Broken Promises (ON HOLD)

Chapter 3

Ashley's POV

It's a new day, a new life is welcoming me.I have to let go the past because it fades the smile on my face.Today's incident reminded me of him,my bitter past.

It is funny how life can totally change a person.My friends refuse to believe that I am the same Ashley. There were days when I enjoyed every bit of my life.I remember the late night parties, the way I used to laugh at small jokes,the pranks we played.One mistake and everything gone.

How could I fall for such a person? He just used me,he never really loved me. And I was so stupid to trust him,despite my friends' warnings.

The tears he gave me changed the old Ashley.He broke my trust,disrespected my love. I won't be able to trust any other person again.He made me fear love.

Now when Mike comes after me,I fear the same incident to take place again.I can't let that happen. I am already broken inside.I don't want to imagine worse.

*****
A few days had passed and I had been ignoring Mike.I wonder what he might be thinking of me.But I can't let anyone play with my feelings again.So it's better I continue doing this.

One morning,Eva was waiting for me outside the cafeteria. We had just begun to walk when a familiar voice called Eva. It was George, Mike's best friend.I have been noticing that George and Eva have been smiling at each other frequently. There is definitely something going on.I move aside to let them talk.

When they are done, Eva comes to me,her face crimson. "What's going on,Eva?"

"Ashley,I..er..its just that..we...like each other." She blushed.

"That's great,Eva," I give her a smile,hoping with all my heart that Eva doesn't have to bear the pain as I did.

*****
Eva and George had been spending a lot of time together. At times I would be left alone with Mike. Despite my efforts to turn a blind eye to Mike,he found a reason or the other to talk to me. Whenever I looked at him,I couldn't stop my eyes from getting lost into his. The hazel eyes seemed to have innocence and truth.Once again, the bitter realization of my past awakened me.I came back to my senses.

"Are you listening to me,Ashley?" I could hear him say.

"Huh.Yes?"

"Why have you been behaving so weird with me?What is my fault?"

"Listen,Mike.I know I have been ignoring you for the past few days and I understand your feelings.And, I reckon it's better for you to know the truth."

Ashley sighed. "I have a past,Mike. I loved a person who betrayed me.This incident created a trepidation in me and I started dreading love. This is why,I don't want to get involved with anybody.I know this might sound bitter, but I cannot accept your proposal,Mike.The sooner you understand ,the better it is both of us." Ashley walked away.

A tear dropped down his face.

****