✿ life was great, again ✿

I felt great. No more crushing on someone who's dating someone else. No more secrets to hide or the feeling in my stomach that made me go a little nauseous at times.

Now that everything is okay, I don't know what to do now. A good 5 months of this drama and crap. Maybe I should write a book, hah. ;)

Back into reality, I ended up in my house again, the front door behind me since I just entered. Another school day, complete. Now, crash on the bed because it's Friday and I need to rest.

*ding ding*

I pulled out my phone after kicking off my shoes. A message from Michael

- I know I could've done this way better but I forgot to do it at school, and I just remembered

- Ashlee would you like to go on a date with me?

*explodes*

"whAT?!" I practically scream at my phone screen. I read the two texts over and over. My heart rate increased so quickly I started to hyperventilate a little.

- I would love to!!

I waited for a reply. I bit my lip anxiously making my way up to my room.

- YESSSS. Okay so tomorrow maybe? We can go out for dinner, I'll pick you up :)

"Woaahhhh." I said to myself with my eyes wide. First date, going out for dinner. FANCY.

- that sounds perfect! Sooo around 7?

- 7 is it :)

After that I put my phone down and jumped in excitement. But I stopped running around before I hit and break something.

Me, Ashlee Cantina, going on a date with Michael Clifford...

"It's about time." I whispered to myself still smiling so big.
                                       ~✿~
*the next day, 4 hours before the date*

"Ashlee, stop moving!!" "Which color suits you?" "You need to look good tonight."

More and more rambling between Bailey and Francesca came about as they helped me get ready for later. To be honest, they're making this a huge deal.

"Okay, don't touch anything I just did your nails!!" Francesca exclaimed closing the bottle of a rose pink color.

"I FOUND THE DRESS!!" I heard Bailey yell from the inside of my closet. Francesca and I looked over, and Bailey pulled herself out of my closet holding a dusty pink fit n' flare dress that I owned.

Francesca gasped running over to Bailey and taking the dress in her hands. "ITS PERFECT!!"

"Can you guys calm down?! It's only 1:30!!" I point out. From the look of it, both of my friends look like they're gonna pass out if they don't stop.

Bailey chuckled taking in a deep breath, while Francesca laid my dress on my bed.

"Sorry, Ashlee. We just want this to be perfect for you." Francesca giggled nervously. I shook my head. "I appreciate the help, really. But it's not even 2 o'clock yet and you guys are running around!"

Francesca laughed, then sat on my bed next to the dress.

"I guess we can wait." Bailey shrugged leaning against my bedroom wall, taking out her phone to distract herself.

We sat in comfortable silence, a moment we haven't had for the past 2 hours. I looked at my nails, at my dress, all the makeup scattered on my dresser, the hair straightener, and my the two people in my room.

I tried to regulate my breathing, after I realized this is my first date. My eyes widened in realization.

"GUYS, THIS IS MY FIRST DATE. THIS HAS TO BE PERFECT!!" I yell out jumping out of my chair.

"Now she gets it." Francesca said almost to herself while chuckling. Bailey, on the other hand, came by me and my dresser and started to pick up the foundation. "For the next hour I'm gonna figure out what make-up face looks best on you."

I sighed, 'here we go'
                                        ~✿~
I. Feel. Like. A. Doll. I feel like someone caked me up with foundation and powder or I'm an actor, getting ready to shoot a scene with a whole costume on.

*knock knock knock*

"AH HES HERE!!" "BAILEY HIDE!!"

I roll my eyes, walking to the door, my 3 1/2 inch heels hitting the wood floor. When I opened the door, Michael in a black dress shirt and black dress pants with a white tie appeared in front of me. And this time, his hair was black as well.

Michael and I stare at each other with a loss of words. I broke out a smile to bring some sense.

"Wow.." He whispered breathily eyeing me up and down. "You look beautiful." He continued.

"You don't look to bad yourself." I said playfully leaning on one leg. Michael smiled and scratched the back of his head.

All of a sudden I hear two giggling sounds outside, behind Michael. And when I looked over I saw a piece of blonde hair and I knew.

"Your friends helped you too?" I asked pointing over to Luke's terrible hiding spot. He saw me, then Calum and they both waved.

"Yeah, you can say that. I just wanted tonight to be great." Michael replied nervously. I chuckled. "Don't worry about it," I began before stepping outside. "Bailey and Francesca are behind the couch."

The two girls popped their heads like little kids, and Michael laughed at that.

"Anyways, let's go? We have reservations." Michael mentioned looking at me from his side. I nodded, confidently taking his hands. He shyly wrapped his own around mine. "Oh c'mon we've already kissed before, don't be shy holding my hand."

Michael chuckled, taking the lead and bringing me to his car. He opened the passenger side and led me in. He closed the door and walked to the driver side.

Once the driver side door was opened, Luke and Calum jumped from my bushes, and Bailey and Francesca both appeared at the door, all looking at us.

"Have fun!!" Bailey called out waving. I waved back; at the same time I rolled down my window. "Bring me some leftovers, Ashlee!!" Francesca said. "I will!"

"Have fun, Mikey, if you know what I mean." Luke said with a wink at me. I laughed shaking my head.

"LUKE HEMMINGS HOW DARE YOU!!!" Francesca screamed at him. Luke flinched looking back at his girlfriend.

"Don't get drunk!" Calum said to us waving as well.

Michael and I laughed. He started the engine as I rolled up my window. All of our friends waved goodbye and I think Bailey was taking a photo of us.

Soon, we left the neighborhood.

Michael pressed a button, making the soft tune of the radio go off. I looked outside at the setting sun, and reminisced how I got here.

From liking Luke, to getting jealous, to being afraid while also getting a boyfriend, and finally easing off the pain, I'm here.

I'm here with Michael.
I'm here with Luke and Francesca.
I'm here with Bailey and Calum.

I'm here, and I survived through it all.

I looked at Michael, who seemed to be focused on the road; his left hand was on the wheel while his right was on the console. I looked at the side of his face, and remembered the party of where we first met. I remembered and smiled.

"What are you so smiley about?" Michael asked noticing I was looking at him. I looked back out the window. "Mm-nothing." I said quickly, failing to hide my laughter.

"C'mon Ashlee.." Michael cooed on. I sighed looking at him. I placed my hand over his that was resting on the console.

I took a sigh, and said the one line that summarized what I was thinking of.

"I was just remembering how I fell, then crashed, then somehow," I paused, almost smiling at the thought.

"Somehow, getting back up again."