Chapter 9

Logan stepped further back from Ashley. He stuffed his hands into his pants pockets and looked at the ground. “This is why we had the pact...” Ashley sighed and covered her face with her hands. Logan shook his head and sighed. He reached over to Ashley and pulled her hands away from her face. In one movement he enveloped her into a hug. She hugged him back tightly. “Lo, where do we go from here?” Logan could barely make out her words. She was muffled by his chest. “We go back to where we started. Best friends.” Ashley leaned away from him and looked into his eyes. “Are you sure you are okay?” Logan nodded, “Yes, like we said when we were 15. Nothing can break us up.” Ashley smiled. “Thank you for being nice about it, Ash.” Ashley nodded and looked towards the kitchen. “I think we need to get back to them. I mean, resorting to chess? They have to be miserable.” Logan laughed and waved his hand. Signalling for Ashley to go ahead of him.

The two walked into the kitchen and found Nick asleep with his head on the chess board. Ashley looked to the empty seat across from him. “Where'd Tomas go?” She directed her question to Logan, but he only shrugged. She stepped forward and gently woke Nick. “Hey, you probably want to sleep on the couch. Not the table.” Nick sat up groggily and nodded. He got up from the table and stumbled towards the living room. Ashley sighed and looked back to Logan. “Now, where are we sleeping?” Logan shrugged, “Originally, I figured you and I'd just share the bed. But, now that seems like I'm creepy.” Ashley shook her head quickly. “No, no. I don't think you're creepy. We can share the bed. That's fine.” Logan nodded, “Okay. I have practice at 11. I need to get to bed.” Sensing the awkward tone of the conversation Ashley turned and headed for the bedroom. She crawled under the covers on the side she had been on earlier, and closed her eyes. Behind her, she heard the dresser drawers opening and closing. Finally, she felt the bed shift with Logan's weight. He reached for the lamp on the side table, and turned it off. The room went dark. Ashley sighed and got comfortable, very aware of Logan next to her. “Goodnight, Logan.” He was quiet for a moment, but eventually replied. “Goodnight.”

~

When Ashley woke up Logan had already left. From the living room she could hear her brothers snores. The clock on the wall told her in was 11:30. She could feel her head pounding now that her medicine had worn off. Next to the bed she saw a glass of water, her pills and a note. She groaned and reached for the note. Through squinted eyes she read Logan's note.
“Okay, Stupid. I'm not here to force you to take these. I'd tell Nick to force them down your throat, but he tends to cower at the thought of fighting you. (I don't blame him.) And I'd have lover boy come coax you to take them, but he's at practice with me. So, I just have to pray that you will TAKE THESE FUCKING PILLS. They help! I know you hate medicine. And I know you hate how they make you wired, but TAKE THEM FOR CHRIST SAKE. They will make you feel better. Okay, well I hope you have a good day. I'll call your mom when I get home. Get rest. Don't do drugs. (Besides these pills.)
Love you,
Logan.”

Ashley laughed hysterically for 10 minutes before grabbing her phone. She opened snap chat and sent a video of her taking the pills to Logan. She went to her messages and saw she had 3 unread texts. 2 from Kelcie and one from Tomas. A smile lit up her face as she opened Tomas's message. “Tomas: Good morning! Sorry I had to leave last night. I went to say goodbye, but you and cooch seemed a little busy. I'd like to see you before you go. If that's okay with Logan of course.” Ashley's heart pounded. She remembered most of her awkward encounter with Logan and could not bear the thought of Tomas seeing any of it. Obviously, he had not heard Logan confess his love. Quickly she typed back, “Ashley: I would absolutely love to see you. And I don't think I need to talk to Logan first. I am an adult you know :P” She knew what he had meant by “if it's okay with Logan” but she didn't feel like trying to explain that they weren't a thing. Ashley clicked out of her and Tomas's conversation and went to her and Kelcie's. “Kelcie: Hey! I doubt you are feeling up to it, but you should come over and we can look at color schemes and stuff for the wedding. I think it would be some good “Girl Time” we both need. Maybe even get our nails done?” Ashley smiled and read the next message. “Kelcie: Or how about we go over to your place and look at stuff? Maybe I can help you make that eye look better for us to go out. Anyways, text me what you think!” The message was from only a half an hour before. “Ashley: Yes! I'm in desperate need of a girl's day. I believe this is Logan's house not mine, but you are welcome to come over! Hahaha. BUT! If we plan on going out, you're going to have to bring me over clothes, because I don't think it is socially acceptable for me to leave the house in Logie's boxers and tshirt. Haha.” Ashley hit send and set her phone down. Regretfully, she stepped out of bed and made her way the living room. On the couch, Nick was still passed out. She crossed the room and opened the blinds, letting the light in to blind Nick. “Ugh, really, Ash? Do you know how terribly I slept yesterday? Can you please give me today?” Nick covered his eyes and rolled over. She thought about it for a second, then closed the blinds. “Fine, you big baby. You can have another hour. Kelcie is coming over, so I hope you don't mind being in your underwear in front of her.” She trailed off. “Trust me, I don't.” he replied through the pillows.

