Chapter 5 5

'Where are you going?'

'I told you yesterday. I'm meeting a friend.'

'What about your brother?'

'It's cool mom. I'm picking Kelley up in half an hour.'

'Who's this friend?'

'He's from college.'

'A boy?'

'I'm nearly seventeen not ten.'

'How old is he?'

'The same.'

'What's he like?'

'He's cool mom.'

'Thanks Ke, but I can answer for myself.' Ashleigh looked at her mom. 'He's nice mom.'

'And his name?'

'Phoenix.'

'Phoenix what?'

'I don't know just Phoenix.'

'Look chill mom she can look after herself. I'll give you a lift Ash.'

'Thanks.'

'So when will I get to meet him?'

'Soon mom. Come on Ke if you're giving me that lift.'

'Sure.' He said pulling himself up, picking up his keys.

'Bye mom.'

'See you mom.'

The door closed.

'Geese when will she ever get off my case? Cant I have any friends?'

'It's a boy!' Kieran smiled.

'Big deal.'

'But its not just any boy is it sis?'

She blushed.

Kieran got onto the bike, starting the engine. 'Hop on if you want that lift.'

She pulled herself on to the scrambler, holding onto his leather. 'So where to?'

'Town.'

'Town it is.'

He revved up changing gear backing up of the drive and speeding down the road.

Kieran pulled up in town where Phoenix was waiting for Ashleigh. She pulled herself up off the bike. 'Thanks.'

'Shall I give you a lift home?'

'No I'll be fine.'

'I better or mom will freak if I don't.'

'Sure I'll text you or something to tell you where I am.'

'Sure see ya later sis.'

'Bye.'

Kieran pulled away. Ashleigh turned and walked over to Phoenix. He looked at her. 'So your brother give you a lift?'

'Yeah anything to get mom off my back.'

'When will I get to meet her?'

'You're as bad as her.'

He frowned at her.

'Soon okay.'

'Sure.'

He pulled himself up off the bench and took her hand. 'So is he picking you up?'

'Yeah I've got to call him.'

'You can do that from mine later, first I'm going to treat you.'

'So you got some money then!'

He smiled sarcastically. 'Yeah.'

They walked away, Phoenix spent most of his money on Ashleigh that day buying her a 'forever' ring. Which she debated about.

'How can you afford it?'

'It's my treat.'

'But.'

'No buts.'

He slipped the forever ring onto her finger. He smiled placing his lips on hers kissing her hungrily.

He pulled away. 'Come on let's eat.'

He took her into the restaurant and ordered their meal.

He took her hand while they waited for their meal to be brought to their table. 'You're really special to me Ash. I want to make it more permanent.'

She looked at him wordily.

'I want us to get a place of our own, not yet when college is through. Maybe next year what do you say?'

The waitress placed their order down on the table. 'Enjoy your meal.'

'We will thanks.'

She walked away. Phoenix took his hand off hers and they sat in silence eating their lunch.

'So you coming back to mine?'

'Yeah.'

He left the money on the plate with a tip.

They pulled themselves up, he took her hand, he complemented on the food as they left the restaurant.

Phoenix closed the door behind them and they went into the lounge, sitting down on the sofa. He glided his hand through her hair making her nervous, making her flinch.

'Chill Ash we're on our own no one will be back for hours.'

He placed his hand on her chin, turning her to face him. 'I love you.' He placed his lips on hers kissing her hungrily.

He pulled away placing his arm round her. 'You know we could have a place like this on our own all alone.'

He kissed her forehead. 'I love you.'

She pulled away. 'I've got to go.'

'You've only just got her.'

'I've really got to go.'

'Sure the phone's in the hall.'

'Thanks.'

Ashleigh pulled herself up and walked into the hall picking up the receiver and dialling Kieran's mobile.

She placed it back down walking back into the lounge.

'Is he coming?'

'Yeah ten minutes.'

'Sit down then.'

Ashleigh sat next to Phoenix.

'Sorry if I offended you, just that I don't want us to be apart.'

'You hardly know me.'

'I know enough.'

He leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her, she returned his kiss kissing hungrily.

A horn echoed through the bungalow. She pulled away. 'Well there's my lift.'

Phoenix took Ashleigh's hand pulling the both of them up and led her into the hall. He opened the door. 'Alright Kieran?'

'Not to bad. Yourself?'

'Sound, we'll all have to go out next weekend.'

'Sure.'

He looked at Ashleigh. 'I'll see you Monday.'

'Okay.'

'Think about what I said.'

'I will.'

He placed his lips on hers kissing her.

He pulled away. 'Night Ash.'

'Night.'

'See you Kieran.'

'See ya.'

Ashleigh pulled herself onto the bike. They smiled and Kieran beeped the horn before pulling away.

Phoenix closed the door behind him.