Chapter 26

Ashley.

'Lallalallala lalla la la' I hummed to my slow song as I made my way back home with excitement soaring inside me. I didn't expect Mrs. Grace to pay me. I sniff the money before slipping it back to my jeans pocket. I deal with a hefty amount of money but for some reasons, getting this with after working my ass off kind of settle well with me.

Pushing the entrance door to Mr Michael house open, I met with Mr. Michael himself with his glasses on while he check on some papers. "You're back"  Came his voice.

"Yes Sir"

"You must be tired. Why don't you go up and rest. Lucas has been waiting for you arrival since" I don't know if it is me but I find his words off. I didn't waste time to dwell on that. I know I still have an unfinished argument with him.

Heaving out a exasperated breath, I pushed the door open coming face to face with a pacing Neil. The corner of my lips curved up. I knew it.

When he heard the door getting opened, he instantly turned towards me and the expression on his face changes. I would be damn if I say I don't understand the expression. It was purely an expression of anger.

To piss him off more, I pretend not to notice him making my way towards the small backpack turns closet and slid my money inside, zipping the bag close. From the corner of my eyes I saw him looking at me but Ashley Ricard is not a woman to play with. Just because I'm taking him lightly he think he can order me around. Well, it should be the other way round.

I took out the only clothe I know belongs to me. The one I wore before the incident transpires, I made a walk for the bathroom. However, my legs were not able to proceed when I was being held back by Neil.

"Are you trying to pretend I'm invincible here?" Was the first word that came out of his mouth. My back was still facing him as I roll my eyes. Twirling me around, my back collide with his chest. I was in shock at his sudden move.

"What are you doing Neil? No one is watching us. Mr. Michael is busy working in the living room" I tried to snatch my body away but he held on to me tighter, resting his head on my shoulder. His action surprises more. "Can we stay like this for a bit? One minute is okay" He whispered, his voice sounding somehow making my body to go completely weak.

I don't know why he did that or what his actions meant but I know something must be up. So, I stood like that. His breathing fanning my shoulder and his beating heart resonating from my back up to my ears. I don't know how long we stood in that position. Yet, I know it's longer than the one minute he mentioned.

As if he noticed my legs turning numb, he slowly pulled apart but didn't let go of my hand. The moment I turned to face him, my eyes were left wide open.  "What happened Neil? Are you okay?" I bombard at once, accessing his face. Yet, no words were able to leave his mouth. Looking into his eyes, I could tell something is indeed wrong. This is the first time I'm seeing him in this state.

"Look at me please. Is everything okay? Did something happen to Kristine or my parents?" I blurted out anything I could think of at the moment but silence was the only thing he graced me with until I felt his eyes well up. At that moment, I knew something different happened. I did what I think he needs in that moment. Leaping forward, I circled my arms around his neck and pulled him to my body.

"It's okay. Everything will be fine. I'm here for you" I assured rubbing my palm around his back in a comforting way. The beating of his heart wasn't normal. It was as if he's trying his best not to burst out. However, my heart aches seeing him in that condition. He's always the lively one. Then what must've gone wrong.

"Everything will be fine" I repeated again pulling apart. I cupped his face with both of my hands. A pile of emotions taking over my body. I hated to see him that way. I want the lousy and cheerful Neil. This is not my Neil.

"Look at me Neil" I ushered softly. Yet his head was casted down.

"Neil?" I called out his name and still the same thing.

Slowly and steady I used my hand to lift up his face and my heart immediately sank at the sight before me. I don't know what took over me but I found myself flinging my hands across his neck once again pulling him to my body. Closer than better.

"Talk to me please Neil. Stop giving me the cold shoulder and talk to me. I promise I won't question your decision. I will listen to you. If you want me to stop going to the restaurant, then I will. Just..." I stopped to take a sharp breath. "Don't give me the silent treatment"

It happened in a swift second. My body went completely rigid. And I couldn't explain how my heart almost ripped off my chest. It took me a minute to process what was happening. When my body finally charged to my brain, I wrapped my hands around the neck tightly and parted my lips, giving him more access. Neil cupped my face with both of his hands as he kissed me hastily. Our lips moving in sync. He kissed me like his life depended on me and I hold on to him tightly afraid of him disappearing from my sight.

