I Have A Problem Trusting Men, But Can I Trust You, Billie?, chapter 4
Three in the morning
Ash's POV
I was awoken abruptly by the opening chords to Bohemian Rhapsody. Who was calling me this late at night, well, morning? I flipped it open and answered in a tired and annoyed voice.
"What?"
"Ashlynn?"
"Frank? What do you want? It's three in the morning."
"Well, I was just wondering if you'd like to get some coffee with me this morning."
"Right now?"
"No, later on."
"It's three in the morning and I just met you a few hours ago and you're asking me out on a date?"
"Well, it's only a date if you want it to be."
"Stop it with the games. What do you really want from me?"
"Huh?"
"Look, you seem like a great guy and all but I really doubt you're actually into me. I know that you look up to my Dad and all so I can't shake the fact that you may only be talking to me because of him."
"What? No, I was into you before I even knew all that. You're an amazing girl."
"Exactly, a girl. I'm only seventeen, eighteen in a few months. Aren't you like twenty-five or something? What would you want with me?"
"Yeah, the age range may be a bit weird but I really like you. You are an awesome person. That, and you're the hottest girl I've ever seen."
"Okay, what would you do if I said yes?"
"Probably jump up and down and do a victory dance."
"Okay, I'll get coffee with you. I'm just warning you that when I tell Dad what I'm doing this morning he'll probably be pissed and threaten to chop your balls off."
"Ouch."
"Yeah, he tends to be a bit overprotective."
"A bit."
"You would be too if you had me for a daughter. Okay, so this is not a date. This is coffee as two friends."
"I guess."
"Great. See you in a few hours."
"Awesome. I'll pick you up at eight."
"Okay, see you then."
I got off the phone with Frank and stared at the ceiling. He likes me? He actually likes me. I closed my eyes and tried to fall back asleep thinking of all the fun I would have getting coffee in a few hours.
Billie's POV
It's about seven fourty five in the morning. I always wake up early, especially on Saturday's. Dez is still asleep and she looked so peaceful so I didn't wake her. I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen to make a big pot of coffee. It was kinda cold and then I realized I was only in a pair of old boxers so I turned the air condition up. I leant on the counter waiting for the coffee to finish when I heard padded footsteps come down the stairs and walk into the kitchen.
Ash's POV
"Morning, Ash."
"Hey, Dad."
"What're you doing up so early on a Saturday?"
"I can say the same for you."
"You know I always get up early. You are an afternoon riser so why the sudden urge to wake up?"
"Frank called me and asked me if I wanted to go get some coffee with him."
"I didn't hear the phone ring."
"He didn't call the house, my cell at three in the morning."
"How did he get your cell number?"
"I gave it to him."
"You what? Oh, jeeze, you know he's gonna call you every waking second of the day now."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. So, is this a date?"
"He said only if I wanted it to be."
"You want it to be?"
"No, I just met him."
"Good girl, cause if you wanted it to be a date I wouldn't have let you leave this house."
"What? Why?"
"He's twenty-five years old, Ash. I don't want him dating my seventeen year old daughter, it's illegal."
"Well, what if I wanted to date him."
"Not until you're eighteen."
"Why? That's only in four months anyway."
"True, but you aren't allowed to date anyone older then you until you're eighteen. By then, I don't care."
"But you know Frank."
"Yes, I do. I know he's a really cool guy and that you'd get along great but for now you better remain friends or I'll... "
"Or you'll what?"
"Tell Mike that you love him."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Push me."
"Alright, fine. I won't."
"Good. Now that that's settled. Want some coffee?"
"Nah, I gotta meet Frank, remember."
"And who says you're able to go?"
"Dad!"
I gave him my imitation of his infamous puppy dog face and he glared at me for a while and then smiled.
"Fine, be back at a reasonable time."
"Yey! Thank you, Dad. I will. Some friends are coming over today."
"Alright. Who?"
"My bandmates, Bobbye, Spike and Spud. Then some of my guy friends, Travis, his girlfriend Serina, Jordan and Nick."
"Who are the guy friends and how come I've never seen them before?"
"They've been busy. I've known them for years. Don't worry, they're cool. I'm gonna warn you about Travis though."
