k a r r i s

✖

Living in Southern California definitely had its perks.

The weather was normally impeccable, and for the days when the sun wasn't shining, the chill was nothing short of unbearable. There was always something to do in this palm-tree world I lived in, and even when you've exhausted every landmark, hiking trail, and restaurant out here, it became less about the places and more about the people— the crazy, wild, unique people that inhabit this one-of-a-kind place. And that afternoon on the Percival Shores Pier stood to that notion— especially when I had Ashton right next to me.

The pier was bustling with locals and tourists alike who were indulging themselves with what Percival Shores had to offer. Posters of With Confidence were plastered on every window front, while fans strolled the vicinity wearing the band's merchandise. It only added to my excitement and I couldn't wait till sunset when one of my favorite bands would take the stage.

"We've got a few hours before the show," Ashton noted, glancing over at the large stage on the pier. "Are you down to go on some rides?"

"Like, those rides?" I nervously looked at the several theme park rides that surrounded us. A ferris wheel, a rollercoaster, one that spun its riders upside down were just a few apparatuses that entertained thrill seekers.

"Don't tell me your scared," Ashton smirked.

"I'm down for the ferris wheel," I eagerly suggested.

"Not a chance, babydoll," a mischievous grin creeped onto Ashton's face.

My own face fell into smooth, unamused lines, "no, Ash."

The dimpled hockey captain quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me through the horde of people on the pier. My feet scrambled around as I tried to keep up with Ashton, and not melt into a puddle because I liked the way my hand fit with his.

"This one is my favorite," Ashton announced as he slowed down his pace in front of a large set of swings that swung in circles several feet above the ground.

I scanned the ride, appropriately named 'The Stomach Scrambler', and felt everything within me turn into jello. I looked over at Ashton who only grinned excitedly, while I shook my head chaotically.

"Oh come on, you'll be fine!" He insisted.

"I'm gonna die," I squealed, shaking my head in nervousness.

"How about this: we go on the ride, and if you survive, which I'm sure you will, I'll buy you some frozen yogurt," Ashton negotiated.

I darted my eyes from Ashton, to the terrifying ride looming before me, and then back to Ashton. He pouted and laced his fingers together, and when the sun rays hit his hazel eyes with a radiating sparkle, I knew I was in deep trouble. So, I shut my eyes and attempted to not think about the many ways the ride could malfunction and kill me.

"Fine," I groaned. "I'll do it."

"You won't regret this," Ashton declared.

"Oh, it seems like I already have," I chuckled anxiously.

Ashton rolled his eyes, and proceeded to walk to the ticketing booth. He marched right up to the window where a very bored-looking boy sat. Ashton bought two ride vouchers, handing the worker cash, and before I could utter a word pulled me to the back of the line. We stood behind a group of people who looked to be our age-- one with incredibly bright red hair. The girl's long locks were a distraction of my fear, but only for a quick moment, because when my ears picked up on the shrieks wavering in the air, my eyes looked up at the monstrous ride I was about to embark on.

Breathe, Karris.

"Why are you breathing like that?" Ashton raised a brow. "It sounds like you're about to give birth."

"I'm trying to calm myself down," I explained. "I'm just scared. Really, really, scared."

"Don't try backing out of this. You know how dumb I'd look sitting up there by myself?" Ashton quipped.

The last round of riders hopped off the swings with smiles, and exited the ride on the other side of the barricade. The employee working began taking ride vouchers while counting off the heads that entered.

"No one would even know if you're sitting by yourself. They're individual seats," I pointed out.

"Not the ones we're sitting in," Ashton disclosed with a smirk.

"What?"

"Tickets please," the employee, like the one behind the window, seemed very bored with her job as she collected the red vouchers from Ashton.

I nervously followed Ashton around the bright yellow and green ride, examining the silver chains that held the swings to the main platform. How reliable were those pieces of metal? What if they snapped while we were suspended in the air?

"You'll be safe babydoll," Ashton seemed to read my mind when he turned over his shoulder to glance at me.

"I don't think I can do this anymore," I admitted with a frown. "You'll save money buying me yogurt if I just sit this out. I'll even pay you for the ride ticket."

With my head hung low, I turned around and started for the exit. There was a bench nearby where all the parents sat as they watched their kids, and I planned on sitting on that same wooden plank. But my strategic plans were thwarted when I felt a tug on my arm.

