6. The Smiths Party
Kay was not talking to me. It was my fault for asking her to leave me alone but I thought that she would forget the incident. It was stupid of me to expect because I would have never forgiven her if she had done something like that.
From the corner of my eyes, I could see her as she was sitting adjacent to me. As always her books were sprawled on the desk but instead of talking she was pretending to read. My heart clenched at the thought that I ruined everything because of my stupid anger.
"Hey" A furious whisper from my side brought me back.
I lifted my head only to notice that it was Gloria. She was the most nosy person in the school. She loved gossip so there was no surprise that she loved to keep up with drama. With her auburn hair and button nose, she was able to get out of every situation. It was no wonder that the majority of girls did not like her but it did not bother her at all. In fact, she loved to joke about it, something I admire the most in her.
"What?"
She wetted her lips, shifting her attention back and forth between Kay and me.
"I heard about you both. Are you angry with her?" She leaned forward.
My eyes widened at her sudden question. How did she even find out? My mouth opened and shut like a fish unable to form any words. I could feel someone's eyes at the back of my head, it had to be Kay.
"It's none of your business Gloria" I snapped before turning my attention back towards the whiteboard.
"Hey!" She huffed before shuffling back and adjusting herself, "I was just trying to be helpful"
I turned back again fully knowing that she just wanted to find out what happened and gossip about it. Her tone gave it away. Or perhaps I was reading too much into it.
"I will remember that in case I ever need help"
"Whatever" She rolled her eyes and slumped back in her seat. Yeah so much for wanting to help.
Before I could turn towards Kay my mouth part when I noticed Asher. My face flamed in embarrassment as I remember the last time I saw him. The utter humiliation and anger on his face was something that I could never forget. Everyone in the cafeteria was staring at him while he was trying to regain his dignity by fighting back.
Immediately try to look away but he held my stare and I was scared. Maybe he would scowl at me or insult me in front of everyone. But a huge breath released from my lips when I saw him smile. He gave a weak smile. Was I dreaming? I thought as he walked towards my bench and instead of sitting with his friend Sam he sat behind me.
Kay stiffened by my side, glaring at him but did not say anything. She flipped the page aggressively and focused on her book.
My stomach swooned and I felt as if I was on cloud nine when I heard him shift the bench closer.
"Hey"
The hair on the back of my neck stood at his tone and the warm sensation enveloped me. Was it normal to have so much effect from just a single word? My breathing was erratic as I couldn't concentrate on anything but the fact that Asher was finally acknowledging me.
Taking a deep breath I tried to control my nerves but it was difficult. Finally, I leaned back and turned around. He looked breathtaking as always but it seems as if he had taken extra effort on the day. His hair was styled in a quiff, his usual leather jacket gone and replaced by a long-sleeved shirt.
"Hi"
"I am sorry Anya"
Oh God. My fingers were shaking by my side but I tried to act normal.
Asher grinned as if he knew the effect he had on me, my legs continuously tapping against the floor.
"What for?" I stuttered after a few seconds of staring at him.
"For so many things. Can we talk about it over a coffee? I want to properly apologize for my dumb mistakes" He asked hesitantly asked.
I blinked at him. Was it happening or just a fragment of my imagination? I pinched my hand and yelped at the pain. Oh, it was real. He asked me for a coffee. Cool cool.
Asher laughed at my action, "You're so funny"
I blushed to avoid his stare. But I could feel him and Kay both staring at me. And I had no idea which scared me the most. Should I just tell her about our coffee date and apologize? But what did she did not approve me going out with Asher?
"So it's a yes right?"
I squeaked, "Of course"
Then I slapped a hand over my mouth when I heard how loud my tone sounded.
"Great! I will text you the details tonight"
"Tonight?" I exclaimed, my eyes wide. For a second I thought he was just going to say he was joking. If he was really taking me out then I had to give myself a mental talk. Besides I had other commitment.
"Is there a problem?" He quirked his lips.
I hummed shyly looking at him, "Umm...I have to attend my mom's business party tonight and it's something I just can't get out of. Sorry"
He shook his head, "Oh it's fine... Maybe tomorrow?"
"Sure!" I eagerly said and then bit my tongue. One of these days I should start working on my overexcitement. Especially around Asher.
Asher grinned, that charming boyish one which made me weak in my knees, "I can't wait"
I honestly could not feel my legs anymore. How did that happen? I was going out with the most popular boy in the school for a coffee. The same boy I had a crush on for years. It really was my year.
"Me too" I smiled back.
Fortunately, my entire day passed without any drama. I did not see Damon the entire day and for some reason, it did not sit right with me. It was just the first week of our school and he was missing.
Kay did not talk to me the entire day and she kept her distance even in our shared classes. I wanted to scream and shout at the distance between us. Ever since Asher asked me out I wanted to tell her about it because we share everything with each other. Then I remembered that we were no longer talking.
"Anya" My mother's soft voice filter through the room as she entered.
My lips curled in a smile. She was stunning with her hair pinned up and a long evening gown. My dad was taking extra efforts to look dapper too, his words not mine.
"Do I look okay?"
I refrained from groaning.
"For twentieth-time mom yes"
She scoffed, "I did not ask twenty times"
"Yeah you did maybe more because I stop keeping count after the fifteenth time"
She rolled her eyes, "Always so dramatic"
"Hmm wonder who I got that from?" I teased
"Cut that smarty pants. Are you ready to go? The limo is waiting downstairs"
I turned around, "Really? Limo? Next time why don't you just call the helicopter to pick us up?"
"It was not my idea"
I snorted at that. My mother did not even bother to reply, simply staring at the mess on my bed. In my defence, I had no one to help me pick the dress. and that's the first time I realised how much I was dependent on Kay's decision.
"I can't find the sparkly shoes"
"You left them at Kay's the last time you had a sleepover. Don't you remember?" She clicked her tongue.
"Yes," I weakly replied before picking the sling bag. I put on the black flats, shutting the door harder than necessary. She looked like she wanted to say something but instead just shook her head and turned around.
"Let's just go already"
My eyes couldn't stop wandering as soon as I entered the party. It was really fancy. And not just the expensive flower arrangement kind but champagne fountain kind expensive. Everything was so well arranged and beautifully decorated that I was scared to touch.
"Whose party is this again?" I asked, turning towards my mother.
"They are the new owners of our firm"
I hummed because even though she was talking about them throughout the limo ride I did not bother to hear anything. Can you blame me?
"Hi, Mrs Smith. It's a lovely party" My mother greeted, a warm smile on her face.
I stared at the women in front of me. She looked straight out of some photoshoot with those expensive white pearls and Chanel pink suit. Her smile was easy and relaxing though.
"Oh thank you! Unfortunately, the credit goes to my husband." The woman giggled softly and motioned someone from the other side.
My feet froze as I noticed someone trudging along. What was he doing at the party?
Mrs Smith turned around and gripped his arm, "And this is my son, Damon"
He smirked, his stare fixed on me and mouthed, "Hi pup"