Chapter Eight - Meeting Grandma

Farrah

I had avoided Asher the best I could in our last class. I should never have run away from him, but I couldn’t stay there with him any longer. The kiss did something to me. It made strange feelings soar through me, ones that I was not used to. His lips felt good. I know I wanted my first kiss to mean something, but it still felt good even though it never. I can’t believe I have finally had my first kiss, and with Asher of all people.

And pretended to be his girlfriend for one day, hasn’t been too bad. The only thing was Maisie and her friends. I hope they don’t give me too much trouble, but then again when tomorrow comes I will not be his “girlfriend” anymore, maybe they will back off when that happens.

The bell rang for the end of the last class, and I wanted to rush out the door, but I couldn’t. I told Asher I would meet his Grandma today, and I do not like going back on my word. I would need to suck it up and be a big girl. I will just act like the kiss didn’t happen. I let everyone go out first, Asher and I soon the only left in the class.

“Hey, you still coming to mine?” He asked, approaching me.

“Yes,” I said softly, “I said, I would,” I added, smiling.

“OK. Good, I wasn’t sure you would, after you ran away from me,” He said.

“Um, yeah, I am sorry about that,” I said, looking at the floor.

Asher stood in front of me, placing his hand on my chin, tilting it, so I was looking at him. I knew I was blushing.

“It is OK. Why did you, though? Did you not enjoy it?” He asked.

“It wasn’t that it was all just a little much,” I said, biting on my lower lip, “And, I, um, did enjoy it, a little too much,” I added, honestly.

I could tell he was trying to fight back a smirk when I said that. I know I shouldn’t have probably said it, but I don’t like lying, even though I have spent my entire day lying. I have never been one for lying, and today was only a little fun.

“Mmm, good to know,” He said, letting the smirk paint his lips, “I enjoyed it too,” He added, winking.

I giggled nervously and shook my head. Asher chuckled, placed his hand on the small of my back, and we headed out. I got what I needed from my locker, and we went to my car.

“I hope you are hungry because my Grandma will offer you food every ten minutes, she likes to make sure her guests are well fed,” He laughed, as we got on the road.

“I am hungry, never ate much at lunch,” I giggled.

“That is probably a good thing,” He smiled.

Any awkwardness that was there had disappeared. I let the music play for the rest of the journey, Asher humming along and getting lost in his mind. I watched him from the corner of my eyes as I drove. Why does he have to be so handsome? I liked the cluster of freckles he had on his cheek. I sighed to myself and pulled away before he caught me.

We pulled up outside his house, parking the car, and headed in. I was anxious, the closer I got to the door. I don’t know why. I am sure his Grandma is lovely.

“Grandma, we are here,” Asher called out.

“Kitchen, my boy,” She called back, her voice warm.

I smiled when she called him that. It was sad that his parents left, but I can his Grandma cared deeply about him. Asher led me to the kitchen. The moment I walked in, I could smell freshly baked cookies, and the smell was enough to make my stomach rumble. His Grandma was putting cookies onto a tray as we came in. She sat them down, wiping her hands on her apron before coming over.

“And you must be Farrah,” She said, smiling at me, “I am Asher’s Grandma, you can call Nancy,” She added.

“Yes, that is me,” I said, smiling, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Nancy,” I added, softly, feeling myself blush.

“The pleasure is all mine,” She smiled, hugging me.

I happily hugged her back for a moment. We pulled apart, and she turned to Asher, hugging him too, and he hugged her back, smiling as he did. I am glad he had someone in his life.

“How was school today, sweetie,” She asked him.

“Not bad, thank you, Grandma,” He said, “I see you have been busy,” He added, looking around.

“Yes, I made a little too much,” She laughed, “But I can give Farrah some to take home with her,” She added.

“Thank you, those cookies smell amazing,” I gushed.

Nancy told us to help ourselves. The cookies still had heat in them when I picked one up. I took a small bite, and groaned, the cookie melting in my mouth. It was so good.

“These are amazing!” I gushed.

“Yes, Grandma, makes the best cookies,” Asher said proudly.

“Nonsense,” Nancy said, brushing it off.

“It is true, and you know it,” Asher smiled, kissing her cheek.

I had to stop myself from awing at the sight. I think that would embarrass Asher a little. Nancy smiled, hugging him. Asher made us both a coffee, and his Grandma a cup of tea before we went outside to sit at the table and chair on the porch. The garden was beautiful, covered in beautiful colourful flowers, and plants. I could see that Nancy takes pride in her garden. I was relaxed now.

“Asher said you are new here, how are you finding it?” Nancy asked.

“Yes. It is not too bad, but I miss my best friends back home,” I sighed.

“Yes, I am sure you do, but at least you are making new ones,” She smiled, “Thank you for getting Asher home last night,” She added.

“No, bother,” I said.

“I wish he would stop with the drinking,” She said, looking at Asher.

Asher slummed down on the chair when she said that. I can tell he hates letting her down, but it is not my place to say anything. Asher does the things he does, for a reason and I will not judge him on that. I don’t think his Grandma is judging him on it either. I think she is more worried about him than anything. I thought it was best to change the subject.

“Your garden is beautiful,” I said, taking the attention away from Asher.

“Thank you, this is my favourite place, my back yard because it is mine,” She smiled.

Nancy and I chatted about her garden, Asher giving me a grateful smile. We sat out back, eating cookies and chatting for half-an-hour before Nancy wanted to go in and get started on dinner. I would go home and leave them to it, but she insisted that I stay for dinner. And I couldn’t say no to such a sweet, kind woman.

“Thank you, for changing the subject and agreeing to stay for dinner, you have made my Grandma’s day, she loves cooking for people,” Asher smiled, “And she is an amazing cook,” He added.

“I couldn’t say no, she is so sweet,” I smiled, “And I don’t doubt that for a second if her baking is anything to on,” I added.

“Anyway, thank you,” He said.

“No, bother,” I said softly, tucking my hair behind my ear.

Asher got to his feet, offering me his hand, which I took and pulled me to my feet, my body close to his. He reached up, moving a few stray hairs away from my eyes. It was simple, but enough to make me shudder.

“Come on, let’s head inside,” He smiled.

I nodded and led us inside, his hand still in mine. I don’t know if he realises he still has my hand, but when we stepped into the kitchen, he dropped it quickly, not wanting his Grandma to see it, I am assuming.

“Can I help?” I asked.

“No, sweetie, thank you though, you two go and find something to do. I will call you when dinner is ready,” she smiled.

“We can go to my room for a bit,” Asher said.

“Um, why?” I asked nervously.

Only loud enough for him to hear me.

“To find something to do, like watch a movie or play the computer or something, relax,” He said, laughing.

“Sorry,” I giggled.

This will be another first for me, being in a boys room, alone with him. God, I was pathetic. I pushed all of that to the back of my mind and followed him upstairs.

At least my time here is going well. I was worrying about nothing.