- 4.
Ashton’s unexpected appearance rattled me. I
was distracted all day, my right eyelid twitching. I had a bad feeling. Sure enough, as soon as I left school, a sleek black car was parked at the gate. The logo screamed wealth. The man
inside got out, holding a bouquet of roses. “Ms. Carter.” He smiled. “I apologize for the intrusion. I’m Ashton, Sarah’s cousin.” Students and parents were everywhere. The roses were ostentatious. Someone recognized me and started clapping. Others joined in, urging me to accept the flowers. I went pale. “What do you want?” “Just to get to know you.” He smirked. “I saw you while waiting for Sarah the other day, and I was quite taken. Don’t feel pressured. Think of it as making a new friend.”
Even though he played the part well, I saw the madness in his eyes. Feeling helpless, I spotted Jake in the corner. He was leaning against a beat–up motorcycle, cigarette in his mouth,
watching me with a detached expression. Like a
<
drowning person clinging to a lifeline, I ran
towards him. The familiar smell of motor oil
calmed me. I turned to Ashton. “As I told Sarah, I’m married.” The smile vanished from Ashton’s face. He glanced at Jake, a flicker of hatred in his eyes, quickly masked. Hatred? This was his first time meeting Jake. Why the hatred?
He recovered quickly. “My apologies. I wasn’t aware of your marital status. Well, I’ve already bought the flowers, might as well offer my congratulations.” He held them out. “Flowers for
a beautiful woman. I’m sure your husband won’t mind.” Before I could speak, Jake laughed.
“Who says I don’t mind?” He looked at Ashton. “I’m a jealous guy. Don’t like seeing my
beautiful wife accepting gifts from other men.”
He plopped a bright pink helmet on my head.
“Put this on.”
I stared at the brand–new helmet, my spirits
lifting inexplicably. “Did you get this for me?”
“Found it in the dumpster.” I grinned. “Next
time, can you find a blue one? I like blue.” He
raised an eyebrow, pretending to take the
helmet back. I quickly secured it, tapping the
shell. “How do I look?” A hint of amusement
flickered in his eyes. He pulled down the visor.
“Like a dork.” When I looked back, Ashton was
gone.
