My alarm went off sending me a reminder. I stretched my arms and put my laptop back on my desk before clambering into bed. I lay there, snuggled up in my sheets waiting to slowly fall asleep.

Before moving down here, I've taken the firm decision to change my life. I created a timetable and set it with the alarm of my phone, so that it could remind me from time to time.

I was laying wide awake in my bed at 10 p.m. gazing at the little shiny stars on my ceiling. My body was tired, begging for sleep, but my mind was occupied by a certain person.

The thing was, I didn't even get a proper view of that cake.

Really Ash? I scoffed.

But he was really a piece of cake.

God! Why I was behaving like a typical teenage girl?

Maybe, because I'm one of them?

No. I wasn't like them. I've already faced enough problems, and currently, I wasn't in right situation to deal with new ones. I needed to focus on my one and only dream.

Sighing, I rolled on my back and snuggled my face into the pillows. My mind keep drifting back to the parking lot but I controlled myself, to not think about it. Very soon, my mind gave up and allowed me to get some sleep.

***

I rubbed my eyes and checked the watch : 4.57 a.m

I grinned and took my phone from the desk, switching off the alarm which was going to blast in 3 mins.

After that, I changed my clothes into my running track suit, skipping the glasses, and headed outside. Quietly, I jogged downstairs, holding my shoes in one hand and door key in another.

I securely locked the door and after putting on the shoes, ran away with a big smile on my face.

Out of breath, I stopped and looking around. Finding a empty bench, I sat on it and pulled out my phone. I had a half an hour.

I emptied the contents of my water bottle and went back to running.

**

After getting dressed up in my usual oversized clothes, I reached school in time and went straight to my locker.

When I was done, I locked it and turned around, finding Melissa grinning at me.

"Did I scare you?" She asked innocently.

I rolled my eyes. "Not even close."

"Don't worry. I'll get you next time," She smirked.

"Of course, I'd love to see that." I gave her a challenging look and adjusted my glasses.

She laughed loudly and said, "Oh God! It's really fun to talk to you. Anyways, are we going for the coffee today?"

I looked straight in her eyes, trying to see what was going in her mind, but came up with nothing. Her body language was relaxed, like she was telling the truth, but still, I couldn't make myself trust her.

"Hey Ash?"

Ash. You can't let her call you Ash.

I shook my head and saw the concern written on her face. "Yeah, I spaced out. What were you saying?"

"You do that a lot. Ash, are you alright?" She asked, frowning.

"Of course. I like to talk to myself only, so spacing out is part of that." I shrugged and added. "Can you please call me Ashley? I don't like nicknames."

She looked at me quizzically but nodded. "Okay. It's almost time. Let's go to the class," she said changing the topic and pointed towards her watch.

I nodded and started walking with her. She didn't say anything till we reached classroom, and I kinda felt bad. She was just being friendly.

As if you know.

I couldn't ignore the tiny voice of my head. Her sudden appearance was suspicious. Should I ask her about this? She gave me a small smile which didn't reach her eyes. Then, she went and sit in her chair which was three rows behind me.

"Um, Melissa?" I called out to her.

She stopped and half turned, looking completely surprised.

"Coffee house."

She didn't say anything and gave me confused look.

"After school?" I raised my eyebrow and her face filled with happiness.

"Of course," she nearly squealed with joy and jumped, hugging me. "I promise, you won't regret anything."

I hugged her back and nodded, not saying anything about her promise. I didn't need to ask her about what regret she was talking. Neither she asked me anything.

I guess, that's the thing we heard about friendship. If you're truly a friend then you will never force her for anything. You will eventually understand her pain without asking about it.

I really hope, I won't regret this in future.

**

When the bell of last class rang, I quickly got up, feeling excited to hang out with Melissa.

Since the incident happened, lot of things changed. I wasn't allowed to hanging out with anyone outside the house. I've to be at home before 6 p.m. My pocket money is limited, and I've to take permission to access my card.

It's been eight months. I've never had a cup of coffee with anyone except my aunt or sister. My parents stopped talking to me when they found out about the mess that I created with Brandon, so eating or drinking is out of the question.

I finished my remaining second year from home only. I was allowed to go outside only for giving exams. My father is a powerful businessman with a strong political connection. It wasn't difficult for him to arrange this for him. Hell, he could even save me from this trouble by putting that bastard in Jail. But, he did nothing. In fact, he punished me for ruining his reputation and disappointing him.

So, here I am!

I leaned against my locker and pulled out my phone from my pocket. I scrolled through the contacts and stopped when I found the one, I needed right now. I exhaled loudly and dialled aunt Jenna number.

I need to get her permission.

Actually, She won't know if I don't tell her. She was a lawyer, running her own firm. She won't be home before 6 or 7 p.m., but if I want to start my life again, I can't do it with lies.

She picked up the phone after five rings and answered, "Hello? Ashley, are you okay?"

I could sense the panic in her voice and you would do the same of you receive a call from your spoiled niece who was living with you from a month but never talked to you properly. It's not like she didn't try. It was me who never bothered getting along with her.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied. "I hope you're not busy?" Nervously, I ran my fingers through my hair.

"Ofcourse not. Do you want anything?"

"Um, there is a someone who wants to hang out with me. Can I go?" I mumbled so quietly that I'd a doubt she didn't hear me as the line went dead silent for few seconds.

"Ashley, your father made it already clear. I'm sorry sweetie, but it's not in my hand." Her tone was apologetic like she was forced to turn me down.

"It's just a coffee. I promise to be home before 5," I tried to convince her. "You won't regret it, please?" I added in a desperate tone, clutching the phone tightly.

I didn't know what came over to me and a tear fall from my eye.

Was I really desperate for a break from my strict schedule which was limited to study and running only?

Or I really wanted to be friend with Mellisa. Because she was just like old Ashley, except she isn't a bitch.

I sobbed and quickly wiped my cheeks, looking around but sighed in relief when no one noticed my emotional break down.

Then, I removed my glasses and wiped them from the small towel before wearing them again.

"Ashley, don't cry baby," she said in a sympathetic tone which I hated the most.

The last thing I want is pity!

"I can understand. I'm sorry for asking," I said in a rushed tone and ended the call without waiting for her reply.

I mentally scolded myself for breaking out so easily. I shouldn't have asked Melissa. I wasn't that weak. I don't need anyone. I could survive on my own like I was doing from past eight months.

After taking a deep breath, I headed outside to find Melissa. As, I was passing through hallway, my phone vibrated. I unlocked it and found a text from my aunt. Automatically, my lips curved in a upward direction when I read;

Be home before 5 p.m. Don't let me down!

Grinning widely, I quickly text her back,

Promise. Thank you so much!

I locked my phone and put it back in my pocket, realizing how this small news changed my whole mood.

I guess, Happiness is infectious.

I felt it pass through me like a warm ocean wave, washing away the stress of my day to leave me refreshed inside.

I was walking on my own joy of bubble and didn't realised when it popped out, resulting me bumping into a hard wall.

"Damn," I muttered and lifted my face to burst out at the person who caused this.

But, you know the moment when they say, 'Cat got your tongue'

Well, I was in the same situation!

FML!

****

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