Chapter 4

Ashley stopped by my house on her way home. “Found anyone in there?” She asked. I just looked at her dumbfounded. She smiled and told me that she had seen me at the bar with someone. I sighed and told her that it was too soon.”I’m not dealing with that right now. It’s too much for me.” I told her. She nodded and went to the couch. “Then talk to me about it. I want to help you.” I looked at her in amazement. “I’m not leaving until we get this settled” She said as she got comfortable in my favorite chair. “Why? I shouldn’t be talking to you. He was your brother.” I told her. She shook her head in amazement. “No. We have known each other since we were three. We grew up together. You helped me through my dad, and now I will be here for you.” She said forcefully. I thought on what she had said. “Okay. I suppose you have a point.” I said as I got equally comfortable. I told her how everything felt, how it felt when Hunter became friends with me when we were three. When we were in the same class together at nine. What it felt like when he started dating people. How my heart burst when the two of us started to date. And finally, I came to the feeling of utter despair and hopelessness when he died in my arms. I basically poured my heart out to her. And she listened to me, to every word I said. After about half an hour, I decided I needed sleep. “I’m staying here.” She said. I simply conceded and let her stay, because I knew that she would leave only for a few minutes, then return and stay. “Goodnight, then” I said as I walked to my room.

       I completely forgot the fact that Samuel’s number was on the table by my seat. I got up, but stopped short of the room as I heard Ashley’s voice carrying to my position. “So, why are you talking to him?” I heard. Apparently he answered her, because she said “I don’t see why that would be so bad, but no sudden moves.” I stood stunned, not believing that she had actually called the number. I softly walked back up the stairs and crawled back into the bed. I just needed a friend. So what better than to call Colton? My friend, along with the others, since the age of three. But I needed sleep before all else.