"Hey," Ashton pulled me back, an turned me around. He rested his hands on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes. "I'm not going to force you, but I think it'd be a good idea to face your fears. Just like how the song goes, 'you won't do this alone.' I'll be sitting right next to you."

Ashton brandished his arm and showcased the set of swings next to us. Unlike the many individual seats, there were a select few fused together. For friends, for couples, and for scaredy-cats like myself who needed an arm to hold onto.

When the ride attendant walked to each person on the ride, strapping us in, and making sure our seat belts were on properly, it didn't take more than five minutes till we were all being lifted into the air. I held my breath and without a second thought, grabbed onto Ashton's arm and hid my face into his shoulder.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh," I repeated these words at rapid speed, keeping my eyes shut tight.

"I'm starting to lose circulation, woman," Ashton chuckled.

"Sorry, but I'm still scared," I told him, and perpetually held onto his arm for my dear life.

"No need to apologize," Ashton reassuringly rubbed my shoulder. "Didn't say I minded."

I slowly felt my body begin to float and sway, an indication that the swings were starting to drift. That uneasy, churning feeling in my stomach kicked off, and I was glad I didn't eat right before. The ride grew faster and faster, and I felt my body lean at an angle.

"Princess, you should open your eyes and see the view," Ashton proposed. "It's pretty."

"How high are we?" I questioned, my face still buried in Ashton's shoulder.

"High enough to see With Confidence walking out of the car,"

"What?!"

I opened my eyes faster than I could open my legs for Dylan O'Brien. My vision focused on the pier below me, hoping to catch glimpse of my favorite band. However, in doing so, I realized how freaking high we were. The people on the pier looked like tiny ants, and the people on the beach looked even smaller. The ocean however, gleamed beneath the sun, and just like Ashton described, was a pretty view.

I sunk in my seat and held onto Ashton with an even mightier grip. I should've followed my instinct and backed out of riding this dang thing because I didn't feel safe up here. I saw no benefit to being a victim of The Stomach Scrambler— or so I thought.

"Karris, you know what you should do?" Ashton inquired.

"Not die," I replied— half joking, half not.

"Scream," Ashton uttered

"What?!" I shrieked.

"Yes! Just like that, but louder!" Ashton advised. "Just let it out, babydoll. You'll feel less scared."

I slowly opened my eyes to look at Ashton. He looked down at me with a smile and nodded his head. With hesitation, I let out a little shrill.

"That was a scream of a mouse," Ashton criticized. "Louder, like this!"

Ashton screamed at the top of his lungs, his roar carrying with the wind. I couldn't help but to smile in response. I watched him whoop in elation, letting go and just being free. It was inspiring to watch. So much so, that I followed in his footsteps. I unhid myself from Ashton's shoulder, faced the sky before me, and let out a loud, high-pitched shriek.

"Yes!" Ashton laughed, throwing out another scream into the world. "My favorite drink is apple juice and my guilty pleasure is Frozen!"

I laughed, only following suit, "I have an insane collection of Post-It's and Nicki Minaj is my spirt animal!"

"Wow, that's impressive," Ashton complimented, sending me a wink— my ovaries exploded. The hockey captain took in a deep breath, and continued to broadcast his life, "I love my mom!"

"I love my mom!" I shouted just as loud, a giggle following.

"I wish I were sick instead and she'd stay with me forever!" He threw his hands into the air and howled his declaration.

I let go of Ashton's arm, "I wish my dad would come back! I wish he never cheated! I wish Gabe was still alive! I wish I had my old life back!"

My series of revelations ended with a clamorous, drawn-out scream that suddenly turned into tears. My chin dropped to my chest, and my shoulders heaved up and down. Every emotion that ran through my veins was gushing out with no control. I had lost every bit of authority to my life and it pissed me off. I wasn't sure if Berkley was still my friend, I wasn't sure if my dad would ever come back, I wasn't sure if I would ever find the courage to face Sebastian, and even though I really liked Ashton, I wasn't sure if he'd even like me back.

The ride shortly started to slow down. We were descending back onto the ground, and the swings we sat in, gradually halted its swaying movements. The entire time, I kept my eyes low— not once taking a peek at Ashton. I was embarrassed, ashamed for letting my sensitivity ruin the fun. My headspace was all messed up and I should've just stayed home.

When my feet were finally planted on the ground, and the ride attendant unbuckled us from the seat, I quickly sauntered away from Ashton, despite him calling after me. My pace heightened as I bolted through the crowd. I didn't want him to see me; to pity me.

