DESPERATE

Chapter 25

On Friday during lunch, Ashley and her friends were sitting on a table chatting when Cole and Roy walked up to them with their lunch tray.

"Mind if we join you guys?" Cole asked.

"What about the table you sit at with your friends?" Ashley asked.

"You don't answer a question with a question." Roy said.

"Well, I hope you don't mind if you both remain standing there." Ashley joked and the girls laughed.

"That's not nice Ashley." Cole said sulking. "But I'll answer your question."

"We're listening." Riley said. Sarah and Corkie snickered.

"Well I thought since we're friends now, we could sit with you guys here." Cole said with a little hint of hope in his voice that the girls' would agree.

"Well.... Ok." Riley said and Ashley hit her on the shoulder. "Hey!" She yelped feigning pain.

"Yes. Ok. But only for today." Ashley said and the others adjusted their positions on the bench to make space for them. Cole sat next to Ashley and Roy sat next to Sarah on the other side.

"I heard Mr. George gave you guys a project." Cole said.

"Yeah." Ashley replied.

"Who are our partners?" Roy asked.

"Well, Riley is my partner." Corkie said.

"And Kenzie is mine." Sarah said.

"Wait, Kenzie. As in Mackenzie Duff?" Roy asked putting a chip in his mouth.

"Yes." Sarah said.

"Tough time huh?" Roy asked again with a suppressed laugh and Ashley kicked him from under the table. Sarah just glared at him.

"Don't mind him Sarah. Why did I even let you guys sit here today." Ashley said face palming.

"What about you?" Cole asked her. "Who's your partner?"

"Valerie."

Cole looked surprised. "He paired you up with her?"

Ashley didn't reply.

"So, how's it going with her?" He asked again.

"Well, Valerie is not that bad. Just a little misunderstood. I love her siblings. They're like the most precious thing you could ever ask for." Ashley said smiling.

"Oh, the two little children she comes to school with?" Roy asked.

"Yes. Why asking?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to be sure. They really are cute and can be very demanding." Roy said with a laugh. "They're in the elementary section."

"I know right. Very demanding. Which reminds me about a book I have to buy." She said face palming.

"Buy what?" Sarah asked.

"Well I promised her sister I would buy her a princess book for her. I'm going there tomorrow and I haven't bought it yet."

"Is that a problem." Roy said with a scoff. "Just go there empty handed and tell her you bought the book but you forgot it at home. It always works on my little cousin."

He earned another kick under the table from Cole this time.

"Can you just hear yourself?" Riley asked.

"I'm sure he must hate you." Sarah said.

"Naah. Despise is better." Corkie said.

"Well, I don't lie to little kids and break their heart." Ashley scowled.

"You can go to a bookstore after school." Cole said.

"Which one?"

"Don't you know your way around?" Roy asked.

"Ashley moved here recently. This week makes a month of her stay." Corkie said.

"Oh.."

"You know you talk too much for a boy...." Ashley said frowning.

"Don't worry Ashley." Riley said. "I'll take you to a book store."

"Alright."

The bell rang signifying lunch over.

They all stood up heading for their classes.

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