Forever & Always

Five

Music was blasting through the car speakers, and all three girls were singing at the tops of their lungs as the wind whipped wildly through the car. They pulled into the parking structure. Ashlyn's convertible was always a blast, and they all laughed as the top came down. Emma got out, pushing the seat forward as Carter climbed out. She gave Emma an extra ball cap and fluffed her hair out before spinning around and waving bye.

"Thanks for the ride, Ash!" Carter yelled and ran towards a waiting Mickey.

Mickey waved before grabbing Carter and walking towards the theater.

"Come on, Emma," Ashlyn grabbed Emma's arm the same way and pulled her towards the shops. "Let's stop by Forever 21 first." Emma sighed and followed along. Ashlyn grabbed shirts and skirts left and right while Emma thumbed through the racks, not seeing anything she liked.

Ashlyn had picked a few dresses for her to try on, and Emma glared at her, "No." Emma said firmly, and Ashlyn groaned. "Just try them on, please?"

Emma sighed and marched into the dressing room. Two dresses were barely more than a scrap of fabric, "You cannot wear workout gear or shorts and t-shirts forever, Emma." Ashlyn shouted in the stall next to her.

"Watch me," Emma grumbled and tugged on a tight navy blue scrap of fabric that made her look like a rectangle. She opened the door when Ashlyn knocked. Ashlyn's face wrinkled, "Nope." Emma rolled her eyes and closed the door. She noticed Ashlyn had on a high-waisted skirt with a little bra number that looked cute.

"I like yours," Emma called through her stall, and Ashlyn scoffed, "I know, right? I am thinking of pairing it with my leather jacket."

"It's June Ash," Emma said. The evenings were still warm in comparison, and a jacket would be ridiculous, in her opinion.

"Here, try this," Ashlyn said, pushing three more things in, and Emma looked at the outfit and smiled.

A torn-up old band shirt that had been modified to a crop-top number and had cute slits in the back. A bright red lacy bralette was slung over the hanger. Ashlyn had found a dark pair of ripped skinny jeans with a distressed appearance. Emma shrugged everything on and admired the outfit in the mirror.

She pictured the hairstyle she would do and figured she had enough money to splurge on a pair of new Converse. A pair of high tops would do. She pulled open the door, and Ashlyn smiled. "Perfect." Emma smiled and closed the door to change. She brought the clothes to the girl working, who smiled gratefully at her and headed towards the register.

"One day, I will get you to wear a dress." Ashlyn thumbed through the jewelry as they waited in line. Emma watched Ashlyn grab and throw a few things in her basket.

"Anywho," Ashlyn said and turned to look out the window. Emma followed her gaze, and her eyes landed on the most beautiful man she had ever seen. She couldn't see well, but his bright blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight. His short blonde hair was naturally styled, and he wore a tight black tee. His muscles were perfect under the tight fabric, and he looked her up and down before winking.

"Ugh, of course," Ashlyn grumbled and turned around. The man's smile made her heart beat, and she reluctantly dragged her eyes from him to look at her friend.

"Do you know him?" Emma asked, and Ashlyn scoffed again.

"That would be Matthew Richards." Emma's mouth dropped open. Shït. That gorgeous man was her ex?

"That-" Emma was speechless, and Ashlyn glared at her.

"Yes, that was Matt. Why are you all tongue-tied?" She looked at Emma, who blushed and turned away as the cashier called her up.

"No, I am not just shocked by him being here, that is all." Emma lied and hoped Ashlyn believed her.

"His best friend Trevor works at the skate shop next door." Emma sighed as Ashlyn ignored her awkwardness.

Emma paid for her outfit and sighed, "I wanted to go in and get some Converse." Ashlyn put her stuff on the counter and watched Emma with narrowed eyes.

"Converse with this?" Ashlyn pointed to Emma's bag.

"Yeah, why? What's wrong with it?" Emma shrugged, and Ashlyn rolled her eyes. "You are fashion-challenged." That was all she said.

"Fine, I look good anyway. Let's go." She grabbed her bag, and they exited the store.

Ashlyn walked towards the skate store and Emma's heart started to race in her chest. They walked in and saw Matt leaning against the counter with his friend Trevor, who Emma knew from coming to buy shoes, and another equally handsome man. Matt barely looked at Ashlyn when they walked in and his eyes locked on hers before she moved away towards the Converse section.

"Same as before Emma?" Trevor called out and Emma sighed, "Not today, Can I grab a pair of high-tops?" She said walking back towards the counter after composing herself. She could feel his eyes on her but she looked at his friend.

"I have been here many times and I never knew your name was Trevor," Emma said, and he laughed, "Never asked girl." He waved and headed towards the back.