As soon as I leave the venue, my face clouds over. I didn't really want to show my real feelings in front of Drake but, what happened earlier today still bothers me. Leah said that Claire asked her for money AFTER I left and refused her but, according to Drake, the rumors said that I was still in the city. Which one of them is telling the truth? None of them have a reason to lie but, one if them still did. Claire looked uncomfortable talking to Leah either because she was feeling embarrassed or she was afraid of Leah because she was the one who might've delivered the false message. Even if I have to pick one of them as right, I'll have to accuse the other to be the liar which seems almost impossible; why would they?
Leah: Ash!
I look up to find Leah at a distance gesturing me to come over. I should ask her to be honest with me.
Leah: The driver took off for the day and I can't drive. So, you'll have to be the chauffeur. Is that okay?
He holds out the keys to me.
Ashton: Yeah...
Perfect, I can ask her on the way without worrying about anyone eavesdropping. I get into the driver's seat and Leah takes a seat beside me. I start the car.
Leah: Why are you so quiet all of a sudden? Was the party to tiring?
Ashton: Kinda...
How should I ask her?
Leah: I was a bit surprised since you called so soon.
Ashton: Yeah...
I mean she's like my sister, I don't want to doubt her...
Leah:... I have a boyfriend.
Ashton: Yeah... Wait, what? Who?
I turn to look at her in surprise.
Leah: Finally got your attention? What's distracting you? You know, you can trust me. Did your friend say something?
Trust you... I don't know if I can do that anymore.
Ashton: No, it's alright. I just... Just tell me honestly what happened 8 years ago.
Leah: Wh-What? I already told you that.
Ashton: The truth?
Leah: You think I'm lying? Drake told you something that made you doubt me, didn't he?
She lowers her head.
Ashton: I'm... I'm not doubting you.
Leah: You think *I* did something?
Her voice fills with sadness.
Ashton:...
I'm not sure. Either she is a really good actor or she really is telling the truth.
Leah: Doubting me, your... sister for a money milker, huh.
I tighten my grip on the steering wheel in frustration.
Ashton: I said, I'm not doubting you.
Or at least I don't want to.
Leah: Your tone says it otherwise! I just graduated a few weeks ago, my whole life lies ahead! Do you think I would've done something to ruin it?!
Ashton:..!
I quickly pull over to the side of the road.
Leah: What are you doing?!
Ashton: What did you just say?
Leah: Wha.. I asked you what you were doing.
Ashton: Before that.
Leah: That I just graduated a few weeks ago...?
Ashton: AFTER that.
Leah: What did I say? I said that I wouldn't have- *gasp*
She gasps in surprise. Caught you lying.
Leah: I, um...
Ashton: I don't think refusing someone for something is punishable but, would it have ruined you to lend someone money? Hmm, interesting.
Leah:...
Her lie backfired. 'I wouldn't have done something to ruin it'? Why did she need to desperately prove her innocence if she hadn't done anything that too, by saying something that has a greater impact?
Ashton: Will you now tell me what really happened?
She doesn't look my way.
Leah:... hic... *sniff sniff*..
Wait, is she crying?! Her face starts turning red and tears start streaming down her cheeks.
Ashton: H-Hey, don't cry!
Leah: Why don't you, hic, believe me?
She looks into my eyes, tears blurring her vision. I didn't mean to make her cry, what should I do? I hold out my handkerchief to her.
Ashton:... Use this.
She stares at it for a moment before taking it and wiping her tears. Looking at her face makes me feel terrible for trying to accuse her. I mentally sigh.
Ashton: Don't cry, I... believe you.
Leah: Really?
Ashton:... Yeah.
I want to deny it but I can't, looking at her crying like this.
Ashton: I'll drop you off at your apartment.
Leah: I forgot my keys.
She replies instantly.
Ashton: What?
Leah: I, uh, forgot them.
Ashton: Why didn't you tell me before? We'll have to find a locksmith somewhere.
Leah: But it's too late for that. Hmm, hey don't you have a guest room in your house?
Ashton: That, I do.
Leah: Then, I could stay the night there and open my apartment tomorrow.
Ashton: I guess that sounds okay...
That's odd, if she had forgotten her keys she could've told me before; she didn't say anything about it when we were right here in the car earlier. Even though I have my doubts, I continue to drive the car to my villa unaware of the sinister smile spreading across my 'sister"s face....