Chapter 55: Chapter 55

Rylie's POV

Asher sat beside me on the bench, the snow falling softly around us. As I waited for him to speak, I found myself analyzing his familiar features.

It'd only been a few months since I last saw him so nothing had really changed. His ink black hair remained the same, his eyes were still the same shade of emerald green that shone when he smiled, he had just a hint of a beard under his jaw that suggested neglect, his plump red lips suggested that they'd been bitten several times before...

In a way, there wasn't much of a difference between he and Blake. Maybe that was the reason why I got together with Blake in the first place. Because he looked like Asher.

The realization did nothing to quell the sudden cold that came over me and I involuntarily shuddered under my jacket.

Asher noticed and was about removing his jacket but I stopped him.

"If you really want to help me out Asher, answer my question so we can both leave," my voice was cold and sharp.

Asher frowned but kept his jacket on.

"As you wish," he sighed and began. "My family moved away because we were having problems. My dad was accused of stealing from the company where he worked. He didn't do it, of course but nobody believed him. Eventually, he was dismissed but he was able to get another job somewhere in Chicago. It paid lower, a lot lower but at least it was something.

I really wanted to tell you what happened Rylie. Honest. But my dad – my parents, actually – they told me not to tell anyone, most especially you and your family. I didn't want to do it but I had to agree."

He paused at this point and despite not to show any emotion, my heart went out to him and before I knew it, I was reaching out and holding his hand.

"Asher, I'm sorry about everything. I didn't know and though I wish you'd told me, I understand."

Then I withdrew my hand before he could grip mine and gestured for him to continue.

"I'm glad you understand, Rylie. We moved to a much smaller apartment in Chicago which was quite a change considering where we'd once lived. My parents couldn't handle the changes, most especially my mom. They started arguing and things grew worse after my dad lost his job again. They eventually divorced.

My mom moved back in with her parents in Arizona. She wanted me to come with her but I didn't want to. I didn't want to leave school midterm and move to yet another place. After finals, I decided it was time to come back and clear things with you.

My dad forbade me from coming back here but since I'm basically an adult now, I told him that it was my choice now so here I am. I'm here because of you, Rylie," he took my hand in his. Almost immediately, I pulled away.

"Okay Asher. Look, I'm really sorry about what happened to your family but you still haven't told me what happened over the summer and why you did what you did. I want to know Asher," I said in an almost plea.

"Yeah, you're right. I've actually kinda been avoiding that," he ran his hand through his hair. "Okay. Here's what happened. After we moved and we were still trying to get used to our new surroundings, I escorted my dad to work one day and ran into Mindy. Mindy was my dad's boss's daughter and she kinda developed a thing for me.

My dad noticed and asked me to play along with her so he could get more favours with his new boss, her dad who was still skeptical about hiring him. I didn't want to do it at first, I really didn't but eventually, after my dad drummed it into my head that it was for the good of the family, I agreed.

I didn't enjoy it, Rylie. It killed me every time I had to kiss her knowing fully well that I was still dating you. I tried to break things off but I couldn't without getting my dad fired.

One day, I was at a party with a bunch of Mindy's friends. I was drunk and dancing with Mindy when she kissed me out of the blue. I didn't think anything of it at the time but what I didn't know was that Mindy had found out about you and that we were still together and had asked one of her friends to take the picture of us kissing and post it on my social media platforms to get rid of you.

When I found out, I was mad at her and immediately broke things off. I wanted to explain everything to you, Rylie but every time I saw your phone call, I couldn't bring myself to answer. I was so ashamed at myself for everything I'd done and well, it didn't seem right to tell you over the phone so I decided ignoring you was best.

I really am sorry, Ry for all the pain I caused you. It was never your fault but mine and I regret ever agreeing to help my dad. I never should have even strung Mindy along too. It was wrong and if I could go back and correct everything I did, I would do it in a heartbeat.

You really mattered to me back then, Rylie. You still do. I only hope that I can make it up to you one day."

I stared into his eyes and could see the sincerity written all over his face. It was obvious that everything he was saying was the truth but even if it was, was there still hope for us?

Slowly, I brought my hand up and softly caressed Asher's cheeks.

"It wasn't your fault, Asher. I still wish you'd told me but I get that you were just trying to help your family. I can't say I forgive you but at least, I know now so thank you for that."

Asher smiled and gripped my hand that was on his cheek. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. I don't expect you to forgive me instantly but I knew you would get it. That's what I always loved you about. That you're understanding. I couldn't have asked for a better former friend."

I smiled at the word ‘former friend’ before pulling my hand away. "So where are you staying for now because last I checked, you didn't have any other family here."

"Yeah. I'm staying with Logan for now."

On hearing the name of his best friend, I frowned. Asher noticed and inquired about it.

"Oh, don't worry. It's just something that happened. No biggie," I waved it off dismissively.

"Are you sure? Did– did Logan do anything?"

"Nothing. It's nothing, okay?" I reassured him. He didn't seem to buy it but he didn't try to push it.

"In that case, I guess I should probably get you home," he stood from the bench and extended his hand towards me. I contemplated taking it and eventually decided.

I reached up and accepted his outstretched hand which let him pull me up. Once on my feet, I withdrew my hand and slipped them in the pockets of my jacket.

Together, in the snow, Asher and I walked side by side, speaking occasionally until we arrived at my home.

"This is me," I pointed to my house and turned to him. "You should probably get going if you want to make it to Logan's before it's too late."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," he looked at the path that led to Logan's home and then back at him. "In that case, good night, Lee."

I rolled my eyes at the cheesy nickname he used to call me before. "No one's called me that in a while."

"Well I'm glad because that makes me the only one. Good night, Lee," he said again before turning and walking away.

I kept my eyes on him before eventually snapping out of the daze I was in and hurrying inside, putting thoughts of Asher aside. As I made my way in the direction of the stairs, I saw Myles sitting in the living room, watching something. Seeing that I was back, he paused the movie he was watching and turned to me.

"Did you have a good time with Asher?"

"Yeah yeah. It was okay, I guess," I replied.

"I'm glad to hear that," he looked away and continued watching his movie.

He might've said he was glad but he sure didn't sound glad.

Deciding I didn't have time to worry about Myles, I made my way up the stairs to my room. Moments later, I was in a fresh pair of pyjamas and lying under my thick blanket, my mind awash with all I'd learned.

A lot had happened today with both boys and somehow, I got the feeling that there was more to come.

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Who are you guys shipping? Sky and Rylie #SkyLie, Asher and Rylie #AshLee or Blake and Rylie #BryLie?