Ashley walked back into Logan's bedroom and found her bag of things she had grabbed the other day. Among her clothes were the tooth brush and toothpaste she had bought. She quickly went down to Logan's Penguin bathroom and brushed her teeth and combed her hair with a brush from his drawer. She looked up at her face and smiled when she saw that the swelling had gone down slightly. “Kelcie: Okay, so I'm going to bring over my lap top so we can look up stuff. Do you think Logan has internet?” “Ashley: Yes, Kels. I'm pretty sure he has internet. Is he a caveman?” “Kelcie: Hey! Geico tells me that those cavemen are actually pretty tech savy!” Ashley laughed. “Ashley: Yes, yes. I forgot. Anyways, I'm pretty sure he does. If not, we'll just go to Starbucks and laugh at him for it later.” “Kelcie: Okay! So I will be there in 10. Is that all good? Be prepared for a make over.” Ashley smiled and looked at her reflection. “Ashley: Okay, sounds good to me. I'm definitely in need of one. See you then.”

~

Kelcie arrived a few minutes after the conversation. Ashley opened the door and let her in while trying to keep her from seeing her half nude brother. In Kelcie's arms was a big scrap book, and two tote bags. She handed the pink bag to Ashley, “Okay, so this one is for you to get ready with. Leave everything alone except for the clothes. But before you change I definitely think you should take a picture of you in those clothes. I'm pretty sure that you could kill some girls if you posted yourself in Logan's clothes.” Ashley smirked and took the bag from her friend. “Will do. Though I think it'd be a little hard to be jealous of a girl who has a shiner.” Ashley guided Kelcie to the kitchen to set up the laptop at the table. “I'm going to go get dressed. I'll be right back.” Ashley picked up the pink tote and headed for the bathroom.

