Always a Friend

Chapter 37

I stood at the ocean's edge, watching the waves roll onto shore, the sky a beautiful array of pink and orange as the sun began to set. The guys had stopped playing football a little bit ago and started drinking. I wrapped my arms tighter across my chest, closing my eyes for a second. 

"What are you doing way over here?" The low, familiar voice asked. 

"Just enjoying the sound of the waves crashing to shore." I opened my eyes, not taking them off the ocean. "Why aren't you over there with Claudia." I glanced back toward the fire where most everyone was hanging around. Ashton's eyes drifted back to the fire, his lips pressed together. "It's too crowded over there, if you know what I mean." 

I nodded, afraid if I opened my mouth, something sarcastic would fly out. Ashton didn't deserve that right now, judging by the upset look on his face. We stood there for a few minutes in silence, facing the ocean. I wanted to know what happened between him and Claudia, but only for my own selfish curiosity. 

"Ashton, I'm sorry about you and Claudia." My voice was barely above a whisper. Was I really sorry, though? She was a major bitch who got a taste of her own medicine. 

"Thanks." He tucked his hands in the pocket of his sweatshirt. I grasped my arms tighter as I shivered; the thin button-down shirt wasn't much of a barrier between me and the cool breeze from the ocean. "You cold? Let's get you by the fire." He motioned me to follow him back to the fire. He kept his hands tucked in the front pocket of his sweatshirt on our walk back to the fire. He kept a safe distance between us the closer we got to the group. Claudia was sitting by the fire talking to someone, but I couldn't tell who it was because the flames and darkness was falling fast. 

"There you are?" Rhys jumped up from his spot close to Claudia. I stood there gawking at what I had just walked up on, my eyes narrowing. My eyes stung from trying to keep the tears from flowing. "Why me?" I dropped my arms and stormed toward where I'd left my blanket and bag. "Gemma! Wait up!" Rhys hollered. I tossed my stuff into the bag, cussing that I couldn't believe this happened again. I felt a grasp around my arm and jerked it away. "It's not what it looks like." He grasped my arm, trying to turn me around. "Please look at me." 

"Why?" I turned, tears streaming down my cheeks. "What is it with you guys? Let's see who can humiliate Gemma the fastest. Well, I'm done playing." I jerked my arm away, brushing my knuckles across my cheeks and wiping the tears away. I was pissed at myself for letting him see me cry. 

"Gem, what happened?" Chloe came running up to me, wiping tears off my cheek. "Can you take me home? Please." I sniffled, wiping my eyes again. 

"Yeah. Let me grab Braedon's keys. He can catch a ride with Sarah and Ty." She turned and walked over to Braedon, who was sitting close to Ashton. Ashton looked up at Chloe as she grabbed Braedon's arm halfway, hoisting him up. He stumbled a step, catching his balance for the beers he'd consumed. Ashton glanced up at them, then over at Rhys, who was standing nearby, talking to some guys. Ashton got up and brushed the sand off as he walked around the fire. I turned toward the ocean, wiping my strayed tears away so he wouldn't see me crying. I hoped we were far enough away from the fire that he wouldn't be able to see my tear-stained cheeks. 

"Gem, I'll take you home." Ashton rested his hand on my shoulder, easing me to face him. "Let me take you home." He reached for the straps on my shoulder, sliding them off my arm. 

"Gemma, you're going to leave with him?" Rhys asked, walking up to us. 

"Yeah...I am." I peeked at him, then turned to face Ashton. I couldn't help but notice the hurt in Rhys's eyes, but he made me look like a fool in front of our peers. I was getting tired of being the butt of guys' jokes. I didn't have it in me to listen to any excuses. Rhys grabbed the nape of his neck as he looked back toward the fire. "Gemma, please don't go." Rhys grasped my hand. "Please." I glanced down at our hands but couldn't see them in the dark. I could feel the warmth of his skin caress the top of my hand. "It's not what you think. She sat down next to me. Trust me, I didn't want her there." He squeezed my hand, nudging me closer to him. I brushed my knuckles across my cheeks, hoping he couldn't see the tears.