"Why?"
"He's an eighteen year old Tre Cool."
"Oh my God."
"Yeah, and a drummer too. Keep all flammable liquids and lighters away from him and if he says something random just smile."
"Okay. Why do I put up with this?"
"Because you love me."
"Right."
"Bye, Dad."
I grabbed a jacket and slipped on a pair of TUK's and grabbed my cell and house keys and walked out the door to see Frank waiting for me.
"You have a black BMW?'
"Yeah."
"Damn, does everyone have one?"
"I guess so."
"Okay, where are we gonna get coffee from?"
"Um, there's this awesome coffee shop a few blocks from here called Espresso Yourself."
"Oh, I've been there. They have some cool, live bands that play there every weekend. They have the greatest frozen cappuccino's on the planet."
"Oh, I know. My fav is the Vanilla."
"No match for the mint chocolate chip."
"Yeah, those are good too."
We pulled up to the cozy, coffee shop and Frank parked the Beemer. We got out and walked inside. I love the scent of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. The aroma was thick in the air. The shop was filled with local artist's work, even the tables were painted. Their was the book swap in the corner where you could bring a book and take one. We walked to the counter towards the back and placed our orders.
"I want a twenty ounce frozen vanilla cappucino and a twenty ounce frozen mint chocolate chip cappucino."
"Your total is eight fifty four."
"Thanks."
We grabbed our little caffeinated fixes and chose a quiet corner towards the back and away from any windows so the paparazzi couldn't see us.
"So, is your's good?"
"Like always. Your's?"
"Same. You look nice."
"Surprising since I barely got any sleep last night."
"Okay, I apologize for the call. It was a bad move on my part."
"Damn straight. You never take away a woman's beauty sleep."
"You didn't need it."
"It's the thought that counts."
"Well, I'm sorry. I really like it here."
"Me too. This place is awesome because not many people know about it."
"Yeah, that's good for me."
"Me too. Have you ever been to a poetry slam?"
"No, what is it?"
"Well, a bunch of aspiring poets all around the Bay get together and try and out do each other with their best work. It's a lot of fun and most of them are really good."
"You're into poetry?"
"Yeah, ever since I was younger."
"I never really got into it."
"It's basically songs without the music."
"I never thought of it that way."
"I'm bringing you with me next slam."
"Okay. Are you sure I'll like it?"
"I'm positive."
We finished our drinks and started to throw our stuff away and leave.
"So, are you doing anything today?"
"Yeah, some friends are coming over today. My bandmates and a few guy friends."
"Guys? Should I be worried?"
"No, because we aren't dating."
"Right. Can I come over anyway?"
"I dunno. I haven't hung out with them since the move and they miss me."
"I won't be any trouble."
"I'm not so sure about that."
"Why?"
"Well, if you are interested in me like you say you are then you wouldn't like some of my friends."
"Why not?"
"Well, you wouldn't like my best guy friend, Travis."
"Why's that?"
"He's crazy and a touchy-feely kinda person."
"I don't understand."
"Well, let's just say for the first three years I knew him people thought we were going out."
"He's all over you?"
"In a joking way, yeah. But he has a girlfriend, Serina. She's like an older sister to me."
"Well, I'll understand."
"Why don't you just stay home today. You said you needed to finish unpacking."
"Yeah, but I was gonna ask you to help me."
"Dad won't let me go by your house by myself."
"Aww, fine. I'll drop you off."
We got into his car and he drove me back to my house. He looked a bit sad to let me go but he walked me to the door anyway.
"See ya later, Ash."
"Yeah, bye Frank. I had a nice time today."
I gave him a hug and he kissed my cheek and drove off. I unlocked the door and walked inside my house. Dad was sitting on the sofa watching CNN. I sat down next to him.
"Hey."
"Hi."
"So, how was it?"
"It was nice. We went to Espresso Yourself. We just talked about stuff."
"Cool."
"Yeah. Have Bobbye, Spud or Spike called?"
"Nah. But you can sit here because I'm gonna go take a shower."
"Alright."
