Light In My Darkness

2

I decided to attend the rest of my classes, as I still have a lot of time. I can come back after some time, I left the hospital after giving my number to the doctor and requested him to call me in case of an emergency, I also added Gia's number just in case if I am unable to pick up the call.

I walk absentmindedly towards the nearby bus stop, with my mind still revolving around the baby girl. Getting into the bus, I take a seat near the window, plugged in my ear pod, and relaxed with my eyes closed.

After reaching my college, I walk towards my classroom and was immediately engulfed into a warm hug from Lilly. "Ashley Brielle Ashton, don't you dare to ignore my calls, I swear to god if you-" I didn't let her complete her sentence as I stuffed my half-eaten granola bar into her mouth.

She gave me a death glare, I just ignored her and took my seat.

It's funny how that she not only swallowed the piece of chocolate that's in her mouth, but also snatched the remaining bar from my hand, and starts munching on it.

Nobody will believe me if I say she is the only heiress of the legendary Ripperton & Co.

She walked towards me and takes a seat beside me, still eating that bar, and begins with her question and answer session. "Are you gonna tell me why weren't you attending my calls and why were you late?"

Knowing her, I know that she is not gonna give up until I tell her the truth. I let out a sigh and filled her with all the adventures that happened this morning. Once again I was reminded of her.

"Whoa! That's cool, like superhero kind of stuff. I am so proud of you." She hugged me tightly.

"It's nothing Ted, I just did what anyone would have done. I bet even you would have done the same thing."

"I would have probably freaked out and would have waited until the cops arrive."

I ignored her comment. "I don't want you to share this with anyone." I say firmly because I very well know how much she loves to gossip.

"You can't do this to me Bri, I cannot zip my mouth. You exactly know how much I love to gossip. Do you really expect me to waste an opportunity to show how proud I am to be your bestie?" She says with a fake hurt expression.

I gave her a warning look saying 'don't you dare', she sighed and nods her head.

Our classes resumed, but I couldn't register a word that was spoken during the entire hour.

".....and you know, all the girls were literally eyeing raping him, words cannot describe his beauty, but he on the other hand was unaffected by all the attention he was receiving from girls, and kept his poker face." Lilly was rambling about some  guy, who she met during a party that she attended yesterday. My ears were bleeding, as she couldn't stop talking about him. But I couldn't help myself from laughing as well.

I laughed so hard that my eyes start to water, listening to all of her gossips. She never runs out of stock, she has tons of them, as she keeps attending all the high-class elite party, and gala with her parents.

We were walking towards the cafeteria when a voice stopped me, "Ashley."

I whipped around to find Liam Roberts standing in all his glory, along with a few of his other friends. He starts walking towards us, and I just stood there rooted to the ground.

I've liked him for god knows how many years, but never mustered up the courage to tell him, hell I couldn't even tell Ted, about it. So it's a feeling that I buried deep inside me.

I always thought that he is way out of my league because he is one of the hottest guys in college and not to forget, he's filthy rich, and I am just a normal girl, who got an opportunity to study in one of the most reputed colleges in the country through a scholarship, that's the reason I am always surrounded by 'rich people.'

"Earth to Bri," She poked my arm, and I snap out of my thoughts.

Liam was standing just a few feet away from me, and my heart starts beating faster and faster with every passing second.

I raised my eyebrows with a questioning look.

"Ashley, I heard about what you did this morning." I turned towards Lilly, who averted her gaze from me, smiling sheepishly.

I turn back to Liam, who was waiting for my attention, I nod urging him to continue "So I just came to congratulate you, and you know..umm ask if you would like to join me for dinner?"

I could tell that he was nervous asking me out. But what startled me was, why is he asking me out. Anyways, I was about to decline his offer politely, because I didn't wanna break my poor heart now.

He will just use and throw me away like a tissue paper like he usually does. I may be a kind person, but not naive.

But Lilly had other plans, as she decides to butt in and answer on my behalf. "Oh! She would love to Liam." she purred, unable to contain her excitement.

I looked at her with my mouth shot open, she just ignores me, while taking me and handling it to Liam. "Take good care of her Liam. If you dare to hurt even a strand of her hair, I will personally hunt you down and deal with you."

He chuckled at her dramatic tantrum and replies with a "sure."

I snatch my hand away from his hold and opened my mouth to decline his offer, but Lilly drags me out of there.

I pull my hand out of her grip. "What the fuck was that Ted, how fucking dare you accept his offer on my behalf." I yell at her. 

She just rolls her eyes. "God women! shut up, it's not like he is going to propose you tomorrow, right? It's just a simple dinner date, so chill and stop acting as you've arrived from another planet." she says with her voice laced with irritation.

Why is she vexed now? When I should be the one.

But she's right, it's not like he will fall for me or something, right?

"Damn you, bitch." She rolled her eyes, again. I swear to god, if she does that again, I'll pop her eyes balls off her socket.

I shook my head dismissing my stupid thoughts. Her dad will hunt me down if I pull that stunt.

We were done with our classes, I skipped my work today, and went straight to the hospital.

Throughout the ride, Lilly kept pestering me that she wants to meet her. I don't really have a choice with her, she knows how to convince me. So, I eventually agreed.

Only then it crossed my mind, I keep calling her baby girl. I should give her a proper name.

The doctor informed us that she is recovering, and she can be discharged after a few weeks.

I couldn't be happier, I informed Darren about her improvement and asked if they found out anything about her. But unfortunately, they didn't.

Will it be wrong, if I say a part of me was actually happy, that they were unable to find anything about her. Because I did not want to give her back.

But the other part of me was guilty for being selfish. The thought of separating her from her family made me feel extremely guilty.