Ten years on

It’s the ninth of September, college has just begun. Ashleigh and Phoenix have just begun there first year of A levels and are yet to meet.

Ashleigh makes friends easily, so does Phoenix, but their truths are well hidden. With Justin and Mackenzie in prison they have no idea who the other really is. Kaleen and Candice had gone their separate ways when Ashleigh and Phoenix had turned four

thinking it was for the best them, to never know who the other was. Now they were at the same college and were soon to meet, but would either of them find out the other’s deep dark secret?

Ashleigh sat in the cafeteria, a tall dark haired boy, with blond high lights, piercing blue eyes walked over to her. ‘Sorry I couldn’t help but notice you were on your own may I?’

‘Sure.’

Phoenix smiled sitting down opposite Ashleigh ‘I’m Phoenix.’

‘Ashleigh.’

‘So what are you studying?’

‘I.C.T.’

‘Electronics, well that and Mechanics.’

She smiled.

‘So do you fancy doing something this weekend?’

‘Sure.’

He smiled. ‘Shall I pick you up?’

‘I’ll meet you in town at eleven okay.’

‘It’s a date.’

He placed his hand on hers. ‘I hope we can be so much more than friends.’

He leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her. His friends Wolfe whistled. He pulled away, taking his hand off hers. ‘Saturday don’t forget.’

I won’t.’

He slipped off the chair and walked back over to his friends who patted him on the back as they walked away. A dragon he bared on his coat.

‘Who was that?’

Ashleigh looked up. ‘Oh Kelley that was Phoenix.’

‘He’s hot.’

‘I know.’

‘So what did he want?’ she asked sitting down.

‘For me to go on a date with him.’

‘I hope you said yes.’

‘Of course.’

‘Go girl men like that don’t come round that easily.’

They drank their coffees and pulled themselves up off the chairs.

‘Well I’ll talk to you later Ash.’

‘Okay.’

‘Tell me how the date goes.’

‘Will do.’

They walked away in their separate directions.

Ashleigh walked out of college in a world of her own. ‘Ash wait!’

She turned and smiled.

Phoenix joined her out of breath. ‘I thought I’d missed you, Coeb said he saw you ten minutes ago.’

‘It takes five to get out the maze of corridors.’

‘Yeah I know.’

He finally caught his breath. ‘Any way I was wondering if we could go somewhere now if that’s okay with you? If there’s no hurry for you to get back home.’

‘No I’m fine till seven.’

‘Sound come on then.’ He said taking her hand.

She looked at him, he looked at her. ‘This is okay isn’t it?’

‘Yeah.’

‘You sure?’

‘Yeah.’

‘I really like you you’re the hottest girl in college.’

‘I wouldn’t say that there’s plenty better.’

‘I wouldn’t say that.’

They walked into town in to the pizzeria. ‘Well we’re here sorry it’s not much I’ve not got much till Saturday.’

‘It’s fine.’

Phoenix ordered and they sat down.

‘So how did you find your first day?’

‘Okay I almost got lost twice.’

‘Big place isn’t it?’

‘Yeah god help Kieran next September.’

‘Who’s Kieran?’

‘My younger brother.’

‘Oh right.’

‘You got any brothers or sisters?’

‘No just me.’

‘They’re a pain in the ass.’

He laughed.

The waitress brought their order over placing it on the table and walked away.

They took slice after slice swigging their cokes between them.

Ashleigh looked at her watch. ‘Shit I’ve got to go.’

‘I’ll walk you.’

‘No its fine.’

‘Well let me walk you half way then.’

‘Sure.’

They pulled themselves up and walked out of the pizzeria.

They talked till they got to Redwood Drive.

‘I’ve had a really nice time.’

‘Me too.’

Phoenix leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her, she returned his kiss they kissed hungrily, butterflies circled around inside her. His kiss was so warm, so tender, but she yet had to find out about the real Phoenix.

He pulled away dropping her hand. ‘I’ll meet you here in the morning okay.’

‘Okay.’

‘Nine don’t be late.’

‘I won’t.’

‘Bye Ash.’

‘Bye Phoenix.’

Phoenix walked up Redwood Drive as she walked away heading for Buttermere Street.

She closed the door behind her. ‘Where have you been?’

‘Nowhere where’s mom?’

‘Gone to work, she’s going to kill you when she gets back.’

‘You’re nearly sixteen Ke you can look after yourself.’

‘I guess you’ve eaten?’

‘Yeah.’

‘So who were you with?’

‘A friend from college.’

‘So you dis me for a friend?’

‘I was five minutes late Ke you’re my brother, not a friend. I’m going to my room.’