I grabbed the remote and Dad walked into the hall bathroom. I put it on FUSE and there was a special on The Clash so I decided to keep watching it. After about ten minutes there was a knock on the door. I got up and walked over to find Bobbye, Spud and Spike eagerly waiting to come inside. I haven't really described my friends yet so I will now. Bobbye is five four, I think I said that earlier. She has died, red hair. Bobbye is a bit obsessed with my Dad. I know that's weird but she's been like that ever since I could remember. She is the keyboardist in my band, we play a mix of New Wave and synth-punk. Spud is five five and has natural red hair. She is extremely hyper and I would recommend never giving her caffeinated anything. She has brown eyes and plays bass and lead vocals. Spike is six two and has dark brown shoulder length hair with red streaks in it. She is our drummer and surprisingly the calmest of us all. Done with the descriptions and back to my story.
"Hey, Ashtray. Where's your Dad?" asked Bobbye eagerly. She looked like a kid on Christmas morning.
"He's in the shower."
"What?" her voice went about three pitches higher and it souned like she just huffed a bunch of helium.
"I said he was in the shower."
"Oh my God! What shower?"
"The one in the hall."
Bobbye screamed and ran off down the hall. Spud looked just as enthused but waited a few seconds before following her. Spike and I just stared at each other and started laughing.
"They are pathetic."
"Yeah, I know."
"Let's go anyway."
"You wanna see my Dad too?"
"Only a little. I just don't like being left in the doorway."
"Fine, fine. I'll grab us some drinks or something since those two aren't gonna budge."
Spike walked into the hallway and I headed into the kitchen to grab some drinks from the fridge. I wound up popping us a bag of popcorn and brought the food back to the hallway where Spud and Bobbye were about to die from the waiting.
"You got us goodies? I love you Ashtray!" screamed Spud as she grabbed me into a hug.
"Thanks. Here Bobbye. I knew you wouldn't leave."
"And miss the sexiest man alive emerge from the bathroom soaking wet with just a towel on as the steam hasn't even fully subsided from the shower? Not for the world."
"Enough description there Bobbye?" asked Spike.
We laughed and started eating some popcorn. My Mom came from the study and looked at us and heard the water from the shower.
"I'm not even gonna ask."
"What? We're just waiting for your uber sexy future husband to get out of the shower. Is that so wrong, Miss D?"
"I don't even know, Bobbye."
She laughed and walked back into the foyer. After another fifteen minutes went by we heard the water stop and I swear I could hear Bobbye's heart stop beating. When my Dad got out of the shower (yes, it was just as Bobbye has planned. The steam from the shower was still visible and my Dad was soaking wet clutching a towel that hung low on his waist) Bobbye stopped breathing. She just stared at him as if he was some bright light or higher being. Her jaw dropped a little. Spud looked like she was going to pull the towel down and Spike started laughing at our two insane friends.
"Hey Ash and Amelia(Spike) and Liz(Spud) and Bobbye."
"Hey, Dad."
"What're ya doing outside of the bathroom? And why do you have popcorn? Is Bobbye okay? She looks like she's gone into shock."
"Oh, she's fine. She can die happy now having seen you in nothing more than a towel."
"What?"
"Nothing, Dad. We were waiting on you to get out of the shower so we can use the bathroom."
"Oh, why didn't you use one of the upstairs bathrooms?"
"Too far to walk."
"Okay. I'm gonna go change now."
Dad walked out the hall and up the stairs to his and my Mom's room. We finally got Liz to stop freaking and Bobbye to breathe again.
"That..that was... I love coming to your house, Ash," said Bobbye.
"Thanks. You guys are never making me do that again."
"Aww," said Spud.
We spent the rest of the day basically fooling around in Dad's studio in the basement. We came up with some new material but mostly we were just having fun. By nine o'clock we were done in the studio and back downstairs watching Comedy Central. Mind Of Mencia was on and we were laughing really hard. During a commerciial break I heard Bohemian Rhapsody and answered my phone.
"Highlow."
"Ash?"
"Yeah, Travis."
"Hey! We're on Advance now, what street do I turn on?"
"Make a right and keep going straight until you see a sign that says Willow Peak. When you get to the security gate say that you're here to see Ashlynn Armstrong. The access code is lemon if you have any trouble."
