Bleeding Hearts

CHAPTER 5

Ashley's POV

"Are you sure you are not hyperventilating on the inside?" Marie asked again. I slammed my folder down on the table and glared at her. "Okay. I will stop." She raised her hands. "It will go well."

"I don't know." I breathed out and sat down across from her. "I am not sure."

"You will be fine," She smiled brightly to boost me up. "Thank goodness there is a one-week break. It will cool off things a lot."

"Yeah," I fiddled with my papers.

"You have to tell me about the slap/kiss thing too." Marie pointed her fork at me. "I can't believe you hid such a big thing."

"That was not something pleasant," I said bitterly.

"I know it was not pleasant," Marie grinned. "It was sensual."

"I can feel my breakfast coming back to my mouth and I want it to stay in my stomach." I glared at her and stood up.

"I am sorry." Marie palmed her mouth to hold back her laugh. "I won't do it again, not until you tell me the whole story."

My annoyance was only entertaining her more.

"Can we leave now?" I glared at her.

"Yes, sure." She stood up at last.

I just prayed Marie forgot about it somehow.

We went to the university together and parted ways at the parking lot.

I was super nervous. I knew I was not going to feel at ease until I was done.

The jury took almost all of the day.

"Job well done." Mr. Walters applauded me. "Just look out for the tiny mistakes next time and you will be one step closer to becoming a great architect."

"Thank you, Professor."

I sighed in relief when he left. I looked at my work and smiled.

I gathered my stuff to leave as well.

"Ash, wait" Serene came in front of me right when I was about to step out of the hall. "How are you?" I tried walking past her but she blocked me again. "Please, I am trying."

"Don't try, okay? I did not ask you for it. Just leave me alone, Serene. Leave me alone and play with your friends." I stomped away in anger and called Marie. "I am done."

"Something came up so I won't be able to see you off. I hope it's okay?"

"Yeah, it's completely fine. You just focus on what you are doing. I'll see you in a week."

"Take care and call me as soon as you reach home."

"I will. Take care, bye." I put the phone back in my pocket and went toward the main gates.

A car honked at me suddenly.

I frowned at the silver McLaren. It didn't belong to anyone I knew.

My blood turned cold when the owner stepped out.

"Did you see a ghost?" Mathew mused. "Hello, Ashley. Good to see you again."

"Just leave me alone."

"Relax, will you? I am not going to eat you." I was not finding his dark humour funny. "I am here to talk. Apologise for what happened."

"It's completely fine. We were rude and at fault too." I tried to rush. "No need to apologise."

"That is kind of you but does your friend feel the same way?" This made me look at him. "You are smiling" I coughed to hide it. "You didn't answer my question."