But the thing about Ashton that I learned that day, was that his soul was sensitive too, and he knew how to mend a damaged girl.

"Karebear!" Ashton tugged onto my jacket, and pulled me into him. He hugged me from behind, anchoring me with care.

"I'm sorry," I apologized. "I understand if you wanna go home because I'm a buzzkill."

"You're not a buzzkill," Ashton's warm breath tickled the back of my neck and cheek. "You're just a person who's going through some bad times."

I spun around to face Ashton with puffy cheeks and red eyes, "I am sorry for being a downer. I didn't mean to get so emotional about life."

"You're alright now," Ashton assured. He slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a folded up napkin. "Wipe your tears babydoll, I owe you frozen yogurt."

"Thanks," I took the napkin from Ashton's fingers and wiped it across my cheeks. I appreciated his kindness towards me, and my heart soared further because of it.

I threw the napkin away in the trash bin, and cued Ashton to begin the trek to the FroYo parlor. He opened his mouth, hesitated, and then closed it before a single word could be spoken.

"Everything okay?" I asked, wonderment in my expression.

"Uh yea," Ashton let out a small chuckle. "Come on, FroYo is this way."

And just like that, the conversation dropped and I followed Ashton through the crowd of people. The air smelled strongly of funnel cake and kettle corn; two of my favorite scents. Then there were the things my ears picked up on: laughter, drunk people engaging in off-kilter conversations, the casual sexual innuendos, and of course, the screaming kids and their frustrated parents.

But then that's when I saw it.

A family of four— a typical, run-of-the-mill tribe of people with similar facial features and hair color. Not a day older than 8-years and toothy grins etched across their faces, the two youngest in the clan hopped excitedly at the colorful stick of cotton candy handed to them. Their parents gazed at them with the utmost admiration gleaming in their eyes— that special glint only designed by love.

"Hey, Karris,"

"Huh? What? Yes, I want cheesecake bites,"

Laughter filled my ears, breaking me out of the chaotic thought train. Ashton stood next to me keeling over as giggles escaped his lips, and I just wanted to smack him due to the cuteness that oozed out of him.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"You are babydoll," Ashton's chuckles faded. "What happened to you? You kinda phased out for a second."

I shook my head, attempting to dismiss my awkwardness, "nothing. Sorry."

"You sure?" Ashton reached an arm forward and cupped the side of my face with his hand. His thumb gently brushed across my cheek, and I was 2 seconds away from melting into a puddle of intense kilig.

(translation: extreme emotion, giddy, to feel giddy)

"Uh, well, um," I stammered, grew nervous at a rapid pace, and the alpaca facts were circling in my head. "Alpacas grow hypoallergenic fur."

Dang it.

"Babydoll," Ashton drawled with a smirk. "As much as I love your extensive repertoire of alpaca facts, you don't have to be nervous around me."

"Who said I'm nervous?" I denied, forcing a chuckle... a nervous one.

Ashton shot me a cockeyed expression, "I don't believe you. But you don't have to try to explain it."

"I told you, I'm not nervous," I persisted, crossing my arms above my chest.

"Okay," Ashton nodded. "Well, I'm going to kiss you now."

"Alpacas express their feelings through their tails!"

Oh my gosh, I'm the queen of awkward.

"Karris, don't freak out on me!" Ashton fell into hysterical laughter. "I was joking! And your random outburst proves that you are nervous around me."

"Fine, I am a little nervous," I grumbled, embarrassed about the entire situation.

"That's all I wanted to hear," Ashton flung an arm around my shoulders and lead me towards the frozen yogurt shop.

I was quiet after that. Not quiet because I was embarrassed, but quiet because I liked this— I liked the way Ashton's arm felt around my shoulder. I liked how warm, and safe I felt. I liked the subtle scent of his cologne, and the height difference between us. I also liked how he'd periodically look down at me and smile, as if to check if I were okay.

But what I didn't like, were my feelings.

I had so many of them it felt like I was going to explode. I had no idea how to handle any of this, and it made me feel so angry that I wasn't like those other girls. I wasn't very confident in much besides being academically sound, and when it came to cute boys, I didn't know how to act.

"May I ask you a personal question?" Ashton and I were each filling a cup with different froyo flavors.

"Yes, you can try some of my yogurt," I answered with a smile.

"Not that," Ashton dismissed. "But yes, I would like some of yours."

"What did you wanna ask?" I brought up, swirling the frozen confection into my cup.