"Lemon?"
"I know you remember lemon day."
"Oh yeah. Lemon!"
"Lime!"
"Kiwi!"
"Strawberry!"
After about fifteen minutes of shouting out random fruits Travis said he had reached my house and we all got up and ran outside.
"Ashlynn!"
"Travis!"
He gave me a gigantic bear hug and almost tackled me. Serina was behind him and busted out laughing. Nick and Jordan were last and they came over and said hi. Well, Jordan gave me a hug and Nick said hi. Nick is very shy, basically a female version of Spike. We all think that Nick and Amelia should be together but they never did. I led my friends inside my house and they all stared at it for a moment.
"Whoa, this is gorgeous, Ashlynn," said Serina.
"Thanks."
"Yeah, you been selling drugs?"
"No, Travis. This is Billie's house."
"Oh yeah, your little punk rocker step-dad."
Travis isn't really into punk music. He's my crazy, random metalhead slash classic rock guy. I hit his arm playfully and he laughed.
"Yey! This is gonna leave a wonderful mark."
"Oh, shut up."
"I won't if it means you'll slap me again."
"Oh God."
"C'mon Ash. You know you missed me."
"Yes, sadly, I did. Now I won't."
"Aww. That hurts."
After a few minutes we were all sitting around watching some Family Guy just like old times when Dad walked in.
"No, don't you dare bring that up again."
"Remember guys, when Ash got that wrong number call from that guy in prison and she talked to him for like ten minutes and hung up on him?"
"Oh yeah, she called me and told me about it," said Spike.
"Yeah, he didn't stop calling her for what, three weeks?" asked Spud.
"No, it was for two months. Shut up guys, that was scary."
"That was funny," said Serina.
"What're you guys talking about?" asked Dad.
"About the time Ash was almost stalked by some guy in prison," said Nick.
"Oh guys, this is my Dad. Dad this is Serina, Nick, Jordan and this retard next to me is Travis."
"Ouch."
"Where are ya goin, Travis?"
"To put some ice on that burn."
We spent the rest of the night catching up on old times and telling a lot of our inside jokes. Dad was so confused that he just gave up and went upstairs to join Mom. Rave spent most of the night copying everything Serina said or did, Jake kicked Nick's ass on the Gamecube and Joe showed Jordan what he had learned so far on the guitar. By the end of the night I was sad to see them go.
"Don't worry, Ash. We'll come back soon," said Travis.
"Yeah, it was a lot of fun," added Serina.
I watched them drive off in Travis' '89 Firebird. Another hour or so passed and Spike, Spud and Bobbye had to go too. I took a shower and walked upstairs in my room and was halfway dressed when I heard my window open and saw someone climb in.
"Aaaahhhh!"
"Sh. Shut up, Ash. You're gonna wake up your Dad."
"Frank?"
"Yea, it's me. I was bored so I wanted to see if you were still awake and I saw the light on in your room and a ladder by the window. You should really be careful about things like that."
"I will next time. Now let me please get dressed."
"Okay."
"Uh, I'm going in the closet."
I heard him laugh as I finished getting dressed into my pajamas.
"Do you know what would happen if Dad found out that you were in my room this late at night?"
"It's a chance I'm willing to take."
"Oh, how noble."
"So how was your day?"
"Why do you care?"
"Because, I care about you."
"It was fine. Yours?"
"Boring because I was all by myself."
"Well, I'm sorry."
"You know that you can make it better."
Frank started walking towards me and he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. He touched my cheek and gave me a kiss.
"I... I don't think we should have done that."
"Why not?"
"I promised Dad... "
"No, you promised him that we couldn't go out until you're eighteen. Not that you couldn't kiss me."
"I don't think that you finding that little loophole was what he meant."
"So, who cares. You liked it, right?"
"Well, yeah, but that's besides the point."
"C'mon Ash. I really really like you and I know that you like me too."
"Frank, I think you gotta go."
"I will, just tell me one thing."
"Okay, what?"
"Do you like me?"
"Yeah, a lot. Now go before we both get killed."
