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Anna

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Mia and Brett marched out the house with chips on their hands. Brett motioned something in the air I couldn't understand as Mia's brows knitted together, her lips then pulled down into a frown. My mouth let out a low 'oof' when Mia's hand met the back of Brett's head, his face pushed down as she rashly held his nape around her fingers; her teeth gritted with exasperation.

I shook my head with the scene. What's new with these two?

I leaned my back on my chair, making myself even more comfortable. The day nearly elope with the night and yet I haven't heard anything from Ashton since last night. I checked my phone for a message and to my great surprise, I received none. So I decided to send a quick message on him instead. I'm a little worried if he's okay. He's still wounded for all I know. To tell, got hit on the stomach and face wasn't a nice feeling.

I jerked my head to the side when I sensed a presence sat next to me. A beaming Easton greeted me, his smile was so bright I'm shocked it didn't blind me. I flashed him the same smile and twisted myself to the side to face him.

"I heard what had happened," He started. " I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize. It wasn't your fault."

"No, seriously I'm sorry because I wasn't there to protect you."

I blinked. Heat rised up on my face. Easton is always a flattery. I bit my bottom lip to suppress the smile that's coming. He sheepishlyscratched his head and looked anywhere but me. "I feel bad for not being your side to protect you this time." He added.

I reached for his hand and gently squeezed it. "I really appreciate you East, but it is not your responsibility to protect me all the time." He looked so sad of what I said so I certainly put a reassuring smile on my face. "Please dont feel bad. Look! Im perfectly fine."

He placed his other hand above mine, tenderly stroking it by his thumb. Momentarily, a sudden wave of feeling wash over me. An awkward chill arouse in me as his palm reached my hand. A feeling I never expect to feel around Easton.

"I know, but I want to protect you anyway because-"

"Oi Eastern! I thought you helped Phillip today for the school fest?" Steve cutted him off. He was sitting across from us and was looking at Easton with expectant eyes.

"I did. We did numerous canvasing for the event and heck it was tiring." Easton huffed and plainly, exhaustion was written all over his face.

Steve just nodded in response and veered his attention back to Mia and Brett. My brows suddenly pulled together as soon as Phillip's name mentioned.

I just need some confirmation.

"East, Were you with Phillip at the store yesterday?"

Confusion was apparent on his face as his lips tugged into a deep frown. "No. why?"

"I think I saw him with Simone and Mike."

"That would be impossible. Phillip know better than anyone to stay away from the two." Yes because both of them are bad news. Simone was a drug dealer and Mike was the assiest- if that's even a word, person I've ever known in this town.

"But I saw him,"

"You're eyes might be playing tricks with your mind."

I don't think so. I've seen it with my own eyes. I think Phillip was hiding something. But I have no idea of what's and why's. The whole point of the issue is, why was he with the troublemakers? Probably Phillip was the most decent guy in this circle of friends and having connections with those two was not a good news. I shook my head with the thought of Phillip. I'll deal his issue some time.

"Can I ask you something?" Easton asked next to me, his voice barely above whisper. My brow perked up with anticipation.

Easton slyly reached and scratched the back of his head. "I wanted to tell you this long ago but have no courage to do so." He smiled sheepishly. It was a sight to see him look bashful in front of me. It is not everyday I see his expression and it dawn on me that it's been awhile I haven't seen him. It's been awhile I haven't seen his gorgeous face. Easton was the nicest and coolest friend I've ever known. and I couldn't ask anything more from him.

"Just say it East." I laughed. He gulped and smiled at me and this time, with full of conviction he said, "I would actually like to invite you on a date."

"W-What?" Now it was my time to stammer.