by Priyal Jain
CHAPTER 9
It was a really boring meeting about the profits going a bit down. (98% from 99%. I mean seriously. Does that even count?). He gave us an hour long lecture that we need to increase our efficiency and that we have to increase the number of dishes in the menu and give them exotic names. He explained that we have to be more patient and polite with the customers. He was all Blah Blah Blah. I could seriously sleep standing. He dismissed us and Emma and I were the first ones to leave. As soon as we came out, the customers were pouring in. and we all instantly went back to work.
“How may I help you, Sir?” “Is the food okay sir?” “Hope you are having a good time.” “Do visit again.”
Oh My God my face is aching because of the fake smile I have been flashing to people and asking the same questions again and again. I am so tired. Today was really hectic. My face has lost its charm and my arms could fall out any minute. I sloppily entered the kitchen.
“Oh! Busy day today. I am so damn tired.” I said to Emma, while removing my apron and hanging it respectfully on the hook.
“Tell me about it!?” she replied, clearly frustrated. “By the way, he is really cute.” It took me a minute to understand that she was pin pointing Jake, but I acted aloof.
“Who?” I asked, innocently
“That lead singer of yours.”
“Are we still on that and, he is not mine. There is nothing between us. You are clearly mistaken.”
She nodded but I know she doesn’t agree with me.
“Okay bye see you tomorrow, Ash! Sleep well.” Emma said and left. I too went outside and started looking for a taxi. I bet, whenever I need a taxi, I won’t even find ONE. But when I don’t need one, every driver seems to show mercy. Jake had some meeting today, so I won’t be going with him today. I was so engrossed in finding a taxi that I didn’t realize that a couple of boys, on bikes, are staring at me. Oops shouldn’t have looked at them directly. They started their bikes and are came towards me. Get ready Ashley, for some great trouble ahead. I gathered some courage and start walking, but they have already started to circle around me. Both of them got down of their bikes and came near me. “Hello, babe!” one of them said, brushing my arm lightly with his fingers. I threw his hand away, and started to walk again. They caught up with me and now the other one has grabbed my wrist. “Relax honey!”
“Let go of my wrist. Leave me. Please leave me!” I cried in agony. But his grip only tightened. The other one yet again came near me and felt my arm with his fingers. Tears came running down my eyes. The man came closer and now his hand was on my face. I closed my eyes and struggled to free my arm. Suddenly someone pulled the boy’s collars and his grip loosened. I freed my arm and ran away.
Jake! It is Jake.
Jake kicked the man who was holding my wrist and punched the one who was striding towards me.
“Bloody jerks!” he murmured. Both the boys regained their balance and were looking like as if they will rip off Jake into two halves. Both of them started moving closer to Jake with bloodshot eyes. Jake gestured me to move away and I did so. I hid behind a nearby tree and witnessed the fight. One of them tried to punch Jake, but he escaped just in time and elbowed the boy hard on his back and he punched the other one right in the nose. I have always wanted some guy to fight for me, but this was getting rather brutal. It was like a bloodbath in there. I am shaking all over with trepidation. I don’t want Jake to be hurt because of me. But, but ………. Jake, Oh My God. He has held both the man from their neck and dragged him towards me. By then a little crowd had already gathered. No one even cared to call the police; everyone was just enjoying the show. How mean is that?!?
“Sorry Miss, we are really sorry. We would never do something like this again.” The one, who held my wrist, apologized to me and the other one nodded in agreement. Both of them hurried down the lane and went.
“Jake thank you so much. You were like a hero over there. You are the best.” I said and hugged him hard.
“No problem Ashley. Always remember, whatever happens, I’ll be there for you.”
I took a step back and realized that Jake is really hurt. Blood is coming out of his nose and there are some scrapes on his arms.
“Oh My God Jake, you are badly hurt.” I panicked.
“Ash, relax. I am okay. It’s just little blood. It will be fine. Are you fine?” He asked me and wiped his nose.
“I am fine. Thanks to you.”
“I am glad you are safe. It’s getting late. We should head home.” He started walking towards his car and I followed.
“Wait, would you be able to drive?” I asked.
“Yes, I am really okay. Your sandals hurt me more.” He teased, getting inside the car and I sat in the passenger’s seat.
“You still owe me a pair of sandals.” I said, lightening the atmosphere.
“I will get them. Don’t you worry.” He replied. “Seriously, are you okay? I hope you are fine.”
“I am okay, all thanks to you.” I replied. “I know I will get over it soon.”
I may have said that I am okay to Jake but I am freaking out from inside. They touched me. I am feeling so disgusting. My wrist still hurts and my cheeks are hot red. We didn’t speak a word for the rest of the journey and it didn’t felt awkward at all. I am happy, well satisfied that we both are safe. We reached Jake’s house and I helped him get inside his house. He must have got cramps or something.
“Son. What is wrong?” Rachel hurried towards us already weeping.
I totally forgot that she would become a vehement wreck.
“God, Bro. You seem like you were put on furnace, look at you, all red and bloody.” She said.
“May I enter first please?” Jake replied getting annoyed. Jon, helped him in and he settled on a couch.
“Now, please tell us, what is wrong?” Jon asked.
I explained them the whole story and told them about those perverts and how Jake rescued me.
“Oh dear. Are you all right?” Becky asked, getting worried. I nodded and smiled, “all because of Jake. Thank you Jake. ”
“Jesus. Stop saying Thank you. That word is driving me crazy.” He joked and I grinned and that was not fake.
“I am so sorry, Jon and Rachel; I should have been more careful while coming back.” I said, I was feeling really bad.
“Come on sweetie, it is not your fault. We are just glad that you are safe.” Jon replied.
“Yes Ashley, please don’t worry at all. Jake is fine.” Rachel said. I flashed a smile at them for being so supportive.