In Her Eyes

Chapter 4: Almost Strangers

" I hope you are not offended by my little joke," Ashley said to her.

" No. It's okay."

" Yeah, it's just that you didn't say anything back so I thought that maybe you're upset."

" No. I am not."

" Great then. By the way, before I miss the timing let me introduce myself. Hi, I am Ashley Bryan." She said as she offered her hand for a shake.

" I am Scarlett. Scarlett Marcella."

"Nice to meet you. If you don't mind, may I sit here? If you are not waiting for someone."

" No, I am not. You can sit here."

" Thanks."

" You're welcome."

Ashley sat down and put her glass aside along with her phone. She let her head rest on her palm as she looked at Scarlett. Her eyes filled with something inexplicable yet sparkling.

" Why are you staring?" Scarlett asked her.

" Sorry. I just didn't wanna be rude and sneak glances. So I came up here to look at you close." She said with a smirk. Hearing her, Scarlett blushed. She took a sip to hide her face.

" Why are you drinking a Coke in a bar?"

" I don't drink alcohol."

" Oh. If you don't mind me asking, why?"

" Nothing. I just don't like it." Obviously, there was more to it but Ashley knew when to shut up. 

" I see. By the way, I also don't drink. And it's a non-alcoholic Mojito before you think I am lying."

" Why don't you?"

" Well right back at me. I also don't like it. But I've a reason. I am a very independent and self-sufficient person. For materialistic things and even other things, I hate depending on others. I hate being weak. I hate losing control. And alcohol makes you do all of these."

" Then does that mean you've a good hold on yourself?"

" Not one hundred percent but yes. I've never lost control my whole life. I've never lost my sanity in any situation. I don't do anything that's addictive. But there is one I guess. Music. Music is my passion but I'll never let it destroy me cause then nothing will be left."

" Well, that's quite a control you have on your heart."

" Yes, and it's one of the things I am proud of."

" But what about love? It's also an addiction that has no drugs or alcohol but can be more lethal than that."

" Right, I didn't think about that. But how would I know? I've never been in love or even a relationship to say?"

" Why? Are you one of those people spending your time with different people every night?"

" Hey, where did that come from? That's rude you know. I don't even drink and you thought I'll be sleeping around with random people? No, I won't! I value myself too much to let anyone other than my partner touch me." Ashley was stunned by her sudden comment. She had never slept with someone let alone with almost strangers.

" Sorry. It's just that everyone's like that nowadays. I know it's their life their body and therefore their choice but it's not good you know to be that intimate with so many people." Scarlett looked down at her can as she said.

" I understand. But I am different. Why'd you think like that though? Do I give that playgirl type of vibes?"

" No, it's just that you are very beautiful and the way you behave, you seem to have a lot of friends and acquaintances."

" Well, look who's speaking?"

" What?"

" Look at yourself and I wouldn't look so beautiful anymore." 

Scarlett was completely not expecting that. She knew she was beautiful but Ashley wasn't any less. She blushed badly and tried to look away. But it did not escape Ashley's eyes and seeing Scarlett blush ignited a warm tingling feeling in her heart.

" By the way, you look a little different. Are you from another country or like have parents from different countries?"

" I don't know."

" What?" Ashley was confused.

" I don't have the answer to that question and I can't tell you why."

" Oh. Sorry if I asked something personal."

" No, it's okay."