‘Sure what-ever.’

Ashleigh walked passed Kieran up the creaky stairs closing her bedroom door behind her. She leaped into her bed plugging her headphones into her ears jamming on some tunes.

She lay on the bed smiling, she’d finally met someone who had taken her for her and not what they wanted her to be, she just hoped Phoenix was better than all the other guys she knew, but how could she tell him that her dad was doing time for murder? He’d run for sure.

Ashleigh met Phoenix at nine where he’d asked her to. He took her hand. ‘So you get home on time?’

‘Five minutes late. I copped it this morning, Mom flipped said I should be more responsible. Kieran can .look after himself he’s nearly sixteen!’

‘So he’s not much younger than you?’

‘No about nine months. He would’ve been in the same year, but he missed out on the entry date by a couple of days.’

‘Bummer.’

‘Yeah he was pissed, he wanted to leave school.’

‘I bet your mom weren’t too pleased.’

‘Not really, he’s only got till April then he leaves.’

‘So what’s he going to study?’

‘I think he wants to do a business degree or something, he’ll probably change his mind.’

‘Clever is he?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Well I’m going to have to love you and leave you. Saturday still cool?’

‘Yeah.’

‘I’ll see you then.’

‘Okay.’

He kissed her quickly dropping her hand out of his. ‘Bye Ash.’

She smiled.

He jogged over to his friends and they walked away.

‘Is that who I think it is?’

Ashleigh turned, a bright coloured haired girl had caught up with her. ‘Kelley.’

‘I called you.’

‘Sorry I never heard you.’

‘So was that?’

‘Phoenix yes.’

‘So you got it together then?’

‘Yeah.’

‘When?’

‘Last night.’

‘So he took you on a date? How did it go?’

‘Yeah he did. It was fine. We went to the pizza parlour in town, he’s really nice.’

‘So you seeing him again?’

‘Yeah Saturday.’

‘So he’s still meeting you?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Why don’t you just get him to pick you up?’

She stared blank at Kelley.

‘I get it your mom right?’

‘Yeah she still thinks I’m ten.’

‘She thinks your brother is too.’

‘Yeah I know.’

‘How is your brother anyway?’

‘He’s fine. You’ve still got a thing for him haven’t you?’

‘A little.’

‘Go for it I know he likes you too.’

‘It was one kiss Ash he never bothered after.’

‘He’s shy. I’ll talk to him.’

Kelley smiled.

Kieran pulled up on his scrambler.

‘What are you doing here Ke?’

‘Mom coolred me into it to make sure you got home on time. Hop on.’

‘Is it safe?’

‘Of course.’

Ashleigh swung herself onto the bike sitting down.

‘There you are Ash.’

‘Phoenix I didn’t think I was seeing you till Saturday?’

‘I thought I’d walk you home.’

‘I cant I’m sorry.’

He looked at her quetionly.

‘Oh sorry Phoenix this is my brother Kieran, Kieran this is Phoenix the friend I told you about.’

‘Nice to meet you.’

‘You too, now I know why Ash was late.’

‘Can we just go?’

‘I’ll meet you tomorrow okay.’

‘Okay.’

Kieran revved up.

‘Bye Ash.’

‘Bye Phoenix.’

Kieran changed gear and sped away from the college.

‘You sure she’s worth it?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Will she be once she knows the truth?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Come on Phe stop gorking we better go.’

‘Sure Coeb.’

They walked away from the college.

Kieran pulled up out side the house, they pulled themselves up off the bike. ‘So he’s the reason you were late?’

‘So.’

‘So where he take you?’

‘Pizza pallor in town.’

‘Last of the big spenders!’

‘He didn’t have much.’

‘Chill sis he seems cool.’

‘He is.’

‘Good as long as you’re happy.’

‘I am.’ She said closing the door behind them. ‘While we’re on happy isn’t it about time you asked Kelley out?’

‘She won’t be interested in me.’

‘Why not?’

‘She just won’t.’

‘Well she is so get your butt into gear and do something about it.’

Phoenix looked at Ashleigh as she walked over to him. ‘Look I’m sorry about last night Mom sent Kieran to make sure that I got home on time so I wasn’t late back.’

He smiled. ‘It’s cool, so we okay for tonight? You can come back to mine.’

‘Yeah.’

He took her hand and they walked away.

Kieran pulled up outside the college, Ashleigh and Kelley walked out of the college double doors.

‘What’s your brother doing here?’

‘I don’t know.’

They walked over to Kieran.

‘What you doing here?’

‘Chill Ash I’m not here to pick you up.’

‘Who then?’

‘Kelley that’s if she fancies doing something.’