Once inside she searched through the bag and pulled out a pair of light colored skinny jeans and a white tank top. A light blue cardigan and a pair of low, light blue converse. She took a picture of her in Logan's clothes on her and changed into the cuter more feminine clothing. She walked up the stairs and went back to Kelcie. Kelcie smiled huge when she saw Ashley in the clothes. Ashley joking struck a few poses. “Do they fit?” Kelcie smiled and nodded, “Yes! They look fabulous! Now we just need to fix your hair and make up and you will look like 1 million bucks. BUT first! Should I go purple or light blue for the wedding?” Ashley excitedly ran to see the things she had up on the screen. “Light blue. For sure.” Kelcie smiled and Googled light blue bridesmaid dresses. “Yuck, no, no... That one's okay... That one would not compliment your figure, Ash. No offense.” Ashley laughed. “None taken.” “So, what about you? What color is your wedding going to be?” Kelcie asked Ashley jokingly. Ashley snorted “My wedding to who?!” Kelcie playfully pushed Ashley, “Tomas of course! I see the way to look at him.” Ashley blushed. “I like him.” Kelcie smirked, “I think he likes you too.” Ashley smiled, “Yes, I think he does.” Kelcie nodded, “So what colors would it be?” Ashley thought about it for a moment. “A spring wedding. The colors would be peach. It would be in a huge open meadow. I already know what dress I would wear...” Kelcie's eyes were wide. “Wait what? You've actually thought about this?” Ashley laughed hard, “No! Well kind of. In high school I had this Pinterest board all dedicated to Wedding stuff. I think it might still be up. You might like something on there.” Kelcie gave Ashley a weird look, but still turned to laptop and search for the page. She found what she was looking for and smiled, “My Wedding To Will Turner? Who's that?” Ashley giggled, “The character Orlando Bloom played in Pirates of The Caribbean.” Kelcie looked around at the other boards on Ashley's page. “Shadow hunting is my thing? Seriously, were you a nerd in high school? I see an Avengers board, a Doctor Who board... One Direction... Percy Jackson... Well here's a hot hockey player blog. That makes you a little more cool.” Ashley turned red as Kelcie opened the hockey board. The first few pictures were of Logan. Kelcie's eyes widened as she looked back to Ashley, “No way...” Ashley blushed even more red and covered her face. “Nobody was to ever see that!” Kelcie's jaw dropped, “You think Logan Couture is hot?! He's your best friend! Didn't you guys just have a sleepover too? I thought you like Tomas! Does Logan know?” Ashley tried to calm Kelcie. “Okay, deep breath. Deep breath. I'll explain everything. Okay?” Kelcie nodded and waited for her to continue. She explained how Logan and her had met as kids. “And from then on I secretly thought of him like my distant boyfriend. In 7th and 8th grade the girls at school all talked about their boyfriends. Well, naturally I felt left out so I started saying I was dating my best friend who only lived here during the summer. Which was complete crap. He actually was only there for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and two weeks in the summer.” Kelcie nodded, “Okay... go on...” Ashley swallowed and continued. “So we would talk everyday. Logan would tell me all about Canada and I would tell him all about America. It was amazing just to always have someone who wanted to talk. We just connected well? Ya know? Then, when I turned 15, Logan came down for Thanksgiving break. Also my birthday week. So on that day we talked while out on the ice. He mentioned that he never wanted anything to get in between us. So that was when we made the rule that we would never fall in love with each other. Because we never wanted to ruin our friendship.” Kelcie gasped and covered her mouth. “But you already loved him!” Ashley sighed and nodded. “Yeah, It was awful. But, time went by. My senior year I, with no surprise, found myself without a date to prom. So my mom and dad, after meeting Logan many times, called his parents and begged to pay from him to fly out and take me to the senior prom.” Kelcie smiled, “Oh that's adorable!” Ashley blushed a little and looked at her hands, “So they agreed and I came out of school and saw him leaning against my car with a bouquet of roses.” She laughed fondly at the memory, “You should have seen those other girls faces. They all thought I was lying for years, so for him to show up... It just made me ecstatic. I went running to him and hugged him so tight. I hadn't seen him in nearly 7 months and it was just really hard for me to be away from him that long. I mean, all the times his family flew home my mom or dad would offer to drive them so they didn't have to pay for a taxi.” She stopped and sighed, “And every time I would sit there in the terminal and sob. Holding onto him. I don't know how he didn't know. Part of me thinks he did. And to spare my feelings that's what he suggested the no dating policy. Because he didn't like me... Well, now I know that's not true...”

Kelcie turned her head to the side, “What do you mean?” Ashley sighed and ran her hand through her hair, “It's complicated. Last night... Logan kind of kissed me.” Kelcie gasped again. “WHAT? Did Tomas see? What did you do?” Ashley smiled at her friend's enthusiasm. “I told him I didn't feel the same. And as far as Tomas goes... He text me this morning if we wanted to hang out, but it was kind of cold, ya know? And he said something like “If Logan doesn't mind.” I'm afraid he saw the kiss, but not the part where I told Logan that I'm in love with Tomas.” Kelcie looked conflicted, “DO you love, Logan?” Ashley pondered in for a second, “No. I don't. When I flew out to see Logan my freshman year of college.. I thought I did. I know I did. Even when I flew back I still couldn't stop thinking about him. I know this sounds cliche and maybe even a little slutty, but I seriously still had feelings for him until Friday. Of course, I've been watching hockey this season and got a little obsessed with Tomas, but I wasn't in love with him because I had never met him. Never in a million years did I expect to go out to dinner with him and end up making out in the car.” Kelcie raised and eyebrow. Ashley realized she hadn't told Kelcie about the car kissing and the complicated Logan, Amanda, and Nick love triangle. Briefly, she explained these things to her.

