PAST (5 years ago)
Walking through corridors wasn't really something that I liked very much. Maths was boring as usual. Sometimes I really wonder what I'm doing with my life.
I had no friends here, in college. My only best friend was Katherine, who died three years ago in a plane crash. It feels like it was yesterday when she was blabbering about her trip to Australia. She was so excited, her eyes had a different spark and the sides crinkled in excitement. Unfortunately that was the last memory I have of her. I cried clinging on to her, as she was my only friend and honestly, I didn't know how I'd survive the summer without her. She promised me that she'd call me when she landed. But that moment never came.
She never called. She died.
I started having nightmares after that. She was the one I had, I relied upon. She was my dear best friend, my Katherine. People began ignoring me, some blamed me for not being a good friend, some pitied me.
Opening my locker brought me out of my trance. I was keeping my books when the sound of heels clicking caught my attention.
" Well, well, if it isn't Miss. Paranoia. "
I rolled my eyes. I really had enough of her games," What do you want Isabella? "
" For the hundredth time, it's Bella. And you're my daily dose of entertainment. How can I stay away from you sweetheart? "
I ignored her and looked back towards my locker.
" Who's this young girl? ", she asked.
I frowned and looked towards her. In her hands was the picture of me and Katherine from when we were 15.
" Give it back to me. " ,I tried snatching it away. But she only held it higher.
" Wow, Ashley, who's this girl, huh? Sister? Lover? ", and then she along with the entire corridor started laughing.
Tears began stringing my eyes. Then my eyes landed on Liam. He was looking all confused. I looked away embarrassed, " Please Bella, just give it back to me."
I hated begging but I could do nothing about it. I left bad for being so weak. The shackles of past situations had made me a weak person.
" Or what? Huh Ash-"
Suddenly she stopped. I looked up to see Liam holding my picture and glaring at Isabella. Here comes more taunting, I guess.
"B-babe, what are you doing? Give me the picture. ", she said whispering.
" Why? Is it yours? ", this was the first time I heard him talk being so close to me. Shivers ran down my spine on hearing his deep, husky voice.
"I thought so. Seriously Bella when will you grow up? ", he shouted. People were looking at us now, like we were a piece of meat.
" Liam what are you doing?! People are looking. Babe stop! ",she whisper yelled.
" Or what? You can stop your games by the way. You're a major piece of shit that I wish to dispose. You are nothing to me. " ,people gasped, "your games and innocent act are some of the things I hate. But you know what I hate the most? Your face and your filthy character. "
" Liam! ", she shouted.
"Shut up Bella!" ,he handed me the picture and took my hand. Shivers ran down my spine and my face started heating up, " and do us a favour. Get a life and stay the hell away from this girl. "
He started pulling me away towards the field. His hold kept on getting stronger and I was sure it was going to leave a mark. We stopped in front of the side benches. His breathing was ragged and his hold was still tight on my wrist. Unintentionally I let out a hiss in pain.
" Shit I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" , he asked loosening his hold.
" I'm okay. " , I squeaked. I felt more embarrassed and I was sure anyone could mistake me for a tomato now.
He smirked which eventually turned into a smile.
" Thanks for that, back there. And I'm really sorry for causing problems between you and your girlfriend. "
" Girlfriend? ", he laughed.
" Yeah? ", I asked confused.
"Why would you think that? We went out like just two times. And she's really a crazy person to be with, honestly. She kept spreading rumours of me being her boyfriend. There was nothing like that between us. "
I just made an 'o' and said, " I'm Ashley by the way. You can call me Ash. "
" I'm Liam and you can call me anytime. "
I laughed and said, " I know. We have Physics together. "
" Well, Physics, French and English "
"Wait, really? How did you know that? "
"Well, honestly I have been stalking you. "
Stop. Wait. Rewind.
HOLY CRAP!!! Liam has been stalking me? Liam was stalking me?