Kelley looked at Ashleigh, who smiled. She looked back at Kieran. ‘Sure.’

Phoenix bounced over. ‘There you are.’

She looked at him and smiled.

‘You ready?’

‘Yeah. See ya Ke Kelley.’

‘Leave them to it.’

Kieran and Kelley were in grossed in one another kissing hungrily. Kieran stuck his hand up then placed it back round Kelley kissing her passionately.

Ashleigh and Phoenix walked away.

‘Didn’t take him long.’

‘They’ve had a thing for each other for ages. They just needed a push in the right direction.’

‘If all of my friends were like you I’d be happy.’

‘So your friends didn’t like me?’

‘Yeah, Coeb pushed me to ask you out. I’m glad he did you’re really nice thinking of others before yourself.’

‘I always do.’

He smiled.

Phoenix opened the door to the bungalow in Redwood Drive.

‘Will your Mom mind?’

‘Nagh she’s working as usual.’ Phoenix answered closing the door.

‘My mom’s the same, and her boyfriend.’

He led Ashleigh into the lounge pulling her down on to the large two seater sofa. ‘So where does your mom work?’

‘A bar in town, same as Broyden.’

‘Her boyfriend?’

‘Yeah Kieran’s Dad.’

‘So he’s not your Dad?’

‘No I haven’t seen my dad since I was born.’

‘Me neither, mom don’t speak much of him.’

‘Neither does mine. I don’t think she thinks much of him for leaving us.’

‘So where is your Dad?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Me neither.’

He leaned forward. ‘You and me we could make a go of this, lean on each other when the other’s down. Or needs to talk.’

She smiled. ‘That would be nice.’

He placed his lips on hers kissing her hungrily.

He pulled away. ‘I’m so glad you agreed to us.’

‘Me too.’

‘I hope you know what you are letting yourself in for.’

‘I hope you do to.’

He placed his lips back on hers kissing her. He pulled away. ‘Do you think we’ll be together when college is over?’

She smiled nervously. He was two steps in front of her, he was going way too fast for her they’d only just met. Was he so insecure that he felt he had to hang onto her and make sure that they’d be together when they both left college.

‘Look I’ve really got to go.’

‘Sure.’

‘I’ll see myself out.’

‘I’ll walk you.’

‘Maybe next time.’

He smiled.

She pulled herself up, so did he, they walked out of the room and across the hall.

Phoenix opened the door. ‘I’ll see you Saturday.’

‘Not in college tomorrow?’

‘No study day.’

‘Lucky a three day weekend.’

‘Yeah. I’ll see you Saturday at eleven then?’

She smiled.’

He leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her hungrily. He pulled away.

‘Bye Phoenix.’

‘Bye Ash.’

She stepped out, walking away, he watched her till he could no longer see her then he closed the door.

‘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.’

‘Thank 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 eternity 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 phones 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.

‘So where are we going?’

‘The flicks, there’s a new horror on.’

‘Oh yeah I heard about that isn’t it an eighteen?’

‘Yeah it is, but don’t worry I know practically everyone that works in there.’

‘Cool.’

They all walked in. Phoenix walked over to the box office where a spiky haired male was sitting. ‘Alright Phe what you come to see?’

‘Herron on the hill mate.’

‘Sure.’

He pressed the button four tickets came out of the machine. He ripped them off. ‘Here enjoy.’

‘But.’

‘On me.’

‘Cheers.’ Phoenix said taking the tickets off him.

Phoenix walked over to the others. ‘Come on.’

‘You’re kidding right!’

Phoenix showed them the tickets.

‘You got them.’

‘Yeah.’

‘How?’

‘He’s my cousin. I bagged them for free.’

‘Sound what are we waiting for?’

Phoenix took Ashleigh’s hand and they walked in showing their tickets.

They walked up the steps to the back and sat down.

‘Someone else you know?’

‘Yeah friend of the family.’ He said draping his arm round Ashleigh.

The lights dimmed, the room was soon pitch black with the screen for light. The film was bloody and gory. Ashleigh sat trying to get into the film as Phoenix was kissing her and touching her which made it hard for her to focus on the movie. Kieran and Kelley sat engrossed in the movie not taking any notice of what Phoenix was doing.

The lights came back on they all pulled themselves back up and walked out of the cinema.

‘Good film.’

‘Cant say I noticed.’ Phoenix smiled.

‘So we going for a bite to eat?’

‘Yeah.’

They walked into the burger bar, ordering five double burgers with coke. They picked the trays up and found a space to sit placing the trays down on the table.

‘You’re not seriously going to eat all of that?’

‘Yeah.’

