I gaped at him. I can't believe what I am seeing. Ashton cracked a smile! He actually smiled! Well, I shouldn't make a big deal out of it, but this is my first time seeing Ashton smile, and I must say that the dimples on his cheeks make him look more adorable.

Perhaps because of that killer dimples of his it make girls gone crazy. As I stared at his features for a long time, I felt a flash of recognition deep within me, telling me that I'd known him before—a long time ago. Something is telling me that he's Lucia's best friend, the rude boy with the dimple from eleven years ago.

Then it dawn on me. He looks like the brat boy who pushed me off the swing at Aunt Julie's party when I was 6! I ran to my mother, tears streaming down my cheeks, my white dress smudged with dirt. The boy wasn't given a proper sanction for ruining my dress because it was later discovered that the boy's mother was my mother's best friend and also he was Lucia's friend.

But as I look deeper into Ashton's eyes it has filled no emotions while that kid has joyful glints in his.

"You— you—" I floundered.

Ashton's grip around my waist tightened. The boys wolf whistled. "Get a room, man!"

Ashton gave me a sly grin. I pushed him away, realizing our awkward position. He stumbled a few steps before regaining his footing, a frown etched on his lips.

Oh come on! Stop acting like you don't like it. Admit it, you like being press against that hard chest of his and he smells good! My mind screams in complain.

"Stop playing with me." I said, sounding annoyed.

"I'm not playing with you, moo." He said and I died right there. Goodness! Why am I feeling thrilled about him calling me moo? My one and only. I'm not used of this side of Ashton really. He's so cheesy for my own good.

"Stop calling me that."

"You don't like it?"

"No!" I pursed my lips. Well, that came out so quickly. I saw Ashton trying to contain his smile but failed miserably.

"No, I mean the endearment is sort of awkward for me." I try to explain. "Why not call me bes? Besh? Best? Friend? Bff? Part? Dude? Buddy? Bordz? Why have to call me moo?" I said breathless.

"Because you're my one and only girlfriend." He said.

The guys burst into laughter. "Nice one Ash!" Noah chortled, throwing the cushion pillow at Ashton which he dodged briskly.

"I know where's this going to end. Kids, don't forget to use protection okay?" Nate warned in fatherly like tone but a traitor laugh escapes his lips. "Just don't destroy the cottage when we left."

I raised my brow at them. "It's not what you think it is. I'm just Ashton's friend. A girl friend." I try to enlighten them because they're leading it in a wrong way.

"Burn!" Jeffty yelled in Ashton's face, a mischievous grin on his lips. "It's an indirect friend zone, mate." He added.

"We'll leave you two here for now and go get some lunch," Jeffty announced. He winked at me and motioned to Ashton, "Be careful with him." Ashton tries to protest, but he has already reached for the doorknob, dragging the twins along with him. "Remember what we said," the twins said as they patted Ashton on the back and pushed the door shut, leaving just the two of us.

Ashton shook his head and said, "Don't mind them."

He sat down, took out his gig bag from the floor, and turned on the TV. I looked around me. This place is quite large for a cottage. There's a small fridge on the side, a small dining table with four chairs, two rooms—one of which must be the comfort room—and a small console with a few ornaments and pictures near the window. There are also random shirts here and there, as well as footballs, soccer balls, and basketballs. The idea of the twins manipulating strings in order to have treats like this place screams that this group of people is indeed influential. It's no surprise that they are at the top of the school's popularity hierarchy.

I sat on a settee next to Ashton. "I didn't know you play guitar." I started.

He hummed and caressed the Fender guitar, brushing his fingers over the strings lightly. A small smile smeared across his face as if he's remembering a memory. "A friend of mine told me that I should learn to play guitar or else she won't want to be my friend anymore." He laughed shaking his head lightly. "Quite immature but sweet."

I frowned. "I thought I'm your only girl friend?"

He sniffed. "Did I just smell jealousy from you?" He teased.

I rolled my eyes but laughed. "Of course not. Just curious. So, who is she?"

"You don't have to be jealous you know." He winked putting the guitar aside and focused his attention on UFC fight in front of him. I bit the inside of my cheek. He didn't answer my question of who the girl is as silence ensued after that. I didn't press about it not wanting him to be uncomfortable with me. She must be someone's special to Ashton.

I placed the bear on my lap, twitching my fingers on its bow. "Eleven years ago. Have we met before?" I asked. "I don't want to sound creepy, but when I looked at your face for a long time, you reminded me of someone."

Ashton cocked his brow, his gaze fixed on me. "I do?" he asks, his eyes twinkling with curiosity and amusement.

