The Perfect Gift

Chapter Seven

Ashton

Adrian makes a turn and we come face to face with a magnificent and a little intimidating gate. The security comes over and scans the car before handing Adrian his pass. Beyond the gates, I see the beautiful grounds of Westmore High.

The grounds are large with field so clear, green and massive. It must take a lot of people to maintain. The interlocked road leading to the school building is lined with big mahogany trees on both sides.

After about a two-minute drive, we reach the school arena and my breath hitches when I sight the beautiful mansion.

"Wow," I say at a loss of words. "Yeah, Westmore is really beautiful." Adrian responds and I nod. He finds a space to pack and I get out eagerly...too eagerly.

"And expensive too, I'm sure," I continue, "Can you even afford the tuition?" Adrian puts his hands into his pocket and looks at me. "You keep forgetting that I work in the best law firm in the state. I can pay the tuition and I will."

"You don't have to!" I blurt out. No one has ever done something like this for me and I'm scared to death that I'll screw it up- as usual. I begin to shuffle my feet nervously with my eyes on the ground, waiting for a reprimand from Adrian.

Instead, he comes over to where I'm standing and put both his hands on my shoulder. "Listen Ash, you are not a screw up," as if reading my thoughts.

"Sure, you've made a couple of mistakes but I believe in you. You really are more than you let on, Ash all you need is a little push. Westmore will be good for you, I know that. So stop arguing with me." He looks at his watch.

"Come on. We're almost late. Principal Fanning is expecting us right about now." He begins to walk and I follow him quietly. I'm happy I have Adrian in my life. "Thanks," I mumble.

"Hmm, don't think I heard that. Care to repeat that?" he asks obviously teasing me. He earns a playful shove from me. "Besides I can't have you in my house forever. I'm tired of you already...you're such a diva." he retorts. "You wish!" I snort.

We continue our childish banter as we walk. We enter into the main school building and if I thought the exterior was impressive, the inside is breathtaking. We make our way to Principal Fanning's office.

Upon reaching the office, we see a little, brown-haired woman who I assume to be his secretary. So does Adrian. "Hello, we are here to see Principal Fanning. We have an 8 am appointment, Adrian and Ashton Stewart." When she looks up from her computer screen, she blushes slightly seeing Adrian. He usually has that effect on women. He looks like he could be a movie star.

"I-I will let him know yo-you're here," she stutters. Adrian flashes her one of his best smiles. We take a seat and wait. I use the opportunity to tease Adrian. "That poor girl."

She returns, more composed- thankfully. "He is ready for you," she addresses us. As we saunter into the directed office, I can't help but feel panic. What if he's seen my records and doesn't like me? As if reading my mind, Adrian gives me a reassuring pat on my back.

"""

After forty agonizing minutes of discussion of Principal Fanning and Adrian about my unruly behavior with Adrian promising profusely that I'd be good, the principal turns to me.

"We have a non-violence policy here at Westmore, do you understand Ashton?"

"Yes."

"You'll also have to sign a document stating that you will follow the set rules here too."

"Okay."

"And you have three days a week session with the guidance counselor."

Three days a week?

"For how long?"

"Until she decides that you're...um, better."

"Okay."

He stands up, while we do the same. "I guess we're done here." He shakes both our hands and leads us to the hallway.

He starts speaking to Adrian, "We'll send over the paperwork later. I'll get a student to take Ashton on a tour of Westmore." "Thanks a lot, Principal Fanning." He bids me farewell after giving me some cash for transport.

"Ah! Miss Davis," Principal Fanning calls to a girl who is with a group of girls. When she turns, I see that she's really pretty and also wearing the highest heeled shoes ever. She saunters towards us like she's a supermodel on the runway.

"Hi, Principal Fanning," she says in her cherry-sweet, polished voice. "I need you to give Mr. Ashton a tour of the school." She bats her eyelashes flirtatiously and says, "My pleasure."

Principal Fanning leaves us and we begin the tour.

"Hi, I'm Mackenzie Davis," she says, stretching out her hand. I take it and respond curtly, "Ashton."

She talks animatedly about the teachers, classes and clubs as we walk. I have to admit, she's really hot. And I get the feeling that she thinks I am too.

When the tour is over, she hands me a piece of paper with her phone number in it. Then whispers call me and walks off in her six-inches heels.

Oh, I definitely will. I'm liking this place more and more, I say with a smile.

A/N:

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to vote and/or comment cos that's the only way I know you're reading!!!