Audrey Pov

As I went up stairs, I tried to look at the recent texts I had but my phone died. I let out a huge sigh and continued upstairs. When I got in my room, I immediately put my phone on the charger. I decided on putting on a black t-shirt with white and black pajama pants when I got out of the shower. I gathered my clothes and got in the shower. It was really quiet without my music. I washed my hair and every other place I needed to wash. I got out the shower and got dressed and decided to blow dry my hair. I checked my phone and it was on 10%. I let it charge while I blow dried my hair. As I was blow drying my hair, someone rang the doorbell. I got up from my vanity to go downstairs to answer. When I got down the steps my mom and dad weren't down there. I didn't mind it, I just answered it. When I opened the door I saw Brad. He looked upset and he looked distant.

"Brad?" I asked as I tilted my head to the side in confusion. I was so happy I pulled my hair in a bun before I answered the door.

"Oh yeah , Hi Audrey. Can you go for a walk?" He asked as he looked at me. His eyes were glassy , like he wanted to cry.

"Uh yeah. Hold on. Let me grab my shoes and coat." I ran to the kitchen to get my jacket and saw a note from my parents.

Drey,
We went out with the Carlsons from your mothers job. We will be back around midnight.
Love, Dad & Mom

I rolled my eyes and grabbed my coat and keys. I slid on my white converses that I forgot I left by the stairs. I ran up stairs to grab my phone and my portable charger. I ran back down to see Brad standing in the same place he was before.

"Come one Brad." I said as I stepped outside while closing the door behind me. We both stepped off the porch and started walking down my driveway.

"Brad ? What's wrong?" I asked quietly.

"I feel like a failure. I feel like I'm letting my mom down. She really believes I can do better, but why can't I feel that way about myself?" He asked as a tear rolled down his face.

"Don't cry. Come on. Let me show you something." I said as I wiped the tear that was rolling down his cheek. I grabbed his hand and headed towards the neighborhood park. When we reached the park I looked at him.

"What are we doing here?" He said through the coursness of his voice.

"This is were I finally learned how to jump rope. I was 9 when my parents thought I should learn how to jump rope. I was a complete failure at jump rope. My mom kept looking at me in disappointment because she thought I wasn't going to be a 'normal' child because I couldn't jump rope. After that I kept coming to the park to jump rope or just stayed in the backyard and jumped rope. Then one day when I finally got it, I showed my mom and she was proud of me." I said smiling as I let go of his hand and walked around. I felt him come up behind me. He just grabbed my hand and intertwined his fingers with mine.

"What are you saying Drey?" He asked quietly.

"I'm saying , if you try to do well, you will eventually make her proud of you." I said as I smiled and looked at him. He still looked distant, like he had something else to say.

"I'm just afraid that if I don't get my shit together, she will always be disappointed in me." He said softly.

"She won't always be disappointed. I'll help you, I promise." I said sticking out my pinky. He wrapped his pinky around mine and we shook.

"What else is on your mind Brad ?" I asked. I knew something was up.

"You." He said simply.

Brad Pov

I didn't know what was going on. I just felt I should tell her now. It was now or never, because I already started. When I said 'you' she looked taken back.

"What do you mean?" She asked while looking at me.

"I don't know. I mean you are my bestfriend and I was just thinking about how you are willing to help me and I'm thankful to have a friend like you." I said. I was being a chicken. I could have told but I chickened out. Oh well I guess.

"Oh okay. That's what friends are for." She said while taking her hand away from mine. She gave me a gentle smile.

"Well let's get you home. It's going on 9:15" I said pulling out my phone to check the time.

"Yeah, it is getting late and I have to finish my hair." She said as she started walking out if the gates of the park. I followed behind her and jogged to catch up.

We walked in silence other than one or two cars driving down the street. I just admired Audrey's beauty. I couldn't believe I chickened out, but it was over now. We got to her house and I walked her up the driveway. She pulled out her keys from her pocket and unlocked the door.

"Text me?" She said with a smile.

"Sure will." I said with a goofy grin.

"Alright, be safe." She said sweetly.

"Okay. Goodnight Drey." I said as I pulled her into a hug. She stiffened and gasped, but then loosened up.

"Goodnight Bradley." She whispered. She pulled away and went inside. She softly closed the door.

When the door shut I turned around and tried to step off the porch but landed in the bushes. I got up and brushed myself off. I walked down the driveway and walked home.