~CEDRIC's Point of View~
Truth be told, I could not be bothered to care anymore whether Zeke would fulfill the end of the bet or not, so long as he took my money. I just wanted to help him with his current financial problem, that was all. Let us just say that I am simply that kind of friend who wanted to help his comrade to get over with their problems; well in his case, I was financial. I knew well enough that Zeke was struggling keeping up with his expenses. However, knowing his character, I also knew that there was no way he would accept my help so I had to come up with an idea how I could give him the money in a roundabout manner so as not to hurt his pride.
Zeke could be stubborn at times, well... actually, no. I should have said, 'at all times'. In fact, as far as my memory was not failing me yet, Zeke was the most obstinate person that I have ever met in my life, not to mention that he was also a man full of pride. This friend of mine, cared for his ego more than anything else. But nonetheless, he was a decent person. He could be froward if he wanted to, but at least, he was a good friend to me.
"Come on, dude. Just take it as if you are doing this for me. Alliyah and I cannot enjoy our time together because even when I am with her, her mind was at someone else. She was way too devoted on their friendship to the point that there were times that I am even left wondering to myself if she actually loved that friend more than me, her boyfriend. At least, if she knew that her friend was already happily dating its crush, she would be at ease and can focus on our relationship more."
I knew that a little more push here and there and Zeke would start to get sway by my words. I waited for his answer but the other party just looked me at the eye and refused to say a anything afterward. He did not expressed his consent nor accepted my offer right away. But at least, he also did not decline it. I guess, I could just take his silence as a yes? Well, let us just wait and see.
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~ASH's Point of View~
I was on my own, vibing at the soundtrack blasting at the stereo. There was no one home, but me and I am already used to it. In fact, it was almost like I have been living by myself in this house. The property was under my name so technically, I owned it. It was given to me by my parents as soon as they were get the petitioned to live with my sister. I am the youngest among the three daughters. Our oldest, was staying abroad with her husband while my sister who was only a year older than me just flew to Australia as well to start a family there with her Aussie-citizen fiancee.
Growing up, I was more like of a timid and shy little girl. Likewise, I think I also have a fair share of issue when it came down to self esteem and somehow, I attributed it to the fact that my two sisters were downright Venus' incarnate. Not that I am exaggerating things because I am their little sister, but they possessed the kind of beauty that could cause the downfall of a nation. If you get me.
Well, talking about physical appearance, I personally think that I am not that either. Maybe, I am on the mediocre level, if there was one, to begin with. I don't know, to be honest. How could I tell?
All I know was that I am just a plain looking girl, so plain that if you would try searching for me within the crowd, I don't think that you would notice me. One would have to take a double look first, probably three, because my face was never catchy in the eye.
During reunions, whatever kind of family gathering it was, it was always my two sisters who would bask all the attention and compliment, whilst me, on the other hand, would forever always be living under their shadows. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I am ugly. It was just that, regardless how hard I tried to put an effort, I felt that I would always not be enough to hold a candle next to them. If there was one thing that I am sure, that would be that I am not as attractive as my sisters.
Who could have blame me though? When I was in my high school, all of my friends could not believe it when I told them that I am then youngest sister of two of our campus' belles. Even my prospective suitors would forget about how they used to have interest with me once they saw my pretty sisters.
It was for this reason, why I never tried to put effort making myself look beautiful anymore. Because why else would I waste my time when I already know from the start that it would all just be for naught? No one would ever pay me a heed anyway. I would just be that unnoticed little sister. So why care?
I am that kind of girl who could got out of their house without brushing her hair. I am so nonchalant when I comes to my appearance. But today, was the first time that I regretted being indifferent and not caring about how I looked!
Why would I not?!!!
Well, I just came face to face with Zeke whom I had a big fat crush since grade school!
For the first time since forever, I found myself hating the fact that I am not as beautiful as my sisters.
"Stop it, you foolish organ. At this right, we might end up dying from cardiac arrest!"
I berated my heart inside my heart. Apparently, this little piece of me had been thumping so hard against my chest as though it wanted to leap out from my mouth and chase after Zeke who happened to walk past me at the school cafeteria.
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"Don't you have spare change with you?"
The cashier asked Ash with its brows furrowed together, as soon as the student handed her a hundred dollar bill. Ash, on the other hand, looked back at the lady at the counter with a dumbfounded expression.
'That was already the lowest bill I have on my wallet. What should I do? I am running late for my exam'
The girl thought to herself in panic. Out of all the things she could forget, she happened to choose the most important thing. How could one expect to answer a test questionnaire if they did not have anything to use for writing?
"I don't have any. Can't you just keep the change? You see, I have to take an exam and I badly needed that pen."
Ash tried to explain her situation but before the cashier could even gave her an answer, someone butted in at their conversation.
"Here, just take this."
The voice said as it handed the cashier and exact amount.
"Let me pay it for you."
The man added when Ash refused to move aside. She had been at the counter trying to negotiate with the cashier for way too long. But what she failed to notice was that there was someone else that was waiting in line other than her.
"Next time prepare smaller bills if you are just looking to buy for a single pen."
The man advised Ash and when the girl tried to look behind her shoulder to see who was the owner of the voice, her eyes bugged out. She could not believe her eyes that she was looking at Zeke at that moment.
"Thank you. I promise I will pay it back to you."
She told him softly as if in a whisper but Zeke no longer talked to her after that. Ash felt like her entire face was burning and she could not help but turn red due to embarrassment. It was a good thing though that the other party was no longer looking at her way, otherwise he would think that she was blushing for him. So with her cheeks still flushed with a crimson color, Ash started walking to the exit with hurried steps.