‘He’s a big eater.’

‘Yeah he once ate ten of those made everyone eave.’

‘So how long have you known each other then?’

‘Since year eight when Kieran was in year seven.’

‘So how long have you fancied one another?’

Kieran swallowed.

Kelley chocked.

‘Not long about six months.’

‘So why wait this long?’

Scared of rejection.’

‘Don’t look like she’d reject you.’

‘We kissed once at a party.’

‘So why didn’t you go for it then?’

‘Don’t know thought it was just a kiss. I didn’t think she was interested shows just how wrong I was.’

‘One thing I’ve learnt is don’t sit back go for it, especially when you want something bad.’

‘I’ll agree with that. I just wished I’d’ve asked Kelley sooner.’

‘Well you’re together now.’

‘Sure are.’

They finished their lunch and left the burger bar.

‘We’re going back to Kelley’s fancy coming?’

‘Nagh maybe next time.’

‘Okay.’

‘’We’ll do it again some time.’

‘Sure. I’ll see you at home Ash.’

‘Okay.’

Kieran and Kelley walked away.

‘We could’ve gone.’

‘Nagh. Let them have time on their own.’

She smiled.

‘You can come back to mine if you like.’

‘Is your mom in?’

‘No.’

‘Okay.’

They walked down the street, Phoenix opened the door, they stepped into the bungalow. Phoenix closed the door pushing Ashleigh up against it placing his lips on hers, kissing her hungrily and passionately.

He pulled away. ‘You know how long I’ve been waiting to do that?’

‘You were all over me in the cinema.’

‘That was different. I love you Ash.’

She smiled.

He took her hand leading her through the hall into the lounge, pulling her down onto the sofa. He leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her hungrily.

Her head hit the arm of the sofa silently as he kissed her hungrily.

He pulled away looking at her, gliding his hand down her face. ‘I really love you Ash.’

She smiled not quiet sure how to answer.

‘We’ve really got to get a place of our own. I can’t wait till end of college.’

She looked at him nervously. What was going on? They’d known each other for a week and he already wanted her to set up with him.

He leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her hungrily.

He moved away lying besides her. ‘Isn’t it great with no one else here just you and me?’

‘Yeah.’ She had to admit it was, but could she have it 24-7?

‘I’ve got to go Phoenix it’s getting late.’

‘Sure I’ll walk you.’

She smiled.

They pulled themselves up, he took her hand and they walked out of the bungalow closing the door behind them.

They stood at the end of Buttermere Street. ‘So when are you going to invite me round?’

‘Tomorrow I’ll meet you here.’

He smiled. ‘Cool it’ll give me a chance to meet your mom.’

She smiled.

He leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her.

He moved away loosing her hand. ‘I’ll see you here tomorrow at one okay.’

‘Okay.’

Phoenix walked away as Ashleigh walked down into Buttermere Street where she met Kieran. ‘So he walked you back?’

'Yeah.’

‘You know he’ll have to meet mom. She won’t let this go on for much longer.’

‘She will.’

‘When?’

‘Tomorrow.’

‘You do know she’s working tomorrow.’

‘Is she?’

‘Yeah she’s got to be in at five.’

‘That’s okay he’s coming round just after one.’

‘Why did you go earlier? Kelley wouldn’t have minded.’

‘I know he said you should spend time alone.’

‘Don’t you mean he wanted you all alone to screw you?’

She looked at Kieran angrily.

‘Maybe not!’

‘He.’

‘What’s up sis? Why such the long face?’

‘He wants me to move in with him.’

Kieran stared pale faced. ‘He’s moving a little quick isn’t he?’

‘I know he said he loved me.’

‘I don’t know what to say Ash. It’s up to you, but you do know mom will flip.’

‘Yeah I know.’

‘Just think it over don’t rush into anything, you really know nothing about him and he knows nothing about you.’

‘I know.’

‘Come on lets go in it’s freezing out here.’

Kieran and Ashleigh stepped in the house closing the door behind them.

‘Thanks Ke.’

‘What for?’

‘Listening.’

‘That’s’ what I’m here for. I know I can be a pain in the ass, but you can talk to me anytime.’

‘Thanks,’

Ashleigh met Phoenix at the end of the street, he took her hand. She looked at him ‘Are you ready for this?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Come on then.’

They walked away. Ashleigh opened the door and they both stepped in, closing the door behind them. Ashleigh’s mom walked out of the kitchen across the hall. ‘Mom this is Phoenix.’

Her mom smiled. ‘Nice to meet you at last.’

‘You too.’

‘Ashleigh has told me very little about you like your last name.’

‘Sorry I never told her it’s Johnson.’

