A/N: This part is in Ash's POV. oh, and to my one and only reviewer: basically, this "modeling agent" was scouting for new models and asked Ash if she would model. Get it? Okay, so, part 2!
I woke up the next morning to my phone ringing. I picked up, groggy.
"Hello," I mumbled.
"Hey, Ash," shouted a voice from the other end I immediately recognized as Ellie's.
"Good morning, El. What's up?"
"Did you just wake up?"
"Yeah, why?"
"It's noon!"
"Well, I need my beauty sleep for the shoot tonight."
"The shoot?"
"Photo shoot. Yesterday when Paige and I were at the mall this guy gave me his business card and told me I should call if I was interested in modeling."
"Sounds like a fake. Real photographers would never do that."
"He was scouting for new models, El. His business probably isn't going too well and he probably needed some new faces."
"Just be careful, okay? When's your shoot?"
"I'm fine. It's at 7."
"In the afternoon? I wouldn't go if that's when he wants you to go!"
"He has errands to run during the day. He doesn't have any other time to see me."
"Like I said before, be careful."
"I will, I will! It's not like I'm irresponsible or anything!"
"I know, but sometimes you have to watch out. Well, have fun! Call me after the shoot, okay?"
"I most definitely will. Bye!"
"Bye!"
I hang up and go downstairs to the kitchen, where my mom is making lunch. She turns around and looks at me.
"Sleeping Beauty finally awakens," my mom says, prompting me to laugh, "Ash, um, Craig called and he wanted to know if you wanted to hang out this afternoon. I told him that you were busy."
"I'll call him."
I run upstairs to my room and immediately call Craig. He picks up after a few rings.
"Hey," Craig says, obviously not knowing who it was.
"Hey, Craig!"
"Oh, hey! What's up?"
"My mom told me that you called…?"
"She told me you're busy. I understand."
"The shoot isn't until 7, so I'm free until then. What did you have in mind?"
"I just thought maybe you'd want to come over and chill. I'd understand if you didn't want to, after what happened over the summer. Wait- you have a photo shoot?"
"Yeah, at 7. Why?"
"He doesn't sound like a real photographer. 7 PM? I'd worry about this guy if I were you."
"God, Craig, can't you be happy for me for once?"
"I am, I just don't want to you to get hurt."
"I'll be over in 10 minutes, okay?"
"Thanks. Bye."
"Bye," I hung up.
There was something going on with Craig, I know it. He didn't even say I love you. Very uncharacteristic of him. Well, I might as well get changed.
"Mom, I'm going to Craig's house," I said as I ran downstairs.
"Why? After what happened?"
"Mom, don't worry about him. He's fine. I'm fine. We're all fine. And I'm going over his house. Bye."
I run out the house and to his. I ring the doorbell and Craig answers without hesitation.
"You look great," was his greeting to me.
"And hello to you too," I replied sarcastically.
"Hi… do you want to come in?"
"Now, what could have given you that idea," I was still being sarcastic.
Something's up with him. I go into his living room and sit on the couch next to him.
"This brings back memories," I comment.
"Right. Do you want to watch a movie?"
"Sure, Craig."
Craig puts in the movie as I watch him confused. Was there something wrong with him? Did something happen? Is he keeping a secret from me? I just can't help but worry.
"Craig?"
"What? Oh, the arm, yeah, sorry. I was just so used to doing it that it was kind of out of habit."
"No, not that. Craig, is something wrong?"
"Um… nope. I'm fine. Nope, I'm just dandy."
"Craig, tell me if something's wrong."
"Nothing's wrong. Life's fine. I'm perfectly healthy."
"Did something happen?"
"No. Just the normal, average, day-to-day stuff."
"Is there anything you'd like to tell me?"
"No… why are you asking me all these questions?"
"I don't know. You're just acting a little funnier than usual."
"Funny? Like funny, funny or crazy, funny?"
"… Crazy, funny…"
"Why would you think that? I'm cheery and happy and full of energy. Nothing funny there."
"Because… never mind. Let's just watch the movie."
Craig acted strange throughout the movie, laughing at the wrong times and crying when it wasn't sad. When the movie ended, he sat back smiling, as I was crying. What? It was a sad movie! I couldn't help myself! Okay, so Craig definitely had something going on. Was it something I did? Was it the breakup? Or was it…
"Craig, I'm worried about you," I finally blurted out.
"Why? What did I do? Was it something I said?"
"… Yes. You've been acting strange all day. What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I told you before."
"Craig, tell me. Something's wrong. You're acting like you did when your father used to beat you. I know when something's up with you."
"Maybe I don't want to talk about it, okay!"
"Craig, calm down! You know you can tell me anything! I swear I won't tell anyone."
"Why are you so nosey?"
"Because I love you."
"You- you love me?"
"Of course. You're like a brother to me."
"Oh," he said with a touch of disappointment in his voice.
"You thought I meant… oh, no, Craig. I'm so sorry for leading you on or anything. I just want to be friends… like we used to. I miss that feeling, the feeling that someone is there for me that I can talk to without… commitment. You know what I mean?"
"I do but… that's not what I'm looking for."
"Craig! I thought you wanted to break up… Craig, why do you lie to me all the time? Do you do everything just to please me?"
"Of course! I always want to please you!"
"But, that's not what I want. I want you to do something you want to do!"
"I will."
And without hesitation, Craig kissed me. I pulled back, in shock.
"Craig… it's not that I don't like you, but, well, I broke up with you."
"Why?"
"I- oh my gosh, it's 6:30! I have to go," I say, looking at my watch.
"Ashley! You still need to tell me why you broke up with me!"
By the time I heard him, I was halfway out the door. I kind of regret not answering his question. I just feel so bad for him. Something bad happened to him, and it took a toll on him.
A/N: Wow, that was longer than I thought it was. Please review!