Later that day...
After the shoot, I return to my dressing room. It's been a few hours since I parted with Claire and Troy. Bahh, stop thinking about it! I open the door and just of warm air wafts towards me. Hahh, why is this place so hot? It just adds to my irritation!
I unbutton the top two buttons from my shirt and reach for my phone on the table. So many unread texts- Huh?! I'm about to dismiss the notifications when a familiar name catches my eye. Claire?!
Why would she... Wait, this is from her work number. Does she think that I've blocked her personal number? Looks like the text just came a few minutes ago. I open the messenger app to read her text.
Claire: "I'm sorry about earlier. I think there are some things that we need to keep from our partners. Do you think that we can talk it over today?"
Ashton:....
Partners... Well, then there's nothing to talk about. I start typing.
Ashton: "I'm busy, maybe later."
And... sent. I put my phone away and get changed. I flop down on the couch and keep staring at my phone, my lips pursed... Why am I only realising this now?! That text was too harsh!
I was a little tipped off when I saw her being so intimate with Troy and because the actress who had been doing scenes with me was being, well... over 'friendly', but I didn't mean to take it all out on this text!!
Should I delete it? Why am I even confirming this?! Obviously, I should! I quickly pick up my phone and open our chats. However as soon as I do, all the colour drains from my face.
Ashton:.…....…...
No... No! NO!! She saw it..! I'm overcome with guilt when I see the "Seen" sign beside my poisonous text. Well, Ashton, you've really screwed up. What should I do now?! I hold my head in my hands and sigh.
*Ding!*
I just got a text. I look at the screen and my eyes go wide in surprise. It's a message from Claire!
Claire: "That's fine. Is after the photoshoot scheduled for the day after tomorrow alright then?"
I can almost imagine her awkward smile through this text. I heave a heavy sigh and accept the invitation. The day after tomorrow... That's the day I have to participate in the photoshoot for Fuchsia Publishings's magazine.
That day will be the last time we'll meet formally. And then we'll meet at the Highschool Reunion.
Ashton:....
I had considered wanting to meet her after that day too, but it doesn't seen possible anymore.... Especially after she said "our partners". We had been good friends for 4 years before we finally became a couple, I don't want to end that friendship like this... But that's not the only reason why I want to keep meeting her, for whatever reason, even after all these years, I still-
*Knock knock*
Leah: Are you done? We need to leave for the next appointment.
Leah knocks at the door to remind me of the schedule as I'm lost in thoughts.
Ashton: I'll be right there.
I wind up my stuff and leave the room. I leave the studio with Leah and head to our next destination.
I don't want to keep denying this and staying away from her because of this.
Maybe my feelings for her were rekindled once I saw her again or they never left, I already knew this when I first came back. I know this is terribly wrong, I'm married and she isn't single either.
I should stay far away from her but the thought of not meeting her again itself makes these feelings stronger. I've already embraced her new personality and don't mind it but, this isn't fair to Kate. What am I supposed to do?
So many questions remained unanswered, she is like a complete mystery to me now. Everyone says that she worked as a prostitute years ago, but where would such a reserved girl even get to know about such a place? The false messenger must have led her there.
Just who is that person? And why would they do something like that? According to the rumours, she came to me for help, that should mean my house. The only person out of all my suspects who was at my house at that time was...
I look to my side to see Leah walking straight ahead, lost in thought.
Ashton:...
It couldn't be her though, she was only 14 back then. How could scheme something like that? And why? None of this makes sense. I can understand if someone had a grudge against me, but Claire's an ordinary person, why would they do something like that to her?
I don't think she would have offended someone around me at that time, what was their purpose? Moreover, Claire was very innocent back then, she could be easily persuaded. Maybe that person used this flaw and brainwashed her into doing that.
Regardless, it's not like I can change the past, however, I do have to find the traitor around me. Who knows what they'll try to do in the future.
All of a sudden, an image of the old Claire comes mind. She's changed so much because of all this. Just imagining what she might have gone through, my chest tightens. They ruined Claire's carefree life, I'll never forgive them.
As far as "we" go, it would've difficult to get back together when it was only her who was engaged, but with Kate in the picture now, it's impossible. I don't think that Claire feels the same way about me, she has moved on.... Unlike me.
I don't know how, but these feelings just don't die, they stayed in the corner of my mind all these years and reappeared as soon as saw her again. I still remember how my heart skipped a beat when I saw her for the first time in all these years, it was the same as the very first time I saw her at school.
I know all too well what it resulted in. I liked the innocent Claire back then and now the stronger version of herself. Is something wrong with me or is it destined for me to only have her in my heart... and have it broken by her again?
No matter how much I try or what I do, I can't get myself to feel the same about Kate, the one who deserves it. What am I supposed to do with these feelings..?