ASHLEY

3 weeks

It's been 3 weeks ever since the incident at the mall.

I haven't seen Isaac ever since.

To be honest, nothing seemed out of the ordinary during this time. I lived my life like it was before I learned about the arrangement. Until today.

My parents brought up my marriage during breakfast. That's when reality hit me back. Honestly, I should just move out but I was one of those girls.

I just didn't want to. I don't know why. I felt too pressured thinking about moving, packing-unpacking, rent, etc. Forgive me, I'm just a lazy ass.

"Honey, your dad and I have to leave for a business deal. Don't worry it's for a week. But, I just wanted to inform you that you will be going to your wedding dress shopping with Sarah. Don't worry, I'll catch up." she smiled at me. It was a genuine smile. Did she think I liked this? Did she think I had accepted and fallen in love? Oh my god...

I didn't say anything back. Her words didn't mean much to me. All I took in from her explanation was that I would be home alone, my brother and sister had both moved out way before. Smart choice.

To be frank, I noticed that I tend to ignore my problems when I'm stuck. It works well for me...until I need the problem solved, urgently.

My thoughts drained all the hunger inside me. I excused myself and left the house.

Where should I go?

Yes, I didn't have a clue why I left the house but I did NOT want to deal with marriage and all the bullshit that came along with it.

I'll just hang at Derek's.

I was a lawyer. Derek was my partner but he liked to pretend he was the boss. In the beginning, we would always compete against who was the actual boss. But, I just let him do his thing now.

I dialed his number, "Hey, Derek?" 

"What's up?" he greeted me.

"I need to get out of my house. Can I come over?"

"Yo, you're always welcome to drop by my home anytime."

"Thanks, bro, seriously. Be there in 15."

And within 15 minutes, I arrived at his house. Derek was rich as hell. He was arrogant. Cocky. Annoying. But, not to me. We were actually friends.

"Dereekk!" I pretended to cry.

"Ashleyy!"

"I'm dealing with too much drama right now! I'm overwhelmed!"

"Let's talk about it!!!"

I wanted to tell him. Explain everything. Spill it all out. Feel light. But, my parents had warned me that this information was to be confidential. No one besides the family could know.

"Eh. Nothing to really talk about. Me just being me. Normal family drama that I love to exaggerate." I replied in a casual tone.

"Whatever you say. I'm here for you. Whatcha wanna do?" he asked.

"Something crazy."

"Oohh, I've got something in mind---" he was interrupted by my phone.

"Sorry, I gotta take this," I apologized and answered the call, "Hello?"

"Hey Ash. It's Hunter. How are you doing?"

"How do you think?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry. This is ridiculous."

"It sure is." I replied, sighing.

"So, you need to come over because apparently, you're going shopping with mom?"

"Oh! That was today?" I asked.

I thought it would be towards the end of the week.

"Okay, tell Sarah I'm on my way." I replied, ending the call.

"I'm so sorry. I need to go. It's kind of an emergency. We'll make it up. Love you! Bye!" I said, rushing out the front door.

"Woman, get your ass out of my house. Don't worry, we'll talk at work. Love you, too!" 

I have no idea whether he just insulted me or comforted me.

I drove straight to Sarah's house. Sarah was a special person to me. She was literally my second mom when I was younger. She was always there for me, there with me. I didn't want to disappoint her. 

I loved my parents dearly. But, I feel as if it's easier to get annoyed at your parents, am I right?

"Sarah? Hunter?" I called out, entering the house.

"Mom left her wallet at a friend's house yesterday. She went to get it with Hunter."

I turned around. There was Isaac, coming down the stairs. His shirt looked like it had been sprinkled with water and his hair was completely wet.

This reminded me of all the romance books I would read where the guy would walk in shirtless and the girl would secretly ogle at his perfect abs.

Yeah.

This wasn't that scene.

"Where's Jason?" I asked.

"Not home." he replied.

This means... We were home alone together.

Okay, calm down girl. You've been home alone with him many times in the past. Why is this one any different?

My inner-self can be very stupid. I AM MARRYING THIS GUY SOON! "IN THE PAST" WAS WHEN WE WERE NORMAL FUCKING FRIENDS.

I just realized that I had hoped to marry a guy that hadn't known me. I had imagined telling him about my childhood. Isaac was there with me my whole life.

But, at least I wasn't marrying a stranger.

I saw Isaac walk out of the kitchen with a cup of lemonade in his hands. I hadn't even realized he left for the kitchen.

"Lemonade?" he asked, holding his cup in the air.

I shrugged, "Sure."

He handed me his drink.

"You want me to drink yours?" I asked.

"Why not? We're going to exchange salivas sooner or later."

"Ew. I prefer it as latest as possible--"

and I was shut by a pair of lips on my own.