"Earlier on the ride, you said something about your dad. And then you wigged out on the pier," Ashton started. "Is everything okay?"

I shook my head.

"Karris, you don't have to do this alone, you know," Ashton encouraged.

I walked over to the toppings and mulled over which ones I wanted to dump all over my yogurt. Between the different fruits, candy, chocolate, nuts, and of course the cheesecake bites, the selection kind of overwhelmed me in a good way. But what overwhelmed me in a bad way, was Ashton's prying.

"And neither do you," I finally responded. "How are you doing?"

"Me?" Ashton sprinkled granola into his cup.

"Yea, how's your mom? How are your siblings doing? Has your soup making skills improved?" I questioned.

Ashton chuckled, "my soup making skills continue to be under satisfactory. My siblings are my pride and joy. And my mom, is my mom— she's getting worse."

"I'm sorry,"

"I appreciate you," Ashton gave my shoulder a squeeze. "You ready?"

I looked down at my colorful spread of frozen delight and nodded my head, "yea, thanks."

Both Ashton and I placed our cups of yogurt onto the metal scale as the employee weighed our desserts. She typed a few buttons on the the touch screen register and Ashton handed her cash. We both thanked the girl behind the counter who handed us each a plastic spoon, and with that, found an empty table outside.

"I have an idea," I swallowed the cold treat in my mouth. "Have you thought about starting a GoFundMe campaign or something similar to help with your mom's medical bills?"

"Her bills have already been paid for," Ashton revealed. He looked up from his cup and scratched the back of his head. "Um, my dad has been paying for them."

"Your dad?" I cocked my head in confusion. "I thought you don't talk to him."

"I don't. He left us and I've never forgiven him. I guess he started feeling guilty at one point after he moved out because one day, he started sending me checks," Ashton explained. "It pays for the mortgage of the house, puts food on the table, and sometimes there's a little extra to buy my siblings new clothes or toys."

"I'm glad he's helping," I quipped.

"Did I ever tell you why my father left?" Ashton asked.

I shook my head, "no."

"My mom got sick and he couldn't deal," Ashton disclosed, letting out an unamused laugh. "So he bounced... what a really great guy, huh?"

"He sounds like a terrible person, but it also seems like he's trying his best to do whats right," I reasoned.

Ashton shrugged, "yea, he's still a dick."

"You know who else is a dick?"

"Who?"

"My brother,"

"So you found out more things, didn't you?" Ashton scooped out a large mound of froyo and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Gabe bullied Calum," I mentioned. "So much so, that he wanted to kill himself."

"Yea," Ashton agreed. "I loved your brother as if he were my own. But, he was a manipulative son of a bitch sometimes."

"Do you remember how you told me about the air vent in between his bed and the wall?" I questioned, smiling at the memory of finding a glass box of weed.

"How could I forget? You took what was hidden in there and made weed brownies," Ashton chuckled.

"Does my brother have any more hiding spots?" I asked hopefully. "Maybe there more things hidden, that I can find. The detective on my brother's case wants to search the room. And I'm afraid that whatever they find in his room will sway everyone's opinion on Gabe."

Ashton stayed silent. He looked at me, then looked around to observe the crowd on the pier. He was thinking, I could tell, because when he let out a huge exhale, it seemed like he was taking off a huge weight on his shoulders.

"There's a piece of loose carpet in his closet," he revealed.

"What?"

"Loose carpet," Ashton repeated. "It was real early in the morning, and we had just come back from a party. Gabe probably thought I was already sleeping, but he was sitting in his closet writing in a notebook. Then I saw him stuff it into the carpet."

"What was he writing?" I questioned.

"Who knows? It could be a journal, a grocery list? It could even be a hundred reasons why he loves monkeys," Ashton theorized. "Gabe, was Gabe. Whatever they find in his room, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary."

Half of me wanted to dig around in his closet for that piece of loose carpet. But then there was half of me that didn't want anything to do with it. The more I learned about my twin, the more disheartening it became. I didn't like what I was learning. Instead of being told that he was secretly donating to charity, or had a classified online blog dedicated to poetry, I was discovering all the things that made him a despicable person.

"So we have about," Ashton looked down at his phone. "Two hours before the show starts. What are you in the mood to do?"

"Um," I pursed my lips, surveying what Percival Shores Pier had to offer. "I think I want to ride a few more rides."

Ashton's face lit up with excitement, "really?"

"Yea, I think I'm down for a little thrill," I admitted.