I wish whatever that is happening at the moment, is not a dream and if it was, I wish to never wake up from it. Neil lifted me up, laying my legs around his waist and we moved towards the bed. We're still kissing when Neil gently laid me down. Pulling away, he stared at my eyes deep that I have a feeling he can see through me. I stared right back loosing myself in the pool of his dark brown pupils. Before I could open my mouth to speak, he connect our lips together.

**

A smile made its way out of my lips as I stare at the figure sleeping soundly beside me. He sleeps like a baby. I inches my hand towards his deadlock dangling around his face. He stir a bit which made me halt my actions. When I made sure he's not moving more, I began my action again. This time around I was able to brush away the hair on his face. I find myself letting out another smile. I began trailing my fingers on his thick eyebrows, down to his closed eyes, then his nose and lastly his lips.

I stare at his lips longer than I intended to. Last night event skimmed through my head. His demeanour completely caught me off guard last night. He was a different Neil. And the kiss, I enjoyed every bit of it and yet the thought of what will happen when he wakes up scares. I will be damned if he wakes up and says it was a mistake.

I was so consumed in my thought when I felt something warm on my cheeks. "What are you busy thinking about?" Came his husky sleepy voice. I would be lying if I say my heart didn't skip just by hearing his voice. He caress my cheeks slowly as he stares into my eyes. I stare right back. Something in his eyes reminds me of all the event. The urge to ask him increases. Yet, I don't want our moment to end. It was a feeling I want to experience. Together with him.

I used my free hand to copy his action while the other was resting on his chest. "Nothing" I answered back in an equal manner. "I hope you slept well?" I added with a question. His eyes grew calculating for a while before a smile covered it. "It was great. All thanks to you"

I nodded my head in assurance. I desperately want to talk about the event and on the other hand I'm afraid of his rejection. What if he decided to just brush it off thinking it's the same for me. I won't be happy with that. I know I like him and I don't want to keep lying to myself.

"I'm glad I could be of help. So...." I trailed off hoping he'll be able to catch what i was going to say.

When I hear silence, I decided to just go ahead with it. It won't hurt to ask. "Can we talk about last night and don't try to brush it off. I won't let you be until you tell me everything. From the beginning to end" I declared rising up to a standing position. He did the same but instead, he raked his hands through his hair.

"Don't you think I have to know what's bothering you?"

Half a minutes passed by with us seating in silence. "I don't know why you're putting a wall between us. But Neil, I want you to open up to me. Tell me your problems. Like I said, I hate seeing you like this and I mean it" I squatted closer hugging him from behind.  "Please Neil don't put the load on yourself only. I'm here for you" I repeated again.

I heard him take in a deep breath before he began speaking up. "I lied to you about my parents" I immediately pulled up my head at his words.

"What do you mean?" I asked turning him the way that he would be facing me.

"Truth be told, my mom is not dead. She's alive"

"What?"

"Promise me that whatever I'm going to tell you now, you won't judge me. You'll be here for me like you said" He ushered taking my hand into his.

"I promise" Squeezing our intertwined hands with my other hand in assurance.

"My parents are divorced" He commenced once again. The new information taking me by surprise.

"The funny thing is, I was happy when my mother signed the divorce papers because from the first place getting married to my father was a mistake. He was nothing but a heartless and selfish man" His voice dripped with despise.

"My mother was nothing to him but a tool to his business. It was all a deal. He doesn't care about her a bit only the fortune he'd get and we as the children, we don't enjoy the warmth of our father. He was supposed to be there for us but all he cares about is himself. He only cares about getting successful"

I didn't know how to answer him the only thing I could do is hold his hands to show him I'm with him. "Finally my mom was able to get freed from his torture and heartless behaviour and when things are almost back to normal, he turn to us. Basically me"

"What did he do? I asked afraid of what he answer will be.

"He wants me to join hands with him and participate in his filthy business. He thought I will fall for his lies and fake tears but little did he not know that I'm stronger and I won't or will ever be like him" He stopped to take a deep breath before continuing.

"The reason why you saw me in that state yesterday was because he found out about their whereabouts. So he threatened my mom and that if I don't accept his offer, my mother will pay for my action. To be honest, I don't know what to do. Everything is just messed up. I thought my mom will be able to find happiness after how many years of torture but I'm wrong. My father is way heartless that what I thought he is"

A lone tear made it way out of my eyes without me noticing. So all his lousy, troublesome and careless behaviour is just a way for him to hide what's beneath his heart. I always mistake his behaviour. I didn't know he went through a lot and here I am thinking I'm the only one with a problem. Little did I know that 'A book should not be judged by it's cover'