Chapter 41

Ashley.

Morning came faster than expected. It's a new day and also my last day at the village. I felt much better than before because a sense of Independence surge through me. Its a day for me to do whatever I want to without feeling any negativity or insecurities. As I least expected, Neil was nowhere to be found at home. I wonder if he slept outside.

Even when I met up with with my parents, none of them spoke about last night and I'm glad they did. That shows they have accepted my decision. I didn't talk time in showering. I was about to rub out the remaining lotion, the one I carried with me from home. How poor I am. Had it been it was back home, I would've bought a new one even before, this one finishes but life ain't easy for me lately.

My eyes catches an unfamiliar duffle bag. Almost identical with the one I brought from home but mine was brown while that was black. Curiosity got me as I found myself reaching for the bag. Pulling out the zipper, my eyes widened at the contents inside. The bag was packed with my clothe. Ranging from dress, shirt, jeans, lotions, perfumes, shoes and some other things which I don't think I might need them.

When did they pack all those things? It seems like they came well prepared. I didn't know when a smile made it way out of my lips. To say I wasn't expecting it will be an understatement. I fished out the lotion, perceiving it smell.

"Just like Ashley" I ushered my smile widening. As I was rummaging through the remaining bag, a knock came through. Before I could invite the person in, the door was pulled open and came in Kristine. It has to be her.

"Hey pretty heads" She commenced  taking her seat on the bed.

"Hey ugly heads" I ushered back taking out the emerald green dress.

"Wow what a nice piece" Kristine uttered. My face snapped toward her in question. "Aren't you going to ask me where I got them?"

The corner of her lips curved up. "No need for that. I was the one who brought it in"

"And why wasn't I notified?"

"Well you were busy creating a scene how would you know" I rolled my eyes at her words. "Don't tell me you're also taking their side? You know how they-"

"Don't you think you're going overboard. I mean they came all the way for you and the least you can do is get into an argument with them? Don't you think you're being selfish"

"What are you trying to say?" Placing the dress on one side, I turned my attention to her. She can't be blaming me now.

"Exactly what you heard. You know Ashley, I always support your decision whatever it is but this time around, I think you went a bit too far. They are you parents and believe me when I say, they were very worried when they came especially your Dad. You might not know it due to your anger but I saw it. I saw how worried he is for his daughter. How worried they are. Why? Because they care and love you" If I say Kristine's words didn't shake me then I would be lying.

Did I really went too far?

"Listen to me Ashley" Reaching for my hands, she took them in hers. "Forget about what happened in the past. This is the present we're talking about. I know Nikki's death has shaken them. As it was so sudden. However, you are their daughter now. Don't you think they're doing all this to protect the only daughter they have. They don't want history to repeat itself. My only advice to you is that, no matter how strict or different they are, cherish them, tell them you love them. Let go of the mistakes and you'll be surprise of the outcome"

I didn't realized the tears that slid out of my eyes until I felt Kristine's thumb on my face. "I- Why I am always doing the wrong thing. I only consider my own pain and blame them for it. But I didn't think about the fact that I'm hurting them also. I'm-" The words didn't make themselves out of my mouth, when Kristine embraces me in a hug.

"It's okay. I'm glad my words did talk some sense into you. I just hope from now on you'll do the right thing. After all they're your family"

And what she said is true. Regardless of the circumstances, they're still my family. As a saying goes, You can change a prince but you can never change a king.

~*~*~

The party at the village club residence.

As we embark on our journey to the village club, no words were exchanged between us. And I'm glad no one did. I have too much on my plate already. I gripped onto my dress that was falling into place by the evening wind blowing. Neil's shoulder lightly brushed mine and I felt a familiar shiver down my spine. At this rate, my body might go against me. Because, even if I pretend, my body always react to his touch.

"Are you nervous?" Came his whispered voice near my ear.

"Ye-No I'm not" I cussed my inner self for sprouting out nonsense.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw his lips curving up. Even in the situation he kept his composure. Am I the only one feeling the thickness between us. I won't lie, I'm nervous about what will happen after the party.

Are we really going on our separate ways? Without seeing each other again? Just the thought of not being with Neil scared the living soul out of me. However, I know we have to sort things out. We have to know where our relationship stands. Are we going to fight for our love or the other way round.

"Are you okay?" His voice snapped me out of the little reverie I went in. I forced out a small smile while sparing him a place, my gaze lasted for only two seconds. I don't want him to know how desperate I am at the moment.

"Can we talk?" I began again after a silence was maintained between us. "I mean after the party" I corrected.

"Sure" was the only word he answered with before the village club began coming in view. We were three steps away from the entrance when we began hearing a cool music playing in the background.

I spare my parents that are walking behind us a glance before turning my gaze to Neil. "Shall we?" He asked putting out his hands. I was hesitant at first but then who cares. I will enjoy the moment.

"Yes" I gently placed my hand in his and together we made our way inside. To my surprise, the hall was packed with people more than I expected. I didn't know they're many people in the village. I must say, they're surely looking forward to the day.

I was about to withdraw my hand with Neil tighten his hold while using the other hand to circle it around my waist area. Deep down I was feeling the spark but outside I acted calm. That didn't stop there when he lean over to my ear and whispered. "Don't worry I'm here with you" I could feel the sincerity in his words. However, before I could react to his words, we were approached by Kristine.

"Finally you guys are here. I've been staring at the entrance like a mad woman" She chuckle at her own unfunny words. "Mrs.Grace has been asking me about you. It's better you go see her now or else-" She went on and on with her blabbering.

I didn't heed to her words spotting Mrs. Grace dressed elegantly standing few miles away from us. The woman looked completely different. The happiness evident on her face.

"Excuse me"

"Let's go together" Neil interjected. I spare him a glance before nodding my head. After all Mrs. Grace doesn't know about our fake acting. We'll have to act through out the party. I could feel my parents burning gaze on us. I know they must be hating our closeness especially my father. I don't have anymore strength to keep asking me to tell me what he's hiding from me. As far as they will keep me safe then so be it. I will focus on my happiness.

As we approach Mrs. Grace, who was laughing to something some man is telling, Neil leaned more to my body.  "Good day Mrs. Grace" I began.

The smile that was visible on her face disappears. "Are you just coming?" She asked.

"I'm sorry for coming a bit late"

"A bit late? You've done more than enough for coming. By the way you're looking stunning with your gentleman too" I couldn't help the ting of blush that made it way to my face.

"You too Mrs. Grace"

Her face broke into a smile. "Thank you dear. Let me introduce you to some of my friends. Let's start with Mr Robert and his beloved wife Cynthia." she turned to the couples she was talking to before we appear in front of her.

"Hello" Both Neil and I uttered at the same time.

"Robert and Cynthia, this is Ava and her husband Lucas. They're the new lovely couples I told you about."

Robert extends his hand for a handshake. "Nice meeting you Ava and Lucas. I heard about you from Mrs. Grace" Neil shook his hands before I could get the chance to. "Nice meeting you too. Mr.Robert and Mrs. Cynthia"

After exchanging pleasantries, we were served drink and dessert which I didn't eat much. All the while, I kept glancing at my parents who were enjoying themselves as Mr. Michael is keeping them company. Their attention was completely focused on the conversation they're having with some people.

"I almost forgot. I didn't introduce you to my grandson. Come" She reached for my hands. "Gentleman, I need to borrow your wife for a minute"

Only if she knew.

Neil nodded with a smile before slowly letting my hand go. "Sure take your time"

I wonder where Kristine disappeared off to. First she left for the party without us and now she's nowhere to be found. Mrs. Grace led us to a stand where a guy was sipping a glass of liquor, his back facing us.