He smiled at me, gave me another mindblowing kiss and climbed out of my second floor window.
Ash's POV
I was awoken abruptly by the opening chords to Bohemian Rhapsody. Who was calling me this late at night, well, morning? I flipped it open and answered in a tired and annoyed voice.
"What?"
"Ashlynn?"
"Frank? What do you want? It's three in the morning."
"Well, I was just wondering if you'd like to get some coffee with me this morning."
"Right now?"
"No, later on."
"It's three in the morning and I just met you a few hours ago and you're asking me out on a date?"
"Well, it's only a date if you want it to be."
"Stop it with the games. What do you really want from me?"
"Huh?"
"Look, you seem like a great guy and all but I really doubt you're actually into me. I know that you look up to my Dad and all so I can't shake the fact that you may only be talking to me because of him."
"What? No, I was into you before I even knew all that. You're an amazing girl."
"Exactly, a girl. I'm only seventeen, eighteen in a few months. Aren't you like twenty-five or something? What would you want with me?"
"Yeah, the age range may be a bit weird but I really like you. You are an awesome person. That, and you're the hottest girl I've ever seen."
"Okay, what would you do if I said yes?"
"Probably jump up and down and do a victory dance."
"Okay, I'll get coffee with you. I'm just warning you that when I tell Dad what I'm doing this morning he'll probably be pissed and threaten to chop your balls off."
"Ouch."
"Yeah, he tends to be a bit overprotective."
"A bit."
"You would be too if you had me for a daughter. Okay, so this is not a date. This is coffee as two friends."
"I guess."
"Great. See you in a few hours."
"Awesome. I'll pick you up at eight."
"Okay, see you then."
I got off the phone with Frank and stared at the ceiling. He likes me? He actually likes me. I closed my eyes and tried to fall back asleep thinking of all the fun I would have getting coffee in a few hours.
Billie's POV
It's about seven fourty five in the morning. I always wake up early, especially on Saturday's. Dez is still asleep and she looked so peaceful so I didn't wake her. I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen to make a big pot of coffee. It was kinda cold and then I realized I was only in a pair of old boxers so I turned the air condition up. I leant on the counter waiting for the coffee to finish when I heard padded footsteps come down the stairs and walk into the kitchen.
Ash's POV
"Morning, Ash."
"Hey, Dad."
"What're you doing up so early on a Saturday?"
"I can say the same for you."
"You know I always get up early. You are an afternoon riser so why the sudden urge to wake up?"
"Frank called me and asked me if I wanted to go get some coffee with him."
"I didn't hear the phone ring."
"He didn't call the house, my cell at three in the morning."
"How did he get your cell number?"
"I gave it to him."
"You what? Oh, jeeze, you know he's gonna call you every waking second of the day now."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. So, is this a date?"
"He said only if I wanted it to be."
"You want it to be?"
"No, I just met him."
"Good girl, cause if you wanted it to be a date I wouldn't have let you leave this house."
"What? Why?"
"He's twenty-five years old, Ash. I don't want him dating my seventeen year old daughter, it's illegal."
"Well, what if I wanted to date him."
"Not until you're eighteen."
"Why? That's only in four months anyway."
"True, but you aren't allowed to date anyone older then you until you're eighteen. By then, I don't care."
"But you know Frank."
"Yes, I do. I know he's a really cool guy and that you'd get along great but for now you better remain friends or I'll... "
"Or you'll what?"
"Tell Mike that you love him."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Push me."
"Alright, fine. I won't."
"Good. Now that that's settled. Want some coffee?"
"Nah, I gotta meet Frank, remember."
"And who says you're able to go?"
"Dad!"
I gave him my imitation of his infamous puppy dog face and he glared at me for a while and then smiled.
"Fine, be back at a reasonable time."
"Yey! Thank you, Dad. I will. Some friends are coming over today."
"Alright. Who?"
"My bandmates, Bobbye, Spike and Spud. Then some of my guy friends, Travis, his girlfriend Serina, Jordan and Nick."
"Who are the guy friends and how come I've never seen them before?"
"They've been busy. I've known them for years. Don't worry, they're cool. I'm gonna warn you about Travis though."
"Why?"
