"I think I drank too much." Ashlyn said as she dropped her cup on the table. "I need to use the restroom, I'll be back." She stood up and excused herself.
"Don't take too long, okay?" Kait said before Ashlyn exited through the door. Pressing her phone, she continued drinking.
Walking through the corridor, Ashlyn found the female restroom and entered. After using the bathroom properly, she stood at the wall mirror, turned on the tap and washed her hands. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she ran her fingers through her hair and sighed before turning off the tap.
Walking out of the restroom, immediately she opened the door, she saw a familiar face standing there. It was the same man she saw at the park— The silent and strange man.
"You..." Surprised by his presence, those were the only words that came out of Ashlyn lips.
Seeing he wasn't saying anything and just looking at her, Ashlyn couldn't help but feel unsettled within her. Her eyes met with his and it felt different, entirely different from earlier at the park.
His pale black eyes were unlike anything she's seen before but yet it felt out of place, she could notice the many secrets in them and even though it wasn't very noticeable, she could notice the lostness in them.
"This is the females toilet, you shouldn't be here." She said hoping to get a word from him but instead, he held her wrist.
"Let go of me... What are you trying to do?" Ashlyn senses of alert kicked in immediately as she tried releasing her hand from his grip but instead it became more tightened and she winced in pain.
"Ouch!! You're hurting me... Who are you? What do you want?" She stuttered and upon seeing that her words and strength had no effect on this man at her front, she was left with only one option— the ultimate self defense.
Kicking him in-between his legs, the man let go of her wrist and she used the little strength in her to push him out of the way and ran back to the bar.
Kait protectiveness kicked in the moment she saw Ashlyn running towards her. Standing up, "What's after you?" She asked and held Ashlyn gently.
"C'mon, tell me... What's wrong? Why are you running? Who's after you? What's chasing you?" She bombarded Ashlyn with questions.
Breathing heavily, Ashlyn opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out.
Running out of patience as her curiosity piqued, "Speak to me, Ash." Worry visible on Kait face as she spoke with a concern tone.
Turning her head to the direction of the door, she raised her hand, pointing to the direction of the door. "There... In there..." Ashlyn tried to speak again. Trying to steady her breathing, she placed her left hand on her chest and clenched her shirt in her fist while patting her chest.
"Calm down and talk to me Ash... What's in there? What happened when you went to the restroom? Talk to me, Ash."
Getting no reply from Ashlyn, "Damn!" Kait cursed in frustration. Leaving Ashlyn for a short moment, she rushed to the females restroom, opened the three doors but saw nothing and no one. "What happened to her?" Kait said in confusion, asking no one in particular.
Going back to where Ashlyn was, she couldn't take the silence anymore and needed an answer. Holding Ashlyn carefully, Kait sat her down on her seat before crouching beside her.
"Ash, talk to me... What's wrong?" She asked in concern but Ashlyn just looked at her speechless. She knew she was worrying this friend of hers that cares about her so much but what could she possibly do right now. Yes, she could stop her from worrying by speaking.
Finally calming down, Ashlyn spoke, though her heart beat was still racing, it was only a bit higher than normal. "He held my hand tightly... His eyes... He looked lost like he was finding something. Those eyes... I don't know, I just..."
As Ashlyn broke down her words in parts, Kait noticed her trembling hands and she took it and placed them in hers. She didn't understand what Ashlyn was saying so she asked. "Who is he? Do you know him?"
Feeling the secure warmth of Kait hands, Ashlyn felt a bit relaxed to answer the question correctly. "I met him today at the park... He was the one I told you about that..."
"The crazy guy?" Kait interjected and Ashlyn nodded.
"I see... Is he following you or something?" Before waiting for Ashlyn to say anything, she added again. "I think we're done for today, let's go home." And Ashlyn could only nod in agreement before standing up.
She too was tired for the day, though, she was still scared by what happened, she was a bit calm. Today was probably the worst day of her life for her and the most eventful, taking her by surprise.
"I'll drive you home." She heard Kait words again and nodded.
Calling for the waiter, Kait paid for their orders before turning her full attention to Ashlyn. Helping her gently to stand up, Kait willingly gave her shoulders to Ashlyn for support as they walked out of bar. Taking the elevator this time and not the stairs, Kait couldn't help but have different thoughts fill her head as she sank in concern for Ashlyn.
Tightening her hold on Ashlyn, the elevator doors opened and they both walked out of the building to where Kait car was parked. Unlocking her car remotely, she opened the passenger door and Ashlyn entered then closed it before going around to the driver's seat.
Already settled in the driver's seat, Kait looked at Ashlyn who was only looking straight and when Ashlyn turned her head towards her, she forced a smile on her lips and said softly, "Let's go."
Turning on her car engine, Kait faced her front and concentrated on driving with only one destination in her head. Ashlyn's house.