Silently Falling | √

•Chapter 12•

I WOKE UP early and got dressed in some comfy and presentable clothes before grabbing my phone and bag and headed out the door.

It was still pretty early and since I didn't want to wake any of my parents, I quietly tip-toed downstairs and made myself a toast with a cup of black, sugar-free coffee-just the way I like it. I quickly ate the toast and downed the coffee which burned my mouth in the process and then I proceeded to leave the house.

It was still pretty dark outside as I sat on the front porch waiting for Asher's white SUV to pull up any minute. And sure enough, he pulled up at exactly 6:30am.

I stood up and dusted imaginary dirt from my jeans as I got into his car. "Morning."

"Morning," Ash responded with a small on his face. "Are you ready for an incredible morning looking for the best puppy ever?" he beamed as he began driving.

"Of course. Steph will totally be all over you today," I mused.

Asher took a quick glance at me as he shook his head with an incredulous look. "That's the whole point."

"So Captain huh?" I said after a while of silence.

"Yeah coach made me Captain last week and I would have told you but you know how things were," he trailed off at that and I knew he was referring to what had happened between us after I told him of my decision.

We spent the rest of the drive to the shelter singing along to Taylor Swift's songs until Asher pulled up in the shelter's parking lot. We got out of the car and walked side by side to the front door which had an open sign.

The place was filled with all kinds of animals, ranging from mice to fish to lizards to spiders. The man at the counter looked up when he heard our footsteps and smiled. "Good morning!" he hummed with a thick Australian accent. "How may I help you?" he asked, smile still plastered on his face.

"I saw a video on your website showing puppies that were available for adoption," Asher said fidgeting. "I would like to adopt one."

The man smiled whole heartedly, "she sure is a special one," he said staring at the both of us weirdly.

"No I'm not his girlfriend, I'm just his friend here to help him pick a puppy for his girlfriend," I said just to clarify things.

The man's smile flattered for a bit before it fully returned. "Right I'm sorry for the assumption but you both would look wonderful together," he said. "Follow me."

We followed him to the back of the shelter where the puppies and kittens were. They looked too adorable that I wished I could adopt one as well.

"You can pick which one you want from them," the man said.

I took a closer step towards the crate filled with puppies wagging their little tails and panting before I picked up the  little white Maltese. "She's perfect and I know Steph will like her."

The man nodded, "Ahh yes, the Maltese is a very smart dog and loves people. But it can be a bit territorial every so often."

"Great we'll take her," Ash who was oddly quiet said.

"Would you like to get one for your friend here?"

"Do you want one Alexis?" Asher asked turning to face me.

I shook my head, "my parents would never allow me to own a dog."

"Very well then. Thank you for adopting her," the man said as we walked back to the front of the shelter. "Just fill in these forms and you're good to go."