The Love Trials: Ashley

Chapter Seven

It only took until Friday night to pack so I postponed any dates with Bradley but he gladly helped to shift boxes from my old house to my new room. A lot of it was to go into storage as Bradley already had the simple items such as a kettle. He had donated his meeting room for this purpose.

On Friday night, Bradley met my friends for the first time ever as everyone came over to help me pack up the last final bits. Even Rob came over, despite the fact that he usually worked late on a Friday.

"I called in with a fake appointment." He told me as he hugged me hello.

"Why? You're missing out on money then."

"No not really. It's paid work." Rob then went on to hug Amelia hello.

Bradley said hi to them all and I could see his face assessing everyone. Caitlin was particular interested in him but Cathy surprised me. I thought she would be all over him but instead she seemed wary of him. It was like our conversation the other night had frightened her of him. As a result, she was never in the same room as him.

I didn't have too much time to ponder on it though because I had packing and instructing to do. I made cups of tea and coffee for everyone often. Eventually the whole house was packed up. I had called the landlord last night and he had told me to leave the house key in an envelope on the kitchen counter. Tonight I would be sleeping over at Amelia and Rob's house to celebrate my last night of freedom. I therefore packed my last few boxes into Bradley's car.

"I'll see you tomorrow then." He told me. I nodded.

"See you." We kissed lightly and he got in his car. He drove off and I waved goodbye.

"Right, time to go! Let's go." Caitlin pushed me lightly towards her car. I got into the back seat while Cathy got into the back seat of Amelia's car. Once we were all in, Caitlin drove off, following Amelia to her house.

Caitlin unloaded my suitcase once we were at Amelia's house. She then drove off to her house with Cathy so they could pick up their things for tonight as everyone was determined to go clubbing. Everyone but Rob and Kieran that was.

I had a shower before Amelia did and was brushing my hair when Amelia got out of the shower. We got ready together and it was not long before we were joined by Cathy and Caitlin who had their outfits and make-up with them.

We all laughed and giggled as we got ready. I straightened my hair with Amelia's hair straighteners and Caitlin did my make-up for me to match my light blue knee-length dress with no sleeves.

Once we were all ready, Amelia called a taxi and we got in to go to the Bubble Nightclub.

The Bubble was a nightclub in the shape of a dome. It was a cool nightclub.

"First round on me." Caitlin called over the noise of the music. We made our way over to the bar where we ordered our drinks, I took a Vodka and Coke.

We laughed and talked about everything. One eye was on Cathy for me. I saw that she was not really involved with the chatter no matter how hard we tried to involve her.

Caitlin started to chatter with the bartender and Amelia left the club to talk to Rob on the phone. I turned to Cathy at last.

"Cathy, what's wrong? You've been acting so weird lately." Cathy bit her lip.

"Can I ask you something?" She asked.

"Sure."

"What is Bradley's last name?"

"Smith, why?" Cathy's face seemed to drop. She turned so pale that it scared me. The colourful spotlights didn't help. It made her look less life-like.

"I have to go."

"Go?! Go where?"

"I needed to call this boy. I wanted him to meet me here." She told me. Without waiting for a reply, she slid off her seat at the bar and walked off.

"Cathy wait!" But she didn't turn around and when I blinked, she had disappeared entirely from view.