(Chapter 22- More than Friends)

"Hey guys what's going on?" I asked from the door way of Chase's house.

Crystal, Josh and Chase were standing outside his house on the walkway talking. What I can't figure out is what they are doing here. I didn't even know they knew where Chase lived. I guess I was wrong.

"Honey, I thought you were going to sleep?" Chase said.

"Honey?" I questioned raising an eyebrow at him.

Ok that was a little weird. Why did Chase just call me honey? And why did I like it? I don't like Chase right? We're just friends that's all. I mean sure he is looking hot and all plus I have this strange pull to him but come on Ashlyn get your head strait. This is exactly what your not supposed to be thinking!

"I...I...It was a joke." He laughed nervously.

"Oh." I said in disappointment. "I was asleep but then I heard noises down here so I can to see what it was."

I don't know why but that stung a little. Chase was just joking. Well that's what you get for thinking things like that for your best friend Ashlyn. Don't set yourself up for anymore disappointment. Now that I've settled that I wonder why they are here.

"Not to be rude or anything but what are you guys doing here?" I asked Josh and Crystal.

"I...um tried to call you earlier but you were asleep so Chase answered and said you were here." Crystal explained. For some reason I wasn't buying it though.

"Oh did you need to see me for something?"

"No just wanted to see if maybe you felt like hanging out. After all we haven't seen each other in -" Crystal quickly stopped herself like she realized she said something she shouldn't."A few hours." She finished.

"Ok but why is Josh here?" I asked.

"He came to see me. We have to go see the coach at school." Chase quickly said.

Do you ever get that feeling like you know everyone is in on something but you? Well I feel that way right now and it's very upsetting. Maybe I could get it out of Crystal later.

"So you're leaving me?" I pouted. Something about me didn't want to let Chase leave.

"Don't worry I won't be gone long." Chase smiled then wrapped his arms around me." I just have to take care of some stuff."

"Fine but bring me back a burger from Ian's please." I said sweetly and smiled. This always worked on Chase.

"How about I take you there when I get back? It is a Friday night after all." Chase said.

"That would be great." I said excitement clear in my voice.

"Ok see you then." Chase said placing a kiss on my head and leaving with Josh.

Before they left I could almost swear I seen Josh giving Crystal a loving look. I wonder what that was about. I don't think he even knows her to be honest. Maybe something has changed since summer? I don't remember them talking today.

"What do you want to do?" Crystal asked.

"Talk, I have a few questions." I said pulling her in the house and closing the door.

"About what?" Crystal questioned cautiously.

"Me it feels like I'm messing something." I confessed.

"Like what?"

"I don't know but something just feels off and then I am having these weird feelings for Chase, he is acting different to. Maybe Italy did something to him." I said.

"Italy?" Crystal asked surprised.

"Yeah you know the place Chase has been all summer." I hinted.

"Oh yeah." She said. "Ashlyn what do you remember about today?"

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"I just want to know. I just noticed something today and I want to know if you did to." She answered.

"Ok." I said not totally convinced."I woke up this morning and went to school. Then I talked to you and you said that Chase had changed. We talked about it for a few minutes before I saw him for myself and seen you were right. What was that about anyway?"

"Italy I guess." She said. "So what else?"

"Well then he walked me to class and I accidentally drew a picture of Josh and we talked a while and he asked me out after school today." I then just realized I forgot about that. "Oh my gosh I completely forgot about that. I hope he doesn't say anything to Chase or he will flip."

"Is that all you remember?" Crystal asked slightly annoyed.

Ok what is that about? She normally doesn't act that way. Did I say something wrong? I hope not.

"No, Chase and I came here after school and watched a movie then the next thing I know I'm waking up on his bed a while later. I guess I fell asleep although I don't remember doing that." I admitted.

"I guess you were just tired." She said. "Can I ask you another question?"

"Sure."

"Do you still like Josh? I know you did last year but do you still?" She asked worried.

"You know I don't know. When I seen him here just now I didn't really notice him instead all my attention was on Chase. I can't seem to get him out of my head. Josh was the last thing on my mind." I answered. "Why?"

