"You" - Chapter 4 - "Signs"

Ashley sat in her room, desperately trying to find something to keep herself occupied so it was no longer her alone with her mind. Ellie had promised Marco they could spend some time together while Dylan was away at a hockey tournament, and after Ashley had done all of her homework, worked on 2 new songs, and cleaned her room, she was still feeling restless. Paige and Hazel had a double-date with Spin and Jimmy, so she had no excuse or means of getting out of the house and getting her mind off of everything.

She sat at her desk and turned on the radio. The first song reminded her of when Ellie tried to figure out the guitar part to it on her bed and ended up breaking the B string. She changed the station and remember it had been playing the night Ellie came over after Sean had broken up with her and how she fought tears for an hour until they became inevitable. Frustrated, she shut off the radio and lay down on her bed. But even that reminded her of Ellie when her eyes found the black nail polish stain that she had left by accident. Ashley sat up, resting her face in her hands, and wondered what to think, what to feel, but mostly what to do. She knew that Ellie was the most important person in her life, and that she made her happier than anyone she could think of. But was it really that simple? Sexuality was a confusing topic in itself, let alone when it came to suddenly changing it. She was scared and confused, and decided to just look for a sign. Ashley always relied heavily on signs and omens and decided to let this time not be an exception.
Ashley dozed off to sleep for a bit to clear her head.

When she woke up, she walked over to the mirror and started contemplating whether or not she liked her current hairstyle, or when it was shorter better. She held the scissors in her hand just as an idea when her mom walked in.

"Oh, Ashley, please tell me you're not going to cut your hair again!" Kate exclaimed, frustrated.

"Why?" Ashley asked, a little thrown off-guard, "You didn't like it?"

"Ashley, it's not that, it's just I'm not sure I'm so comfortable with all of these constant changes. And significant changes at that. I just don't want you to lose sight of who you are."

Ashley paused. "I know, Mom. Thanks."

Kate was surprised by her civility instead of an attitude, but decided to just go with it and exit quietly. But now Ashley was convinced; despite what she felt, any romanticism between she and Ellie had to be over.