Too Late
Story by Daisy

~~*Chapter Five*~~

          “It’s a good thing you left spare clothes over here,” AJ said the next morning, handing Autumn a plate of pancakes.

          “I know! At least I don’t have to go shopping with the money that I don’t even have.” She took a large bite from the stack of pancakes that was on her plate.

          “You know I would have given you the money.” AJ said earnestly, sitting down beside her with his own plate of pancakes.

          “AJ, no matter how close we are, I would have never been able to ask you to do that.”

          “I want you to.” AJ said, then said hurriedly, “I’d be happy to help you with anything you need.”

          “Thanks.” She smiled at him and took another bite of her pancakes. The ringing of the phone made AJ tear his eyes away from her.

          “Hello?”

          “AJ? Hey, it’s me, Nick.” AJ drew in a sharp breath and Autumn looked up, her eyes questioning. “Do you know where Autumn is? She’s not answering her phone and I’m worried.”

          “Yeah. She’s right here.” AJ handed the phone to Autumn and watched her eyes fill with relief when she heard Nick’s voice. He stabbed his fork into the pancakes and brought them roughly to his mouth.

          “Oh, Nick, you’re not gonna believe what’s happened.” Autumn got up from the table and walked over to the living room where AJ had to strain to hear what she was saying. “Isn’t it terrible?” A pause. “I’m so lucky that AJ’s letting me stay with him…I know but…really?…oh, Nick! I love you. I’ll be over in a little while.” AJ heard the click of the phone and shoved the last of his pancakes in his mouth, getting up to take it to the sink.

          “Uh, AJ?” He turned to look at her while washing his plate in the sink. “I really appreciate all that you’ve done for me, but I think I’m gonna stay with Nick for a while.”

          AJ stiffened and tried to control himself enough to answer her. “That’s fine.”

          “Are you sure?” She asked, bringing her plate to him. He reached for it but she pulled it away. “AJ, look at me. Are you sure? You sound really…mad.”

          “It’s fine. Really.” AJ smiled and took the plate from her.

          “Ok, then. I’m going to stay Nick’s. I’m just gonna go get my clothes from your spare closet.” Out of the corner of his eye he watched as she slowly walked out of the room. If you really want her to stay with you, now’s the time to say something! AJ thought, scrubbing the syrup off of Autumn’s plate.

          AJ sat down on the couch and flipped on the TV after he finished washing the dishes. Say something, idiot! You love her don’t you? Don’t you want her to stay? AJ watched as a man on the screen handed another one a handful of money. Or would you rather win a million dollars? Oh what I could do with a million dollars…

          “Okay, AJ. I’m gonna go.” Autumn stopped in front of him, a bag of clothes in her arms.

          AJ looked at her, an inner-argument racing through his mind. The girl of your dreams or the money that could buy you your dreams? Girl, money, girl, money…

          “Okay.” AJ jumped off the couch and opened the front door for her. “Be careful okay?” She nodded and he pulled her in for a hug. He waved as she got into her car, dropping the clothes in the seat next to her. He shut the door and started to walk back to the couch, listening to Autumn’s car engine start. Suddenly AJ stopped dead in his tracks. He turned around and started for the door, his pace increasing as he neared it. He threw the door open.

          “Wait!” He screamed, running out to the driveway only to watch Autumn’s car turn off the street and out of his life.

Chapter Six
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