"He's an eighteen year old Tre Cool."
"Oh my God."
"Yeah, and a drummer too. Keep all flammable liquids and lighters away from him and if he says something random just smile."
"Okay. Why do I put up with this?"
"Because you love me."
"Right."
"Bye, Dad."
I grabbed a jacket and slipped on a pair of TUK's and grabbed my cell and house keys and walked out the door to see Frank waiting for me.
"You have a black BMW?'
"Yeah."
"Damn, does everyone have one?"
"I guess so."
"Okay, where are we gonna get coffee from?"
"Um, there's this awesome coffee shop a few blocks from here called Espresso Yourself."
"Oh, I've been there. They have some cool, live bands that play there every weekend. They have the greatest frozen cappuccino's on the planet."
"Oh, I know. My fav is the Vanilla."
"No match for the mint chocolate chip."
"Yeah, those are good too."
We pulled up to the cozy, coffee shop and Frank parked the Beemer. We got out and walked inside. I love the scent of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. The aroma was thick in the air. The shop was filled with local artist's work, even the tables were painted. Their was the book swap in the corner where you could bring a book and take one. We walked to the counter towards the back and placed our orders.
"I want a twenty ounce frozen vanilla cappucino and a twenty ounce frozen mint chocolate chip cappucino."
"Your total is eight fifty four."
"Thanks."
We grabbed our little caffeinated fixes and chose a quiet corner towards the back and away from any windows so the paparazzi couldn't see us.
"So, is your's good?"
"Like always. Your's?"
"Same. You look nice."
"Surprising since I barely got any sleep last night."
"Okay, I apologize for the call. It was a bad move on my part."
"Damn straight. You never take away a woman's beauty sleep."
"You didn't need it."
"It's the thought that counts."
"Well, I'm sorry. I really like it here."
"Me too. This place is awesome because not many people know about it."
"Yeah, that's good for me."
"Me too. Have you ever been to a poetry slam?"
"No, what is it?"
"Well, a bunch of aspiring poets all around the Bay get together and try and out do each other with their best work. It's a lot of fun and most of them are really good."
"You're into poetry?"
"Yeah, ever since I was younger."
"I never really got into it."
"It's basically songs without the music."
"I never thought of it that way."
"I'm bringing you with me next slam."
"Okay. Are you sure I'll like it?"
"I'm positive."
We finished our drinks and started to throw our stuff away and leave.
"So, are you doing anything today?"
"Yeah, some friends are coming over today. My bandmates and a few guy friends."
"Guys? Should I be worried?"
"No, because we aren't dating."
"Right. Can I come over anyway?"
"I dunno. I haven't hung out with them since the move and they miss me."
"I won't be any trouble."
"I'm not so sure about that."
"Why?"
"Well, if you are interested in me like you say you are then you wouldn't like some of my friends."
"Why not?"
"Well, you wouldn't like my best guy friend, Travis."
"Why's that?"
"He's crazy and a touchy-feely kinda person."
"I don't understand."
"Well, let's just say for the first three years I knew him people thought we were going out."
"He's all over you?"
"In a joking way, yeah. But he has a girlfriend, Serina. She's like an older sister to me."
"Well, I'll understand."
"Why don't you just stay home today. You said you needed to finish unpacking."
"Yeah, but I was gonna ask you to help me."
"Dad won't let me go by your house by myself."
"Aww, fine. I'll drop you off."
We got into his car and he drove me back to my house. He looked a bit sad to let me go but he walked me to the door anyway.
"See ya later, Ash."
"Yeah, bye Frank. I had a nice time today."
I gave him a hug and he kissed my cheek and drove off. I unlocked the door and walked inside my house. Dad was sitting on the sofa watching CNN. I sat down next to him.
"Hey."
"Hi."
"So, how was it?"
"It was nice. We went to Espresso Yourself. We just talked about stuff."
"Cool."
"Yeah. Have Bobbye, Spud or Spike called?"
"Nah. But you can sit here because I'm gonna go take a shower."
"Alright."
