Butterflies.
That was it.
My new favorite word—two wordlets.
“Thanks,” I muttered, embarrassed but grateful.
“Always,” Ash replied.
I had a feeling he meant that, too.
We played a few games of Jenga, and I had a suspicious feeling he was allowing me to win, but I didn’t argue about it because I liked him letting me win. A little bit later, Lorelai came rushing into the room with her butterfly wings on, skipping around like a freaking fairy.
Butterflies, butterflies, butterflies...
“Karla! Can I play with youuu?” she sang, spinning in circles.
Behind her came Ellie, who looked flustered. Lorelai could be a handful at times; it was no shock that Ellie lookedoverwhelmed as she said, “Lorelai, I go to the bathroom for one second and you dart away! I told you: Karla is having private time with her friend. Let’s go finish reading some books.”
Lorelai ignored Ellie and turned straight to Ash. She stilled her movement and tilted her head to look at Ash. “Are you Karla’s boyfriend?”
“Lorelai! Go to your room!” I shouted, feeling my cheeks heat up from an overwhelming amount of embarrassment.
Ash didn’t seem phased by the question. “I’m Ash. A good friend of Karla’s.” He leaned in her direction. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Lorelai. I’m Karla’s sister and her friend, too.” She leaned in and whispered, “Even though she’s kinda grumpy sometimes.”
“Lorelai!” I hollered.
She seemed unfazed by my irritation and just gave me a big smirk that mirrored Mom’s. Then she stuck her tongue out toward me.
“Ellie, can you get rid of her?” I begged.
“Or we can play a round of Jenga with her,” Ash offered.
Lorelai’s eyes lit up. “Karla never lets me play with her.”
“That’s not true,” I grumbled, crossing my arms over my chest. Even though it was kind of true.
“Yes, it is,” Lorelai replied. “Can I sit in your lap, Ash?” she asked, holding her arms in the air toward him.
He was quick to lift her and place her on his lap. Lucky Lorelai. Within seconds, the two of them were in full buddy-buddy mode, making jokes and playing Jenga. Lorelai and Ash won three rounds. I won once.
Around five in the afternoon, Ash had to leave. “OK, I should get home. I still have some homework to get done. But today was great,” he said.
He lifted Lorelai off his lap, and she gave him a tight hug. “Can we be friends, too, Ash?” Lorelai asked.
He bopped her nose with his finger. “I’d love to be your friend.”
Lorelai turned to me and gave me a “ha-ha, he’s my friend, too” smirk before she wandered off to find Ellie and probably tell her the news about her newfound friendship.
I grumbled. “Sorry about her. She’s a handful and annoying.”
“She’s cute.” Ash stood and brushed his hand against the back of his neck. “I’d give anything to have my brother annoy me one last time.”
A pit of guilt hit me. “Ash—”
He shook his head. “It’s fine. Really. I had a great time. Thanks for having me over, Karla.”
