After a long and awkward ride, we finally reach the place we were supposed to meet at. I'm about to drive the car to the entrance directly when Claire stops me.
Claire: Wait, let me get off first.
Ashton: Why? We're almost there anyway.
Claire: It would be bad if somebody saw us entering the restaurant together. You know...
I know what she's getting at. She's very cautious, much more than me (and towards me). If so, then... I halt the car instantly.
Ashton:... Get off then.
Claire: Huh?
She stares at me blankly, confused. What? Wasn't she the one who wanted to leave? Why's she not going now? I keep looking straight ahead silently in response. I guess she didn't think that I'd agree so easily, huh.
After a few seconds, she gets off without hesitation and I drive past her.
Ashton: Ugh.
Why did I get so worked up? Deep breaths, deep breaths... Remember what the anger management councillor said... Hahh, I need to control my temper sometimes. I've started to get triggered easily ever since I came back here.
Back then, I had to arrange a part-time job for myself to pay for my living expenses (the Junior Actor's League only sponsored my lodging and acting class expenses), I had to attend anger management courses and complete my business studies on the side.
I got a degree just as a back-up plan in case... my acting career didn't work out. I'm as qualified as Leah (except I lack work experience), but have hidden it since my father can use this as a trump card to push me to inherit Emperor Group.
I don't ever plan on giving up my career, especially for him. He is the man I loathe the most. He has tortured me in my carefree days and robbed me of my childhood. I bet he only stopped doing that since he didn't want to appear evil in front of Leah.
I had to keep myself together for my mother, but I do remember that one time when I had had enough of it and wanted to run away. I think I was 7 years old then and that day...
21 years ago...
Ashton: Huff... Huff.. hahh..
I make my way through the streets, out of breath while receiving concerned glances from the passerbys, but pay no mind to them. Finally, I am free from that place, from him! I will no longer be in pain, I.. I.. No, I am sorry, Mom.
I know that I promised to endure, but I can't do that anymore, I'm so tired. I want to be away from his grasp, I cannot wait any longer! I don't want to suffer anymore! Forgive me-
Ashton:..! Ah!
*Thud!*
I stumble over a rock and trip, falling on my knees. Hiss, I scraped my knees and they sting. It is then that the reality of the situation dawns on me. I quickly look around only to find myself among unfamiliar people and surroundings.
Wh-Where am I? I don't know this place! And... where should I go? I-If I don't hide anywhere and he comes looking for me, he's going to kill me when finds me!! How could I not think of that before sneaking out?!
My heart is beating wildly in my chest with anxiety and I can't think straight. Wh-What should I do?! Just as I'm stuck in the dilema, a shadow hovers over me.
Ashton:..!!!
I-Is that him?! My body starts trembling as I slowly raise my head to look at the person standing in front of me. Such small feet, pink shoes... It's not him! I finally make eye contact with the person and it turns out to be a girl of my age dressed in a white dress.
The Girl: Are you lost?
She gently smiles at me and for some reason, it calms me down a little. The sunlight illuminates her figure from behind her as she stares down at me with her big, brown doll like eyes.
Her short brown hair sways with the wind making her looking like an angel who just descended on Earth. What's that below her left eye? A mole?
Ashton: I...
I'm at a loss for words. I don't talk to people I don't know not because of stranger danger but because I lack social interaction skills. This is because I seldom leave the house except for school and I have only two friends.
~| 1 vote= 1 friend for little Ashton |~
Noticing this, she simply extends her hand towards me.
The Girl: Here, get up, the pavement isn't very clean, you see.
Ashton:.. Mmn.
I nod and take a hold of her hand. I get up and she starts walking towards the entrance of the park just beside the footpath, slowly so that I can walk with my injury. Why is she taking me there?
I know that I mustn't follow strangers, but she doesn't seem like a bad person. She takes me inside by my hand and sits me down on a swing.
The Girl: Sit here.
Ashton: ???
She kneels down in front of me and rummages through her little blue sling bag, finally pulling out two band-aids. She peels them off and puts them each on my bruised knees. I simply watch her, dumbfounded. She's a complete stranger, why would she....?
The Girl: I don't have a first-aid kit so we'll just have to make do with this. Is that okay?
Oh, she's asking me something again. Still unable to utter words, I nod my head again. However, she tilts her in confusion when I do so. Wh-What? Did I do something strange?
She stands up, places her hands on her hips and leans in close to me, peering at my face. Wh-Why is she getting so close?! My heart starts beating faster.
The Girl: Little boy, you can't speak?
What? She thinks that I'm mute? Well, anyone would think that considering my behaviour. Wait, who is she calling a "little boy"?! We're of the same age! I'm just a little short is all.
I think... maybe I should reply with some words so she doesn't think that I'm dumb. I part my lips nervously and try to speak.
Ashton:.. I-I can.
Why is it such a hassle for me to talk to strangers? In the contrary, I'm completely normal in front of Mom, Christian, Drake and Louis. However, she doesn't find it strange in the slightest and smiles.
The Girl: I see. So, did you get in a fight or something?
She asks, taking a seat on the swing beside me. Fight? Oh, right. There're wounds on my face which make it seem so. I can't tell anyone their real origin so, I'll just go along with it. I nod, staring into space
The Girl: I know that bullies can be difficult to deal with, but you must never give in to them!
Ashton:..!
Her tone is dead serious, as though she's talking from experience. I turn my head to look at her in response.
The Girl: If they think that you're weak, it'll only make them stronger. No matter what they do, never surrender! Fight them back.
What she's saying is right, but it would only work on kids, this my father we're talking about here. I heave a disappointed sigh and look away.
Ashton: Won't work.
I can't do anything against that man to break him down. He hits me harder when I talk back, he would definitely kill me if I did anything more. I can never escape this, can I? Why is this all happening to me? What did I ever do to him?
The Girl: Are they much stronger than you?
I nod again. It's not possible to-
The Girl: Then, I have a little trick for you.
Ashton:..! Tell me.
Her response piques my interest immediately. What could that trick be? Will it really help me? I await her answer, anticipating and she finally says it.
The Girl: The next time they do that to you, smile at them.
Ashton:... Huh?
How can I smile when I'm getting beaten to death?! And how will that even help? Sensing my suspicion, she continues.
The Girl: This is a dual trick, it will not only make them feel guilty, but also creep them out. They'll think twice before doing it again.
As a demonstration, she smirks evilly at me, her previous angelic aura gone. I chill runs down my spine as I break eye contact with her. Uh, I don't think that I feel safe around her anymore. Mommy, help me!
The Girl: Haha, did I scare you, Little Boy? I was just trying to lighten up the mood. It's just a joke.
Ashton:.....
She chuckles and I look down at my feet. Why? Why would anyone want to help a complete stranger just like that? She doesn't know my real identity so, it's not like she's going to gain anything from it.
Is this what they call "goodwill"? This is all very new to me. When I remain silent, she begins to get concerned.
The Girl: Um, I didn't mean to make fun of you or anything. Are you angry?
Ah, she thinks that she offended me by making fun of my situation since I didn't humour her. I quietly shake my head.
The Girl:.....
She stares at me silently when I say this.
Ashton:..?
What is it?
The Girl: You are quite shy, aren't you.
Shy? I guess I am. I wasn't like this before, before the torture began. Ever since then, I've hesitated interacting with people or going out of the house. I just want to be left alone.
But, this girl, being so extroverted, took the initiative to converse with me. What's stranger is that... I don't really feel uncomfortable around her....