I grabbed the remote and Dad walked into the hall bathroom. I put it on FUSE and there was a special on The Clash so I decided to keep watching it. After about ten minutes there was a knock on the door. I got up and walked over to find Bobbye, Spud and Spike eagerly waiting to come inside. I haven't really described my friends yet so I will now. Bobbye is five four, I think I said that earlier. She has died, red hair. Bobbye is a bit obsessed with my Dad. I know that's weird but she's been like that ever since I could remember. She is the keyboardist in my band, we play a mix of New Wave and synth-punk. Spud is five five and has natural red hair. She is extremely hyper and I would recommend never giving her caffeinated anything. She has brown eyes and plays bass and lead vocals. Spike is six two and has dark brown shoulder length hair with red streaks in it. She is our drummer and surprisingly the calmest of us all. Done with the descriptions and back to my story.
"Hey, Ashtray. Where's your Dad?" asked Bobbye eagerly. She looked like a kid on Christmas morning.
"He's in the shower."
"What?" her voice went about three pitches higher and it souned like she just huffed a bunch of helium.
"I said he was in the shower."
"Oh my God! What shower?"
"The one in the hall."
Bobbye screamed and ran off down the hall. Spud looked just as enthused but waited a few seconds before following her. Spike and I just stared at each other and started laughing.
"They are pathetic."
"Yeah, I know."
"Let's go anyway."
"You wanna see my Dad too?"
"Only a little. I just don't like being left in the doorway."
"Fine, fine. I'll grab us some drinks or something since those two aren't gonna budge."
Spike walked into the hallway and I headed into the kitchen to grab some drinks from the fridge. I wound up popping us a bag of popcorn and brought the food back to the hallway where Spud and Bobbye were about to die from the waiting.
"You got us goodies? I love you Ashtray!" screamed Spud as she grabbed me into a hug.
"Thanks. Here Bobbye. I knew you wouldn't leave."
"And miss the sexiest man alive emerge from the bathroom soaking wet with just a towel on as the steam hasn't even fully subsided from the shower? Not for the world."
"Enough description there Bobbye?" asked Spike.
We laughed and started eating some popcorn. My Mom came from the study and looked at us and heard the water from the shower.
"I'm not even gonna ask."
"What? We're just waiting for your uber sexy future husband to get out of the shower. Is that so wrong, Miss D?"
"I don't even know, Bobbye."
She laughed and walked back into the foyer. After another fifteen minutes went by we heard the water stop and I swear I could hear Bobbye's heart stop beating. When my Dad got out of the shower (yes, it was just as Bobbye has planned. The steam from the shower was still visible and my Dad was soaking wet clutching a towel that hung low on his waist) Bobbye stopped breathing. She just stared at him as if he was some bright light or higher being. Her jaw dropped a little. Spud looked like she was going to pull the towel down and Spike started laughing at our two insane friends.
"Hey Ash and Amelia(Spike) and Liz(Spud) and Bobbye."
"Hey, Dad."
"What're ya doing outside of the bathroom? And why do you have popcorn? Is Bobbye okay? She looks like she's gone into shock."
"Oh, she's fine. She can die happy now having seen you in nothing more than a towel."
"What?"
"Nothing, Dad. We were waiting on you to get out of the shower so we can use the bathroom."
"Oh, why didn't you use one of the upstairs bathrooms?"
"Too far to walk."
"Okay. I'm gonna go change now."
Dad walked out the hall and up the stairs to his and my Mom's room. We finally got Liz to stop freaking and Bobbye to breathe again.
"That..that was... I love coming to your house, Ash," said Bobbye.
"Thanks. You guys are never making me do that again."
"Aww," said Spud.
We spent the rest of the day basically fooling around in Dad's studio in the basement. We came up with some new material but mostly we were just having fun. By nine o'clock we were done in the studio and back downstairs watching Comedy Central. Mind Of Mencia was on and we were laughing really hard. During a commerciial break I heard Bohemian Rhapsody and answered my phone.
"Highlow."
"Ash?"
"Yeah, Travis."
"Hey! We're on Advance now, what street do I turn on?"
"Make a right and keep going straight until you see a sign that says Willow Peak. When you get to the security gate say that you're here to see Ashlynn Armstrong. The access code is lemon if you have any trouble."
