"And that's it for today's meeting... unless our Vice-Captain has anything she would like to add?" Alex asked, turning towards Ashley.
Ashley stood frozen, her head bent slightly towards the white tiled floor. She could almost feel the stares of the ten people sitting in the spectator seats and kept trying not to meet their eyes. Standing next to her was Alex, the Captain of the Storm Riders— Ravenhill's swim team— and the person that was about to give her the scolding of a lifetime.
Mustering up some bravely, Ashley slowly lifted her head and shook it. Lines of disappointment etched between Alex's brows and her pearl green eyes narrowed.
Who can blame her? Ashley thought.
Turning towards the others, Alex said, "I guess everyone's free to go."
Four guys and six girls got up from their seats. One of them was Mila; Alex's sister. If it wasn't for her being shorter than her sister, Mila would probably have been mistaken as Alex's twin all the time. Like Alex, Mila had green eyes and long golden-brown hair— though she loved to tie hers backward.
Mila walked past Ashley, greeting her with a smile but she didn't say anything.
Another girl— Sara— who was wearing a fabulous cream white dress approached Ashley.
However before Sara was close enough for a conversation, Ashley heard Alex's voice behind her.
"Ashley... a word if you don't mind."
A smile crossed Sara's fair colored face. She signed with her hands, asking Ashley if they could meet after school. Sara couldn't speak but after being around her for almost four years, Ashley had managed to understand her way of communication.
Sara made more hand signs.
This time Ashley pressed her lips together, frowned, and said, "I know."
Sara waved at her and left.
"Sara's right... you are in a lot of trouble."
Ashley held her eyes shut and bit her lower lips as a nervous smile crossed her face. She slowly turned behind.
"Hey, Alex," she said in a low voice.
Alex was standing right in front of her and the brunettes' deep blue leather jacket creaked as she crossed her arms.
"I do hope you had a good reason for showing up late," Alex said, tilting her head. "You were the one who convinced coach— and the principal— to allow us to miss all our morning classes in order to have this meeting. So I expect to hear a very convincing explanation."
Ashley lowered her head, failing to maintain eye contact with Alex. She really couldn't believe she had completely forgotten about the meeting. What was she going to say to Alex? That it would never happen again? Of course, it wouldn't. Ashley wasn't getting a chance like this again; at least not easily.
Raising her head to Alex and swallowing her pride, Ashley said, "Thank you for handling everything. I really have no excuse."
Sighing, Alex walked closer to Ashley.
"Honest as usual," Alex said, holding Ashley's hand lightly. "Ashley, is everything alright? When you arrived, I could tell something was bothering you."
Alex's soft voice was filled with so much concern; the kind that you would get from not just a friend but from family. It reminded Ashley of the way Samantha sounded earlier that morning. In truth, what had happened on their way to school still left an impression on Ashley. She was certain she had seen that guy who appeared in front of the car. But Samantha didn't see her so—
"Ash, hello," Alex loudly said, snapping her fingers and bringing Ashley back to reality. "You see what I mean. Ash listen," Alex gently laid her hands on Ashley's shoulders. "I will be graduating this year and I want to be sure the team is in good hands. And more importantly, I want to be sure that my friend— no— I want to know that my little sis, Ashley Morgan, is alright."
A gentle warmth spread through Ashley's body, melting away every worry she had earlier.
"I'm alright," she said. "Just had a bit of a fight with Sam."
A light chuckle escaped Alex's mouth. "That's something I haven't heard in a while. Well, if that's the case, I am sure you guys will resolve it soon." Alex suddenly pulled Ashley in for a warm hug and sighed in relief. "I really was worried," she said softly.
"I know," Ashley replied, her arms around Alex. "You always know when something is wrong."
Alex looked down at her and said, "Of course I do. Hey Ash, are you sure that was the only thing troubling you?"
"Want me to 'pinky' promise?"
Alex flicked a finger and hit Ashley's forehead.
"Ow!" Ashley exclaimed with a laugh.
"Ashley," Alex whispered. "If you ever need someone to talk to—"
"I know you'll always be there"
Alex walked to the exit, stared at Ashley for a while with a smile, and left.