"You promise not to get mad?" She asked cautiously.

"I promise now tell me." I said now curious.

"I like Josh." She said quickly.

"What?"

"I like Josh and I want to go out with him." She said admitted. "Are you mad?"

I still couldn't get my head around what she just said. Since when did she ever like Josh? This was all so strange to me. He question kept circling my mind. Am I mad about her liking Josh? I mean I didn't really feel anything for him when he showed up here today and I don't feel jealous or hurt so maybe I don't care as much as I thought I did. Is it possible that I don't like him anymore? I thought I still did today but then with these new feelings I have going on I don't think I do now. It's like I only have room for one person that's Chase. How am I going to act around him if I keep feeling this way? Friends shouldn't be feeling this way about each other. I need to find a way to keep these feelings down before I mess everything up.

"Hello, Ashlyn you there?" Crystal said waving her hand in my face.

"Oh sorry." I said snapping out of it."I was just thinking about what you said."

"And?" She questioned.

"If you like him then go for it. I think you two would be good together anyway." I stated.

"Really? Are you sure?" She asked happily.

"Yeah, don't worry about me. I think I'm over it strangely enough."

"Thank you, thank you, and thank you." Crystal hugged me while jumping up and down in joy.

"No problem." I laughed."So what was I suppose to notice today?"

"Just that Chase likes you." She said causing me to freeze.

"W- what?" I gasped.

"Yeah, I can't believe you never realized it. "She said. "I think today was most obvious though."

"You have to be mistaken. Chase doesn't feel that way for me." I said sadly.

"Trust me he does."

Is it possible? Could Chase really like me? I want so bad to believe it's true but I can't. Chase has and can get any girl he wants, why would he choose me? I'm nothing compared to pretty Cheerleader ones he goes for. I guess I shouldn't get my hopes up, it would only set me up for heart break and I don't need that again. Seeing him go off with those girls one time if enough hurt for me, I don't need a repeat.

After mine and Crystals talk we sat down on the couch and watched some TMZ and Then the food network channel. I love to watch Rachel Ray. Everything she makes is good. Crystal seemed to hate everything though and looked like she was going to be sick from it. I on the other hand wanted it all. I was almost tempted to go into the kitchen and start making something myself if Chase didn't hurry. I hope Chase gets here soon before I end up eating in the house. Just as I thought it I heard the door opening revealing Josh and Chase.

"Hey." I smiled to them.

"Hey." They replied in unison.

"Did football go alright?" I asked.

"Yeah we just went over the plays for next week's game." Chase said.

"Oh."

All of a sudden an awkward silence filled then room and no one spoke. As I kept stealing glances at Chase, Crystal kept looking at Josh. I hope someone says something soon because this is all kind of awkward.

Crystal shifted nervously and stood up."Lets got eat. We are getting hungry."

"Could you guys wait on me just a minute? I need to speak to Josh." I said.

Chase looked like he wasn't too sure but Crystal understood and stepped out. I gave Chase a look that said it will be ok and then he left to.

"What's on your mind?" Josh asked.

"I just wanted to talk to you about today. I know I said we would go out after school today but I don't think that would be such a great idea now." I stated. "You are a great guy and all but I think that Chase would have a problem with this and he means too much to me to let this get in the way."

"It's ok I understand. You and Chase have been friends for a long time and he means a lot to you. I wouldn't want to come between you friendship."

"Thank you for understanding." I said kindly.

"Thank you for being honest." He smiled.

"Can I tell you something though?"

"Anything."

"You should ask Crystal out. I'm pretty sure she likes you." I hinted.

"Maybe I'll do that." He smiled.

Josh and I walked outside to meet Chase and Crystal who looked like they were having a conversation of their own. Once they spotted us they quickly stopped talking and smiled to us.

"Ready?" Chase asked.

"Sure." I smiled. "Crystal why don't you go with Josh and, I'll go with Chase."

"Ok." Crystal agreed and walked with Josh to a black town car.

"Where did that come from?" I questioned.

This car looked really expensive and I didn't know Josh had a driver. What is he royalty or something?