"You're my dream girl, babydoll," Ashton beamed, and without another moment passing, he seized my hand and pulled me out of the chair.

Dream girl?

The insane amount of giddiness that barraged through my body like an extreme tidal wave was extraordinary. It was so intense I thought my lungs were going to implode, and my intestines to shoot out of my ears. It was amazing, yet frightening at the same time how one person could elicit such profound emotions. We give every part of us to one person, and within that span, we lose control.

It was scary.

It was electrifying.

It was Ashton.

We rode every ride available on the pier. From the mini roller coaster, to the intense body whipping ones, Ashton and I found adventure in each ride. But most importantly, I found adventure and comfort with him. As the sun began to set, and the With Confidence fans rolled in, it was time to prepare ourselves for a Sunday evening of musical merriment.

The stage was a wonder all on its own. It was large, with beautiful arches wrapped in twinkling lights. Behind the stage was the Pacific Ocean that went on for miles and miles. My heart ramped up and the frenzy within me was only just beginning. With Confidence would take on the stage in about ten minutes, striking the first chord as Percival Shores said hello to a pinky-purple sunset.

"Thank you," I jumped into Ashton's arms, wrapping mine around his neck with a tight grip.

"I'm happy to see you so happy," Ashton whispered into my ear, filling me from the toes up with warmth.

"I really needed this," I let go of him, dropping from the tips of my toes.

Ashton took both my hands in his and brought them up to his lips. He gave them a quick kiss before bringing me in for another hug. I buried my face into his chest, reciprocating the embrace, and feeling a peck on the top of my head.

"Excuse me?"

I took half a step back and switched my attention to the new, airy voice that filtered into my ears. Standing next to Ashton and I was a group of young girls all clad in With Confidence shirts. They smiled at us before one of the girls in the back, gave the blonde one a quick nudge.

"Sorry," she grinned, slipping strands of hair behind her ear. "But my friends and I think you guys are really cute together. Hashtag relationship goals."

My breath hitched and my eyes widened at her statement. Though it was very flattering, I was ready to strike down her assumption. However, before I could get out a single syllable, the dimpled hockey captain who was still holding onto me, quickly stepped in.

"Thanks girls," Ashton kissed my forehead, almost killing me with kilig in the process. "My princess is weird, and she really likes alpacas, but that's what makes her awesome."

(translation: extreme emotion, giddiness)

The gang of little ladies let out a slew of giggles before returning to their prior conversation. I shot Ashton a quizzical expression, completely confused with his behavior.

"Why'd you lie to them?" I questioned.

"Who says I was lying?" Ashton casually responded.

"We're not in a relationship," I brought up, feeling my heart wince from the fact.

"Karris, we're friends right?" He indicated

"Yea," I nodded.

"And you're also my coach, my tutor, and now my fellow concert partner," Ashton listed.

"I still don't get it,"

"We have a relationship as friends. We have relations as coach to player; tutor to student, etcetera. Sounds like we're in a relationship to me,"

While I wanted to rebuttal his statement, and reiterate what I meant, the lights suddenly cut and only shrieking could be heard. That shut me up real quick, separating from Ashton and turning myself around to look at the stage. A few purple lights began dancing in circular patterns and the speakers began to buzz with an ominous vibration.

The suspense was killing me and I couldn't wait. I also couldn't contain the excitement any longer and let out a scream. I hopped around on my feet because I didn't know how to deal with the bliss.

"Percival Shores, California!"

A familiar voice boomed through the speakers and cued every person before the stage to scream at the top of their lungs. Another set of yellow lights illuminated the stage, as a roll of fog bobbed atop the stage. Then, like a strike of lightning, every light flashed and the animated chords of 'Higher' filled our ears.

"She crawled into my ear, like a tapeworm telling me... sing!"

I sang back the lyrics with so much emotion, I threw my hands into the air. I felt so at ease. I got to escape for a while, immerse myself with one of my most favorite bands and forget the world. I couldn't stop smiling, couldn't stop dancing. For the next 45 minutes, I forgot who I was. I wasn't Karris Villanueva— daughter to a disloyal man, or the girl with a murdered twin. I was just, me, period. I had no past, no future. There was just the present; the now I was living in.

For 45 minutes, I had no care. It was just me, With Confidence, and of course, Ashton. I connected with the happy crowd that surrounded me, danced with people I didn't know, and even got pointed at from guitarist and fellow Filipino, Inigo. My eye twitched like the unapologetic fangirl I was because only happiness catered me at that sweet moment.