‘So have you any brothers or sisters Phoenix?’

‘No just me.’

‘And your dad?’

‘I don’t see my dad, mom and dad split before I was born.’

‘Oh.’

‘Look mom less of the questions me and Phoenix are going up to my room okay.’

‘Okay. It was nice meeting you.’

‘You too.’

Ashleigh pulled Phoenix up the stairs into her room closing the door.

‘What’s wrong Ash?’

‘She would’ve asked you a bunch of personal questions.’

‘That’s okay.’

‘Like why your mom and dad split up.’

‘Oh.’

They sat down on the bed. ‘You okay Phe?’

‘Yeah, just mom doesn’t say much about dad never has.’

‘That’s okay you don’t have to explain. I hardly know anything about my dad either.’

He looked at her and smiled.

He placed his lips on hers kissing her, lowering her down on to the bad slipping his hand under her top.

She pulled away.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘I can’t. Not while moms in she’ll be bugging us every ten minutes or getting Kieran to do it.’

‘Ash can I come in?’

‘Told you… Yeah.’

Kieran stepped in. ‘Sorry for disturbing you, but do either of you want a drink or anything to eat?’

‘No thanks.’

‘Phe?’

‘No I’ve already eaten, thanks for asking anyway.’

‘Sorry but you know mom. She’s off to work now anyway.’

‘I thought she hadn’t got to be in till five?’

‘They called her in.’

‘Oh.’

‘Anyway I’ll be in my room with Kelley if you need me. But I doubt you will.’

She smiled.

‘Later.’

‘Later.’

Kieran closed the door behind him.

‘Sorry about that.’

‘That’s okay.’

He placed his lips back on hers.

‘Bye Kieran, Ashleigh.’

‘Bye mom. They chimed.

‘Bye Kelley, Phoenix.’

‘Bye.’ They chimed.’

The door closed.

‘Finally piece.’

‘So can I fuck you now?’

Ashleigh looked at Phoenix stunned.

‘Come on Ash I love you.’

‘Oh.’

He placed his lips on hers kissing her. He lifted her top off then undressed them both, pulling the duvet over them making love to her.’

He pulled away. ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too.’

‘We could make this more permanent you know.’

Maybe he was right, no interruptions.

‘Maybe when college is over.’

‘What’s wrong with now?’

‘I don’t know you.’

‘You fucked me isn’t that knowing someone?’

‘I don’t know Phoenix mom will flip.’

‘You’re sixteen not ten you’ve got to leave home someday.’

‘I know.’

‘So why not now?’

‘Can we see how it goes first?’

‘Sure what-ever.’

‘I’m sorry, but mom seems to think that me or Kieran are still kids.’

‘Well mine doesn’t. I want you. You’ve got till the end of term okay.’

‘O-kay.’ She said stunned.

‘I’ll take you with me Ash one way or another.’

He leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her hungrily. He pulled away lying be sides her, pulling her close, she lay on his chest.

He glided his hand down her face, she slowly closed her eyes as he said. ‘I love you’ Ash.’

‘Oh Phoenix said he’d see you at college. He left at ten, he seemed a bit pissed. What did you say to him?’

‘Nothing.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘He just banged on about me and him getting a place together. I told him to wait till college was over.’

‘Sensible. You don’t know where you’re going to be in two years time.’

‘He’s give me till the end of term.’

‘Then what?’

‘I don’t know he didn’t say.’ She lied knowing different.

‘Watch yourself Ash you don’t know him.’

‘I know. I tried to tell him that, but he wouldn’t have it.’

‘He screwed you didn’t he?’

‘Yeah.’

‘He thinks he owns you watch yourself.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I saw the way he was with you Ash. From what you’re saying he wants you all to himself.’

They walked out of the house closing the door behind them, they said their goodbyes at the gates of the high school.

‘So have you asked her yet?’

‘Yeah.’

‘What did she say?’

‘What do you think?’

‘This isn’t going to work if she’s not there with you.’

‘I know. I’ve given her till term ends.’

‘Then what?’

‘She’ll be there believe me.’

Ashleigh walked into college.

‘There she is mate.’

Phoenix looked over at Ashleigh and smiled.

She returned his smile walking over to him, he placed his arm round her. ‘You two know each other right.’

‘Yeah. He’s in my I.C.T. class.’

‘No need for introduction then.’

‘So we ready to go?’

‘Yeah.’

They all walked into the college. Ashleigh kissed Phoenix. ‘I’ll see you at lunch okay.’

‘Okay.’

He loosed her hand, and she walked into the room.

‘Talk to her Coeb she might listen to you.’

