Ashley's pov
The sun had dipped a long time ago, moonlight flooding through the opened window. It was late, really late. I prayed silently in my head that mom and dad were sleeping soundly, if I got caught I'd be in trouble.That I didn't want. Dad was very overprotective. I was surprised he allowed me to be friends with Ryan and Blake. He didn't trust any other guy that wasn't Blake and Ryan come near me. It was annoying and not needed since embarrassingly I've only wanted one guy's attention.
I sighed. I was curled up on the bed. My clothes were hidden by the thick blanket that enveloped me in it's warmth. I didn't want mom or dad bursting through my door to find out what I'm wearing. They would've surely known something was up.
A gentle cold breeze brushes against my cheek softly. I stared outside the opened window, counting the little white dots we called stars. I was a nervous wreck. I should never have agreed to go tonight. I should've stayed home and read. Raven would've surely kept me company.A pebble falls on the wooden floor. My heart pummels knowing it was one of the boys coming to take me away. I contemplated for a few seconds, hearing the clicking of my old clock on the nightstand. My hands itch to grab it and hurl it outside the window. Maybe it'll hit them on the head and I'll have an excuse to not go.
"Ley!" A hushed voice hissed outside. I silently groan hearing Blake's voice. Really Ryan, you sent him? I hated that I always felt uncomfortable with him after he had been with other girls. Girls that weren't me. Seeing him and Stacy make out showed me that I'll never compare to her or the other girls.
"Ley!" Another hiss, this time impatient.
I nibble on my lip then with a groan throw the covers off my body, revealing the clothes I had chosen to wear. Standing up from the bed, I walked over to the opened window and looked down at Blake. I could barely see what he wore but the moon casted a soft glow on his face that made me suck in my breath.
"Shut up, do you want my parents to hear you?" I hiss lowly,pushing my head out of the window and bracing my hands on the windowsill.
He shrugged and smirked. "It wouldn't be a bad thing if you got into a little trouble Ley. Raven would be proud."
I gritted my teeth. Will he always tease me about this? I move my eyes away from him to stare at Ryan's car. Furrowing my brows I turn to face him again. "Are you alone, where's Ryan?"
"Ryan's already at the party, he told me to come pick you up." He answers, seeming to not know that being alone with him for just a few seconds rattles my brain and I find myself acting like an idiot.
"So you're alone?" I question again, already feeling the nerves bubble up in my stomach, almost suffocating.
I could sense his confusion, see how he doesn't understand what he does to me. "Yeah." He mumbles, uncertainty clinging to his voice. I sighed and nodded.
"Wait a minute." I say softly and draw myself back inside the room. I looked down at my outfit, the plaid skirt reached the middle of my thigh. I had chosen to match it with a white tank top and a jean jacket and finished it off with my white converse shoes. But even with the decent length of the skirt I suddenly felt, naked.
I looked around and spotted my black leggings that I had discarded near the opened closet. Nodding to myself I walked over and picked it up. I felt the thin material between my thumb and index finger, pinching it while I ponder if to wear it.
"Ley hurry up!" Blake hiss.
I groan, finally coming to a decision and put on the leggings. At last I felt somewhat more comfortable. Who was I even trying to impress in the first place? I walked over to the window, feeling like a delinquent.
I pulled myself out of the window and took cautious steps as I walked on the roof. I looked down at Blake. It wasn't that high but I felt nauseous just thinking about missing a fall. What if I broke my butt? Is that even possible?
I neared the edge, looking for the ladder dad left there but didn't spot it. I looked at Blake alarmed. "There's no ladder!" I almost screech feeling anxiety start crawling in my body. Was dad aware of my plans?
"Just jump down Ley I'll catch you." Blake urged, getting in position to catch me. I scan over his body. Yes he had muscles and was sure to hold me without much effort but this was completely different. I could die.
I shake my head furiously, backing away. "Yeah no, maybe this isn't meant to be. Enjoy the party." I rushed out.
"Oh come on, don't back down on me right now bambina.""I'm scared." I admitted, looking at the lawn. It looked so far down to me. I was too high up.
I look into his blue eyes, the light of the moon showing how blue his eyes really were. From even up here, it was hard to miss. His eyes soften. I took a good look at what he was wearing in the moment, noticing that he loved dressing all in black. Black jacket, black jeans,black shirt,black converse. To some the color would seem intimidating but it wasn't, that was just Blake.
"Don't be Ley, I would never let you fall, I'll always catch you. Trust me." He said softly, his eyes saying something that I couldn't quite decipher.
"Oh would you guys shut up! Goddammit Ashley just fucking jump, you'll not die. It's just a fucking few feet!" A voice snapped.
