I woke up to the sound of nothing. Complete silence filled my house, so Mom must have gone. What time is it?

Checking the time, I realized I have had a little lie in. It was only 12:30pm, so some luncu wouldn't hurt. I headed downstairs to to make some lunch, still in my pyjamas. My phone buzzed in my pocket, so I put it on the side and turned it on.

'Ash, haven't seen you in two weeks. Gary is back so you must be. Park in 10?'

The message from Cilan and I laughed to myself a little.

'Make that about an hour, I just woke up!'

I waited anticipated Cilans next response 'You're so lazy, I was up by 6am '

I sat with some cereal, for lunch. I couldn't be bothered making anything else.

'Well I don't go on morning runs. I sleep. Like a normal human being'

'Yeah, whatever. See you in an hour'

I turned my phone off and thought for a moment. Did anyone else know I was home? I should surprise Serena, she hasn't seen me in two weeks either. I wonder what she has been doing.

The thought sat in my head for about a minute, before I decided to go and get changed. I put my hat on and headed out of the door. Serena's mom should be at work by now. This will be a little surprise. I got to the door when I heard a voice.

"I wonder when Ash is back" I recognized it as Mays voice.

"In a few days, I think. He never bothered to call or text me. Sometimes I don't understand if we are together or not" I was hurt by her words. I could hardly ever use my phone nevermind call anyone, and with a bad signal it wasn't really worth it.

"I think you should take a break" This time, I heard Drew speaking. His words struck me like lightning and I jolted into a position where I could press my ear on the door.

"I think so, it might help you realise what you need. See different people, that sort of thing" This time I heard a voice that almost provoked me to barge in. Calem was in Serena'z house. Why? I knew why he would agree. I wanted to shut his loudmouth up.

"Maybe I should. I don't know" Serena sounded hesistant, I couldn't tell through the door.

"Do what is best for you. Now, lets finish this cake and get to the park" May said, cheerfully. Atleast someone can lighten up the mood. I'll surprise her at the park and pretend I didn't hear a word. As far as I'll know, after today, it was just baking.

I headed to the park a little early, to collect my thoughts and figure out why Serena, after two weeks, has now decided to change her mind on me and her. I felt a little betrayed, but I couldn't show it. I didn't get an A in drama for nothing, I guess.

Cilan and Kenny arrived first, with Dawn fitting like a jigsaw piece on Kenny's side. They all looked happy to see me.

"How was camp? They turn you into Einstein?" Kenny grinned but I stared back with a straight face.

"A waste of two weeks. I learnt nothing new and got a B on the test. Pretty sure Josh set me up to try and get time to mess with you guys, but I got him good" I told them about what happened with me and Josh.

"Sounds like he deserved it" Dawn said plainly, sitting down. Guess she thought like I did.

"Does anyone else know I am back?" I asked.

Cilan thought for a moment, but before he could speak he was cut off.

"Hey, Ash. Long time no see" Misty and Iris came over. They looked a little to happy for my liking.

"Misty. Iris" I nodded to them in greeting.

"How was camp?" Iris asked.

I saw Gary walking over "Why don't you ask him?" I said, pointing to Gary.

"Ask me what, about camp? Oh it was so cool. At one point Ash got annoyed with Josh and gave him a knuckle sandwich. I also passed the camp, so it was a great two weeks" Gary was so content with the camp because he passed. Everyone laughed a little and he didn't get why.

Down the road I could see May and Drew walking together, with Serena and Calem behind. They was having a conversation and Serena was happy. I think I felt a little jealous, but I had to keep my cool.

"Hey guys. We made a cake" Serena said as she walked over. She didn't notice me in the corner until she looked around.

"Ash!" She cried as I stood up. She rushed over and placed her hands on my shoulders.

I smiled as best as I could and looked into her eyes. I could see the emotion from what I heard. She didn't know if she wanted to take a break or not, but it was a good idea to her.

"It's only been two weeks" I laughed, scratching the back of my head. God, acting is too easy. I know Cilan will see right through me, but I have an explanation ready.

