Breaking the Bad Boys heart...

Sooner rather than later

Chapter 26- Sooner rather than later

I've never been one for predictions, the feeling 'this day is going to be a good day' but as I walked through those familiar school halls, I got that feeling, the overwhelming feeling that everything would change that maybe just maybe my bad luck might change.

When I turned the corner, I came face-to-face with Ashley; I just wanted to crawl into a hole and never reappear.

"Listen, I'm so sorry-" We spoke in unison; I blushed instantly whereas Ashley just smirked.

"You first" He said politely, I gave him a weak smile.

"Well I wanted to apologise once again for everything I never meant-" I spoke but was cut off; I thought I was allowed to go first?

"Let's just forgive and forget! I deserved it" He laughed lightly, but the guilt was still eating me up.

"No Ash-" Did the boy just enjoy cutting me off?

"I wanted to apologise for what happened yesterday night, that's really embarrassing, I'm so sorry. But meet me back here at lunch, I have something for you" Before I could protest Ashley turned on his heel and was gone, I sighed deeply before heading off to class where I would be aquatinted with Steven...the joys!

I desperately wanted to turn, run as fast as I could to my home...my safe haven but I knew I had to face him, sooner rather than later.

As usual, the luck wasn't in my favour, as I turned the corner...bam! I smashed straight into Steven; I gave him a sheepish grin although inside I was dying.

"Lauren, can I speak to you?" Steven looked at me intently, inside I was screaming 'NO' but I found myself nodding with a fake smile plastered on my face.

"Listen Ashley's has told me everything and well, can we speak later in private?" Steven smiled sincerely; my heart was thumping against my rib cage.

"Sure" I smiled, why did it have to be private? Maybe he was going to murder me? Maybe he'd kidnap me? Don't be stupid Lauren...its Steven! Or is it?

"Thank you, meet me at lunch" Steven grinned, pulling me into a hug, my arms lay limp...my palms sweating. Before I knew it, he was gone.

The rest of the day, I sat patiently, dreading the lunch hour, but it soon approached and as I came out of class, I saw Ashley at the end of the hall.

Ashley approached me bag in hand, I raised my eyebrow at the bag and he gave me a sheepish grin.

"You brought me another top when you ruined mine so it's only fair" Ashley handed over the bag.

"But you had a reason to ruin mine" I rolled my eyes, how ironic; maybe we were prone to ruining things, me more than him.

"Yeah, I was clearly way too drunk" Ashley winked, if he was letting it go then how come I wasn't? I wasn't accepting what I did and I don't think I ever will.

"Read what it says" Ashley demanded, noticing my daydreaming, I pulled out the burgundy top, reading it intently.

"Property of Ashley Jackson" I read aloud, flushing when I realised what I'd said, by my reaction, Ashley's grin grew.

"See when you go on other dates, I want you to wear this so that everyone will realise who I am and get scared so we'll both be forever alone" He laughed; I knew he was teasing but it seemed like there was an underlying moral.

"Aren't you such a caring and considerate person?" I tease, allowing Ashley to wink in reply.

"I'm joking, it's more of a peace offering" He smiled warmly, that smile that I fell in love with...his genuine smile.