The girl beneath the bruises

Beautiful places and beautiful people

Ashley's POV

I ran back to Jackson and Katie. Tears were rushing down my face now.

"What's wrong Ashie?" Jackson asked wiping one of my tears.

I didn't know what to say, it all happened so fast.

He whispered something to Katie and she nodded, then walked away.

"Let's skip school." He suggested.

I just nodded, clearly not thinking.

He led me to his car and we both hopped in.

"You know, I've missed you a lot." Jackson said to me, taking my hand in his.

"Yeah why'd you leave?" I asked him.

He gripped my hand tighter and gave me a fake smile.

"Let's not talk about it." He answered.

I just nodded, seems like I do that a lot now.

The car jerked to a stop and I looked out the window.

"I didn't think you'd bring me here, I remember this place like it was yesterday!" I squealed as I hopped out the car.

All Jackson did was laugh.

"And I also brought a picnic basket, it was supposed to be for me and Katie, but-"

"Oh my gosh! I feel so bad!" I screamed.

"Don't, it's totally fine," He answered, not at all sad, "I'm just happy to see you again."

I smiled and sat down to start unpacking the picnic basket.

He sat beside me as I finished unpacking and I leaned on his shoulder.

"I've missed you so much!" He whined bring my chin to look at him.

"Yeah, yeah, me too." I answered.

I picked up a sandwich and took a bite. He tried to take my sandwich, but I swatted his hand.

"Don't touch my food." I said in a dangerously low voice.

He slowly retreated his hand. I took another bite and looked off the cliff.

Our mom's used to take us here when we were kids and I smiled at the thought.

"What?" And on asked smiling at me.

"Just remembering back." I answered.

My head turned to the side and I looked into his eyes.

"God, I missed you so much, Ashley." He said before crashing his lips to mine.

I sat there shocking till I realized what he was doing and kissed back.

No this isn't right, Katie is my best friend and one of my only friends.

I pushed him away and frowned at him.

"You're dating Katie! What are you doing?" I screamed.

"I only dated Katie to get closer to you." He yelled.

"That's some messed up stuff, Jackson." I said.

"But you liked our kiss, I know you did." He answered.

"Well I might have, but that isn't right." I whispered.

"I love you Ashley, I love you so freaking much."

And for the second time that night, I kissed Jackson Daniels.