It was only after Alex left that Ashley realized that hot tears had formed in her eyes. She really was going to miss Alex. Just like Alex had pointed out, Ashley always thought of Alex as an older sister and a role model. She might have been a strict authoritarian sometimes but Alex was actually sentimental, kind and was probably the best swim-team captain Ravenhill ever had.
Staring at the long-empty swimming pools, Ashley drew in a long breath and a scent of pool chlorine entered her nostrils. Just like Alex, she planned on breaking records and winning medals in the tournaments that were coming up in February next year. Alex was the reason the interest in swimming sparked in Ashley. She was in seventh grade back then and seeing Alex's technique, composure, and passion during the competitions, something deep within Ashley was stirred.
Also, Ashley remembered how everyone cheered for Alex that day. They all loved her— accepted her— and Ashley wanted that more than anything. During those days, Ashley was almost always alone. She always believed she was different; constantly lost in a world that she later came to realize never existed.
Why do I always dwell on those days? she thought as a soft chuckle left her mouth.
Ashley shook her head and left the natatorium. The past was behind her. She was now the vice-captain of the Storm Riders and everyone in the school— and the town— now noticed her. Her life was perfect just the way it was right now. She had finally escaped her past.
When she reached the hallway, Ashley found that everyone was now out for lunch and some were already making their way to the cafeteria. Ashley then saw Adrian coming out of class. He looked downcast and the sweet smile he always wore wasn't on his face. She froze at first, realizing she didn't know what to say to him. They hadn't spoken for over a week and Ashley had been ignoring all of his phone calls. She had every right to be mad at him but the cheerless look on his face was more than she could bear.
With hesitant movements resembling those of a scared person about to enter a dark room, Ashley walked to Adrian. He was busy trying to close the creaky door and was failing miserably.
Adrian pulled the door angrily and it slammed back open.
"Maybe if you try being a bit more gentle it will positively respond to you," Ashley said standing behind him.
Like a child catching an older person in a foolish statement, Adrian turned and his eyes gleamed with surprise.
Ashley's fingers curled around the door handle but instead of closing the door, she walked right inside the empty classroom. She heard Adrian's footsteps following her.
There was a brief silence between them until Adrian started to speak.
"Ashley... I know I have been..."
Ashley took in a deep breath and turned to Adrian. Before he could utter another word, she wrapped her arms around his neck and brushed her lips against his. His lips were warm, soft and it was a long and sweet kiss. Adrian's hands gently stroked her hair and slid along her back as they both slowly pulled away from each other. Ashley rested her head against Adrian's chest and her arms found their way around his waist. She missed being this close to him, she thought; burying herself in his sweet scent.
"Look, Adrian," she whispered. "I don't know what's going on but if you feel you can't tell me right now... then I will choose to trust you okay."
Adrian held her by her shoulders and his dark eyes gazed right into hers.
"Ash... I really owe you an explanation," he said. He let go of her and said, "I just don't know if you'll believe me even if I told you... You might even think I am crazy."
Ashley moved closer to him─ their bodies almost touching. She gave him another quick kiss and said, "I remember you once telling me that I am the most open-minded person you've ever met. So try me whenever you're ready."
Adrian chuckled and, with a playful smile, said, "So does this mean I'm forgiven."
He brought his lips closer to hers but Ashley pressed a finger on them and replied, "Not really. You still have a lot of making up to do for standing me up— three times."
Adrian sighed and pulled the door open for her, "I suppose you're gonna ask me to teach you that right?"
Ashley stepped out of the class and said, "Why thank you for suggesting it, babe."
Adrian was one hell of a martial artist; everyone was aware of this. The first time Ashley met Adrian was when she saw him coming out of a local dojo. That's was over ten years ago. However, he wasn't into the sports activities the school held. He wasn't very keen to show off his skills to others but he did, on very rare occasions, display them to Ashley.
As Adrian tried to force the door shut, Ashley shook her head and held the handle. She slowly pulled the door and turned the handle just when it was about to close. It worked. The door shut and Ashley, wearing a proud look on her face, looked at Adrian, and said, "See... it doesn't hurt to be gentle once in a while."