Bloody Souvenirs

Chapter 4

It was in the evening of that day that Matt came home. I was upstairs in my room but he had his own key so he let himself in. I only heard the door opening and closing.

"I didn't know you were coming home early today." I said as I walked down the stairs, only to find that Matt hadn't come home alone.

A guy who looked like he was around Matt's age, was sitting at the sofa. When he saw me, he straightened up and brushed his ash-brown, almost black hair out of his eyes.

"I'm s-sorry, I didn't know you had a g-guest over." I mumbled as my cheeks turned crimson from embarassment.

Matt smiled, "Kat, this here is Ashton Brooks. He's my best friend."

Just then, his phone rang and with a quick gesture of apology to both of us, he went to the kitchen area to attend to the call.

I looked at Ashton, who had extended a hand towards me, "Hello Katelyn."

His voice was very low and sounded raspy. "Hello." I replied slowly, just to be polite, as I shook his hand. I was skeptical as to how he knew my name. Did Matt mention it?

He laughed slightly and I arched an eyebrow skeptically, "What's so funny, Mr. Brooks?"

"Ashton, just call me Ashton. And it's just the fact that we know each other so well and still you're behaving like you just met me."

"We know each other so well?" I questioned, more confused than ever.

"Sorry, my bad. Matt told me about your little accident so you probably don't remember me anymore." he replied. "We used to be...friends."

A look of understanding dawned on my face, "I'm so sorry Ashton, I...I don't even know what to say to this."

He smirked slightly, but there was something dark about his way, "You don't have to say anything, doll."

Maybe it was something about the way he said that but his voice made shivers run down my spine. His cold, hard eyes, which were of a dark shade of the colour of stone, bore holes into my light ones as his face remained impassive.

I broke the eye contact, not having the nerve to look him in the face. By now, Matt had returned and I mentally thanked him for saving me from making more talk with Ashton.

Slipping his phone back into his pocket, Matt said, "I'm presuming Ashton must have reintroduced himself to you by now, Katelyn."

I nodded, "Yes. Indeed, he has."

"Great. So I was hoping the three of us would be able to spend some quality time together this evening and-"

"Um, Matt?" I interrupted him, "Actually, I'm not feeling too well right now. I think I'd be in my room upstairs."

"Awh." he pouted. "Okay..."

I smiled at him gratefully as I started up the stairs, "I'm sorry, by the way."

Up in my room, I quickly closed the door and leaned against it, exhaling a breath that I didn't even know I was holding.

Man, was that Ashton fellow creepy! I felt so bad about lying to Matt about not feeling well but I couldn't bear to be with Ashton a minute longer. His stare was giving me the creeps and his mere presence was downright intimidating. I can't believe I was friends with that guy.

"Sorry dude. Looks like somebody has lost their manners along with their memory." I could hear Matt say from downstairs. He was speaking loudly, probably intending me to hear.

Ashton gave a deep laugh in reply, the sound of which resonated despite the closed door, as he said, "Nah, it's good. She'll warm up again soon enough, I'm sure."