“Your life sounds so much more exciting than mine. Tommy and I met each other in high school. He was the jock, I was the quiet kind of average girl. He knocked me down the hall, felt really bad but now knew I existed. Then at a hockey game he ran into me again, literally. And we started talked. Decided we were in love, and now here we are in Logan Couture's kitchen planning my wedding.” Ashley smiled genuinely, “No, Kels. Mine is complicated, confusing, and stressful. Yours is absolutely beautiful. You're is just pure love. I don't think you even realize how jealous of that I am.” Kelcie smiled and looked back to the screen. “We have to get back to planning, but first, I want to hear the end of the story.” Ashley nodded and continued. “So, Logan has loved me this whole time. That's why he created that rule. Because he didn't want to ruin our friendship. He was trying to cut himself off. Trying to make me off limits to himself in hopes of diminishing those feelings he was having towards me. He had no idea, and still doesn't know, That I was in love with him.” Kelcie leaned back and whistled. Ashley sighed, “I know... And then we shared a bed last night... and I couldn't help thinking how easy it came. Just crawling in bed and listening to his breathing and heart beat. I know that sounds weird... But... I've never had that. All through high school I avoided boys because they were all sex crazed jerks. And because I was in love with someone I didn't think I could ever have.” Kelcie looked sad for her. Ashley bit her lip, “I've only had one boyfriend.” Kelcie looked shocked but kept quiet. “Just laying there next to Logan felt nice. I felt like we were in sync.” Kelcie nodded, “Did you guys wake up spooning or anything?” Ashley laughed a little and shrugged, “I actually have no idea. He woke up and left before I was up. I was closer on his side of the bed so... I guess it's possible.” Kelcie smirked, “Any embarrassing habits of his? Like snoring?” Ashley shook her head, “No, well, none that I noticed. I woke up and he had left my medicine, a glass of water and a note beside the bed too. He was trying to get me to take my medicine since usually I fight him on it.” Kelcie smiled, “That's kind of romantic...” Ashley sighed, “ I know...” Kelcie bit her lip slightly, “Ash, are sure you don't have feelings for him?” Ashley nodded her head and sighed sadly. “I'm very sure. But I can't help but wonder if that's a bad thing. Maybe I should love him.”

Kelcie shook her head. “No. I think you are making the right decision. Let's not forget that he made out with your best friend whom he had just met, then stole your car, then didn't even call to find out if you were okay. He just waiting to ask Tomas at practice. Also, everyone know Logan's a big cheater. Did you hear about his last girlfriend?” Ashley nodded her head yes. “He cheated on her until she just couldn't take it. So no, Ash, I'm sorry but Tomas and you are adorable. You and Logan are best friends. He will eventually move on, get married and have kids. Exactly the same with you.” Ashley sighed and clenched her hands tightly together, “This growing up thing is a bit scary, huh?” Kelcie nodded slowly. “Married. I still can't believe I'm getting married. Do you remember those games we played in elementary school? Mash I think? Where you'd choose different colors and wedding places? I always thought I'd marry this boy named Tyler. He was cute. Played little league baseball and I thought he was just the coolest and cutest boy ever...” Kelcie trailed off. She reminisced, “I always wanted a big blue dress. And I wanted to get married in front of Disneyland.” She laughed. “It's crazy what we dream then and how different it is now. What about you? What was your dream future like?” Ashley smiled and looked out the window over the sink behind Kelcie. “My dream was to marry this boy named Davey. He was SO cute. I always had a thing for those blond hair blue eyed boys. He was my valentine in second grade and I had such a huge crush on him. But, we all got into middle school and him and I never talked again. I remember him becoming the star quarter back for out high school football team. As far as Mash went... my friends and I always cheated to get the things we wanted. I'd always get a rose garden wedding, Davey as my husband, Amanda as my female roommate, and to live in Hollywood. I always wanted to be veterinarian. That died when I realized the kind of stuff doctors actually do.” Kelcie and her laughed then collective sighed. “I want to go back.” Kelcie abruptly said. “I want to be married, but I still feel like that little girl who got excited when she opened her lunch box to see what her mom had packed. I don't think I'm ready to be packing those lunches just yet.” Ashley looked up and saw Kelcie close to tears. She gently placed her hand on Kelcie's knee, causing her to look up. “Hey, hey, hey. It's okay. You haven't even gotten married yet. I really doubt that Tommy is going to want kids so quickly. So take it easy. Right now, let's focus on planning the most romantic, elegant, and perfect dream wedding that will make your child self swoon!” Kelcie smiled and pushed away her tears. She turned back to the computer screen and and opened the wedding page.