"You do look creepy, I must say. ", I joked.
" You can say that. ", he laughed.
Soon came the awkward silence. I was looking anywhere but him.
" So, umm, are you free Saturday night? "
" T-this Saturday? ", I stuttered.
" Yeah? ", he scratched the back of his neck.
"Yep. Why? "
" Well, if you'd like to, you know, hang out or something. Cause we clearly didn't meet in the best of situations. "
" Uh, s-sure. I'd lo-love to. " , I stuttered again.
"Kay. Then, I'll meet you on Saturday. Bye. "
" Okay. Bye. ", I was blushing so hard and had no idea how crimson I was.
But from the looks of Liam, I guess he knew. Shit!
I began walking back towards the canteen. Unable to control my excitement I put a hand on my mouth and silently screamed. Okay, that's not possible. But I was on cloud nine. Like hell I remember.
Fortunately, Isabella and the other bimbos were no where near. This was probably the best day in three years. I got asked out.
******
I skipped all the way to home. Get a hold of yourself Ashely! You're acting like a crazy teenager!
" Someone's happy. ", my dad greeted me.
" Someone is. ", I smiled.
" May I know the reason why?"
" Someone got asked out. ", I said peeling a banana.
" Well, good for someone. When? "
" Saturday. "
" Hope the boy stays sane after the date. "
" Dad! "
" Just kidding sweetie. ", he patted my head, " although, remember that kid who took you out -", he abruptly stopped.
An awkward silence filled the room.
" I'll -I'll be upstairs. ", I said.
I could feel guilt wash over his face. I myself felt very bad.
Once inside my room, I stripped out of my dress and went for a cool shower. However, the past came back again to haunt me. Standing below the cold water, I let out a whimper and held my naked body close to myself. Hot tears got mixed with shower water. After what felt like eternity, I came out of the bathroom all dressed up.
I was met with my father sitting on the bed. I slowly sat down beside him and looked at the ground.
" I'm sorry, kiddo. "
"No dad. It's not your fault. It was just -just slip of tongue. And moreover, on second thought, I feel like I shouldn't g-"
" Hey, hey, hey, don't. Don't you dare let your past hold you back, okay? Things will be okay this time. It will be alright. You've got me and your mom. "
I snuggled into his chest and sighed, " I hope so. Thanks dad. "
" Anytime Ashley. Now let's go and eat. You must be hungry. "
********
PRESENT
My body was moving like I was in a bus. I groaned as light rays fell upon my face.
" Wake up Ashley! Your mother has called a hundred times."
" Five more minutes. I swear I'll... ", my voice faded as I started going into deep slumber.
A pillow smacked in the head and I immediately got up.
" What was that for?", my voice came out deep.
" It's 8:00 and people are worried about you. C'mon you need to get home. "
I quickly brushed and washed my face as yesterday's memories came back flashing. I was still in my work clothes and needed to get back home as quickly as possible . But I was pretty sure that today I possible couldn't dodge my mother's wrath.
Thinking about it, made me shudder.
After what felt like eternity, I parked my car in the driveway. Smoothing out the creases of the dress I knocked on the door.
"I'm so sorry Mo- what are you doing here?! ", I was shell shocked.
" Where were you all night? "
" It's none of your business Liam. "
" Yes it is. My fiance was missing all night. I'll ask you one last time, where were you Ashley? ", he gritted out in anger.
" I was with Nicky. "
" Nicky? "
" Nick Jonas? The guy I told you about? "
"If it's true, you'll know what I'll do t-"
" Alright , fine , fine ", I said giving up, " I was with Miranda . We had a sleepover kind of thing. And no, we didn't go to bars or had drinks, if that was your next question. Now, step aside. "
He looked at me for a few minutes while I just kept looking down.
"Get freshened up and dressed. "
"Ugh! Liam it's Saturday. I can work from home. Remember? "
"No. It's not that. "
"Then? "
" We're going for shopping. "