The Perfect Gift

Chapter Twenty

Ashton

As I jog with Adrian in the cool Sunday morning, I can't help but think of the past days. I spent more time with Sarah, usually in the library during lunch period where she tutors me.

She's always too busy, shuffling between school and her work. Not to mention church. So the only solution we could both come up with is lunch period which works splendidly, by the way. We've been able to cover a lot of work.

But more than the tutoring, I got to see her and we'd talk about anything that came to mind. Just being with Sarah makes me happy. Watching her smile made my heart beat so fast, it's like I just ran a marathon.

"Penny for your thought, Ash," Adrian's voice cuts into my musing. We're both perspiring heavily now. I stop and take a swig of water and he does the same.

"You can keep your penny." I dismiss him and continue my workout. 

"Wait up," he shouts while trying to catch up with me, "I have to meet the girl that's always on my little brother's mind."

My face reddens at his last sentence and a big grin spreads across his face victoriously. "So, you're gonna tell me who this unlucky lady is?"

I groan, "Her name is Sarah and she goes to Westmore High too."

"You guys are dating? Since when?"

"Some weeks now," I shrug. He ruffles my hair, "You're so whipped, man."

"I'm not whipped. I just... I really like her." 

"I can tell. You're different now. Anyway when do I get to meet future Mrs. Stewart?" 

"Oh, you mean Natalie Stewart?" I joke. Now his face colors, "Shut up, Ash."

"Seriously when will I meet Sarah?" he asks nudging me. He's really persistent.

"Soon," I promise." Now come on, last person to get home makes breakfast," I yell, sprinting off.

***

"Take a seat, Ashton," Miss B says, gesturing to the chair in front of her. I'm determined to not let her ruin my day. It's the day of the bonfire, I could be on the football field preparing with the rest of my teammates.

But instead, I'm here. With Miss B. Yay!

Today is going to be perfect. I keep repeating those six words in my head, over and over again. Another six worded sentence I'm repeating? Miss B will NOT ruin today.

I have everything planned already. Sarah is going to meet me at the bonfire and we'll spend the evening together before I leave for New York in the bus. That's the plan and it'll be perfect.

I look at the woman in front of me and try to smile. 

"Okay, Ashton. I know you're really busy right now, so let's start," she adjusts her glasses, "how are you feeling?"

"Good," I respond nonchalantly. She looks disappointed but that doesn't prevent her from asking the question I hear three days a week and refuse to answer every time.

"Why did you beat up that boy Jerome?"

I sigh. Why not just answer, I think. So I do just that. "He tried to hurt my friend and if I hadn't been there, he would have raped her. Jerome Bailey is a little piece of shit who thinks he can do whatever he wants. I'm glad  I taught that bastard a lesson."

I see Miss B prodding me to continue. If she had a problem with my cussing, she didn't show it. "He always insulted us about being orphans. In fact, he made it his life's mission to ensure that we knew how low we are."

"Look, I have anger management issues. I know that but I'm working on it. Jerome just pushed my buttons too hard that day and I snapped."

Miss B looks like she's short of words. "So? Don't you have anything to say?" I ask.

She clears her throat. "I'm just surprised, that's all."

"Well, I had to talk at some point," I say with a smirk.

She smiles warmly at me. "Honestly, I thought we'd never get anywhere," then more to herself, she says, "Sarah must be doing her job."

But I hear her. "What do you mean by that?" I ask confused.

"Oh, you know, the peer support group. I assigned you to her and I have to admit, I didn't expect this much progress. The other teachers were telling me how hard you've been working with your studies and now, you're finally opening up to me. That's just fantastic."

"Yeah, fantastic," I whisper. My mind is currently doing a million back flips. I had heard about the peer support group from Mason. They tried to help him one time when he got involved with drugs.

I suddenly feel numb and stand up abruptly. I leave the office without saying a word, ignoring Miss B's calls. 

Once I'm in the hallway, I lean on the wall and slide down to the floor, my breathing labored. I can't hear or see anything. I place my hand on my chest to try to stop my racing heart. Of course, that doesn't work.

You might not believe this but I like you, Ash.

I can tell, you're different now.

Sarah must be doing her job.

I assigned you to her. The peer support group.

She lied to me and I believed her. I don't know how long I sat there but when I eventually look around, I notice that the hallway is dark besides the light from the fire outside.

The bonfire must have started, I realize. I pull myself up and walk towards the loud music. I spot Dex, Mason and some of the other teammates in the crowd.

"Hey, Ash, where have you been?" Mason hails when he sees me, holding out a red, plastic cup to me. I take it and down the contents in a gulp, not caring what it is.

"Easy there, man. It's pretty strong,"  Dex says but I don't care. I'm too angry to care. I drink another one,the strong alcohol burning my throat. I wince a little.

"No more drinks for you, Ash. Coach Hayes said anyone who's drunk won't get in the bus," Mason orders and takes my attempted third shot.

"Look who's coming, Mason," Quinn says. She is sitting on Dex's lap. I turn to see who it is and my eyes land on Mac. She's wearing a really short dress with a pair of black, leather, high heel knee boots.

She walks up to me confidently and kisses me. For a second, I let her, wanting to hurt Sarah just like she hurt me. But then I realize, I hate Mac. So I push her off me.

"Um... Ash," Mason says nervously looking at something behind me. Or someone. I follow his gaze.

"Sarah."

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!!!