Claws And Flaws

~Chapter 17

HARLEY

We both stare at the stars while lying on the picnic blanket he brought. We were both laying comfortable in the same forest he brought me to last time.

"The stars are shining bright today, aren't they?" I heard Asher's vibrant voice besides me.

"They always shine bright, Asher." I said in a duh tone.

"Yeah true." He says. I turn on my side to face him as I elbow on the blue blanket and rest my head on my hand before staring at him.

"You don't know much about stars. Do you?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

He copies my action as he also turns to me with his elbow on the same blanket and rest his head on his hand. His muscles popping up almost as if he was flexing it.

"No I don't. I just know they are stars that shines bright to lighten the darkness of the night sky." He says staring at me.

"...and to make it beautiful." I said. "Wow and I have never thought of it that way." I said nodding.

"I know." He says shrugging.

I laid back down and continue staring at the sky. I let out a sigh as I shut my eyes and listen to the beauty of nature silent sound.

"This is so peaceful." I whisper.

"Yeah it is." I heard him whisper back.

The silence follows as the peaceful sound of the wind and leaves blowing.

"Harley?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't think I can take as just a friend anymore." Asher says. I open up my eyes and sat up turning to him. I remember him saying this before probably the last time we came here but I didn't get it. Plus I did not want to jump to conclusion, He was staring at me.

"What do you mean?" I asked confused.

"I like you Harley. Not as a friend." Asher says as he sat up and moves closer to me. "Friends with you, isn't working for me. I want more than that." His last few words came as a whisper as he puts his hand on my cheek. He caresses my cheek and I found myself slowly leaning in with my eyes slowly closing down. I was enjoying the feeling of his touch on my cheek. "Don't you feel the same?" He asks. I froze and slowly open up my eyes, noticing how close he has become.

I thought I was the only one feeling this way. I actually felt relief and happy right now, knowing I'm not on this alone. He actually felt the same way. I trust him with my life. That's how much I feel about him.

His phone suddenly buzzes bringing me out of my daze. He took his hand off me and took out his phone. He reads the screen. His face turns serious. He clears his throat and got up before putting the phone on his ear.

I turned to the lake letting out a sigh. What just happened? Or what was about to happen?

"We should start leaving." I heard Asher's voice and I quickly turn to him.

"What?" I asked as I got up too.

"It's getting really late." He says. I nodded understanding what he means. They must have called him to check up on him. Sadly I don't have anyone in the house right now to check up on me. 

We packed up the blanket as we head back to his car. We got in and he immediately starts the car.

It didn't take long for us to reach my house. He drops me off after leaving a kiss on my cheek.

"Sleep well blossom." He says as I got off the car.

"I will, you too Ash." I said. He nodded as I shut the door.

He started the car, I waved at him as he leaves. I got in the house. I let out a sigh as I checked the time. 9:45pm and they aren't back yet. Just like Dad usually does. 

I went up the stairs and into my room before walking straight to my bed and jumping on it.

***

I continue waiting for him, I even started pacing around. My mum footsteps started down the stairs. I was a bit surprised my mum hasn't gone to work yet. She stops half way when she sees me. I was about to ask her but she beats me in it.

"Does Asher still picks you up?" She asked seeming surprise to still see me here.

"Yeah he still does." I said looking out the window but saw no cars parking in front of our house.

"So he isn't here yet?" She asks.

"Yes mum, I wonder why." I whined.

"Maybe something is delaying him this morning.  Have you called him?" She asks. I wanted to slap myself on my face for not thinking of that.

"I'll just do that now." I said and took out my phone. I switched on my phone for the first time today. I quickly tap on my screen and pressed call.

It rings but went straight to voicemail. I call again but it still went to voicemail. I let out a sigh.

Now I'm really going to be late for school. I quickly took my bag from the counter.

"Bye mum!" I yelled while running to the door.

"Is he here yet?!"

"No! I'll just jog to school!" I yelled back then shut the door and started my run to school.

***

The bell rings as soon as I step in school. I guess I ran quite fast. I bend and started breathing heavily. At least I got to school in time.

***

Classes went by and the bell finally rings for break. I haven't seen Asher today. I'm scared about him, he never ignores my calls. I have been feeling lonely since I entered school today. I wonder how he is feeling.

I must look for Klein. I quickly shook my head. He is still in suspension. Who should I ask? Jax. He has never harm or hurt me. We are basically cool with each other. I should ask Jax. Plus Asher is pretty close to him. He might give me the address to his house to check up on him.

I quickly got out of class and began my search for Jax. He is just as muscular and built like Asher so I'll start with the school gym, no it's break. He would obviously not be there.

I went straight to the cafeteria. I got in and spotted him sitting with Janine and the rest. I went straight to him not looking at the others.

I lightly tap on his shoulder. He slowly turns to me.

"Oh hey Harley." He greets grinning. "How you doing?"

"I'm good. Uhm can I talk to you privately?" I asked, noticing the others looking at me sternly, wondering what an obvious low life like me doing here.

"Sure." He says and got up. He follows me to the side of the cafeteria. "Yeah? Is anything the problem?" He asks.

"I haven't seen Asher today. Do you have any idea how he is doing?" I asked.

"Wait, you haven't heard?" He asks looking surprised.

My heart rate just quickens. I hope Asher isn't ill. Why is he sounding like he got in a car accident.

"N-no I haven't. What happened?" I asked.

"He traveled back to Italy last night." Jax said.