"This has been fun!" Jayden declared, and in response, was an uproar of howls. "This is our last one for the night, so let's make it count... I remember the first night that she said..."

"Oh, maybe I can do this on my own!" I yelled with every fiber in me, I knew my voice would be gone the very next morning.

This was the last song of the night; the last time I was able to be free before I had to face the world again. So I did what everyone else did: made it count. But so did Ashton. He grabbed my right hand and twirled me around. He danced with me, and screamed the lyrics at the top of his lungs. At one point however, it seemed like Ashton was singing straight to me. Because he went from wailing lyrics into the night sky, to repeating them with his eyes locked onto mine.

"Despite the weather, it gets better. You won't do this alone..."

When the song ended, and With Confidence struck the last chord of the night, Ashton cupped my face in his hands. He was incredibly close and I held my breath. I wanted to turn my head and runaway, but there was this magnetic pull that I succumbed to. Ashton leaned in and rested his forehead against mine.

"Karris, you won't do this alone," he breathed. Then, before letting go of me, Ashton quickly left a featherlike kiss on the tip of my nose, and I felt nothing but sparks ignite in my heart.

There was no way I would be able to recover from this night; how to cope with the emotions and deal with Ashton's behavior. He made me feel so many things that I was scared of getting hurt. I didn't have much to offer him except loyalty, sincerity, and obviously the occasional alpaca fact. I wasn't tall like Tegan, I didn't have a perfectly sculpted body like Berkley's, nor did I have a charming grace like Mollie.

I was just me— simple, me.

Ashton would get bored fast. Berkley already was, after years of friendship, and it was inevitable that Ash would do the same. I didn't know how to kiss boys, much less do anything more intimate. I wanted Ashton, more than I could ever imagine, but my feelings for him scared me.

"Come on," Ashton head nodded towards the parking lot. "I gotta get you back home. It's getting colder and I have a feeling you like sleeping early on school nights."

"You know me well," I agreed, feeling my anxious emotions suppress.

Ashton and I walked side by side as we strolled back to the car. The coastal breeze began to pick up as we neared the vehicle and was glad to be back in the confines of the warm car. When the engine turned on, my mind reverted back to the entire day as a whole. It was perfect— every bit of it. Even the part on the swings when I swore I was going to fall off and die.

Ashton was so open with me today. It didn't hit me right away, but when I first met the arrogant, pretentious hockey captain, he was the most closed off person with an unbreakable wall. But now, those walls seemed to be crumbling, and I had the honor of taking a peek into his beautiful soul. It must've been hard for him to reveal the dark moments of his life to me, and I felt like I owed him that same respect. After all, I didn't have to do this alone.

"I need to tell you something," I exhaled, falling back into the passenger side seat.

"What is it?" Ashton quickly glanced my way, carefully maneuvering through the narrow parking lot. "Are you alright?"

"Ash," I began, vacillating between saying it and not. I just needed a sign to make sure I was doing the right thing.

"I can feel you getting nervous," Ashton predicted. "What's going on? You know you can talk to me about anything."

I kept my eyes focused on lot before me. People weaved in between cars, some holding prizes from the arcade, and others holding each other due to intoxication. But as I observed my surroundings, did my "sign" come in the most unexpected way. A boy popped out of nowhere in front of the car, causing Ashton to slam on his breaks.

"Fuck," he cursed, as both our bodies jolted forward.

The boy raised his hands in defense and yell an apology before running off. As he ran, I caught glimpse of his shirt, and the familiar insignia that decorated it— Brampcrest Academy.

"Sorry about that, Karris. Some people are idiots,"

"I know who murdered my brother,"

✖

I loved writing this chapter. It was so much fun and I think it's one of my favorite chapters thus far. I hope you all liked it too. Looks like Karris & Ashton are slowly starting to reveal and feel things for each other :)

Raise your hand if you caught the Drunk Words, Sober Thoughts Easter egg? Was that Ari standing in front of Karris & Ashton? Hmmm

Also, I was inspired to write the With Confidence concert on the pier after the ones held on the Santa Monica Pier. If you're not from Southern California, or haven't been, each summer the Santa Monica Pier hosts a concert series. It's a lot of fun because they're free shows. You can dance around on the pier, or grab a spot on the beach. If you ever visit Santa Monica during the summer, definitely check it out!

Thanks everyone, for all the love an support!