"My parents insist I have a driver. They think it's safer." Josh quickly said.

"A bit over protective but ok." I laughed.

"We'll see you there." Josh and Crystal said getting in the car.

I got into the car with Chase which was still his classic 67' Chrome colored Shelby Mustang that I loved so much. I have begged him to let me drive it a hundred times but he won't. This car was his baby. He wouldn't anyone but him drive it. He was a muscle car guy. He loved them and the attention he got from the girls when he drove it.

"I've missed you." He mumbled to his car.

"You were driving it today at school and you already miss it?" I laughed. Talk about a man in love.

"You know I love this car." He Joked.

"Oh I know, Mr. won't let anyone drive Carla." I said rolling my eyes.

"Hey Carla is a classic." He defended.

"So you've said many times."

"Do you really want to drive it that bad?" He laughed.

"You mean the begging didn't make it obvious?"

Chase smiled then slowed the car down until we came to a complete stop beside the road. He opened the door and got out of the car before coming to my side.

"What are you doing?" I asked confused.

"Letting you drive now get out."

"Oh my god really?" I squealed.

"Yes, now hurry before I change my mind."

I quickly got out of the car ran around to the driver's side. As I sat down I felt adrenaline rush through my body. I looked over at Chase and gave him a 'let's see what this baby can do look.'

"Now don't get any idea's, Be careful with her.' He said.

"Chase I think you like this car more than me sometimes." I joked.

"That would never happen." He said in all seriousness.

"Ok, ok chill. I was only joking. I know you still love me." I laughed.

I adjusted all the mirrors and then the seat before I began to start the car.

"Just remember this is a straight drive so you have to press the clutch when you start it."

"Ok, what's that?" I played stupid.

"I changed my mind, I'll drive." He said about to open the door.

I shook my head at him and laughed. "I'm kidding."

"It's wasn't very funny." He didn't laugh but I could see a smile forming on his face.

"Let's see what she's got." I started the car and put her into gear.

One thing you need to know about Chase is if you don't treat Carla like she's real, you won't be allowed to be around her ever again. It's crazy how much he loved this car. I think he said his Grandpa gave it to him anyway so that holds some sentimental value right there.

I looked down the road making sure there were no cars coming before I sped down the road. I screamed a woo hoo before kicking it into a higher gear and speeding up. I loved how fast she could go. The car really had a lot of power. As I passed about five cars I could see Chase panic.

"Relax; you drive this way all the time." I laughed.

"Yeah but you don't." he said. "No more passing and keep it under 60."

"Ok dad." I joked.

I don't know why he is being so careful with me. It's not like I'm going to break. I slowed back down but still enjoyed the ride. The windows were down, the wind was blowing in with my hair flying everywhere and I loved it! I felt so free and relaxed. To add to the effect I turned on the radio and cranked up the song Mustang Sally and sand along. Now it felt right.

Just as the song ended and another began we were at Ian's. I slowed down the car and parked in a spot at the end of the lot. Chase liked to park away from everything to make sure the car wasn't hit even if that meant walking a good ways. I guess I couldn't blame him though, it is a nice car. Chase and I opened the doors and stepped out just as Crystal and Josh pulled up. They got out looking confused.

"How did you get here before us? Did you do 90 the whole way again?" Josh asked Chase.

"Actually she did." He pointed to me laughing.

"You mean he let you drive Carla?" Crystal asked surprised.

"Yeah finally." I shook my head at Chase. "Enough with the chit chat I'm hungry."

I led the way into the restaurant and found us our corner booth. This booth was known as ours and Jeff always keep it open for us every Friday night at seven, that our usual meeting time. We even carved our initials into the wood table. This table belongs to A.W and C.H. I think we were in the ninth grade when we carved that.

Once the waitress came we ordered our food. I ordered the barbeque bacon cheese burger my usual while Chase, Crystal and Josh all ordered a steak completely raw which was weird because Chase didn't usually eat meat with blood still in it. I guess that changed when he went to Italy to. As it turned out half of school was their which wasn't too unusual for Ian's on the weekend since this was the teen hang out. We ate our food and talked with our friends while joining in on a game of pool. I know I was here just last weekend but I could help feel like I missed it so much. It felt like it had been a lot longer than a week.