‘I’ll try, just remember what we talked about Phe. We need her in on this.’

‘I know I’ll catch you later.’

‘Sure.’

Coeb walked into the room as Phoenix walked down the corridor.

Coeb walked over to Ashleigh and sat down next to her. ‘I hope you don’t mind.’

‘Not at all.’

‘You know Phe really likes you don’t you?’

‘Yeah I do.’

‘He doesn’t stop banging on about you.’

‘Really.’

‘He told me he’d asked you to hook up with him.’

‘Did he tell you I said no?’

‘Yeah he did. Why?’

‘I’m not ready I hardly know him.’

‘He seems to think you do.’

‘Right everyone. I need your full attention.’

‘Just think about it.’

She smiled.

They sat through another boring session, then walked out of the room.

‘I’ll see you later.’

‘Okay.’

Ashleigh walked away, down the corridor to the cafeteria. Phoenix walked up to Coeb. ‘So what did she say?’

‘Not much we got interrupted.’

‘Great.’

‘I told her to think about it.’

‘What did she say?’

‘Nothing just smiled.’

‘Thanks Coeb. I’ll catch you later.’

‘Sure later.’

They walked their separate ways. Phoenix met up with Ashleigh after grabbing a drink and a sandwich. He sat opposite her, placing them on the table.

He looked at Ashleigh. ‘You okay babe?’

‘Yeah. You know you haven’t got to ask your friends to ask me to move in with you, you can ask me yourself.’

‘I did.’

He took her hand. ‘You know I love you, and you mean everything to me that’s what this ring is for. I just want to spend all of my time with you is that a crime?’

‘No.’

‘Well bunk in with me then.’

‘I don’t know Phe.’

‘Please.’

‘I can’t.’

‘Just think about it.’ He said taking his hand off hers.

She smiled.

He opened his sandwiches eating them. He looked at her. ‘I’ll see you Friday okay.’

‘I thought you were in Friday?’

‘I’ll call in sick.’

‘Oh okay.’

He placed his lips on hers kissing her.

He pulled away, pulling himself up, grabbing his drink. ‘Bye Ash.’

‘Bye.’

Phoenix walked away.

‘What’s wrong with his face?’

‘Nothing.’

Kelley sat down. ‘Big nothing.’

Ashleigh looked at Kelley. ‘He wants me and him to be more permanent.’

‘Aren’t you already?’

‘Not apart permanent.’

‘He’s rushing it a bit isn’t he?’

‘That’s what Kieran said.’

‘Does your mom know?’

‘She’ll flip Ke we don’t even know nothing about each other.’

‘Watch him Ash he’s after something and I don’t mean sex.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I over heard some of the guys talking. Him and his gang their fruit.’

‘Yeah-right.’

‘They are the might seem okay, but if you get on the wrong side of them god help you.’

‘I love him Ke.’

‘He’s sucked you in hasn’t he?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Just watch yourself Ash. You don’t know what he wants from you.’

‘I will.’

They pulled themselves up and walked away.

Ashleigh opened the door and smiled, Phoenix stepped in and she closed the door.

Kieran leaped down the stairs.

‘I thought you’d gone.’

‘I am. Hi Phoenix.’

‘Kieran.’

‘Look I’ve got to go.’

‘Ke when you start next Sept you can hang with us.’

‘Cheers I’ll take you up on that.’ Kieran said opening the door. ‘You two enjoy yourselves.’

‘We will.’

Kieran closed the door behind him.

‘That was nice of you.’

‘Your brother’s cool.’

‘When he wants to be.’

‘So are we disappearing up to your room?’

‘If you like mom’s out.’

‘At work?’

‘Yeah all day. Till eleven.’

‘So I’ve got you all to myself?’

‘Till four when Kieran comes back if he does.’

‘So him and Kelley?’

‘Yeah they spend most nights together. I hardly see him.’

‘We should and we can.’

‘Sounds good.’

‘I’ll take you there.’

‘Where?’

‘You’ll see. Shall we go through?’

‘Yeah.’

Phoenix took Ashleigh’s hand and they walked through to the lounge and sat down. He looked at her. ‘Ash.’

‘Yeah.’

‘Do you love me?’

‘You know I do.’

‘Come to that place with me.’

‘When?’

‘Next weekend, if you like it there we can bunk up there at the end of term.’

She smiled.

He leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her, she returned his kiss, kissing hungrily. He lowered her down onto the sofa lying on top of her.

She pulled away. ‘Not here.’

‘Why not no one’s in.’

He placed his lips on hers kissing her hungrily. He slipped her top off, then his bearing his tattooed body.

He slipped them both out of the jeans and underwear making love to her.

