The bell signaling the start of the break period rang loudly through the crowded school halls. Ashley let out a tired sigh, glancing over her shoulder one last time. Fred was still there, his gaze lingering on her even as he fidgeted in his seat. She had noticed his nervous behavior all morning the way he kept glancing at her from across the classroom, tapping his foot anxiously. But whatever was going on with him wasn't her concern right now. She had more pressing matters to deal with.
As she packed her textbooks into her worn-out backpack, her mind was already racing ahead to her meeting with Derek. She needed her pay, and she needed it today. Both Luna and George had insisted she go collect what she was owed, especially after all her hard work, and Ashley couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip away.
Fred, meanwhile, watched Ashley from the corner of his eye as she hurriedly packed her things. He could tell she was in a rush, her movements tense and precise, like she was trying to beat an invisible clock. He wanted to use this moment to finally talk to her maybe explain the turmoil that had been keeping him awake at night. But she was already heading for the door.
Fred hesitated, his thoughts spiraling. She's not going to the cafeteria, right? he wondered. Ashley had avoided that place like the plague ever since that humiliating incident in third grade. Maybe she's headed to the library... but it's closed during break time.
He watched as she slipped out of the classroom, a determined look on her face. He wanted to chase after her, but if he went too soon, she'd surely notice. And given how jittery he'd been acting all morning, he didn't want her to think he was stalking her. So he forced himself to wait five agonizing minutes before he stood up, hoping it wouldn't be too late to catch up with her.
****
Ashley's steps echoed as she entered the bustling cafeteria. It felt like walking into a lion's den, but she kept her chin up, determined not to show any weakness. As usual, no one paid her any attention—just the way she preferred it. She made her way to the far corner where Derek and his group always held court, their laughter loud and boisterous.
The moment she approached their table, however, the atmosphere shifted. A hush fell over the cafeteria, and all eyes turned toward her. Victor, one of Derek's cronies, leaned back in his chair with a smug grin plastered on his face.
"All hail the slut," he sneered loudly, his voice carrying across the cafeteria. Laughter erupted from their group, and Ashley's cheeks burned, but she bit down her pride. She couldn't afford to let them get to her. Not today.
Swallowing her anger, she turned to Derek, who was leaning casually in his seat, not even bothering to look up. "Derek, I came here for my pay," she said firmly, refusing to let her voice waver.
Derek's eyes flicked up lazily, and a smile curved at the corner of his lips. "Ashley, Ashley... We had a deal, remember? No causing a scene, and I'll pay you." He sounded bored, as if she was just another inconvenience in his otherwise perfect day.
"I didn't cause any scene," Ashley protested, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She could feel the eyes of the entire cafeteria on her, waiting for her to crack.
Victor leaned forward, laughing cruelly. "Hey, waitress, you should leave. Your savior isn't here to protect you this time." The jeering laughter from Derek's clique grew louder, and Ashley's heart pounded in her chest.
"I did the work you asked," she said through gritted teeth, refusing to back down. "You owe me that money, Derek."
The moment the words left her mouth, Derek's eyes darkened, his expression turning hostile. He stood up abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. "Get lost, Ashley! I said I'm not paying you!" he barked, his voice echoing in the silence that followed. But just as he did, his eyes flicked past her, widening slightly.
Ashley turned around to see Fred standing there, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, his gaze fixed on Derek. The cafeteria was so quiet now, you could hear a pin drop.
"What's going on here?" Fred asked calmly, though there was a hardness in his eyes that sent a shiver down Ashley's spine. She hadn't expected him to show up, especially not like this.
Derek quickly plastered on a fake smile, confidence returning now that he was surrounded by his clique. "Oh, nothing, Fred. Just a misunderstanding," he said smoothly. "Ashley here thinks she's owed something, but we both know she was already paid, don't we?"
Fred's gaze shifted to Ashley, who felt her heart sink. He's going to think I'm greedy, she thought miserably. But to her shock, Fred didn't side with Derek.
"I thought I already paid you for your services at the party," Fred said, loud enough for everyone to hear. The entire cafeteria erupted in whispers, students gawking in disbelief.
Ashley's eyes widened, anger flaring in her chest. How dare he make it sound like I'm some kind of gold digger? She could see the triumph in Victor's eyes and the mocking grins of Derek's friends.
"Greedy bitch," Victor shouted, fueling the fire. Ashley couldn't take it anymore. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the cafeteria, her vision blurring with tears. She was angry—angry at Fred, angry at Derek, but most of all, angry at herself for letting them get to her.
---
The Football Field
Fred caught up with Ashley at the school's football field, where she had collapsed onto one of the bleachers, her shoulders shaking as she tried to muffle her sobs. He approached cautiously, guilt twisting in his gut.
"Ashley," he said softly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."
She didn't look up, wiping furiously at her tears. "Were you crying?" Fred asked, his voice filled with concern.
Ashley sniffed, finally turning to face him. "I'm fine," she said, though her red-rimmed eyes told a different story.
Fred took a step closer, his heart aching at the sight of her pain. "I'm really sorry, Ashley. I didn't mean to embarrass you back there. I just... I was trying to protect you."
Ashley let out a bitter laugh. "Protect me? By making me look like a beggar in front of the whole school? I shouldn't have even gone to Derek, but Luna and my brother insisted." Her voice cracked, and she quickly looked away.
Fred's shoulders slumped. "I understand if you hate me right now, but I promise I was only trying to help." He reached out, hesitating before lightly touching her shoulder. "If you ever need anything... I'm here."
She shook her head, rejecting his offer. "I don't need help, especially not from someone like you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I can handle my own problems."
Fred nodded, realizing that pushing her now would only make things worse. "Alright," he said softly. "But the offer still stands." He turned and walked away, leaving Ashley sitting there, staring out over the empty field, her mind a storm of conflicting emotions.
****
By the time Ashley returned home, her exhaustion weighed heavily on her. The comforting smell of something cooking greeted her as she walked into the kitchen, where George was busy stirring a pot.
"Did you get the money from Derek?" George asked, not looking up from his task.
Ashley dropped her bag on the floor and leaned against the counter. "No, it was a disaster," she admitted, recounting the humiliating scene in the cafeteria.
George gave her a sympathetic smile. "Well, at least you tried. Want some of the cheapest lunch in town?" he asked, gesturing to the pot.
Ashley's lips twitched into a smile. "Sure, why not."
Just then, Luna burst into the house, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hey, Ash, I think Fred has a thing for you," she teased, placing her hands on Ashley's shoulders.
Ashley rolled her eyes. "Let him. I'm not interested," she replied.
"Why not? He apologized, didn't he?" Luna asked, confused.
"Yeah, but he's too rich, too popular... he's out of my league," Ashley said with a faint smile.
George, overhearing their conversation, shook his head. "Can you two take your drama elsewhere? You're corrupting the young mind over here," he quipped, making all three of them burst into laughter.
For a moment, everything felt normal again, and Ashley let herself forget, just for a little while, the weight of the world on her shoulders.