Ashton...

He lied.

I didn't see him the next day. I mean, it all depends on what soon meant. I looked at my phone like a crazy woman every five seconds or so throughout the day. Neither he nor Nolan came to school the next day, so it felt boring not having anyone disturb or tease me. 

I can't believe I thought of that. I was always complaining about how Aiden was annoying and childish, but now I miss it. Even Ashton disappeared at a point during lunch. I wonder what's up with him too, but I know Ash. He'll tell me when he's ready.

Ari had taken notice of my expression as the warm Californian breeze whipped through my hair as we sat down at the tree close to school. Her hair was in a messy bun, and the bags under her eyes made her look tired. I tried asking her why she looked so exhausted, and when she said Nolan, I had to stop her because I could already guess what she was about to say. "What's bothering you, Thea?"