The two girls scrolled through the pins and wrote down different tips that they could use for the wedding. “Ooh! At every table have a picture of the couple at that age. So like at table one you have a picture of Tommy and you at age one in two different frames. That's adorable!” Ashley explained to Kelcie. Immediately Kelcie pinned the pin to her own, new board “Kelcie and Tommy Wingles” Kelcie decided to scroll down to the wedding dresses, “Okay, so we'll shop in person, but let's look on here for ideas. She scrolled past lots, but stopped at a sleeveless long dress with a big bottom. The very tip of the dress's bottom was an ombre light blue. Kelcie gasped, “Ashley! Do you see this dress?” Ashley nodded excitedly, “Let's look for it!” Kelcie clicked the link and brought up a webpage for “Bridal Couture” Ashley snickered. “Well that's ironic...” Kelcie was too busy finding an address for the store. “Sacramento... Dang that's far.” Kelcie slumped back into her chair. “That's up where I live. Maybe you could come and visit.” Kelcie lit up with new hope. “And I could stay with you? Are you sure that's not trouble? I think that's amazing!” Ashley smiled, “Not a problem at all! I'd love to have you up.” Kelcie quickly hugged Ashley. “Thank you so much for this. I never really got to have someone like this growing up so it's awesome to have someone to talk to now. So let's go get you fixed up and we can go celebrate with a Mani pedi!”

Kelcie covered Ashley's face and neck bruises with concealer and begun working on contouring. “So, how do you know how to do this?” Ashley asked curiously as she watched Kelcie make her face look airbrushed. “A lot of tutorial's on YouTube. And my mom was actually pretty good at it and taught me.” Ashley smiled. Kelcie continued working for a few more minutes then stepped out of Ashley's view. “There. How do you like it?” Ashley looked in the mirror in amazement. She could barley tell she had been in a fight. She smiled and turned to Kelcie excited, “Thank you! You are a life saver!” Kelcie smiled and started Working on her hair. She curled Ashley's long brown hair into big rings. Finally, she stepped away again and let Ashley see herself. She smiled wide and gently touched a curl. “Thank you, Kels. This looks amazing. Now let's go freak out about sexy hockey players while getting our nails done!” She stood off of the stool the girls had brought down into Logan's Penguin bathroom. She helped Kelcie gather up their stuff and within 10 minutes they were out the door and in Kelcie's car.
Kelcie turned the radio right as “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri played. “What song are you going to have your first dance to?” Ashley asked. Kelcie thought about it for a minute, “I have no idea.” Ashley pointed towards the radio, “I ask, because this song is really good. I think it could be a perfect song.” Kelcie turned the radio up and listened to a few of the lines. “All along I believed I would find you. Time has brought your heart to me. I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more.” Ashley tried to imagine the venue. “Think about the blue with the crystal glasses and just the winter, magical feel to it. While just slowly dancing to this song!” Kelcie nodded with a big smile on her face. “I think this is the one.”
Ashley and Kelcie took their seats in the beauty salon. The workers quickly went to work massaging their calves and letting their feet soak in the hot water. Ashley sighed, “So, what are you going to do on your nails?” Kelcie asked Ashley we was looking over at the polish on display. “I have no idea. I think I might do a red or dark pink polish with a white flower.” Kelcie raised and eyebrow, “Wag, Hun. Let's get matching teal with their numbers.” Ashley laughed, but made a choking sound. “Wag? I'm not an official wag! Hahaha. Also, it's Wives and Girlfriends. You are a fiance. Soooo.” Kelcie laughed, “Just get Logan's number on one hand and Tomas's on the other. Then it wont be awkward and you can still support them.” Ashley laughed, “Yes, having BOTH guys definitely wont make it awkward.” Kelcie smiled and decided which colors they were going to use. “When are you going home, Ash?” Ashley shrugged her shoulders, “I was supposed to be back yesterday. I honestly don't even know what day it is. Is it Tuesday now?” Kelcie thought about it and nodded. “Yup, Tuesday. December 24th.” Ashley's jaw dropped. She turned her head quickly to Kelcie. “Christmas eve? Oh my god! My family doesn't know what happened. I was supposed to be home yesterday. And now we'll be driving home on Christmas. This trip has been insane.” Kelcie looked surprised, “Well, just stay down here for Christmas! Tomas and Logan's family's both live out of country!” Ashley bit her lip, “When do they play again?” Kelcie sighed and thought for a moment. “I think they play this upcoming Saturday, why?” Ashley smirked. “Oh, I have a plan.”

