✿ secrets everywhere ✿

"Ashlee." Michael's voice snapped me back into reality. I looked back at him slightly wide-eyed, hoping if he didn't see me in wonder.

"Is there something you're hiding?" Michael asked again, more in a statement tone.

I looked at the floor, taking a deep breath.

'Here goes nothing'

"Well," I began, fiddling with my fingers. I took a moment, thinking about how I would say it.

"I think I like Luke," I started. Michael listened intently. "And whenever Francesca is next to him or he's talking about her, or someone is talking about her, I think I get jealous about it?"

Michael stayed quiet as I tried to find words.

"I don't know, I should be happy for Luke. But I just get this uneasy feeling in my stomach...sometimes I wanna cry about it. But that stage is over now, I mean I'm over the crying..."

Michael was silent. I soon realized I spilled almost everything to him. I slowly felt slight mortification.

"Oh my god, I'm sorry, I just told you everything..." I put my hands to my face, feeling my warm cheeks.

But Michael grinned, taking both of my hands and pulling them away from my face. He put my hands in his bigger ones, and held them.

"How long have you kept that in?" Michael asked with a small chuckle.

"Too long, I think 3 or 4 months to be exact." I laughed nervously. I pulled my hands from Michael, seeing he's held them a little longer than expected.

"Ashlee..." He said softly. Pursing my lip, I look up to him. "I also have something to tell you."

I nodded, waiting for him to continue. "Okay, but, I'm telling you now because now seems like the best opportunity." "Okay, just tell me."

Michael looked down, running his hands through his red hair.

"I...I like you, Ashlee."

'Oh shit'

I don't think Michael liked the expression I made. I think he knows what I meant.

"Michael, I'm flattered. But I don't know if I feel just the same yet." I said with sadness in my voice.

'God dammit Ashlee you just friend-zoned him!!' I yelled in my head.

"O-oh, I-I'm sorry, I-" "N-no! Michael it's okay! I'm just still figuring it out."

Michael looked confused.

"I said, 'I don't know yet'"

"Soooo," Michael trailed.

"It's just that everything is happening to me, you know, and I saw you in person for the second time after all those texts and phone calls...I just need more time." I explained hoping Michael would understand.

I looked into his green hazel eyes and hoped for an answer.

"Okay," Michael broke eye contact. "I understand." "Please, Michael. Please don't make this any more awkward than it is." I said slightly chuckling.

Michael chuckled as well. "I'll try not too, I mean, being friend zoned." "Hey hey, look at me."

Michael's face met mine. "One day I'm gonna respond with 'I like you too'. Just not today." Michael nodded.

"Now, can we forget about this and go shop more?" I almost pleaded. Michael nodded, chuckling through his nose. "Of course."
                                       ~✿~
I'm home after 'hanging out' with Michael. He kindly drove me home, since I walked before.

I put down my shopping bags, Forever 21, Hot Topic, Macy's, Urban Outfitters, etc.

"Mom I'm home!!" I call from my kitchen. A minute later, I hear footsteps coming down the stairs as I take off my shoes.

"How was your date?" My mom asked folding her hands. "Date?! That wasn't a date, mom." I slightly rolled my eyes.

"But how was it?" She asked eagerly. "Fun; Michael and I walked everywhere." I chuckled. My mom nodded, continuing her path to wherever she was going.

'Date? Did she really think I was on a date? ... DOES SHE THINK IM DATING MICHAEL?!'

I shook my head, putting that idea aside because I don't know everything yet. Oh well, she'll find out sooner or later.
                                       ~✿~
The next day, Sunday, had its usual routine. Wake up, do homework, get things ready for school tomorrow, eat crap...

I was in the middle of doing my math worksheet, when suddenly my phone buzzed and lit up.

~ Bailey
YOURE DATING MICHAEL?!?!?!

My eyes went wide.

~ Me
Oh my god no, who told you 🙄

~ Bailey
Calum told me that you and Michael 'hung out'

~ Me
'Hung out' as 'not on a date'

~ Bailey
I ship it tho

I rolled my eyes again. Little does she know that Michael already told me...and I rejected him.

But this shit takes time; when I like Michael back (the same way I do towards Luke) then I'll say something.

It's already noon and this day could not go any slower.

"Ashlee how was your date?!" A little voice exclaimed. I turned to Angela who came in skipping happily.

"It's not a date!" I protest. "Why?" I said more calmly.

"Mommy told me you're on a date so.." She replied starting to walk away.

I groaned.

~~~~~~~~~~
WASSUP ?¿ this chapter is a bit shorter if you've noticed, but it's kind of a filler chapter again. ANYWAYS, thanks for reading my story :') also if you see any errors please point them out, it would be helpful