Ashley's POV

Cuddled up in my blanket, I searched through all my social media posts. But nothing, there was barely any trace of me.Specifically, no trace of what happenedto me yesterday. I expected it to be all over social media. I had even braced myself for whatever insults I would get but it was almost as if the whole thing never happened. Since when did people choose not to gossip? What were the chances?

I heard a scratching sound at my door. It was either Mom or Katy and I didn't feel like dealing with their pitiful looks. Strangely, my mother hadn't scolded me and barely said anything as I expected.

I covered my head, pretending I was still asleep. Which turned out to be a mistake because Katy pulled her signature move of jumping right on top of me. She then wiggled her way into my blanket as I pushed her off.

"What is wrong with you?" I whispered rubbing my sore arm.

"I knew you weren't sleeping, you should get off your phone. It's not healthy for you." She said wrapping her arms around me. Couldn't she be less affectionate? I was too tired to push her away. Before I knew it, she had made herself comfortable with her head lying on my shoulder.

"You know, I've been thinking." She paused. "I want to stay single for the rest of my life," Katy concluded, her arms wrapping around me even tighter. "The women in this family are cursed from relationships. I mean, Mom met my dad and you met two douchebags whom we shall never maintain. I'll probably meet someone who frames me for murder." She explained.

"I doubt that," I answered. "After framing you, he will probably murder you and make it look like a suicide. That way he will be able to cover his tracks," I added.

"I know right?" She answered lifting her head. "The next time I see a guy, I'm walking to the opposite end of the room." She added.

"Good for you," I answered patting her on the shoulder.

"Anyways, I came to tell you that Mom called you to come downstairs." She said. She pulled herself up and pushed herself out of my bed.

"Why?" I asked. I was happy to stay in bed. In fact, I'd be happy never to have to go out into the real world again.

"I don't know what crazy thing mom plans on doing." She answered. "You should probably change into something else." She added.

"I'm at home, what's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I asked.

"You are already going through a midlife crisis, you don't want to look like it as well. Mom will surely send you to therapy." She answered. "I can't believe you made me mean to you again." She whispered shaking her head as she walked out of my room. My sister was back.I should have known it wouldn't last.

I didn't want Mom here and giving me a long lecture about how life has to go on. In crinkled, old pyjamas, I stepped out of my bed. Who cares if they didn't like what I wore? I had been lying in bed since last night. I had almost forgotten I could use my legs.

Walking down the stairs, the house sounded unusually quiet. There usually is something going on around here. If it's not Mom yelling at Katy, it's...

"Surprise!" I heard a loud yell startling me out of my thoughts.

Mom, Katy and Ivy sprang out of a corner. Mom held a birthday cake, Katy with the balloons and Ivy with confetti which popped into my face.

I placed my hand over my mouth inshock as Ivy walked over to me and hugged me.

"I can't believe you guys did all this," I said almost in tears.

"I know that technically it isn't your birthday today, but since the last one didn't go too well, we thought we might celebrate it today," Ivy said holding me tighter.

"If you are going to cry, we are all going to start crying too," Ivy said rubbing my back.

"You should make a wish." Mom approached me with the cake. I blew out the candles. I wished for more happy days just like this one.

"You are going to have so much fun. We can have a sleepover and dance all night and we are all going to get really drunk." Ivy cheered. "Except for Katherine, she is still underage." She added lowly.

"Mom is going to get drunk?" I chuckled in disbelief.

It was surprising enough that she got drunk with Layla. I never imagined her doing it again.

"I wasn't always boring you know. How do you think I had two babies?" Mom asked nonchalantly. I can assure you, no child ever what's to hear that. I pushed away all the disturbing images out of my head as I turned my face away in disgust.

We went to the kitchen where mom popped a champagne bottle. Katy was in charge of our playlist, playing whatever trendy songs. They had planned this whole thing out. We even had a wine-tasting station.

Mom poured a glass of champagne for the three of us and gave Katy an apple juice box. "You know, all things considered, you probably dodged a bullet by not ending up with Tristan. Could you imagine Layla as your mother-in-law?" Mom asked.

The T word, that one person I've been trying to forget. I didn't think she was drunk yet, so why was she talking about this?

But she was right though. Layla was obsessed with Tristanin an unhealthy way. It would probably have meant I'd have had to see Maddison more and I can't stand her. Maybe everything was for the best. Except, I still couldn't forget him.

"I thought we agreed we'd never mention that name again in this house," Katy whispered.

"It's goodif we talk about it, especially from a different perspective. It will help you feel better," Mom assured. "As your mother, I should have known you were never pregnant. You just never looked like you were," she added. She seemed so calm as she continued drinking her champagne, what was she getting at.

"Not everyone gains weight or immediately shows you know," I answered in a whisper.

"Honey, you still have no boobs." Mom chuckled.

