Mom must have sent him to look for me. I know that going with him can get me to avoid any trouble, but...
I turn to face the girl. I... I want to talk to her some more. It's so strange, we just met and yet I'm already so comfortable around her. This has never happened since the torture started. Maybe, she is really special to me.
However, I can't just assume that she likes me too and wants to spend time with me. Say it, say that you don't want me to go. Say that you want me to stay. Tell me that I'm not a hindrance and that just like me, you too, want to know me better.
I keep staring at her, anxiously expecting an answer. No matter how I talked to you, I don't find you annoying and nosy. So, say that and I won't-
The Girl: You should go, it's getting late so, I need to be home as well.
Ashton:!!!
She replies in a cold tone, crushing my expectations. What..? This doesn't feel like her. Wasn't she having fun too? Why does she want to push me away now? Is it because I'm being too desperate? Or was she just pretending earlier?
She must have found me annoying for venting in front of her when she never asked for it. Right. Who was I kidding? There are no such people like the one I thought she was.
Since I'm such an eyesore, I'll get out of your hair. I stand up from the swing and talk without looking at her.
Ashton: Thank you for your help, bye.
The Girl:.....
She doesn't say anything as I start walking towards Christian. With each step I take farther away from her, my heart starts feeling heavier. I keep anticipating that she'd call for me anytime now, but she never does.
My heart feels as heavy as lead as I exit the park and make my way towards Christian. He walks me back to the luxurious car.
Christian: Madam is very worried about you. Thank goodness nothing happened to you. Fortunately, Master will be back to the mansion a little late so, rest assured, he wouldn't get to know about this. However, you must never do something as reckless as this in future, do you understand, Young Master?
Ashton: Mmn.....
I thought that she was different from the others, I guess I saw it wrong. Looking at me biting my bottom lip in frustration, he comes to a conclusion that it's related to the girl. He gently smiles at me.
Christian: Who was that young lady with you back there? Is she your new friend? If Madam allows, she can come over-
Ashton: She's just a passerby.
I cut him short. That's right, we're strangers. I don't even know her name, how can we even be friends?
Christian:....
He doesn't say anything back and silently opens the car's door for me, urging me to get seated. However, before I get on, I involuntarily turn my head around to look at that girl again.... but she's nowhere to be seen.
.... She must've gone home. The sun's already setting and gets getting dark so... Why am I lying to myself? I already know the reason and yet...
Christian: Is something the matter?
Ashton:... No, let's go.
I get seated inside and stare into space as the car starts moving. Even though it is spacious inside, it somehow makes me feel suffocated. I start fiddling with my shirt's top button as usual and noticing this, Christian speaks up.
Christian: Do you know her name? If you do, I can arrange for you two to meet again in the future.
Ashton:..!
Christian... Nothing gets past him, does it. As tempting as meet her again sounds, there's nothing that can be done about it. I don't know anything about her so he can't investigate her and... I don't think she wants to see me again.
And so, with a heavy heart, I decline his suggestion.
Ashton: I don't know her well, there's no need for that.
Christian: Ah, I must've falsely assumed that she helped you treat your scraped knees then.
He says in a teasing tone, testing me. I turn my face away from him and pout.
Ashton:... Shut up.
I really hate how he observant he is. But... How nice it would be to talk to her again. Never have I ever clicked so quickly with a stranger in so long. Leaving whatever happened later aside, I do feel lighthearted after getting all of those thoughts off my chest.
She may have hurt my feelings in the end, but I still want to thank her for helping me open my mind and lightening my heart even if she made it hurt a little later. And with that, I started facing everything with a fresh opinion.....
It's been so long since I thought of her. I can't really remember her facial features well which makes it impossible to recognise her even if I have already come across her. I guess, I'll never meet her again.
Come to think of it, at that time, I hadn't talked that much in a long time. Even a whole day's conversations together would sum up to that. Just how did she make me open up to her in such a short time?
I park my car and walk towards the restaurant's entrance, still thinking about her. I spot Claire in the lobby and walk over to her.
How is that girl doing now? Why did she suddenly change her attitude towards me? Is it because I bored her or because of my status? Did I really grow taller than her?
A smile automatically spreads across my face as I remember our silly argument. Looking at me smiling to myself, Claire stares at me, confused.
Claire: What's up?
Ashton: Ah, nothing. I just... remembered a happy memory.
Does that girl still remember me and our bickering?
Claire: I see. Where should we get seated?
Ashton: I already have a reservation, that's our table over there.
I point towards a table at the back of the restaurant.
Claire: Oh, okay.
And most importantly, if we meet each other again, will we recognise each other? Several questions whirl around in my mind as I make my way to the table with Claire.
But, little did I know, the girl I wanted to meet for so long was already acquainted with me very intimately.....