By 9pm we were all ready to leave. We told Crystal and Josh by and since they probably needed to go home and left ourselves. This time Chase drove us home since I'm sure he didn't want a reenactment of earlier but I was fine with it because at least finally got to drive it. Once we were at Chase's we decided to watch some TV. They were having a marathon of The Vampire Diaries on the CW since the new season was getting ready to start soon and I made Chase watch it with me. For some reason Chase hated vampire movies and shows but I guess that's because the media had worn them out.

"I don't get it. She broke up with him because he was a vampire but now she wants to get back together?" He said.

"It's because she realized how much she truly loves him and is willing to put that aside." I explained.

"Well what if I was a vampire, would you still love me." Chase asked.

"Vampires aren't real." I stated.

"But if they were?"

"Then yes I would still love you just as long as you didn't try to kill me." I joked.

Chase didn't say anything but instead stared deep into my eyes. He placed his hand on my cheek caressing it gently as I felt tingles shooting through my body. His eyes flicked between my eyes and my lips making me wish he would just come for them. I swallowed nervously he started closing the distance between us. I closed my eyes just as Chase's lips made contact with mine. As much as I knew this would not be good for our friendship I responded back. My hands worked in Chase's hair as I pulled him into me more. Our lips worked together as our tongues wrestled for dominance which Chase won instantly but I didn't care. Chase leaned me back on the bed as he climbed on top of me running his hands along me sides and to my thighs. My mind was telling me to stop before our friendship is ruined but my body just wouldn't listen. As Chase found a spot on my neck that he immediately began kissing and sucking on I knew I was a goner. There was no way I was turning him down know even if I wanted to my body wouldn't allow it. No longer able to wait I quickly grabbed his shirt and pulled it off and he did the same in to mine in return. We both kept going back and forth until all our clothes were off. As Chase positioned himself between my legs I prepared myself for the pain. I have always heard that losing your virginity hurt so I knew what to expect.

"Are you sure?" Chase asked me before proceeding.

I nodded my head waited for it to happen. When it did it was nothing like I expected. There was not pain or pressure just pleasure and that was good enough for me, I was happy what I heard wasn't true. As both of our bodies worked together we both climaxed and our bodies began to jerk and we tried to catch our breath. Chase place a kiss on my head and got off of me. We both lay down on his bed as Chase wrapped his arms around me holding me close and that's how I fell asleep, in the embrace of my best friends arms a place I couldn't be happier to be.

****Dream****

"You look so beautiful. I'm so proud to be able to call you my daughter in law. I couldn't have been happier to find out you were Chase's soul mate. I always thought you two would end up together." Chase's mom said to me.

I smiled at her and turned to look in the mirror. When I caught sight of myself I gasped. I didn't even recognize myself. My hair and makeup was flawless. My dress was one of a princess. It was a white ball gown dress it didn't even look like me. I started to tear up but quickly stopped to keep from ruining my makeup.

"I want to give you something that I hold very dear to me."

I looked down at her hands as she pulled out a box. She handed to me as I reached for it. Once it was in my hands a slowly opened it being careful not to drop it. The sight I seen took my breath away. Inside the box was the most beautiful earring and necklace set I ever saw. Chase's mom took them out of the box and placed them on me.

"This is too much. You don't have to do all this." I said gratefully.

"This is a family heirloom and you are like my daughter and will be very soon so I would like you to have it." She said.

******Dream Over******

I slowly opened my eyes after I woke from my dream and looked around the room. I seeing the position I was in quickly made me realize what I had done. Great Ashlyn he is probably going to leave you now that you slept with him because that's what he does. Oh god why did lose control? Why didn't I stop before it was too late? I looked at a Chase's sleeping face as I got out of bed. He looked so sweet while he was sleeping I just wanted to kiss him but I quickly thought against it. I've done enough damage already. I walked around the bed picking up my clothes then headed to the bath room to put them on. While I was in there I cleaned myself up the best I could. After I was done I couldn't bring myself to leave the bathroom. What if Chase was awake now? There is no way I could face him after what happened. I would rather sit here and never leave but wait what if he leaves first. What if he can't look at me the same now and has to get away? Calm down Ashlyn that might not happen; you're probably just over reacting as usual. Let's just hope that's true.