Her comment left my jaw dropping. Ofall the things she could have said. It was her fault, genetically at least. Mom and Katy abrupted into laughter, Ivy trying to contain herself.

Suddenly feeling insecure, I crossed my arms in front of my chest. You'd think that for at least one day a year, I'd be exempt from these kinds of comments from my family.

Ivy received a text on her phone. She giggled at herself before leaving the room.

"I've been thinking," Mom said maintaining a straight face. "I think it would be a good idea if I opened my own shop. Like a small bakery, we could make customised cakes and all sorts of baked goods,"she explained. "You could work with me and help me out. I don't want you working in restaurants or hotels anymore," she added.

That was an excellent idea except considering our circumstances, it was probably unrealistic. Besides, I was practically useless in the kitchen.

"We don't have money for that," I reminded her.

"I have a friend who is willing to help." She answered then gulped champagne.

What friend did she have that would be able to help her out with so much money? Was she hiding something again?

Katy and I stared at Mom simultaneously with accusatory looks.

"I'm too old for relationships or any of that stuff that you are thinkingabout," Mom answered.

"I didn't want you to meet any of my friends in high school because everyone thought you were my sister. Do you know how insulting that was for me?" I joked. "You are not that old," I added.

"Aren't I allowed to have friends?" Mom answered dismissively.

"Okay," Katy answered distrustfully. "But we're watching you young lady, from now on, your curfew is six p.m.." Katy said.

I thought ofIvy. I wonder what she has been up to. The last time I checked, she was hiding a mysterious boyfriend from me.

I got up from my seat and headed for the backyard. Maybe it was better for me if I left the room now before the attention was redirected to me.

I walked in on Ivy during her phone call. She didn't notice. I stood back to wait until she finished her call.

"Bye Marcus, you should get back to work." Ivy giggled.

Wait, was that the same Marcus who was my manager? Were they dating now? What were the changes?

"I'll be back at work tomorrow for the night shift," Ivy confirmed with a giggle.

In shock, I waited while they did the teenage version of'No, you hang up first'.

She then giggled as she ended the call.

I may have been dumb on a lot of things but I was smart enough to realize that there was something going on.

"You are dating Marcus, my old boss?" I said in disbelief. "That's who you were hiding?" I asked amazed.

Ivy's face went pale as she tucked her phone into her pocket. "It's a different Marcus." She replied dismissively.

"Didn't you say I knew him? I had no idea you had an eye on our boss this whole time." I answered.

"Fine," she sighed. "We've been going out for some weeks now." She admitted.

Now that she had confirmed it, I couldn't help but wonder how that could have happened.

Why Marcus? All I could think about was that he was the person who gave me all the grumpy customers just because I was good at my job. He was the reason I first encountered Maddison. If not for him, maybe I would have never crossed paths with Tristan.

How did that happen?Wasn't he on the verge of firing her?

"You can'tjudge me right now, you weren't straight for the big boss." She said dragging me out of my thoughts.

"If anything, I should be used as a case study of why you should not date someone you work for," I answered.

She sighed. "Don't be so dramatic," she answered. "If both Tristan and you talked about how you truly felt and how everything happened, you'd probably both be on a beach somewhere making babies." She answered.

I shook my head at her. "Wasn't he gay?" I asked, still in disbelief.

"Believe me, he is not." She answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

I still couldn't picture it, I didn't want to. I didn't hate the guy, I just hadn't expected it. He was definitely a better candidate than the ex-boyfriend who broke into her apartment, stole her furniture and then sold it.

"I guess as long as you two are happy," I managed to say.

Ivy jumped into my arms for a hug.

We then returned to the kitchenwhere Mom laid out some snacks and Katy was busy doing themacarena.I had no idea people still listened to it.

I finished the rest of my champagne in a few gulps.

Ivy was interrupted halfway through her grandmother's story when we heard our doorbell ringing.

Katy was the first to jump up and runto answer the door.

Katy returned to the kitchen, with her hands behind her back as if she had just been caught in a crime.

I was about to open my mouth to speak when I saw who was walking behind her.

It was my dad. It still feels weird acknowledging that. He held a shoe-size box wrapped in red ribbon and paper.

I hadn't expected him to be here. Had Mom invited him?

I sat frozen on my stool as I watched him walk in. Mom immediately stopped what she was doing too.

"Good day everyone," he greeted. He then turned towards me. "I didn't get the chance to stop by yesterday, but I wanted to drop this." He smiled awkwardly. He held the box to me which I accepted. "Happy birthday," he added.

"Thank you," I answered.

Realizing now, I probably should have changed out of my pyjamas. He was stylishly dressed in a black tuxedo and looked like he was ready for the office.

"Maybe we could have dinner together at some other time," he offered.

"I'd love that," I replied.

I couldn't avoid it forever. I needed to deal with it. And maybe with time, we could get to know one another. Maybe it wasn't his fault either that things happened this way.

