DESPERATE

Chapter 33

Friday Morning.

After breakfast that morning, Ashley was about to leave her house when her mom called her back.

"Ashley hold on." She came down the stairs with a shirt.

Oh boy. "Yes mom." She answered nervously.

"So I got you a shirt. You wanted to wear a shirt for today right?" She showed her the pink and black striped shirt.

"Yes mom but..."

"Good. Now take this and go change."

"No mom. I changed my mind. He said look formal and I think the way I'm dressed is okay." She was wearing a blue blouse with black trousers.

Her mom stared at her.

"I'm already late. You can keep the shirt in my room for me." She said and practically dashed out of the house.

"What were you actually doing in my room Ashley?" Her mom said quietly.

Ashley entered the school's auditorium with Riley. She spotted Valerie at a corner next to a wall setting up their table. She left Riley and went towards her.

"Hey there." Ashley said.

"Took you long enough." Valerie said.

"What can I do?"

"No worries. I'm done already.

Ashley looked surprised. "Why did you choose this corner?"

"Well our project is reflecting on the wall and maybe the ceiling, so I chose here. Plus, there's a switch here."

"Smart."

"I know."

Ashley looked at the table. There sat the project in the middle, one side was their names written on cardboard paper that was folded to stand. On the other side were some flowers.

"How's it?" Val asked.

"It's lovely."

"Did you get the printed papers of the planets distance?

"Yeah I did." Ashley replied removing her backpack from her shoulder. Zipping it open, she brought it out.

"Here." She handed it over to Valerie and she took it placing it on the table.

10am. Their teacher entered the hall with the principal and vice principal and they began going round inspecting and judging the students work.

It took a matter of time before they were able to reach Ashley and Valerie's work. Once they arrived, Ashley quickly told them to wait ran to switch off the lights in the auditorium while Valerie plugged it in.

The project illuminated the wall and ceiling where they were.

Everyone's attention was drawn towards their project. Their teacher and Principal were impressed. After about a minute, Ashley switched it off.

"Wow Valerie, What a fine presentation. you have." The principal said.

Ashley came back immediately.

"Thank you." Valerie said.

"The two of you did this together?" Their teacher asked.

"Yes." Valerie replied.

"I'm impressed."

"Thank you." Ashley said.

"Well, good job." Their teacher said recording their mark. Then they left.

Soon, they were done and the principal decided to address the students personally.

"Students." He said climbing the stage. "I must say I'm impressed. Keep up the good work."

The students clapped as he came down. Everyone began packing up.

"So... Who gets to keep all this?" Valerie asked.

Ashley thought for a while. "You keep it. Since all materials were goten from your house. I'm sure Ava and Owen would like to play with it."

Valerie chuckled. "And have them spoil it, no way. But thanks. I'll keep it."

"Alright."

"We didn't even get to show our planet distance again."

"It wasn't even needed."

"You can go." Val said. "I'll pack up."

"Let me help."

"Alright."

Riley and Ashley walked home together.

"You guys project was awesome." Riley said.

"Thank you."

"So Lily arrives tomorrow?"

"Yeah. I'm so excited. I'll call her tonight to get her address."

"Great. We can go there together."

"Yeah." Ashley said and they continued their walk home in silence.

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