The Perfect Gift

Chapter Eight

Ashton

After Mackenzie leaves, I walk around some more. Westmore is really beautiful.

I notice a wall-mounted display cabinet full of trophies. There are about 50 trophies on it, I see one with the picture of a familiar girl. I squint my eyes to see the name below. Mackenzie Davis.

I remember the piece of paper she gave me and pull it out of my pocket. I hold it gingerly and for a while I'm lost in thought. When I turn around to leave, I feel myself falling backward with someone's weight on me.

I try to hold the person steady as we both crash unto the floor. The person rolls off me and after the initial shock has worn off, I pull myself up, really angry. I plan to give the intruder a piece of my mind.

Then I see her. My mystery girl. At that moment, I'm completely breathless.  My anger evaporates by the sight of her, my rude remarks vanishing. 

I quickly hold out my hand to help her up, she takes it graciously although she's flustered.

I can't tear my eyes off her. Her hair is tied into a ponytail today. I stare at her blatantly. Her eyes are the deepest shade of blue I have ever seen. She's dressed casually in a simple top and denim. I see she's wearing the same shoes she wore yesterday. 

She blushes when she sees me gawking at her. 

She finds her voice and says, "Um...I'm sorry I bumped into you. I wasn't paying much attention."

Her voice is as smooth as silk. I'm at loss for words and I mentally kick myself. 

"It's all right. I wasn't looking either." I pause, dusting the dirt off me, "I should get going." With that, I walk off, not turning back but somehow I can feel her boring into my skin.

***

I'm on my bed staring at the ceiling and in my hand, there's the piece of paper Mackenzie gave me. It's been a week since my first visit to Westmore. I and Adrian have spent the past few days working on paperwork.

Principal Fanning called to request a recommendation letter from my therapist in Texas. He wants to be sure I attended my therapy sessions and I've improved.

In the past-two weeks ago- I would have dialed Mackenzie's number without batting an eyelid. But every time, my minds keeps wandering to the girl in the hallway.

The universe works in strange ways. I'm pretty sure she's the same girl at the park. So she's in Westmore too.  I didn't get her name but the thought of seeing her again made me giddy. I don't know why; I have never felt this way about anyone before.

The house is empty so I play music on the highest volume, make myself lunch and grab Adrian's laptop from the room.

I haven't had time to reply the mails I got from Chase and Jason. Since I'm not busy, I might as well just do that.

  I glance at the clock in the living room. 10:03. It's probably midday in Texas now.  It takes a few minute to set up the WiFi and open my mailbox then I begin composing.

Hi Chase! Hi Jason!

The past week has been really great, I guess Forks isn't as bad as I thought. Adrian has been really cool too. He enrolled  me into a new school. Westmore High, a posh school. Not like the schools we went to in Texas.

How are Ashley and Mae? Say hi to them for me. I hope you guys are doing okay. Stay safe and out of trouble.

I chuckle. That's going to be hard. I consider telling them about the mystery girl but I decide against it.

I'll let you know how school goes later. Bye guys.

Ash.

After re-reading my mail, I hit the send button. I put off the laptop and play video games before I take a long nap.

A/N: Ashton Stewart played by Francisco Lachowski

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