I turn around and spotted Arden through his opened window. His room was beside mine.His lights were off but the moon casted light enough to spot him. I squint. Was he eating a banana?
"Aren't you supposed to be asleep?" I question going into big sister mode.
He raised a brow before biting into the banana. "The same could be said for you big sister. Don't worry I won't tell dad you're sneaking out."
I breathed a sigh of relief only to stiffen when he continued.
" Only if-" He drags out, his eyes that were identical to dad's flash with mischief. "You give me fifty bucks."
I frown. "I was saving that to buy my books."
He shrugged, taking another bite of the banana." It's fifty bucks or no deal."
I dwell on it. Give him my fifty bucks and no books for me? Yeah no. It's a good excuse to not go-
"Fine, I'll give you the fifty bucks tomorrow." Blake agreed, getting me out of my almost rejoicing moment.
"Deal." Arden smirked." Now jump Ashley, don't be a pussy."
"Watch your tongue Arden, I'm still older and I can tell dad!" I hissed and cross my arms. "And I'm not a cat." I pouted.
I sighed then looked at Blake. I did trust him and that led me to walk over to the edge. Gulping in some air, I said a silent prayer. "Ready?" I asked him nervously, watching as he opened his arms to catch me. With a determined look he nodded.
Closing my eyes tightly, I waited a few seconds, letting the wind blow through my long tresses then jumped. My breath caught in my throat as I felt myself falling. Was this how it felt to die?I feel arms wrap around my body, drawing me to a firm chest. "Oomph" I breathed out. "You can open your eyes now Ley." Blake's amused voice breaks me from my thoughts.
I cracked one eye open before opening the other. His piercing blue eyes instantly trapped me in a trance and I felt myself take in a sharp breath for the second time. "I told you I'd catch you." He smiles.
Ashley's povIt felt like an eternity. Just being in this position and staring into his alluring eyes. His gaze flickered down to my lips, his own parting slightly.I puffed out some air. "I think I'm able to stand now Blake." I joked and forcefully let out a laugh. It comes out strained and awkward.His blue eyes widen slightly, as if just realizing he was still holding me. Within a second I was standing on the ground, brushing my palms over my skirt awkwardly.I looked at Blake catching him already staring at me. He reaches over and twirls some curly strands of my hair, tugging it playfully. "I love your hair." He compliments. I had left it down and slightly curled it. He smirks when his eyes drop down to stare at my leggings."You look sexy." His tone had taken on a husky one, one that has my heart pounding in my chest, it's rhythm uncontrollable. His eyes travel back up my body slowly, the intensity leaving a tingling sensation in my lowe
Ashley's povI couldn't be any more happy when the house that held the party comes into view. The awkwardness that hung in the air was almost suffocating.The party seemed to be in full swing with music blasting through the entire house. I guess it was alright to have it to this overpowering volume with a scarce amount of neighbors.Blake slowly parks the car, being careful to not knock over the teens running up and down the road recklessly.Were they high? They certainly looked like it.Stacy bangs the car door on the way out. I flinch away from the loud noise and look to see her walking up to the house. I cringed when I spotted an unfamiliar girl throwing up in the bushes, her friend patting her back.Stacy had long gone inside the house, leaving Blake and I behind. She was furious and I felt somewhat guilty. "I'm sorry." I mumbled opening the car door and getting out.Blake does the same and looks over to face me. His brows are knitt
Ashley's pov"Whatever." I shrugged nonchalantly then turned around to look at the mass of teenagers. They looked utterly out of their minds, drunk, high and hopefully not on drugs. There were some I recognized from school but never spoke to.But there were some who looked too old to be in the same age group as me. I feel a heavy arm drape around my shoulder, the weight a bit uncomfortable. I turn sideways to see the culprit. "Let's go." Ryan says dragging me along to what looked like the kitchen.Well I hoped it was the kitchen, I wasn't so sure if I was intoxicated with whatever was floating in the air. The kitchen didn't seem to be as crowded as the living room area. But the stench of alcohol was more prominent in the air.I looked around, spotting the big cooler that was filled with different beverages. Ryan moves his hands off my shoulder, thankfully. And darts over to the fridge. My eyes almost bulge out of it's sockets for the amount of beers
Ashley's povI hear the clacking of her heels nearing and I couldn't prevent myself from lifting my head. Her eyes are a stormy blue. Rage. Rage poured in the depths of her eyes, eyes Blake seemed to like."You're boring." Her red lips curl into a sneer, the white pearly teeth now visible. I feel the invisible blow and stagger back as she advances."You're not even pretty." She continues, her eyes racking over my form in displeasure. Her blue eyes settle on my leggings and she snorts. "And for fuck sake you can't even dress right." She laughs but it's void of humor.By now we were inches apart with me having to crane my neck to look at her. It was no secret that I was short. I blamed my mom for this stupid height. I always seemed to look like a little kid compared to everyone else. It's no wonder Blake doesn't see me as anything more than a friend."I don't get why he can't seem to leave you for just a second. What do you have t
