I get out of the building and see Leah waiting outside.
Leah: Ready to-... Eh? You look like someone died.
I sigh.
Ashton: Let's talk about this in the car.
Leah: Okayyyy...? Where're we headed though?
Ashton: The hotel. I already have a reservation.
Leah: The hotel? Don't you want to visit your parents? You've been away for so long, they'll be happy to see you!
Happy to see me? The only thing that they care about is me taking over the family business! And it's not like they'd treat me even as an acquaintance after I argued with them over that matter.
Ashton: Oh yeah? Well then, book me an appointment to meet with my old man.
I say mockingly. Leah frowns and grabs my arm.
Leah: I know how you feel, but that's no excuse to talk about them like this!
Ashton: No, you don't! You're only tagging along with me because you're indebted to them, aren't you?! Don't think I haven't figured that out yet!
Leah: Ash...
I brush her arm off and get in the car's backseat. She says nothing and seats herself in the passenger's seat.
Leah: T-take us to Silica Hotel, please.
She instructs the driver, up clearly trying to hold back her tears. I sigh again and hold my head in my hands with guilt. Why did I get so worked up? I should apologize to her after we reach there. And so, after an awkward ride to the hotel, I stop her just before she goes off to her own room. I peer into her face and she looks away.
Ashton: Can we talk, please?
Leah looks around. Everyone seems to be staring at us and whispering something.
Leah: Not here. Come with me.
She leads me to the hotel gym which is empty at this odd hour before anyone can click any pictures for false news.
Ashton: Leah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say all that to you. It's just that I didn't want to be reminded of 'them' as soon as I reached back.
Leah nods and looks up at me with a sad smile.
Leah: It okay. It's my fault too though; I shouldn't have dug my nose where it doesn't belong.
Ashton: So we're good,now? I don't want you to quit 'cuz then the agency would fix me up with a boring manager.
Leah: Rude!
She smacks my arm and we both laugh.
Ashton: But seriously, I guess I'll consider meeting them sometime.
Leah: For real?
Ashton: Uh huh. Oh, right, I have to attend a get together at Lily this evening.
Leah: YOU actually agreed to it?!
Leah looks at me, clearly surprised.
Ashton: I had no choice.
Leah: Well then, I'll arrange a suit for you. You get some sleep.
Ashton: 'Kay.
I head to my room and unlock the door. Huh, pretty chic. I expected a hotel room to look like... a hotel room but, it looks more like a well-kept apartment room. I throw myself on the bed.
Ashton: Some peace, finally!
My weariness takes over me and I fall asleep, my eyelids getting heavier and heavier....