–Ashley’s thoughts are in italics–

“Hey there beautiful.”, a voice said from behind me. I turned around to see Ashley’s smiling face. Instantly a huge smile spread across my face, she was absolutely infectious. She looks amazing today, as always. Standing there dressed in a cut off Pink Floyd tee, my eyes traveled down to her deliciously toned stomach to a pair of ripped jeans that looked as if they had been painted on. Ummm..yummy. I heard her chuckle as she sat down beside me..oh how long was I checking her out? I so just got caught too! I ducked my head a bit, making her laugh again. “How was class, Ash?”, my eyes still cast down on the sketchbook in my lap. I glanced up, seeing her smile and shake her head at my attempt to dig myself out of the hole I was in. “Annoying..it is frustrating going over the same thing over and over again. I mean I learned my scales when I was seven. I hate that some people think they get away with not even trying, people are so lazy sometimes.”, she sighed. “I’m sorry Ash.”, I said looking over at her concerned, I hated to see her upset. “You’re so cute..”, she said with a smile. Que my blush..she always does that! “So, cheer me up. What is it that you are working on, there?”, she asked pointing to my book.

I surprised myself when I didn’t tense up as she scooted her chair closer to mine and leaned over to look at my sketchbook. No, it’s not that Ashley makes me tense up, well sometimes but..ahh, that’s not the point. What I mean is well..I guess I should explain a little more about myself. It seems like ever since I can remember I am sort of self-conscious about my work..my art that is. It’s not that I don’t think I’m good or something because I know I have talent. Hey, I wouldn’t have gotten into art school if I sucked, right?! It’s just..I don’t know I’ve always been like this. I have a hard time letting anyone see my work, except for Chelsea that is and she understands as a fellow artist. It just makes me a little on edge. But, with Ashley it’s different. She makes me feel comfortable somehow, this girl is talented, I tell you! I guess the first time I noticed the difference was a few days ago we were hanging out in her loft, like I do most days now, I know yay! I was sitting on her couch, leaning against the arm of it sketching. Ashley leans over my shoulder and looks at what I’m doing. I knew she was there yet I still felt oddly relaxed. That has never happened before, I was even antsy when Chelsea was around at first. Ashley is just different, wonderfully different. Then there is another thing, ever since the day I met Ashley I have felt unbelievably inspired..it’s like I’ve really found my voice. Mrs. Johnson has even commented on how much my work has improved from my admissions portfolio. She asks me what is was that had changed, when I said I didn’t know she smiled and said, “Whatever it is don’t you dare let it go!”. Ashley has filled me with such inspiration. I work so much better when she is around too, sometimes we just sit around and create together. Her playing..me sketching. I love watch her play, she is so talented and has the voice of an angel. Us just each other sharing that very intimate part of ourselves, it is all really intense! Ashley Davies has changed my life in such a short time and for that I am terrified!