"Good," he answered. "I won't bother you anymore, I'll be on my way." He announced. "Have a good day." He added with a smile.

He then left the house. Mom walked him out.

Maybe I should have invited him to stay. But it's probably better this way. Youcan't just magically form a relationship with someone.

I stared at the box in my hands contemplating whether to open it now. Before I could open the box, Katy tagged my arm as she pulled me to the living room. "Come, let's dance." She said.

***

I woke up the next day with a splitting headache. I hadn't drunk that much but I clearly didn't respond well to alcohol.

Ivy was lying beside me on my bed with her arm crossed over to my side. Katy was sleeping in the middle, her foot an inch away from my face.

I pushed some hair strands out of my face, feeling the dried-up bits of cake left in my hair.

Last night Mom decided that it wasn't just good enough to eat the cake, she smeared it all over my face.

I managed to crawl out of bed without waking either of them and then headed straight to the shower, hoping it would help with my headache too. After my quick shower and getting dressed in sweatpants, I took the last two tablets we had felt in our medicine cabinet for my headache.

This was probably going to be a problem, especially when Mom and Ivy woke up. I decided to make a trip to the drugstore. I left a note on our kitchen counter saying I'd be gone for a while. I might as well grab a coffee and use the time alone to reflect.

I wore my hoodie over my head as I left the house.

I hadn't almost forgotten just how relaxing walking can be at times. It can help to relieve you of anxiety and all your negative thoughts. I was lost in a daydream as I continued walking. Exactly why I hadn't expected it when a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me into a corner of the street. There was a hand placed over my mouth as I used all my strength to try and fight back.

I was about to get kidnapped! My mind yelled in panic.

"Please don't shout," a voice said.

Wait, I knew who that was.

What was Waylen doing here? My mind registered.

My body relaxed for a moment as Waylen's grip on me loosened. I pushed him back and he fell on the tar.

"What is wrong with you?" I yelled staring at a frightened Waylen on the ground. I was almost tempted to kick him where the sun doesn't shine, almost.

"I didn't mean to scare you like that, I just wanted to talk to you." He answered sitting upright on the ground.

"So, you thought it was an excellentidea to drag me into a corner?" I retorted.

"I didn't mean to,"he answered.

I took a few steps back as he picked himself up from the ground. A few people were walking on the opposite side of the road. Hopefully, he wouldn't be dumb enough to try something right now.

"Look," he paused dusting the dirt off his hands. He walked towards me.

I held a hand out in front of him to stop him.

"You were good for me," Waylen continued. He looked up to stare into my eyes. "I want you back. You saw how that rich prick treated you and I know you deserve better. No one could ever love you as I do." He added.

The nerves of this man. After everything he has done, he still has the nerves to think that he could come back and everything will be forgiven. And to think that for so long I allowed him to manipulate me.

"What you have for me is not love, nor do you blackmail them to get what you want," I answered. "Despite knowing that Tristan knew the truth, you both decided to make a fool out of me," I replied.

"He forced me to be there, otherwise I wouldn't have done that to you." He answered quickly.

"He forced you?" I repeatedin disbelief. I don't think Waylen needed convincing to follow Tristan's crazy plan. Both of them are better off staying out of my life.

"Well, no but you know I'll never miss an opportunity to be around you." He answered. "I was jealous and wanted that rich prick to be away from you. Now that I think about it, he seemed a little too obsessed. You should probably get security cameras around your house. I love you and I missyou. I know we can be the happy us we used to be." He added. He stepped closer to me.I guess he thought he could not get comfortable with me.

"If you ever come near me again, I'll make sure you are locked up for harassment. I don't want to see you anywhere near me again," I warned.

"I'm sure you don't mean that. I can assure you that I have changed." He answered.

"I meant every word," I answered. "If you ever see me on the street again just walk by and pretend I don't exist or else I won't be held responsible for whatever happened to you," I added.

I saw a sorrowful look flash across Waylen's face. For the first time, I thinkI might have just successfully threatened someone.

I wasn't going to continue being bullied by him anymore.

He gave me a look at what I hoped would be his final goodbye. He stared down at the road before walking away. I waited till he disappeared at the end of the street before I continued walking.

I sighed in relief. At least I had one less problem off my shoulder.

My phone rang instead of my pocket. I saw that it was a phone call from Mom.

She had probably noticed I wasn't at home.

"Hello?" I said answering the call.

Before I could hear her response, my phone slipped out of my hand as a black van stopped right in front of me, nearly dumping me.

Everything happened so fast. Twomen stepped out, both with masks over their heads. It was when I had finally registered what was happening when one of them grabbed me by my arm, the other holding my legs as I tried to fight back.

The guy holding onto my hand placed a cloth over my face causing me to slowly lose my strength before I finally passed out.

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A/N: Thank you for reading, please comment down your thoughts.