*********

Chases POV

I was woken up by the sound of my phone ringing. I got out of bed searching the floor for my pants so I could locate my phone. Once I found them I quickly answered my phone.

"Hello?"

"Son it's me are you able to talk?" my dad questioned.

I looked around the room and noticed that Ashlyn wasn't there and began to get worried. I was about to lose it until I heard some noises coming from the bathroom and instantly relaxed.

"Yeah dad go ahead."

"We have located the mind worker and she told us she performed a remembering spell on Ashlyn for Don." He said.

"What?" I yelled.

"She said she warned him that there could be side effects but he wanted it done anyway so she did and that is probably what caused Ashlyn to lose her memory." He explained.

"Did this woman know what she was doing?" I snapped.

"She said if she knew it was anyone involving the Royal family she would have never agreed to it and is willing to do anything she can it help us fix the situation."

"Is it reversible?" I asked.

"She said there are a few things we could try. Do you know if Ashlyn has had any memories come back whether it be a dream or not?"

"Not that I know of."

"In that case Jocelyn will perform another spell to try to reverse it."

"What if she has had a memory?" I asked.

"Then her state will become permanent."

"Then don't do it until I find out for sure. I will let you know when I know something soon." I said hanging up.

I walked to the bathroom door and knocked. "Ashlyn are you ok?"

"Yeah I'm fine." She said opening the door.

"How did you sleep? Any dreams or anything?" I asked.

"No why?" She asked suspiciously.

"Just asking."

Suddenly Ashlyn had a look of realization on her face. "You can save the uncomfortable small talk Chase I get it ok, and don't worry I'm leaving. Let's just forget this whole thing ever happened." She said storming by me.

"That's not what I meant."

"Save it, it was a mistake and now it's done so let's not talk about it anymore." She picked up her phone and stuffed it in her pocket before leaving.

I decided not to go after her since all of this will be fixed soon anyway, then she will come back after she remembers. I think right now she would even listen to me anyhow so whets the use.

*************

Ashlyn's POV

"Ashlyn are you ok?" Chase asked knocking on the door.

I sighed walking over to open the door. I guess I have to face him sooner or later. "Yeah I'm fine."

"How did you sleep? Any dreams or anything?" He asked.

Oh crap! Did I say something in my sleep? If he know about the dream I had about us getting married or whatever that was about he is going to freak. Chase doesn't do commitment. I have to lie.

"No why?"

"Just asking." He said.

Wait a minute, this is one of those 'I don't know what to say to you know that we have slept together kind of talks'. "You can save the uncomfortable small talk Chase I get it ok, and don't worry I'm leaving. Let's just forget this whole thing ever happened." She said storming by me.

"That's not what I meant."

""Save it, it was a mistake and now it's done so let's not talk about it anymore." I picked up my phone and stuffed it in my pocket before leaving.

On my walk home I called Crystal and told her everything that happened from me and Chase sleeping together to the dream and the fight we had this morning. For some reason she was very concerned and told me to go home and wait for her there that she was coming over. I told her I would and hung up the phone and put it back in my pocket. Before I had a chance to look up I accidentally bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry." I said and then came face to face to the person.

"It's ok." He smiled. "The name is Don."

Something about the way all of this just happened seemed so familiar and so did he. It felt like maybe this has happened before. I don't know maybe I am just loosing it.

"I'm Ashlyn. I normally don't make a habit into running into people I don't know whets wrong with me." I said.

"No harm done." He smiled. "You looked like you were heading somewhere do you care if I see you there?" He asked.

"I guess there is no harm in that and seeing how I just ran into you. I guess I could let you 'see me there.' " I quoted him smiling. "I was just heading home actually."

"Well thank you very much." He laughed. "Lets get you home."