The Ugly Bet

Chapter 3 - Guilty

Ashley

I watched Elyzabeth open her eyes. She's still pale and with the oxygen mask set in her nose. She blinked twice and then looked at me. Oh God! She's so weak and helpless and I did nothing to help her. "You okay now?" I tried to sound casual and hide the guilt and great concern overflowing in me right now.

Again, her weak and sleepy eyes blinked then she moved her head a little as a nod. I managed a small smile and tried to make my voice cheerful. "Great. I'll take you home."

Please don't look at me with those eyes...

Her blue eyes closed for a little while as if she's having a hard time keeping those opened. She then opened them and met mine as she gestured a nod with a slight upward curve of her lips to make a simple smile.

"Okay." I held my voice strong and turned my back on her. I can't let her see me. I don't care if Jenny caught my tears falling down on my face I just can't let Lyz see me like that. I got the pressed powder in my bag and used the sponge to wipe away the marks of tears before cheering up again. I swallowed hard the guilt and worry I felt for her. "Jenny, we need assistance. I'll just get my car in the parking lot."

I hurried to get the cute Volkswagen which is usually driven by Marietta, our Nanny. Or better say my Nanny. Maybe this is the reason why I didn't feel like bringing my red Jaguar. The students will notice that if I pick Lyz up with my sportscar.

Luckily, we didn't get so much attention. Iza comes with us to assist the doctor when he comes to our house. Or her house. I glanced at Lyz on the rearview mirror. Her eyes are closed and she's breathing heavily and hard. I felt sorry for her and I can't take seeing her like that for long so I diverted my eyes and put them back to the road.

The house was actually just a few blocks away from school. Everyday Lyz walks to and from school or Marietta drives her either on the way to school or on the school gate. Lyz doesn't take a ride with me.

Anyway, did I even ever offer her a ride?

Whatever!

"We're here!" I announced as I pulled off in the parking space. Iza and I supported Lyz in walking. When she made it to her room, she's already panting and coughing. I felt something clutch  inside my chest.

"I'll just get us guys something cold to drink,"I immediately turned my back on her to hide my face. I can't control my tears so I sat down on the stairs, biting my lip to control my sobs.

"You okay?" Nurse Iza rubbed my back. I nodded and tried to smile. "Don't be so guilty, it's not your fault."

"It's mine. I'm the reason why these happened. I let it happen."

"At least you know your mistake. Now it's up to you how to change things the way it should be. Stop being a bitch to her."

Aw. "I thought you told me not to be so guilty coz it's not my fault. Now you're accusing me of being a bitch to her. Nice, Iza." I wiped my tears and rolled my eyes at her.

"That's your lesson to learn Ashley... a pretty li'l price you have to pay for choosing to be a bitch in school. You know you can do better. So now, move your ass and get us something," she gave me a pat before going back to Lyz's room.

"Bitch!" I called her and she answered me with a dirty finger. I grinned and sniffed as I go down to the kitchen to make a mango shake and heat the pie I found in the fridge. While setting the food, the image of my mum at the same scenario flashed on my head. My mum also has an asthma. It's in their blood, and good heavens I didn't inherit it. Aunt Cameron, Lyz's mum, didn't have it too.