Chapter 21

Ashley.

The day.

The day has finally arrived. Alex and Melinda wedding day. Preparations has been going on from the decorations to the delicacies that would be served. On the other hand, I'm also preparing to put my work Into action. It was around noon when the the wedding vows was being exchange and they were pronounced husband and wife. Alex look so happy and for once I'm glad for the decision I took back then. We we're not meant to be that's it.

Like I promised, I wore the dress I brought back then in anger.  Just thinking about it sent a funny shiver down my spine. However, I wore it today not to impress anyone but because of myself. I wore it for myself and only myself. I made sure there were the only ones standing after the people congratulating them are done, I walk up to them.

"Mr and Mr. Parker, congratulations" I began offering my hand to Melinda for a handshake. She look beautiful dressed in all white. If I'm to say then I won't deny Melinda is a beautiful woman.

"Thank you so much Ashley for your hard work" She offered back shaking my hands.

"It was my pleasure. I wish you a happy married life" I said once again. Turning to Alex, I offered him a smile too. "Take care of her" was the word I utter.

"Thank you Ashley"

After exchanging pleasantries and also wishing them farewell because they living straight for Paris. I trekked back to my seat with my head held high. Kristine is already busy conversing with Cole. The whole Inn people were also invited. Taking my seat on the empty seat, I sipped the glass of champagne that was positioned for the guest.

"So Kristine, you'll be leaving later" I heard Cole said much like a question. Kristine let out a sigh "Yeah we've spent enough time in Ithaca already. Its time for us to go back home. I must admit I enjoy every bit of my time here. Most especially your Inn" I caught a glimpse of her smiling face.

My eyes roamed around stopping on Neil who was talking to Alex. I quickly avert my eyes when he turned around. Since that day, we've been distant with each other. I only speak to him when it's necessary. And the most annoying part of it is that, he doesn't seem to care about our silence toward each other. No matter how hard I try, I find myself thinking about him and also wish what he said wasn't true. However, I know I'm only decieving myself. That's why I've decided when everything is settled back home, I'll nullify his contract. Whether he agrees or not. It'll be better that way.

I was in deep thought when I didn't notice him standing in front of me. "Alex and his wife wants us to take picture together" He said in all his seriousness. I forced out a smile and nodded in answer. He didn't even offer to walk together. He aligted away. I brush off whatever thing my heart is trying to raise on.

We took the picture and it was time for them to leave same goes to us. The drive back to the Inn was in silence. The only noise is the one Kristine and Cole were making. I have a feeling the two have something going on. I didn't wait for them to get off the car, I aligned away. I need to get things done so that we can leave as early as possible. Just as I set my bag on the couch, a hiss made it way out of my lips.

I raked my hand through my hair. I left my duffle bag at the venue. What a bad day to start with today. I bumped into Kristine and Neil while hurrying out.

"I'll be stepping out for a bit" I announced making my way outside.

"Let Max take you" Neil yelled out. He's not the one taking me, he'll assign someone instead. And he expect me to agree to that.

"You don't have to. I'm not a kid, I'm capable of taking care of myself" I know my words came out harshly but I couldn't care less. He's all the cause of it.

"Just let her be Neil. I know she won't stay long" I heard Kristine saying to him. An annoying smile made it way to my lips. He can do whatever he deemed fit.

Thankfully, the door wasn't closed yet as I got there. I spoke to the security man in charge of the venue and he helped me with the bag. I let out a deep breath. Thank God I'm able to find it. "I thought I lost you" I muttered pecking the bag. The outside that was once occupied by few people was unexpectedly quite. In less than three minutes the whole place turns quite.

I didn't waste time in dwelling on that, I slid the bag on my shoulder and embark on my way. I barely took one step when I felt a shower behind me. I quickly turn around finding nothing. At first I take it as maybe it was my imagination but as I continued walking, I felt it again and that made me increase my pace. Suspiciously, there were no taxi passing by. I heard my phone echoing in my pocket. I didn't get to answer it when my instinct tells me to turn around, my eyes almost popped out of it socket at the figure standing few miles away from me.

It was scary man I saw at the bar. He was dressed in the same black clothe I saw him with. But what is he doing in Ithaca. His phone was glued to his ear as he glanced my way. For some reason, I felt like he was the one following me. Yet, he seem to be facing to the other direction.

I will just pretend I didn't see and I did. However, he advanced towards me. My foot were quick in taking action. I made a run. At first the man didn't make a move but when I glanced through my side, I saw him advancing towards me. The blaring of my phone picked up its pace.

