DESPERATE

Chapter 29

The next morning, Ashley came downstairs dressed for school.

"Morning mum." Ashley greeted.

"Morning dear." She replied after two sips of coffee.

"I won't be home early today. I'm going over to Valerie's house."

"Is it for the assignment?" Her mom asked.

"Yes."

"Well, you know the rule."

"Yes. I'm going now." Ashley said picking an apple from the fruit basket.

"Hold on. Won't you eat something."

"Nah. I'm not hungry. When am I getting my allowance?"

"At the end of the week."

"Ok. Bye mom." Ashley said left. She came out of her house just in time to see Riley coming out of her house and they walked together to school as usual.

During Geography class, at school the teacher reminded them that they were to submit their assignments on Friday.

"But sir, what if it's not ready yet?" A girl named Amelia asked.

"That's not my business. It's your grade." He said and then waited for any other comment. When none was forthcoming, he continued.

"On Friday, you are to come to the school's auditorium and set up your project there, Principal Mullins will be there to see your work."

"What time sir?" Megan asked.

"Well, all your lessons for the day are cancelled. It will be only the presentation and marking of your project. Once you come to school, you move down to the auditorium and set up your table. We begin by 10am."

"Till school over?" A boy asked this time.

"Till whenever we're done." He said. "Any other question?"

When no one said anything he spoke up. "I'll leave you for the rest of the period to discuss with your partners how you can round up your projects." He left the class after that. Immediately he left, the whole class started talking in groups.

"Are you and Corkie done with your project?" Ashley asked Riley.

"Almost."

Valerie walked up to their table. The both of them looked at her.

"Ashley, You'll follow me home after school."

"No don't bother. I'll walk."

"Come on. It'll save us time."

"Since when did you want me following you around?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Don't mind her." Riley interrupted. "She'll follow you home."

"Great. I'll be waiting outside the gate for you." Valerie said leaving.

Riley stared at Ashley. "Really girl."

"What?"

"Valerie's finally trying to be nice and you're acting up."

"I don't want to follow her."

"You will."

"I don't have a choice. You said yes on my behalf."

"Ashley..." Riley wanted to say something but stopped. "You know what forget it."

Just then the bell rang. Ashley sighed and stood up. "Let's go."

Don't forget to vote.