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I squeeze the hand on ers with mine “You're sweet”

Asher sits up and faces me He mirrors my position and our knees touch I shouldn't want to kiss hiet an STD test But the way Asher is looking at me makes my sto used to He took the fall for soirl, probably paid for the procedure too, all so she didn't have to look at her child's face and be reminded of a monster It's kind of a turn on

"I’o with you"

“I’ood, I promise” I squeeze his shoulder because I need to touch hito feel every inch of him Just maybe not today

"Alright What ti?" Asher pushes my hair behind my ear

I think he feels the same pull I do I close my eyes and lean into his hand His thuainst the corner of my mouth

I open , Is this an invitation to kiss hiht after lunch”

“If you change your mind, let me know," he whispers He leans closer until the heat of his breath tickles my cheeks

I lick my lips, aware I've drawn attention to the to et the all-clear from the doctor, I probably shouldn't either The way Asher haslong Hands would be roaasm he promised me wouldn't be too far off

I pull back and walk over to s fro or ill be late”

Theflows by faster than I would have hoped, and my appointment at Planned Parenthood is in less than an hour I have to leave school in thirtythe F out I hate needles, but more so, I’m terrified as to what ed in the past feeeks I don't knoas so ignorant

“Oh, ie squeals as she sets her tray down beside ot to tell you! Mom and I finally found the perfect dress”

“Oh yeah?” I say with a forced smile at the same time Asher asks, “For what?”

Maggie rolls her eyes like she can’t be bothered with Asher’s ignorance I’d laugh, but hts about this afternoon “Do you live in a cave? Prom! It’s next weekend”

“Oh!” Asher says, his eyes widening They look toI can't figure out