I don't know how it happened yet, I started hearing the sound of gunshot. My legs were beyond weak but that didn't stop me from running. I felt his presence close to my back and just when I decided to give up, I tripped on my foot. I closed my eyes ready for whatever thing that was coming my way. My body was being lifted up the ground. I wiggle my legs and try to snatch myself away. Yet, the grip was tight.

"Who are you? Let me go!" I shouted my eyes still shut. I don't want to look at him. His face scare the living soul out of my body.

"Let me go!" Even with his tight grip on me, I still didn't give up In trying to save myself. The next thing I felt is my body being pushed on something soft. "Open your eyes Ashley" I heard a familiar voice. Snapping them open, I was met with a panting Neil.

"Neil someone is following me. He wants to kidnap me"

"Listen to me. Max will take you and Kristine out of here. I will take care of matters here" He was about to leave when he held on to his arm halting him. "What about you? What is happening? Are we in danger? And what are you doing with a gun?" I bombard all at once.

It was the first time I'm seeing him with gun and that scare me. What is about to happen? "Max keep them safe. I'll be back" Before I could utter another word he alighted away followed by the sound of gunshot blowing from every direction. "Are we being attacked?" I muttered to no one in particular.

Max drove in high speed yet the sound of the gunshot kept increasing with each passing second. A gun was being shot through our car which make the driving unsteady. I held on to the seat belt tighter. When I glanced through the back, I saw some cars approaching us. What is surprising me Is that no living soul could be seen. Am I in some kind of dreamland?

We didn't reached the inn when we met with Kristine holding two bags. I instantly recognized them as my working material. Max stopped the car and she got in. "Neil explained everything to me through the phone. We need to get out of here first" she was quick to answer what I'm planning to ask.

I didn't know for how long we've been driving. The car came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the room. "What just happened?" I asked no one In particular.

"I think the car broke down. Let me check" Max got down. We also did. I don't think I will be able stay In the car knowing the people might still come for us. While Max checks the car, I kept glaring at the road for any sign of Neil but found none.  I don't know how everything happened, but all of a sudden gunshot began ehoing from every direction. Our foot took off and we ran for our life but what we were barely a step when Kristine tripped on a big stone making her to fall.

"Keep going. I'll be fine" she ushered but she didn't know I won't be able to leave without her.

"We should get out of here before they caught up to us" Max ushered.

"Let's go Kristine. Give me your hand let me help you up" offered out my hand and she held it. Just when we we're about to move, we heard footsteps close to us. And next thing I found my body pushed aside.

"Go Ashley. I'll be fine" she ushered again. My body was being dragged away by Max to a corner. I can't let her be like that.

"We have to save her Max. They'll get her" His hold on my arms tightened. I tried to feel myself but to no avail. And in a matter of seconds, I saw the unknown men dragging Kristine away right in front of my eyes. Before I could make a shout for it my mouth was being covered. My limbs were weak as I watch them take my friend away yet I couldn't do anything. A smile was plastered on her face all through and I could swore I saw her muttered farewell.

Bile rise in my throat as I wobble back almost falling on Max's body yet, he was quick in steadying me. My eyes were halted on one spot. The position I left Kristine in. A snatched up a sharp breath and from then black dots were the only thing I could make out.

**

I jerked up in fast pace. My eyes snapping open to an unfamiliar surrounding. Where am I? Am I in some sort of dream?  Everything suddenly skimmed through my mind. "Kristine"

"Where is Kristine?" My body trembled as I reached for the car door. However, the door was unexpectedly locked. Turning to my side I came face to face with Neil, bandage wrapped around his wrist. It was that time that I remembered about him.

"Where is Kristine? We have to have to save her. I saw them.... They took her.... They dragged..." My words couldn't make themselves out of my mouth when tear escaped me.

"Say something Neil. You said you'll protect me with all your life but my friends life is in danger. We have to save her. I-" Neil spun me around the way I was facing him. "I want you to calm down. Kristine is not with them"

Confusion overtake me. "What do you mean?"

"I was able to get her before they took her away but..." he stopped taking his hands through his hair.

"But what?" I asked.

Silence

"But what Neil? Say something please" I repeated again afraid of what answer will come out of his mouth.

"She's injured. But she's getting treatment now.  She'll be fine" The rest of his words were deaf to my ear. The only word my head kept chanting is her injured state.