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“Oh" I pull back with the feeling that Asher is here this , unannounced, because he needs esture is nice, it couldn't come at a worse possible time "Um That’s sweet of you, but I have to leave school early today”

Asher's brow furrow and his lips tilt down into a frown “That sucks Is everything okay?”

I look to the kitchen, to Mom for support, but she and Dad seem to have disappeared They probably went into his office to talk about Asher and his stepdad I wish they’d do so to put that man behind bars, but at least Asher will be safe for a few days “Everything is fine I’ve got some stuff to do”

“Like what?”

“It’s nothing” I bite my lip From the look on Asher's face, that was a mistake He can read me, plain as day, which makes me ridiculously excited inside

“Ellie, you’re a shitty liar What’s wrong?”

I s the luue I can’t find the words to tell Asher where I’, let alone why

“El?” he deain when I refuse to answer the first time

I look down at my hands, embarrassed Liam put me in this position, est fear He takesfor me to be ready

“I have an appointment at Planned Parenthood”

Asher’s face pales, which is a sight to see, considering how fair he is already He takes my hand and pulls me down the hallway I came from earlier He has no clue which room is mine, so he stops between my room and the bathroom I point at the second door

We walk in and I realize Asher Anderson is in my bedroom All of the sudden those nervous needles are back My room is clean, except for the clothes in a basket near my closet A pastel pink comforter is folded neatly over est fear is that Asher will notice all of the photos on my desk, specifically the ones of me and Liam Most are froh school

Asher opens his ht in his throat He looks past me to the bulletin board by my bed and smiles “I like that picture”

I look over my shoulder and feel ht say seeing Liaht feel aboutand play it off as no big deal “You’re a good photographer”

“Will you send it to me?”