Ashley's povSomehow through my half drunken state I managed to ask. "Wait we?"Was this how it felt to be drunk?Ryan nodded eagerly and draped his arm around my shoulder. I groaned trying to balance myself from his weight. "Yes we, you're coming along." He states dragging me along with him.I look at Blake, the protest on the tip of my tongue but it doesn't come out. Blake follows with Stacy beside him. I turn to face the front. Even with my half drunken state I still felt the burning jealousy when I see them together like this. Alcohol doesn't seem to numb the feelings I have for Blake.I bite my tongue. Somehow I wanted to tell her to get her nasty claws away from him. I blamed my alcohol consumption. We weave our way around sweaty bodies and find ourselves entering a dimly lit room.The scent of marijuana was powerful, like a strong blow to the face. Usually I would gag or cringe at the scent and probably turn around and say no wa
Ashley's povMy heart is beating impossibly fast in my chest. The anxiety I was fighting off a few seconds ago is swirling in my stomach. I look away from Ryan and find myself staring at Blake.
Ashley's povI look around, noticing the astonishment on everyone’s face. Their mouths were almost dropped to the floor in shock. I nibble on my lip and turn to stare at Ryan, whose eyes were wider than usua
Ashley's pov
Bailey's pov~ Nine months later ~ I stood in front of the mirror, my gentle fingers brushing over my huge bump. I could barely see my toes now. I giggle as I felt a firm kick. " You're playing football in there little Sam?" I joked, rubbing where I could still feel his little foot stretching my skin. I turned a little sideways, the gleam of my wedding ring on my finger catching my eyes as a ray of sun strikes over the stunning diamond. My heart melts, remembering how Sam fit it on my finger when he stared at me deeply while he said I do with his whole heart. I sighed and flushed when I recall our wedding night. Let's just say if I wasn't already pregnant then, I'd surely gotten pregnant that night. We officially tied the knot two months after we got engaged. Sam wanted to speed it up and have it the exact same month, but I didn't want to rush it too much — even though we both clearly didn't want to wait any longer. Our wedding had been small and intimate, only our family and clos
Bailey's pov~* five years later *" And do you know what he got me yesterday?" Mira huffed, her face flush as she glares at me through the screen." Hmm let me guess, a dildo?" Kristina joked. We were in a three way facetime call. Mira was yapping for the last minute about Ryan who apparently left his socks in the kitchen yesterday.Mira rolled her eyes. " No Kristina, worse. He got me cheetos. Fucking cheetos! I hate cheetos!"Both Kristina and I giggled. " I think that's romantic for an apology gift," Kristy jokes. Five years has gone by yet we all were the same. Mira with her dramatics, Kristy with her sarcasm and well me being the grounded one I suppose. The one who is the emotional glue." Romantic my left asscheek," Mira snorted. " This man loves getting on my nerves."" But you love him so much," I pointed out, making her roll her eyes, yet I see that ghost of a smile on her face." Enough about me and Ryan, I think I have distracted you quite enough now. So......what does it
Bailey's pov~ Graduation Day ~The morning sun filters through the windows, casting directly over my frame where I sat on the edge of my bed. My fingers twiddle with the hem of the graduation gown. It's navy blue and neatly pressed by mom. I stare at my reflection in the mirror and try to smile. But I only manage to carve out a little one that didn't quite reach my eyes. My lips line into a frown. I dreamed of this day and I know I should be happy to even see it....however, a lingering feeling of pity weighed on my chest. Juliet would never see this day and Stefan would also not be here today. Two individuals I should hate to the core, although I can't seem to find any resentment toward them but instead, pity. One was dead and gone and the other was rotting in jail for the next twenty-five years. Both not going to walk across the stage today and accept their diploma. Yet I would. A little part of me felt guilty, because perhaps things would've turned out differently if I paid e
Bailey's povShe offers a small smile and gives me a gentle understanding nod. " We will tell them to call him too, I promise." Her hand gently presses against my back to help me into the ambulance and I fix myself to sit on the edge of the stretcher. Another of her colleagues come over to wrap a thin blanket around my shoulders and I cuddle into the material as I sort for any bit of warmth. The night was cold, the heart of Juliet's just as cold. I swallowed and looked down, my body shaking as I replay the events of the night over and over in my head. The chaos around me seem to blue into nothing but silence. It feels like I was in the eye of a hurricane.....the calm, trapped in my mind. I know I should be grateful to be alive. Grateful to feel my legs, to feel every breath enter my lungs. I should be grateful. I should. And I am. However, it is strange to feel such emotion when I have just stared death in the eyes not too long ago. When I've just watched someone die with their
