Ticklish (Natalie)

I remain numb as it sit on the couch starting at the picture of the family. We looked so happy. I’m pretty sure I’m in denial about the whole situation.

Ash turns the TV off,
“Do you think we can win this war?” I ask sadly

“Yes, I do believe we can win this war because if we

don’t the monsters will destroy the planet.” He says with a hint of anger in his voice. “I’m sorry about your family, sometimes I wish we weren’t Ma Vista’s because we would have a good life, imagine a life where you and I meet and we fell in love, because we liked each other, not because of the connection. Do you think that’s possible to fall in love, like if I fell in love with you, not because of the connection but because I thought you were amazing and beautiful and everything.” He says the last bit with a hopeful voice.

“Yes, I think it’s possible otherwise the website would have said “Ma Vista’s can’t fall in love with anyone except the opposite Ma Vista.” If it said that then we would be in trouble.” I say giggling stupidly, my laugh sets off Ash and he starts laughing, his laugh is amazing it’s got a melody that goes with it and I could listen to it all day. Finally when we stop laughing I say

“I talked to Alex about us leaving and she said we have to go to her house tomorrow at 2pm and dress nicely.”

“Okay that sounds suspicious, what is she doing?”
“I have no idea she wouldn’t tell me.”
“Well I need to dress up at least once before we go and this is brilliant opportunity.”
“Great. I will tell her you’re in.” before he can say something else I jump off the couch and run towards my bedroom. I hear his loud footsteps as he follows me down the hallway. He is right behind me as I reach the bedroom door. I choose to dive into my room but he catches me and tackles me to the ground, I roll over trying to push him off me. I start giggling, and saying “get off me, get off me.” Then he starts tickling me in my most ticklish spot, my waist. I don’t know how he found it but he is going to pay for it. As he tickles me I wave my arms around screeching

“Stop.” every time I breathe because I’m laughing so much. He’s obviously enjoying it to because his eyes are sparkling, as he smiles and laughs at my vulnerability. I try to wiggle out from under him but he won’t stop, I’m completely at his mercy. His eyes shine with laughter as he tickles me, finally he stops but I’m too tried to move, my mouth is sore from smiling and laughing and my body is tried from trying to get away.

“I should have punched you in the nose.” I say softly. He just laughs and looks down at me.

“Why did you run?” he says with a hint of flirtation in his voice.

“Because I wanted to text Alex before you could change your mind.” I say. My brain is buzzing with a million thoughts, like Ash is so hot, I will fall in love with him and I can’t let that happen yet. Ash is still laughing and breathing hard from all the tickling.

“Do you have a ticklish spot?” I ask

“No, but I wish I did because watching you laugh and wiggle around like that made me envious. I guess I will have to tickle you more often.”

“How did you know I was ticklish there?” I ask with suspicion because no one knows I’m ticklish.

“Sometimes when I sleep in your room and you snuggle up to me in your sleep. I move my arm and rest it on your waist and you wiggle around until it rests on your hip and sometimes you giggle.”

“Oh my gosh, that is so embarrassing.” He has a fit of laughter then he sobers

“I guess you better text Alex before I do change my mind.”

“Yes, that would be a good idea.” This time when he moves away, I ache for his touch. It slowly goes away and I get off the floor, I grab my phone and type a quick message ‘Ash is coming.’ I get a one-word reply ‘Good.’