"Who's up for some basketball" Drew said as he and May followed over "Oh, Ash! It's been a few weeks, hasn't it?" Drew seemed shocked I was here and I knew why. He grinned a little and gestured to the basketball.

"It has, hope you enjoyed your holiday. Now lets play!" We rushed over to go and play basketball.

May and Calem, for some reason had been silent. Calem hesitantly came over and played. We spent a few hours playing basketball, with me trying to keep my cool throughout. I remembered what Josh done to me, so I stepped infront of Calem when he had the ball. I made it look like an accident, as he hit me and then fell to the ground.

"Oops! I am so sorry. I was coming in for a tackle!" I said, scratching my head nervously.

Calem lost it "You think you can just push me over whenever you feel like it?" He shouted, getting up amd shoving me.

"I said sorry, geez, lets calm down before you turn green" I said calmly.

It was Calem's turn to get me. He threw a fist straight into the side of my cheek. He had lost it and decided to retaliate. I kept on my feet, but man it hurt. He tried to go for another one, but Serena stepped in the middle.

"Let's calm down. I don't want to see anyone get hurt" She said, worried. I spat blood from my mouth onto the floor.

"Why don't you tell him, Serena! You know you want a break!" Calem shouted, his fists clenched.

"CALEM!" Serena almost screamed. She turned to me, things being slightlt awkward.

"Don't worry, Serena. I already heard what was said. I was stood at the door, coming to surprise you. Guess you wanted to surprise me" I tipped my cap down to hide my face, threw my hands in my pockets and walked off. No one said anything as I disappeared down the street. I'll let Serena decide in her own time. If she wants to take a break, it might be for the best. It hurts to know she was hiding it from me, though. I went up to my room and sat on the end of my bed. There was a knock on the door several minutes later.

I hesitated, before opening the door. Cilan literally threw himself inside. I closed the door and waited for him to speak. Blood sat on my lip. In that moment I had completely forgot I was hit in the face. I went over to the kitchen and drank some water, swirling it around in my mouth, before spitting it out, to clean up the blood.

"Listen" Cilan started "If you end up taking a break, it will be for the best. You can see new people and recollect your thoughts and feelings. Who knows. Maybe someone else suits you" Cilan was trying to encourage me.

"No, Cilan. If we take a break I will wait for her. No matter how many new guys she dates, I'll wait for that day" I sighed and took my hat off "You see, being on holiday made me realise something. She is the one, Cilan. I can't love anyone else. Serena is the only one I have feelings for and I will use those feelings to protect her, even if it ends up being as a friend" I looked at Cilan straight in the eyes. I had never been more serious in my life.

"Guess you're really serious Ash. True love hurts" Cilan always got to the point so fast. I nodded as I swept away a tear from my eye.

"Now, I will wait until Serena decides what's best" Cilan left and I sat at the kitchen table. 4pm, 5pm, 6pm. My Mom came home and I was still sat at the table, doing nothing.

"Already waiting for dinner? You must be starving" My Mom smiled. I tried my best to smile, but it was more of a frown still.

"I am, Mom" I managed a smile as she put a bag of Chinese food onto the table. I ate until I was so full I could burst.

"I am going to get some fresh air" I said, stepping outside. I decided to wait on the doorstep. 7pm, 8pm, 9pm.

My Mom opened the door "Ash? Why don't you come inside. Sitting outside for hours isn't a good idea" She didn't understand, so I nodded.

"I'll be five minutes" I got up and decided to walk around the block. Guess Serena didn't want to talk to me. My phone vibrated in my pocket.

'We need to talk. Where are you?' Serena finally wanted to talk.

'I am at my house, outside' I replied.

She came to my house five minutes later.

"Listen, I know what you're going to say. I'll be waiting, Serena"

"Thanks, Ash" She smiled weakly "Friends?"

"That would be nice" I faked a smiled and we hugged briefly.

She walked off in silence and I waited. One tear dropped onto my foot.

I had to stay strong.

Friends.

I walked inside and went to sleep.

The single life had begun.