FULL STORY|#fyp #foryou #foryoupage #redditstory #fullstory

We were arguing Jason and I when he suddenly slapped me across the face, right in front of everyone. That same day I deleted his contact info, everything. Everyone was shocked. Jason and I had grown up together. I'd had a crush on him since forever, practically chased after him for nine years. Why, Ashley? Just because of a slap? He looked bewildered. Yes, just because of a slap. I said it with absolute conviction. When Jason's hand connected with my cheek, I didn't even register what had happened at first. A dull smack echoed, and I stumbled. My head ringing. My left cheek flared. Hot. Then burning. I covered my face, staring at him in disbelief. My childhood friend, Jason, had just slapped me in front of the entire class, all because of an argument with the new girl. Jason's face stiffened as the reality of what he'd done hit him, but the look was quickly replaced by anger and impatience. Can you just stop causing a scene, Ashley? Go back to your seat. A few snickers rippled through the classroom, but most just watched the drama unfold in silence. Brianna, the new girl, stood beside Jason, twirling a strand of her perfect Auburn curls. Jeez, Jason, what was that? Didn't you see your little princesses about to cry? Jason's voice turned icy. Ashley, if you're going to cry, go home and cry. This is school. Not your personal pity party. Billionation, wake you, an anger welled up inside me, and tears spilled down my cheeks. As the boys laughed or intensified, I bolted from the classroom. I didn't know where I was going, but I couldn't stay in that room. I couldn't face them. Jason had never been particularly patient with me, but this was the first time he'd ever hit me. More than that, it was the first time anyone had ever slapped me. Jason and I were childhood sweethearts. We'd known each other since we were three. Our parents were close friends, living across the hall from each other in the same apartment building. I'd always liked Jason. In elementary school, I was often bullied by other boys. One kid, in particular, was relentless. I'd pull my hair, stick gum on my chair, and even put firecrackers in my desk. I'd cried and told the teacher, but after scolding him, the teacher just laughed and said he was doing it because he liked me. I didn't believe it. The boy didn't stop either, so I told my parents. They were furious and ready to march down to the school. Jason's dad, who was visiting us, heard about it, and called Jason over, telling him to protect me at school. Jason was the same age as me, but we were in different classes. The next day at recess, Jason came to my classroom and dragged the bully outside, giving him a good beating. Jason had always been tall for his age and assertive. He left the bully and his friends crying. Before leaving, he warned the other boys. Someone else who messes with Ashley, you'll be next. That's when I fell for him. From that day on, I became his shadow, tagging along wherever he went. Jason didn't like it. He was a bit macho, thinking hanging around a delicate girl like me wasn't cool. But I was persistent, trailing after him, calling him JJ. After a few years, he softened up and stopped minding so much. I started noticing his gaze lingering on me, and when our eyes met, he'd sometimes get this day's look or flinch as if shocked, then stammer and blush, quickly changing the subject. Jason's dad suggested, since we were so close, maybe we should think about getting engaged someday. Like a childhood promise thing. Jason didn't say anything, but he squeezed my hand tight. I saw his ears turn red. My heart fluttered. Okay, I want to marry JJ, but everything changed in high school. At the end of our first semester of sophomore year, we had a new student. Her name was Brianna, and we heard she transferred because her parents had gotten new jobs in the city. She was smart and strikingly beautiful. On her first day, she tossed her Auburn curls and granded at our home room teacher. Mr. Davis, it's natural, I swear. The color and the curls, totally natural. Then she scanned the room. Her eyes landing on me. She paused, stared for a moment, and burst out laughing. OMG, seriously, where did this Barbie princess come from? Ha ha ha ha. Dressed in all pink. Like, we're in high school. Is this some kind of a cuteness overload thing? So awkward. Everyone turned to look at me. My face burned. I loved pink. Like, really loved it. Almost everything I owned was pink. My backpack, water bottle, hair clips, shirts, sweaters, phone case, even my keychains. I'd gotten comments before. In elementary school, boys called me a girly girl and prissy. Some girls said I was trying too hard to be cute, but most people were nice. Lots of girls told me how much they loved my style, and that pink totally suit. This was the first time I'd been so openly and blatantly mocked in public. I was mortified, wanting to disappear. Ha ha ha. Sorry. I'm just blunt. Don't be mad, little princess. Brianna winked playfully. Okay. Enough, Brianna. It's your first day. Jason's annoyed voice cut through the laughter. I turned to see him frowning at Brianna. Brianna raised an eyebrow, looking him up and down. Oh? The princess's night and shining armor has arrived. What are you talking about? Are you crazy? Jason slammed his hand on his desk and stood up. Mr. Davis quickly intervened, telling him to sit down. He then directed Brianna to the only empty seat in the class. Coincidentally? Or maybe not. Back in front of Jason. Just like that, they became desk mates. I don't know when they got close. One day, out of the blue, the strawberry milk Jason's dad always brought me every morning was replaced with plain milk. I hate plain milk. You know that. I frowned at the carton. Come on. It's just because the strawberry milk carton is pink, right? You're too old for strawberry milk. Drink regular milk, it's healthier. Jason patted my head. Brianna, also holding a carton of plain milk, turned around and gave a fake apologetic smile. Sorry Pinkie. I like plain milk, so I asked Jay to bring this. Besides, strawberry milk is way too sweet. It's seriously sickening. Do all you girly girls drink that stuff? I put the milk down and glared at her. Do you enjoy giving people nicknames? She stiffened. Then put on a surprised and innocent expression. Haha. Why so serious? I was just kidding. You're way too sensitive. Geez. Is it me being sensitive or you being guilty? You know the answer. Okay Ashley. Jason stepped between us. Looking exasperated. Brianna, sometimes she just doesn't think before she speaks. Don't take it personally. I was so angry my eyes were stinging. I shoved.