It'll Always Be You

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CHAPTER TEN
ASH / KHAEL

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After the party yesterday, Ash couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong when Khael opened his phone.

But for now, Ash had been given a day off - something about a thank you for putting up with their shit - and she was on her way to the mall to have some little self-loving and me-time alone. Picking out clothes from the rack, she continued to think about Khael - hoping what she wore would impress him. But she couldn't have guessed that she didn't need to do anything.

After being in that clothes store for more than half an hour, Ash decided to get some food. Halfway to the food court, she heard a faint voice calling. She quickly glanced around and saw that someone was walking up to her, a hand in the air as if to get her attention.

"Hey, Ash!" The man spoke. He had a pretty smile that matched the one in his eyes. He looked happy and glad to see her. Although he seemed very familiar, she couldn't quite put a name to him. "Glad to see you well all these years."

"Uh," She timidly spoke, hoping he just got the wrong person and that she didn't forget him. "Did you get the wrong person?"

The man laughed, a crinkle forming on his eyes and for once she thought someone else looked attractive. "You still have a horrible memory. It's me, Adam, from high school."

For a minute, Ash had to comprehend what he said. The only memories she could muster up in a split second were all the drama she had with her family and even then they weren't that clear. She really had a bad memory. Reciprocating his friendly smile and greeting, she apologized for forgetting her closest friend.

Although she had hated high school, the both of them had always been beside each other, separating only when Adam had to go to another city. That was when she befriended Genesis. Their friendship bloomed more than they had together with Adam. Something about him always screamed in her brain to stay away, but she didn't listen, not when he was the only one who remained and listened to her all throughout high school.

After briefly catching up, Adam offered to get lunch somewhere else, speaking of the mall as if it was terrible or lame. Refusing the offer, Adam slowly looked different. His vibe was nothing like the one he emitted earlier - seemingly menacing and scary.

"Come on, it's fine." He coerces her. "It's fine if I invite a friend right?" And with great timing, someone with a handsome face but a suspicious vibe came up to them and started acting like old friends with Adam, hugging him as if they hadn't met long ago.

The friend introduced himself, "I'm Derek, an old friend of Adam's," He offered a handshake, and to be polite, she shook his hand, the contact lasting more than it should. A shiver ran down her spine when she gets pulled in by Derek, coming in contact with his chest. The smell of beer and cigarettes wafted from his clothes and she held her urge to clamp down her nose with her fingers, not trying to insult him.

With what was already happening, nothing could've been worse when Adam suggested they go somewhere to talk, Derek's shoulder held her close to his side with Adam on the other. She knew she couldn't go with them, not even if she knew the person.

"I need to go," She spoke up, hoping the shaking of her voice wasn't evident. "Someone's waiting for me." Reaching down her bag for her phone, Adam quickly stopped her, holding her hands and speaking in a soft manner, as if it was going to convince her.