CHAPTER 3

  I took a deep breath and went inside with Jake. Once we were inside he got me a glass of wine, wished me luck and went to the band. I started looking for Ion and found him standing with his friends. He was laughing and talking. I looked at Jake and he showed me thumbs up. I went towards him and tapped on his shoulder with confidence. As soon as he turned back I splashed the wine on his face. Jake stopped the music and the whole crowd turned to face us.

  “What the….”

  “Stop you, freaking jerk.” I started. I saw Becky coming towards me but Jake grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards himself. I took a deep breath and continued my unprepared speech, “You think you can humiliate me in front of your friends? Sorry to say Mr. you can’t. I don’t care that you dumped me because I know I am worth much more than you can offer.”

  I shot a glance at Jake, who was grinning like an idiot. I was about to smile myself but controlled it. “So, here I am dumping you because I know what a sleazebag you are. God bless the one you are in love with”

  I can’t explain what a relief it was to see Ion’s awestruck expression. I didn’t wait for him to say anything. I just turned back and started striding off. I could hear people talking about my-wine-fiasco, but it didn’t bother me and soon I was out. Becky and Jake also followed me out.

  “Ashley, you were great in there.” Jake praised me.

  “I am still in a bit of shock that you, Ashley, actually did that.” Becky exclaimed.

  “I know… I can’t believe it either.” I said finally getting my voice back. “Thank You so much Jake! It was possible all because of you!”

  “Happy to help” he replied modestly

  “Jake helped you?” Becky asked, totally surprised.

  “It was all his idea!” I said

  He did a stretch to flaunt but my sandal hit him in the head.

  “Ouch!” He screamed.

  “I am so sorry!” I said taking the sandals from him.

  “What is your name? Do you remember anything?” Becky joked’

  “Shut up, it didn’t hurt that bad.” He replied

  “Shit.” She said under her breadth and I punched her on her arm.

  “Seriously, are you okay?” I asked, really concerned.

  “Ya, I am fine!” he replied.

  “Let’s leave or else mom will start her drama again.” Becky said.

  We all agreed and sat in the car.

  “By the way, Ashley I am really sorry about what happened with Ion.” Becky said.

  “I am okay! He was a coward and whatever happens, happens for good. He and I just didn’t suit each other. It would have never worked out, anyway.” I replied well lied.

  “I am glad you are taking it positively” Becky said. I flashed a fake smile at her and then sat in silence for the rest of the journey.

  Mom opened the door for me and was surprised that I came early.

  “Honey, how was the party?” Mom asked.

  “Really good. We enjoyed ourselves a lot.” I lied.

  “Welcome back honey!” Came dad’s voice from the kitchen.

  “Dad is still awake?” I asked mom as he sleeps around 10:00 and it is 12:30.

  “He is having his mid – night snack. Apparently it makes him feel like a teenager.” Mom replied as though disgusted by dad’s idea.

  Dad came out with Coco Pops in his hands. Mom and I both started laughing uncontrollably.

  “Hey! They are really tasty.” Dad defended himself.

  “Of course, should I give you these only in your lunchbox tomorrow? Do share it with your friends.” Mom said sarcastically. And then we both had a hearty laugh.

  “Ha Ha…. Very funny.” Dad said, annoyed.

  “Okay I am tired and would like to get some rest.” I finally announced. In however bad mood you are trust your family to make you laugh and smile. I love my parents.

  But the point is I am missing Ion a lot. I am miserable. I know he was stud but I loved him and cared for him. It is not quite easy to get over him so quickly. I was thinking of all this crap when my phone beeped, it was a message from Becky.

  Sweetheart I know it was a lot to take in for a night but forget it. Don’t think of that jerk and sleep tight. Good night. Sweet dreams.

  She knows me so well. Honestly if she would have been a man, I would have married her.

  Thank you so much! I will be okay. Good night and sweet dreams.

  I texted her back. It is great to have a friend like Becky. She is the person I can rely on. You know if ever I enter her house with a dead body, she will not ask a single question but take shovel and follow me. She is my girl.

  My phone beeped once again but this time it was from Jake (I didn’t even know he had my number).

  Can’t sleep? Jake.

  I replied

  Nope ……. Trying too. Ash.

  It was strange, Jake never texted me before. My phone beeped again and it was Jake’s message.

  Don’t worry about that coward, he has learned his lesson. So, move on. Forget him. Jake.

  Thank you so much Jake it was all possible because of you. I will try my best to move on. Ashley.

  I added a smiley at the last. I switched off my phone and went to the washroom to change. There is nothing in the world which is more comfortable than PJ’s. As soon as I came back I laid on my bed and instantly fell asleep.

 
Priyal Jain's Novels