away from the house. When we were driving on the main road, I finally turned on him.
“Why did you ask my brother for permission to date me?” I demanded. Asher sighed, glancing at me. I was fuming mad, and he knew it—a fabulous way to start our first date.
“I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to make you feel like property or like I had gone behind your back,” Asher apologises, glancing at me again, his amber eyes soft. Concerned. Only making my rage spike. How was he so calm right now? “Adam is my friend, has been since we were kids. It's ageist so many unspoken rules between guys, for me to date you. I didn't ask him because you were his sister. I asked him because he's my friend. I owed him that,” Asher explains. I suddenly felt stupid; his reasoning made perfect sense. I was still mad at Adam. But Asher was just being a good friend to my brother. I couldn't be mad at him for that.
“Then why not just say that? Why keep it from me?” I counter, my voice softening.
“I should have, and I'm sorry. I really like you, Scarlett, and I didn't want anything to come between us. I can see now that by keeping it from you, it had the opposite effect. Can you forgive me?” He pleaded, fluttering his blond lashes at me. I sigh, catching his eye.
“Yes...I'm sorry for raging at you,” I murmur, giving him a half-smile.
“Can we start again?”
“I'd like that”, I agreed, Looking out the window. We were driving away from town. “Where are we going on this date anyway?” I enquired. Asher grinned.
“Well, I figured we'd get a little compaction going. Because I know how much of a sore loser you are,” he teased. I gasp, playfully slapping his shoulder.
“I am not!” I protest, it was a fat lie, and we both knew it. Asher chuckled.
“I remember when we were kids, and you insisted on playing football with us. You were terrible. Every time we came near you, you screeched and ran in the opposite direction. Then when you invulnerably lost, you throw are football into old man Jenkins house. Because you knew we were all too scared to go get it!”
“Well, you shouldn't have been such babies!”