He pulled away. ‘I guess we should take this upstairs.’

She smiled.

Phoenix pulled them both up off the sofa and they slipped back into their clothes. He took Ashleigh’s hand leading her out of the lounge and up the stairs into her bedroom.

He pulled her close placing his lips on hers kissing her hungrily as they undressed. Her head hit the pillow silently and he pulled the covers over them kissing her harder and harder making love to her.

He pulled away placing his hand on her face. ‘I love you Ash.’

‘I love you too.’

He lay besides her pulling her close her naked body on his. His body so warm she soon closed her eyes.

‘So you two okay for coming round Kelley’s this Saturday?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Cool.’

‘Ke fancy going somewhere next weekend?’

‘Sure where?’

‘Just pack your bags. And tell Kelley and we’ll leave Friday afternoon come back Sunday.’

‘Sure.’

‘Cool.’

‘I’d wake her if I were you she’ll sleep till morning.’

‘I will.’

Kieran closed the door.

Phoenix glided his hand down Ashleigh’s face.

She slowly woke. ‘I fell asleep?’ she said groggily, sleepily.

‘Yeah.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘It’s okay. I’ve got news.’

‘What is it?’

‘Your brother and Kelley are joining us next weekend. You don’t mind do you?’

‘No.’

‘Good cause we’re going round Kelley’s tomorrow.’

‘Oh okay.’

‘Is it cool if I stay?’

‘I guess.’

He smiled. ‘Well best get up I’m starving.’

‘Okay.’

She pulled herself up, he leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her. He moved away. They slipped into their clothes and went down stairs into the lounge.

‘So you woke her?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Sit down Phe I’ll do us something.’

‘I’ll help.’

‘Sure.’

Kelley pulled herself up and followed Ashleigh into the kitchen.

Phoenix sat down on the opposite sofa to Kieran.

‘What’s all this about next weekend?’

‘Oh the place where we’re all going.’

‘Yeah.’

‘He asked me earlier.’

‘What’s he up to?’

‘I don’t know he just wanted to see if I liked it.’

‘Why did he invite me and Ke?’

‘To be nice.’

‘We better be coming back together.’

‘We will. He wouldn’t have asked you if we weren’t.’

‘Just watch him Ash he wants to take you up there for a reason.’

They picked up the plates with BLT sandwiches on them, and the mugs of coffee walking out of the kitchen and back into the lounge. They placed the mugs on the fire, and then sat down next to Kieran and Phoenix passing them their late lunch.

‘So where is this place?’

‘Not far from here. You’ll like it.’

Phoenix placed his arm round Ashleigh. ‘We’ll have a good time I promise.’

Kelley smiled unsure.

‘So you stopping tonight Phe?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Cool. It will give you chance to find out some of Ashleigh’s bad habits.’

‘I haven’t got any.’

‘Yeah-right.’

‘I haven’t.’

They ate in silence drinking their coffees.

‘Well we’ll leave you to it.’

‘Sure.’

Kieran and Kelley pulled themselves up off the sofa, leaving Ashleigh and Phoenix alone.

‘What’s up with Kelley?’

‘Nothing.’

‘I’m not going to let them come back alone Ash. Like I said if you like it we can go back at the end of term.’ He leaned forward. ‘I love you Ash, I like your brother I wouldn’t be that cruel.’ He placed his lips on hers kissing her.

He moved away. ‘Come on let’s go to bed.’

She smiled.

He took her hand pulling them both to her feet leading her out of the room and up the stairs. Leading her into the bedroom.

‘What’s wrong Kelley? You haven’t said a lot well nothing at all all night.’

‘You sure about this weekend?’

‘Yeah it’ll be cool.’

‘I hope so.’

‘It will.’

He leaned forward placing his lips on hers kissing her.

Ashleigh and Phoenix slipped under the covers he pulled himself on top of her placing his lips on hers kissing her hungrily making love to her.

He pulled away. ‘I hope you’re up for next weekend? We’ll be making love till sunlight.’

She smiled.

He lay besides her draping his arm over her, she lay on his chest closing his eyes.

They’d gone to Kelley’s on the following Saturday then they said there goodbyes.

They’d packed everything into the car and got in. Phoenix pulled away and drove down all the backstreets, which were darkened by the tall overgrown trees and hedges. Phoenix turned onto anther dark end street, going through more woodland. He parked up outside the hut. They all got out the car closing the doors, Phoenix looked them slipping the keys into his pocket.

They pulled their bags out of the boot. Phoenix closed it and they all walked up to the hut where Phoenix pulled out a key and unlocked the door, they all stepped in dropping their bags, as Phoenix closed and locked the door behind them. They all stared checking out the fully equipped hut. ‘So what do you think?’

