I laid down on the couch, closing my eyes. Stress had overtaken my body. I had to sort everything out. Quiting school would not make the Ministry very happy... But I definally couldn't do it. All the hard work I had put into it had resulted in absolutly nothing except for a couple failing papers and wasted time. Cal was the smartest person I knew, so if he couldn't help me, no one could. I hadn't even been back to the Algrea-Bra i class, because I couldn't figure it out like the Professor had said to do.
My head started to throb. I had to find a way to make the Ministry happy, or else I would face a higher threat of them making me leave. Of course, who said that I had to tell them... They had been sending me money for school purposes to buy books and stuffs that I could always keep for groceries.
I sat straight up. That was it! I just wouldn't tell them and keep the money! I could use it to buy food, which I needed, not to mention to help out with the upcoming Christmas season! But most importantly the food! I had absolutly no food in my flat except for what peanut butter was left in the jar. I simply couldn't afford it between gas money and Ms. Madge's rent. But with this extre money, I could accually eat normally! Most importantly, I wouldn't have to risk Ashley finding out I was broke. Today was close. I couldn't let that happen again...
Knock, knock, knock!
A soft pecking at the door caught my attention. Who could that be?
"Who is it?" I asked, my voice sounding alien to my ears.
"It's Ashley. Can I come in?"
"Um..." I wasn't really sure what to say. He was suppose to be at band practice. "Why are you here?"
"Sarah Beth, please let me in." He asked again. I could tell by the tone of his voice that he had something really important to talk to me about...like maybe me dropping out of school.
"No."
"Sarah Beth..."
"No!"
"If you don't let me in, I'm going to sing until you open the door." He sounded serious. I didn't reply. "Okay, I warned you..." For a minute there was silence. Good, he left...
"Talk to me...Baby, won't you talk to me...I don't care what you say...Baby, talk to me...." And he was singing.... I scowlded, got off the couch, and flung the door open.
"What!?"
"Talk to me... If you miss me- Sarah Beth, you know you can tell me anything, right?"
"What? What are you talking about?" I started to get nervous. Did he know that I was a witch. "Get in here!" I pulled him in and closed the door. "I have nothing to tell you."
"Sarah Beth, tell the truth." I bit my bottom lip.
"I don't know what you mean." He sighed.
"Look, I don't exactly know how to say this with out being rude, so I'm just going to come out and say it. I know you're having money problems."
"W-what? Who told-PAIGE! Why I outta-" I started to yell.
"Shh...." He shushed and wrapped his arms around me, hugging me. "Don't be mad at him. I pushed him into tellng me."
"I told him not to tell you!" I treid to push him off, without success. He started ribbing my back in small circles.
"Calm down, okay. Why didn't you want me to know?" I stayed silent, annoyed. He sighed again. "Look, I know you're embarrassed, but I want to help you." Finally he let me break away.
"I don't need any charity, Ashley! If I wanted you to know, I would have told you!" I stomped to the couch and fell onto it, crossing my arms. Instead of following me, he stayed in the kitchen. I could hear him opening all the cupboards and the fridge. Finally, he came back and leaned in the doorway.
"You have no food here..." He crossed his arms as well.
"I told you! I can handle myself. I don't need you constantly looking after me!"
"But I want to."
"But I don't! I'm fine. Can you just mind your own business?"
"This is crazy!" He stood up straight. "Sarah Beth, I just want to help!"
"I! DO! NOT! WANT! HELP!" I screamed.
"When was the last time you ate?" He asked calmly, despite the fact that I was out raged.
"It doesn't matter! I can take care of myself! Just go!" He frowned, but did as I asked.
"Okay, okay. Fine. I'll see you tomarrow. I love you." He walked up to me and kissed my cheek before going back out the door.
...............................................................................................................
About thirty minutes later there was another knock on the door.
"I told you, Ashley, go away!" I yelled. There came no answer. "Hello?" I questioned, almost in a whisper. Again, no answer. Cautiously, I opened the door. No one was there. I looked down and gasped. Sitting on the ground was a white pizza box (the heavely smell rose from it and hit my nose welcomeingly) with a few pounds taped to it.. Written on the top of the box was:
I'm sorry. I love you. I hope this helps things. ~Ashley
