Later that day...
There are noisy people all around me, idly chatting with each other. This large, lavish party hall seems so suffocating and unbearable. From the subtle music playing in the background to the occasional clicking of wine glasses, everything and everyone here is just... too intimidating for me.
Ashton: I know that you hate me for running away all those years ago but, why did you have to do this to me?
I heave an irked sigh and turn towards Louis who's scanning the room anxiously. He rang up to me an hour ago and asked me to come here, but I had no idea that this party would be so grand... And that I'd have a swarm of people who want to talk to me.
Louis: Well, revenge was a part of the reason but... I wanted to introduce you to someone.
His eyes don't stop looking through the room as he replies to me. Introduce me?
Ashton: To whom?
Drake: His crush.
Drake, who is also standing with us, sighs too. His sigh reminds me of the old times, Louis would always forcefully drag him anywhere he wished, whether Drake wanted to go or not. Reminiscing about that brings a small smile to my face.
Louis: It's not a crush!
Louis complains, his ears tinting crimson. Heh, I've never seen him like this.
Drake: Yeah, sure.
Louis and Drake start bickering just like they used to and I observe them with a sad smile on my face. Although some things remain untouched after all these years, everything and everyone is different now.
Louis started to open his heart to others and Drake, who disliked the presence of women (except Claire) due to his past experiences, now has a fiancee. I changed too. I was so innocent and gulliable back then and now, judging by how may "relationships" I've had, things are completely different.
I really do miss those carefree days. Suddenly, Louis shuts his mouth and looks away from Drake.
Louis: He's looking this way!
He whispers in a flustered tone. 'He' must refer to the mysterious crush. I'm really curious about the one who could make Louis make space for him in his heart. I turn my gaze to look behind Drake and...
Ashton:... Are my eyes deceiving me or am I really looking at a 20 year old boy?
He's a short, young... boy with black hair and green eyes. Even without interacting with him, one can easily infer that he is immature. What does Louis even like in this kid?
Drake: I told you that it was a kid.
Louis: He's not a kid! He's already 23!
Ashton: What's the difference?
They already have a 5 year gap between them. Drake holds his face in hand and sighs again.
Drake: My point exactly. Let me tell you, that brat is up to no good.
Ashton: You sound as though you don't like him.
Drake: I hate him.
Hate... That's a little too extreme, isn't it?
Ashton: Huh? Why?
Drake glances coldly at Louis, knitting his eyebrows when I say this.
Drake: He's constantly trying to do something or the other to harm him and yet, this idiot keeps sticking to him!
When I met Louis last time, he told me that this boy's pregnant girlfriend had died a few minutes after arriving at the hospital he works for and that he blamed Louis for it. I don't see how he was at fault with her death, she wouldn't have made it anyway or am I just being insensitive?
Even if Louis had started operating her and she died during the operation, he'd still blame him for being incapable. I just don't understand why he can't just accept the fact that none this was Louis's fault. Even I'm starting to dislike this guy.
Louis: You just don't understand him! He won't do anything extreme!
Ashton: But that doesn't change the fact that he's making trouble for you.
Louis: He just-
Drake: Enough. You never listen to anything I say anyway, there's no point in having this conversation. I'm leaving.
Louis:....
Drake starts walking away. I'm about to call out to him and stop him but decide not to. He's obviously angry because he cares a lot about Louis. Why doesn't Louis see it? Drake is clearly looking out for him.
Unable to convince Louis anymore, I leave the venue soon as well. I start walking towards my car, but then suddenly feel as though someone is following me. Who is it?! This isn't the first time that I've felt this; ever since I can back, everytime I go out alone, I feel somebody's presence behind me.
But, when I turn around, there's nobody there. I turn my head back slightly, just to confirm this and surely, there isn't anybody there. I don't think that I'm being paranoid though. I walk slightly faster and get seated in my car and drive home.
That boy, judging by what Drake said, I should be wary of him. But, Louis never defends anybody like that, what's it this time then? I know that he's... half crazy but, that doesn't mean that he'll protect him this much even after all that he's done to him. Is it because he sees Vanessa in him?
I sigh and continue driving, wondering about the reason. When I reach my house and get inside, I'm immediately attacked by a vicious beast who pounces onto me out of nowhere. I almost lose my balance in the surprise somehow managing to hold on.
Ashton: Ack, what are you doing, Kate?
I glance at Kate, who is practically hanging on me (her feet are literally hovering in the air). She grins wide.
Kate: Welcoming you home!
Ashton:.....
With a jump scare? Hahh, If she does this everytime, my life would be shorter by 5 years.
Kate: Aren't you tired? I prepared a surprise for you! You are going to enjoy it!
Her innocent grin turns into a suggestive smirk and I start to have a bad feeling about this 'surprise'.....
Ashton: Ugh.
Kate: You don't like this?
She asks, running her finger along my collarbone and I get goosebumps. She clearly knows that I'm ticklish there. I knew that she was up to no good, why do I always fall for it? I raise my hand to push my hair back, but she grabs my hand to stop me.
Kate: Is your hair coming in the way of all the fun? I'll tie it up for you!
Ashton: H-Hey! What are you doing?!
She removes the hair tie from her hair and uses it to tie a ponytail on top of my hair, just like you would do to a toddler.
Kate: Done!
For a moment, I'm dumbfounded and then...
Ashton:.... What is wrong with you?!
I finally burst out at Kate, who is standing outside the tub. I've never in my entire life been humiliated like this!
Kate: You don't like the bubble bath? But I spent so much time in preparing this..
She purses her lips and looks down at her feet sadly, just like a wronged child and I begin to feel guilty. I shouldn't have-
Kate: I know what's missing!
Her eyes light up and she pumps her fist onto her palm. And then, out of nowhere, she produces a.... rubber duck at sets it in the water to float about.
Kate: Ta-da!
Ashton:.…........
WHAT?! She.. I.. Ugh, I am at a loss for words. She was just sad a moment ago and now... I glance at the rubber duck and start to feel unexplainably embarassed. This has NEVER happened to me before. Kate peers at my face and giggles.
Kate: Hehe, your face is so red! So cute!
Ashton: Shut up.
I turn my face towards the wall to prevent her from teasing me again. Why is she so unpredictable?!
Kate: Your ears are flushed too, what are you hiding?
Ashton: !!!
She leans towards me and seductively whispers in my ear and I feel an electric shock run through my veins. Wh-What the..! While I'm left flustered, she bursts out laughing at my reaction.
Kate: Pffft, how adorable! I should take a picture of you like this!
Ashton: No!!
She continues laughing and I consider my life choices all over again. Though, after living alone for all these years, it's nice to have company like this. This new life with Kate isn't going to be easy but, I'd be lying if I said that I'm not looking forward to it...