‘Sound.’

They all leaped on the sofa’s Ashleigh lay down on Phoenix, Kelley on Kieran. They were all bushed they’d been up since the crack of dawn un-able to sleep for different reasons. It had grown dark as the girls eyes finally gave in closing.

‘Looks like some one’s tired.’

‘That makes two of them.’

‘So you okay with me and Ash being together?’

‘Yeah as long as she’s happy I’m happy.’

‘Cool.’

‘Have you been here before?’

‘Many times this is the place I want to bring Ash to be alone, that’s if she agrees.’

‘It’s perfect of you don’t want anyone to know where you are.’

‘I know.’

Day break slipped through the windows. ‘Well I’m going for a fag, do you want one?’

‘Yeah I’m gasping.’

They pulled themselves up, placing the girls head down on the pillows. They walked out of the hut silently closing the door behind them. They sat down on the steps. Phoenix passed Kieran a cigarette and they lit them smoking.

‘I want to tell you something can I trust you to keep it to yourself?’

‘Yeah sure.’

‘I lied to Ash.’

‘What about?’

‘My dad.’

‘Why?’

‘I told her I’d never saw him, but I have.’

‘So why didn’t you tell her?’

‘He’s in prison.’

‘Oh.’

‘He’s been in since I can remember.’

‘What’s he in there for?’

He looked at Kieran. ‘This must go no further okay. This is between us.’

‘Sure.’

‘He’s in for murder, he’s serving a life sentence. He’ll be out in a few years.’

‘Who did he you know?’

‘Not sure all I know he got sent down when mom got caught with me, and she never forgave him.’

‘So your mom’s on her own?’

‘Sort of Mark comes and goes, but she never got over dad and never forgot what happened between them. I don’t ask. So can you please not tell Ash I don’t want to loose her.’

‘Sure.’ He smiled.

‘There you are.’ Ashleigh said sitting down

Kelley sat next to Kieran. ‘We wondered where you were.’

‘We were talking.’

‘What about?’

‘Stuff.’

‘Oh.’

‘You started smoking again?’

‘Yeah school’s stressing me.’

‘Coming up to your exams?’

‘Soon. I’ll be glad when they’re over.’

‘I was glad when school was over.’

‘Why go to college then?’

‘I like college it’s more relaxed. Don’t you think?’

‘I guess.’

They all pulled themselves up. Kieran, and Phoenix doubted out their cigarettes and they all went back into the hut.

They all had something to eat and drink, and soon another day turned to night.

‘Ke your room is opposite the bathroom at least you’ll be getting to use it tonight.’

He smiled.

‘Well see you two in the morning.’

Phoenix took Ashleigh’s hand and they went into the bedroom closing the door.

‘What’s up Ke? You’ve been quiet all day.’

‘Nothing.’

‘KE!’

‘I’ll tell you when we get back tomorrow I promise. I’m going to bed coming?’

‘Yeah.’

They pulled themselves up and went into the bedroom.

‘So what do you think of this place?’

‘It’s nice.’

‘So how’s about we move in here?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Just think about it.’

She smiled.’

He placed his lips on hers kissing her.

Kieran, Kelley, and Ashleigh got out of the car. ‘I’ll give you a lift home Kelley if you like.’

‘It’s okay Phe. She’s staying at mine tonight.’

‘Sure.’

He placed his lips on Ashleigh’s kissing her hungrily. He pulled away. ‘Don’t forget what I said.’

‘I won’t.’

He slipped into gear and pulled away,

Kieran, Kelley, and Ashleigh all went into the house closing and locking the door behind them. They all descended up the stairs sleepily. ‘We’ll see you in the morning sis.’

‘Yeah night.’

‘Night Ash.’

‘Night Kelley.’

Ashleigh closed the bedroom door behind her. Kieran and Kelley went into his room collapsing on the bed. ‘What’s wrong babe?’

‘What did he say to you?’

He looked at her. ‘This must go no further than this room. I shouldn’t even be telling you.’

‘Spit it.’

‘Phoenix’s dad he’s inside.’

‘What for?’

‘Murder.’

‘You mean the same as Ashleigh’s dad?’

‘Yeah.’

‘You don’t think they’re in the same prison do you?’

‘I don’t know. All I know is that the circumstances are the same as Ash’s dad.’

‘Does Ash know?’

‘No.’

‘Has Ashleigh seen Ice?’

‘Not since summer. He’s changed just say I hope they never meet, he’s psych.’

‘What if his dad is too?’

‘Then we’re all in the shit.’