"Yeah... actually, I'm not sure. I can't remember his name; it's just a gut feeling that he looks like you. Have we met before?"

He gave me a funny look. "Is that your way of saying 'excuse me have we met before? Because you look like my future husband!'" He fake squeals that sounded more likely of a pig.

I give him a look. "I'm serious, Ash."

"Why? Is he important to you?" he sighed, his eyes narrowing slightly. All the levity in his eyes vanished as his jaw tightened and his Adams apple bobbed up and down.

"So it was you," I said quietly. He was that kid! I'm now tying the shred details together, with Mia introducing Ashton as if she'd known him for years. Brett remarked that they knew Ashton better than I could have imagined, and Mia hinted that they were old friends. Mia, Lucia, and I had the same group of friends when we were kids. But everything changed when we moved to a new town. But what keeps me wondering is why they now despise Ashton.

Ashton nudged his way closer to me. So close our skins touching. When he leans in closer, his lips caress my ear, my heart skips a beat. "Why did you ask so suddenly?" His voice is deep and husky. I sank deeper into the settee as an uncontrollable shiver ran down my spine.

"I– I'm actually surprised that I suddenly remember," I stuttered.

"No, we haven't met," he replied quietly, leaning back. "But if you're right, will you hate me like the rest of them?" he asked, his gaze fixed on mine. His face was so close that our nose touching. I can feel his warm breath on my cheeks as his lips brush against mine. I feel light headed . The image of Ashton's lips pressed against mine lingered in my mind, turning my cheeks crimson red. My very first kiss. I moved my face to the side and looked away before anything happened.

"I'll hate you because you stole my—"The door swung open, cutting me off. Three boys stood on the threshold, their eyes wide, holding food packets.

"Are we expecting a junior so soon?" Noah asked. Ashton moved away from me, grabbed the pillow on the couch and hurls it at him. "Shut up."

I let out a deep breath that I hadn't realized I'd been holding for so long. Standing up, I run my fingers through my hair. "I have to go." I said, my head casted low.

"But I bought you lunch." Jeffty said as he lifted the packet and placed it on the table. Gulped. It smells enticing and tasty. I cast a sidelong glance at Ashton, but he's talking animatedly with the twins as if nothing had happened. Then I return my attention to the food. I still have dignity to uphold. On the second thought, I can't eat my dignity, and I don't have enough time to buy myself lunch. Besides that, you do not say no to a free meal.

"Then I'll just get mine," I said, reaching into the plastic for the styrofoam.

"Bye." I dashed for the door before they could react.

Ghad. That was extremely awkward! I almost made fun of myself right there. Which I most likely did. Why was Ashton acting in such a peculiar way? If I didn't move, I'm sure... I'd rather not think about it.

"I was looking for you for the whole time!" Someone said next to me, making me yelp in surprise. I looked up at Phillip, who had a frown on his brow.

"You surprised me," I said, hitting his arm. He looked at me, then at the cottage, then back at me. He crossed his arms across his chest. "What exactly were you doing there?"

I was flushed. "I used their restroom." Yes, I know I'm a bad when it comes to lying.

"Their restroom must be humid, turning you this red," he said, arching his brow at me.

"Fine," I muttered. He's acting like a protective brother. As we walked, I told him how I ended up there, making sure to leave out the Ashton moment. If you even consider it. I heard him mutter something like, 'you still didn't say why you're blushing,' but I pretend I didn't hear anything.

"I've discovered something," I said, smiling at Phillip. "Mia and Ashton used to be friends! Isn't that great?"

"I know Anna."

"You do? Then why does she hates him so much? Why do you guys dislike him?" I asked. Phillip draws out a long breath then place his big hands on my shoulder. "It's not my story to tell. And I don't hate him. In a matter of fact, we're friends." He said. "You know what? Why don't you Ask Mia and settle everything out?"

~•~

The day has finally ended. I didn't see the other gang for the rest of the afternoon. I try to call Mia, but she doesn't answer. Did I really hurt her that bad?

As I trudged my way out of the building, I noticed Ashton was leaning against his car. I'm not sure if I should turn around and walk the other way, or keep going and pretend I didn't notice him. Because I'm not sure how I'm going to react after what happened earlier. I hate to admit that he has an effect on me. Because, after all, who doesn't?!

I decided the latter. I covered my face with my books and fly to the gate. If only. I passed Ashton without noticing and sprinted to the gate when I hit someone.

I looked up and met Brett's questioning look. I let out a small aw and rubbed my forehead. I believe I collided with the head rather than the chest.

"Hi Hulk." I said.

"Hello Bulldozer." He deadpanned. I try to protest but he hush me by seizing me under his armpit. "We need to talk."