In the name of 'Friendship' [COMPLETED]

9: Impact

"Some people arrive and make such a beautiful impact on your life that you can barely remember what life was like without them"

"Whats your dream job? I'm pretty sure its not being a part time cashier." Derek asked.

"Something in finance but I've always wanted to get into fashion. I've been saving up money for an online course in fashion designing."

I have no idea why I told him that. Even my parents don't know about it. Since a year, I've been saving up money for the course.

"You don't have a job?" I asked.

He chuckled.

"I just work from 9am to 1pm. I'm getting into photography."

"Oh." That was all I could say.

"Are you going to move back to Dubai?"

"Nope. My life is here now."

"So you keep visiting them every christmas or summer?" He casually asked.

How am I supposed to answer that?

"Haven't visited them since 3 years." I blurted out.

"And why would you do that?"

"My boyfriend cheated on me with my sister."

"So you moved here to escape everything, don't have friends or go on dates. It all makes sense now. But honestly tell me, is that guy worth it? Or your sister? Be strong and live life the way you should be living and don't give them the satisfaction of hurting you. If they're happy together then it means you both were never meant to be. Don't get me wrong, I hate the fact that he cheated on you but that clearly meant that he wasn't the right guy for you."

It was the first time someone told me this. Normally it would've been he's a jerk and I'm so sorry for you.

"You won't get it." I mumbled.

"Maybe I don't. But you deserve better Ashley. You're the feisty girl I met who wears cupcake pjs, dances like there's no one watching, consumes alchohol as much as any guy and doesn't even get high, can kick the ass of any guy at fifa and someone who is helpful and caring.
Stop underestimating yourself and let your guard down. Live the way you're supposed to and don't let the fear of being hurt consume you. Getting ourselves hurt is a part of life Ashley. Life doesn't stop. You should keep on going. You'll eventually find a reason to be happy."

"You know, you can even make a career in counselling." I looked up at him with a small smile.

"What should I say cupcake? I'm best at everything." He winked.

Cocoa woofed at that. What a timing!

"You don't miss home? I can't imagine being so far from my mom."

I chuckled.

"I do. I miss my mom, Parker and my mom's food!"

"What are you doing tomorrow after work?"

"Amm nothing."

"Great. You're coming over for dinner tomorrow at my place with me and mom. Dad's out of town for a few days. My mom does cook tasty food." he grinned.

"I know you love me Derek but don't you think its too soon for me to meet your parents?" I joked.

"Oh no cupcake. I'm sure its the perfect time after all let them also meet their son's future kid's mom" he played along.