• Ding dong.

    Ryan looked up from his book, he tossed his head so that his green eyes could peek through the caramel curtain of hair. He wasn't expecting anybody, I mean it was eleven at night.
    “Who is it?” he called from inside his three-room apartment.
    “It's me Ashley.” a girl's smooth voice said. Ashley had had a crush on Ryan since the day they met. Ryan sighed.
    “Coming Ash” he yelled as he eased himself off of the black leather sofa. Stumbling towards the door he shouted
    “SHIZ!”
    Only he didn't say shiz.
    “Ryan? You okay?” she asked. All Ryan did in response was moan. Ashley opened the door and muttered
    “I hope you have on clothes.” Ryan was laying on the floor a few feet away from Ashley. She walked over to him. “Oh Ryan, what did you do to yourself?” Ashley murmured under my breath.
    “Snowboarding” was all he could manage to get out.
    “Why did I ever let you go snowboarding without me? I should've known you'd break your femur!” she said “Ugh! This is all my fault!” Ashley helped Ryan back onto the couch, and propped his leg up on a cushion. She looked at his face and he was...was he smiling? His hand reached up and stroked her cheek softly.
    “Ashley, will you ever learn that you are not the cause of everything bad that happens to me? You are always blaming yourself, saying `It's all my fault`. Stop blaming yourself, it is my fault that I -very clumsily- hit a tree.” he whispered in a soft voice. Her warm smile showed Ryan a glimpse of her perfect teeth. Ashley's -shoulder length- auburn hair had fallen in front of her milky brown eyes. Ryan brushed it away from her face. Her hair was as silky as...well silk.
    “You're right. I need to stop being so hard on myself.” she said with another smile.
    “Thanks for...you know, helping me.” Ryan said.
    “Well you've been my best -not to mention only- friend since fourth grade. It's my job to help you.” she said as she sat down next to him.

    ~

    When Ryan woke, he ambled into his bedroom. In his dresser he found a new outfit, and began to put it on. Finally he realized that Ashley was asleep in his bed. He nearly screamed, when he noticed her. Quickly, Ryan finished dressing, and then crawled onto his bed.
    “Ash, wake up!” he whispered into her ear. Ashley's eyes slowly opened.
    “Where am I?” she said looking around the small bedroom. It's walls were tomato red color. She was laying on a queen sized bed with black covers. To one side of the headboard there was a large window overlooking Bear Lake, to the other side there was an antique oak dresser.
    “You're in my room.” Ryan said uncomfortably. Ashley smiled.“You know something Ash?”
    “What?”
    “Never mind it's stupid.” Ryan said. Ashley looked at him curiously.
    “I think..” he hesitated “Never mind.”
    “Okay whatever.” Ashley said looking disappointed. Ryan glanced at the clock.
    “Fudge! I'm going to be late!” he said.
    Except he didn't say fudge.
    “Late for what?” Ashley asked.
    “Work” he said as he stood up. He grabbed his jacket , and was almost out the door when Ashley yelled
    “What? I don't get a hug?” Ryan ran into his bedroom again. Ashley was now standing and looking out the window. Ryan sneaked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. Ashley tilted her head back so that she could look at him, Ryan at the same time looked down. Ryan gave her a quick peck on the cheek and released her. Then before she knew it, he was out the door. That was the first time Ryan had ever kissed her, even though it was on the cheek, she was more overjoyed than she had ever been. Ashley got up, and left Ryan's apartment.