Ashley stood on the stoop of the Carlin house, contemplating whether to knock or just turn around and leave. She’d slept in her car, before. Not like this would be the first time. Why the hell am I so nervous? I’ve been here a million times before!

She had no idea what had her so spooked, but it was starting to get on her nerves, nonetheless. She let out a heavy breath and mentally kicked herself.

She’d already called Aiden and took Rob Thomas to say with him. He wasn’t exactly ecstatic, but he didn’t down right object, either. Ashley went over a quick check list with him, to make sure he knew exactly what to do. It’d only been less than a week, and Ashley was already touchy about the kitten. It was like she thought of it as her child, or something. It was kind of pathetic and Spencer made fun of her because she told her a million times that the cat would grow on her. Lo and behold she was all too right.

But it was understandable. The brunette only had a select few that were close to her. Spencer and Aiden. That was about it. And now she had Rob. Sure, the cat didn’t talk back, but she was an attentive listener.

Now, here she was, standing in front of the wooden door, with her duffle over her shoulder and her hand up halfway, ready to knock. Her stance made it look like she was about to bolt, too.

"Anytime now, Ash." she scolded herself. "C’mon, hand, move, wouldja?" she stared at her still hand and let out an annoyed sigh. She brought her other hand to her forehead and cursed herself for being utterly stupid.

Finally she took hold of the door knocker and banged it against the metal, causing a loud, echoic knock.

She heard footsteps walking towards the door, and then it swung open, revealing Arthur with a towel slung over his shoulder and his ‘I cook; therefore, I’m awesome.‘ apron on.

"Hey Ashley, good to see you." he greeted kindly. It was muffled due to his arm covering his mouth and nose, however.

"Uh, good to see you too, Mr. C." she said while giving him a weird look. "Something smell bad, or…?"