Where the Road Ends || a.i.

Chapter 2

"What the hell?!" I blurt out and an elderly woman with her young grandchild glare at me as if I committed the worst crime in history. I silently apologize and stand on my tip toes to look for Ashton.

Why him? Out of everyone, Ashton is freaking picked! What the hell are the odds of me meeting him just yesterday and out of all the people in this God forsaken place he's drawn.

A group of people crowd around the tall brunette shouting and cheering as he struggles to make his way to the large stage. When he gets to the center of attention, everyone goes quiet besides some side conversation.

Ashton's cheeks are painted bright crimson under the harsh lighting beaming on the arena stage. I can even pick out his dimples dented in his expression. He honestly looks so shocked and you can tell he's shaking with anxiousness.

"Welcome, Ashton." The governor smiles brightly at Ash.

"Hi.." Ashton stammers nervously. I can't help but feel so jealous. . . Why can't that be me? I mentally slap myself across the face. I shouldn't be jealous, what the fuck! It's just a stupid name, it's pointless. It'll get me nowhere...

My eyes follow the governor's every movement as she takes her sweet ass time going through her list of matches as I'm practically on the edge of my seat. I can tell Ashton is the exact same way, nervous and shaky. I can't take my eyes off him. What if it's me.. No, what the hell! It wouldn't be me! I seriously need to chill out. I'm just some random girl who met him by chance. I shake my head at my stupid thoughts.

"Jade." The elegant lady reads off, and to be honest I don't think I've ever seen a happier man before. Ashton's smile shines brighter than the damn lights shining on the stage.

After a brief speech and interaction with the governor, the curly haired lad is excused and is sent back to his seat. Again, my eyes follow him as he struggles to get to his chair. As if he knew I was looking at him, he looked back at me and smiled as I awkwardly avoided eye contact.

Jade... The name registers in my brain. Shit, Jade?! As in my fucking sister, Jade?! No, of course not! It must be a completely different Jade. Damn it, Kathleen, you're overthinking and stressing about nothing. By tomorrow you won't even remember Ashton. You're overthinking something that is completely irrelevant to your life!

To calm my buzzing mind I take a deep breath and close my eyes, blocking out the governor's speech to the next chosen person. When the time is right and the government official exits the now dull stage after yet ANOTHER speech, I get up and start marching towards the only escape from this place. I always pick a seat near the far wall so I can get the hell out of there quicker.

"Hey, wait up! Kathleen! KATHLEEN!" A familiar Aussie voice shouts over the crowd.

I roll my eyes so hard I get a small headache. My body shudders when it comes in contact with the freezing cold air. My now shaky breath comes out in white puffs as I struggle to get my bike. Ugh! I have to leave before--

"Hey, uh.. I tried getting your attention." The preppy boy smiles at me when I look up at him.

Yeah, I know genius. I was doing this thing called IGNORING YOU!

"I know... I just have to get home and uh, yeah know... Shave the cat." I put a bit of sarcasm into my response and he can tell, clearly irritated.

"Well, if you weren't such a complete ass about everything I was going to offer you a ride." Ashton shakes his head at me in disgust and starts to walk away from me.

Guilt washes over me quickly and I glance back down to my run-down bike. Wow, I am an ass aren't I. God I can't believe I'm doing this...

"Wait!" I call to him, struggling to pull my bike through the snow. He was trying to be nice so why not give him the satisfaction? Plus, it keeps me out of the cold.

The tall boy turns around and lets out a sigh, a smirk dancing on his lips. "Change your mind?" He asks with a small chuckle. I nod my head and blush. My body is starting to feel numb from the cold.

How can he do it? He seems so forgiving. I was just being a total asshole to him. How can he change attitude like that? He might be the match to my sister after all. She's the most unpredictable person I know. Or knew...

His car is super old, a whitish color with black edging. I can tell it's old because it's a Honda, I think. That brand stopped being made after the war. Believe it or not, the world wasn't always like this. Everything changed dramatically after the economy plummeted worse than ever before. Countries fought over the tiniest bit of resources. When the "Second Great Depression" ended, the countries worked together and created the system we have and use today. I guess it helps to sort and keep track of everyone. I wish I lived when things were different... I hate it here.

Ashton takes my bike and fits it in the trunk as I climb into the passenger seat of his car. "How did you manage to keep this up and running?" I ask, looking around the small space of the vehicle. It's not the best but it's nice.

"My dad kept it in good condition. He gave it to me before he left..." He responds as he finally gets in the driver's seat. He turns the heat on high and I bite my lip. Silence fills the car. I'm terrible at conversations...

"Uhm... I'm sorry your dad left..." I mumble and look down, shivering. The heater was just starting to warm up.

Ashton sighs and starts to drive out of the parking lot. Hopefully we get out fast, the traffic is usually horrible after these events.

I dont know what to say... I can't believe he's taking time to actually drive me to my house. What's his deal with me anyway? No matter my attempts to push him away, he bounces back. Why? I'm not someone to keep close to...

"He left when I was 13... This car is the only thing my dad really left for me..." He says, breaking the silence. We got onto open road not too long ago and the tension was steadily building. His words seem to break the ice in a way. I'm reminded of my mom and my teeth sink into my lower lip. I was only 14 when you left, mom... I wish you were still here...

I take a deep breath and stare out the window, watching the buildings pass by.

"My uh... My mom died of cancer when I was 14..." I murmur quietly. I'm not an open person, not at all. This shit is all too new for me to even comprehend... I don't socialize whatsoever.

Ashton glances over at me and I can hear his sigh. "I'm sorry..." He responds sorrowfully.

"You don't need to apologize." I snap. I'm sensitive with pity and all that hoo-ha. I got to the point where it just bothers me. Why do they need to be sorry? They couldn't have done anything to stop it... "Make a left here.." I mumble, giving him directions to my house.

I want nothing more than to curl up in bed with Kota and sleep this stressful night away.. My eyes glance over at him and I realize how, curse me for saying this, attractive he is. His curly hair seems almost too perfect and he just has a complexion no one can deny is stunning. What the fuck, Kathleen. What the fuck. I look down at my lap and back up at the road.

"Do you...," Ashton starts. "Do you know anyone named Jade?" His nervous chuckle makes me crack a smile.

My lungs fill with air and I lean back. "I uh... I have a sister named Jade. She lives out in California though." I shrug.

He hums in response and after I direct him to take a couple more turns, he pulls into my driveway. "Thanks for the drive, I guess..." I mumble with a shrug.

"Yup. I hope I'll see you again soon." He smiles at me, dimples and all making me become flustered. I simply nod in reply and get out of the car, shivering as I hurry inside. Damn it's cold.