~

After an hour or two Kelcie and Ashley were back in the car with their nails done. Kelcie took a left instead of a right. “Um, apartment's that way.” Kelcie winked, “Yes, but it is 2 o'clock, the boys are out, and I had Tommy ask if Tomas if he'd go on a double date with us. Don't worry. We'll pick you guys back up later.” Ashley blushed but smiled lightly. Kelcie laughed at Ashley's expression. “I feel like now that I'm getting married I can qualify to give you advice. You really need to be less awkward. Don't make Tomas think anything was wrong. If you act weird around him and try to convince him there's nothing between you and Logan then he's not going to believe you, but if you just love him. Hang out, text. Then he's going to believe you.” Ashley took a deep breath and smiled. “You're right. From this point on I won't feel guilty about Logan. Nothing is going to take away my happiness.” Kelcie high fived her. “Exactly!”

Kelcie pulled into the parking lot and pulled her car up next to Tommy and Tomas. The two girls got out of the car and greeted the boys. Ashley hugged Tomas. He whispered, “You look much better today.” to her. Ashley winked then hugged Kelcie goodbye. “So, dinner tonight?” Kelcie and Tommy both nodded. Ashley smiled, “Alright! Text me when you're on your way.” Kelcie got into the passenger side of her car. “Okay, see ya then love birds!” Ashley turned back to Tomas and smiled. “Hello. How was practice?” Tomas shrugged, “It was good. Cooch landed on my leg. Probably will bruise.” Ashley flinched. “Ouch, I'm sorry. He's a fatty.” The couple walked towards Tomas's suv. Tomas laughed lightly, “There is absolutely nothing fat about Logan. Have you seen him in the showers? Psh.” Ashley laughed, “No I haven't, haha!” “Funny, cause he's seen you.” Tomas's sarcastic remark killed the joking mood. Ashley felt her face pale. She sighed, “I'm not sure what to say about that.” Tomas opened the car door for her and went around to the drivers side. Tomas put the key in the ignition, but waited. He faced Ashley. “Just tell me what I heard.” Ashley sighed again. “Logan was messing around with me. In efforts to not lose the battle I just walked out of the shower, covering my girly parts, like I didn't care. Which did make him awkward. In no way was I trying to upset anyone.” Tomas let out and breath. “You just know him so well. I figured that if it came down to it... You would pick him over me.” Ashley reached for his hand that was rested in his lap. She placed it over her heart. He furrowed his brow and stayed quiet. “Do you feel how fast it's going?” He nodded. Ashley blushed but continued, “It's like this every time I even here your name mentioned. I...” She cut off, embarrassed. She continued when she saw the happy expression on his face. “My whole body just feels light and airy. I just... I've never felt that before. I hug you, and physically it's feels like a weight is pulled off me. More than anything. I just want to be with you, without any space in between us.” She wanted to stop, but couldn't when she saw he was listening. “I've always been the girl to take it slow. To move at the speed of molasses because I've always been so afraid. I don't feel that way. I look and you... and I look into you're eyes and I feel warm all of a sudden. I feel safe. I never realized how much I've always wanted that.” Tomas cut her off with a kiss. Slowly, he deepened the kiss pulling her closer to him. She sat on his lap on the drivers side. He hugged her tight, their lips now separated. She could feel the warmth between them. “Sorry.” She heard him whisper. She chuckled while still in his embrace. She still could feel the happiness radiating through her. “Four days is all it took.” She replied as softly as he had. He squeezed her tighter, and let the relevancy of her comment sink in.

Notes