Bailey's povThe gunshot echoed through the entire room like the roar of thunder. For a moment everything stood still as I watch her body jerk back violently from the impact of the bullet hitting her on the shoulder. Her hold on the gun loosens until it hit the floor with a clatter, right beside Stefan's unmoving body. Juliet stumbles back and she whips towards me, her knees buckling as she kneel to the floor. " You," she choked in shock, her eyes wide and wild with disbelief. Then she does something incredibly stupid, she reaches for the gun again despite her shoulder staining with crimson. " Juliet don't-I tried to warn her but her fingers wrap around the gun and she aims for me with trembling fingers latching onto the weapon. " Hands where I can see them!" " Drop the weapon!" The officers yelled. " You!" She snarls just as she pulls the trigger. Another bang clears through the air, this time louder than the first. I clench my eyes tightly shut, my heart stopping as I waited
Bailey's povJuliet's face twisted into many emotions all at once. Confusion. Then disbelief. And then.....rage. Pure raw rage that turned her face ugly. The hand that held the gun tremble, however she remove the aim towards me and aimed it at Stefan who still held the phone up. " You backstabbing asshole! You-" It wouldn't matter if you kill me now Juliet, they're on their way and you won't get away with this." Stefan cuts in her words just before a loud bang shot through the air followed by his painful groan. A scream tore through my throat when I watch the phone fall from his grasp and clatter to the floor, screen still lit up with the 911 dispatcher on the line. Blood smeared across it while his body slumps to the floor unconscious and unmoving. My entire body became numb. It felt like I couldn't breathe as I stare at Stefan's unmoving body. Beneath him is a pool of his own blood. A lump forms in my throat and vomit crawls up threateningly. Juliet rushes over to him and t
Bailey's povMy throat hurt, tears roll down my cheeks as I stare in complete terror as Stefan, who moments ago had gripped my chin so harshly was now to his knees clutching his stomach. I could see his back tense as his head tilt down clearly because he was eyeing his wound. A gurgle sound pushes out of his throat followed by a harsh cough that seem to shake his entire body. My heart thuds loudly, prickles of goosebumps dot across my skin as fear stilled me in my place. A few feet away from us is Juliet who still kept the gun aimed at Stefan. " This is all your fault by the way, Bailey," she harsh out, her angry eyes striking me across the slight distance between us. Satisfaction. That's the gleam that pierced into me as her gaze remain on mine." See what you made me do?" She tilt her head mockingly, eyes glazing with contempt. She was blaming me being the reason she shot Stefan.......she had officially gone insane. Stefan groans, coughing and this time something came out of his
Bailey's povThe smirk on her face grew until the girl who was one of the most gorgeous girls in our school transformed into one of the ugliest. It's crazy how one's heart can change their features so drastically.Stefan chuckle makes me turn to face him. "You're going to be my little plaything sweetheart. You're going to be mine like you were always meant to be."His words caused a disgusting tickling sensation down my spine. Bile so horrid crawls up my throat as I stare at the guy I once considered a friend. Someone I once trusted with my life now looks at me so coldly. I mourn the feeling of safety I once felt with him and look away, my heart shattering even more. He clicks his tongue, moving closer until his fingers pinch my chin harshly. I wince, forced to look back at him. " Don't look away sweetheart," he mocks, eyes glinting with a shade of something.....feral. His breath warm against my cheek, the harsh puffs intensifying against my skin. "You can't force someone to be you
Bailey's povThe emotions I tried to keep at bay came crashing down. Juliet leans closer, her breath hot against my face as she lets out a louder cackle. " Our little naive Bailey, always so gullible to believe anyone would fall for you." Her words hit me right across the heart even though I wish they hadn't. Protecting myself now felt impossible. They had the upper hand, and it was stupid for me to think that they didn't. Her eyes glint, cold and calculative, flashing like the conniving fox she is. " You have a face only a mother could love," her snort was loud and the laughter that followed was even more deafening. My stomach churns, and helplessness weighs heavily in my body. If I was being completely honest with myself, it were not her words that was getting to me, it was the fact that I felt like they were the words of Kaleb. It was true, he was not in the room with us, it was her voice. It was her. Yet. Somehow my mind clung to believing that was what he wanted to tell me. T