"Lemon?"
"I know you remember lemon day."
"Oh yeah. Lemon!"
"Lime!"
"Kiwi!"
"Strawberry!"
After about fifteen minutes of shouting out random fruits Travis said he had reached my house and we all got up and ran outside.
"Ashlynn!"
"Travis!"
He gave me a gigantic bear hug and almost tackled me. Serina was behind him and busted out laughing. Nick and Jordan were last and they came over and said hi. Well, Jordan gave me a hug and Nick said hi. Nick is very shy, basically a female version of Spike. We all think that Nick and Amelia should be together but they never did. I led my friends inside my house and they all stared at it for a moment.
"Whoa, this is gorgeous, Ashlynn," said Serina.
"Thanks."
"Yeah, you been selling drugs?"
"No, Travis. This is Billie's house."
"Oh yeah, your little punk rocker step-dad."
Travis isn't really into punk music. He's my crazy, random metalhead slash classic rock guy. I hit his arm playfully and he laughed.
"Yey! This is gonna leave a wonderful mark."
"Oh, shut up."
"I won't if it means you'll slap me again."
"Oh God."
"C'mon Ash. You know you missed me."
"Yes, sadly, I did. Now I won't."
"Aww. That hurts."
After a few minutes we were all sitting around watching some Family Guy just like old times when Dad walked in.
"No, don't you dare bring that up again."
"Remember guys, when Ash got that wrong number call from that guy in prison and she talked to him for like ten minutes and hung up on him?"
"Oh yeah, she called me and told me about it," said Spike.
"Yeah, he didn't stop calling her for what, three weeks?" asked Spud.
"No, it was for two months. Shut up guys, that was scary."
"That was funny," said Serina.
"What're you guys talking about?" asked Dad.
"About the time Ash was almost stalked by some guy in prison," said Nick.
"Oh guys, this is my Dad. Dad this is Serina, Nick, Jordan and this retard next to me is Travis."
"Ouch."
"Where are ya goin, Travis?"
"To put some ice on that burn."
We spent the rest of the night catching up on old times and telling a lot of our inside jokes. Dad was so confused that he just gave up and went upstairs to join Mom. Rave spent most of the night copying everything Serina said or did, Jake kicked Nick's ass on the Gamecube and Joe showed Jordan what he had learned so far on the guitar. By the end of the night I was sad to see them go.
"Don't worry, Ash. We'll come back soon," said Travis.
"Yeah, it was a lot of fun," added Serina.
I watched them drive off in Travis' '89 Firebird. Another hour or so passed and Spike, Spud and Bobbye had to go too. I took a shower and walked upstairs in my room and was halfway dressed when I heard my window open and saw someone climb in.
"Aaaahhhh!"
"Sh. Shut up, Ash. You're gonna wake up your Dad."
"Frank?"
"Yea, it's me. I was bored so I wanted to see if you were still awake and I saw the light on in your room and a ladder by the window. You should really be careful about things like that."
"I will next time. Now let me please get dressed."
"Okay."
"Uh, I'm going in the closet."
I heard him laugh as I finished getting dressed into my pajamas.
"Do you know what would happen if Dad found out that you were in my room this late at night?"
"It's a chance I'm willing to take."
"Oh, how noble."
"So how was your day?"
"Why do you care?"
"Because, I care about you."
"It was fine. Yours?"
"Boring because I was all by myself."
"Well, I'm sorry."
"You know that you can make it better."
Frank started walking towards me and he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. He touched my cheek and gave me a kiss.
"I... I don't think we should have done that."
"Why not?"
"I promised Dad... "
"No, you promised him that we couldn't go out until you're eighteen. Not that you couldn't kiss me."
"I don't think that you finding that little loophole was what he meant."
"So, who cares. You liked it, right?"
"Well, yeah, but that's besides the point."
"C'mon Ash. I really really like you and I know that you like me too."
"Frank, I think you gotta go."
"I will, just tell me one thing."
"Okay, what?"
"Do you like me?"
"Yeah, a lot. Now go before we both get killed."
He smiled at me, gave me another mindblowing kiss and climbed out of my second floor window.
