by Priyal Jain
CHAPTER 21
I woke up the next morning after my long well very long nap. I got up from the bed and went straight to the washroom to examine myself in the mirror. I look ghastly. My eyes are all puffy and red because of all the crying. I have also developed big dark circles around my eyes. My hair are a total mess. My voice is heavy and my nose keeps on flowing. I haven’t looked this bad in ages. What is wrong with me? I am asking this question again and again even though I know the answer. I am in love with a guy who I cannot get. Today is gonna be a tough day, my first day of ignorance. I have fallen too hard for him that ignoring him seems too darn difficult. I have never felt so miserable in my entire life. It is like the best thing that happened to me has come to an end and I don’t want it to end, I want it to continue till forever. He taught me so much, he gave me so much. He taught me how to laugh. He taught me how to be content with life. He taught me how to smile. He taught me joy of giving and art of living. He also taught me how to love but he didn’t teach me how to stop and now to stop seems an impossible task. How much hard I try I can’t stop thinking about him, the moments he helped me and those stupid ‘thank yous’ of mine. A tiny smile appears on my lips but it goes away as soon as it came. You know people say bad memories are painful but the truth is it’s the good ones totally screws us. I had the future planned for us. Don’t think of me as a lunatic but, come on, who doesn’t think about the future? My future, as I planned it, was very beautiful. I’d become a manager of a seven star hotel. Jake’s band is a chartbuster and he has shows all around the globe. We both get married at the Plaza and everything is grand and lavish and beautiful. Smiles all around. I look bonny in my pretty white gown with a big flair. We go for honeymoon in Milan and we make have the best times of our lives. After a year we have a baby boy and a sweet little girl two years after that. An elder son so that he can kick anyone’s ass, who makes my little girl cry……….
“Ashley darling it is job time.” Mom’s voce broke my reverie and I was brought back in the present. The present that is pathetic. The present I don’t want. The present that seems too painful.
“I’ll be right there.” I announced and went to take a quick shower. Today yet again I wear a disgusting outfit, I don’t feel good so what’s the point in looking good?
I drag my sloppy self down and join mom and dad for breakfast.
“Mornin’.” I wished mom and dad as I seated myself at the dining table.
“Morning honey!” mom and dad wished me in unison.
“You slept well?” mom asked well I guess it was a sarcastic comment.
“Yes.” I replied with a smile.
“Are you okay, we were worried about you? You slept for so long and your door was bolted too.” Dad said.
“I am sorry I was really tired.” The truth is I am tired now too.
“Perks of being in love.” Dad muttered under her breath but I could still hear it. I pretended as I heard nothing. I didn’t want to reply back because all my energy is drained. If I stand I will fall and never would be able to get up again.
“Hon, why don’t you call in sick?” mom was really worried for me.
“I can’t take a leave after ‘me-doesn’t-work’ fiasco.” I replied.
“But you look terrible. I don’t want you to fall ill.” Mom said, touching my cheeks slightly.
“Your mom is right. I won’t let you work like this.” Dad chimed in. “You don’t worry about Justin, I will talk to him. He will understand.”
“Mom, Dad I am absolutely fine. I know it does seem like I would not be able to work but I am perfect. Besides, going to the restaurant will be a good change for me. I will meet Emma and I will feel better.” I lied and faked a smile.
“If you want to go you can but take care of yourself.” Mom said.
“Yes mom. If I don’t feel fine, I will return back.” I assured her. I hurriedly finished my breakfast and rushed out. I don’t wait for Jake to pick me up instead I took a taxi (luckily I found it near our home only) as dad never trusts me with the car. I just sat inside the taxi when I saw Jake’s car pulling in front of my house.
“Where to, love?” the driver asked me.
“Could you just wait for a while please.” I requested and he nodded. I turned aback and saw Jake waiting for me patiently. He took out his phone and I guess dialed my number. I was right my phone rang but I didn’t pick it up.
“Should we go now honey?” the driver asked, losing his patience.
“Just a minute please.” I said and again started to stare at Jake. Jake stepped forward and rang the bell of my house. Mom opened the door. They both had a conversation which I was unable to hear obviously. But I did saw Jake getting upset and then he returned to his car with a frown. I didn’t know why, but I felt relieved. He zoomed right past us and I ducked down, just in case. After he passed us I got up and took a sigh of relief.
“Now, we can move.” I demanded to the driver and he too let out a sigh of relief. He started his taxi and we zoomed off too. It took me around ten minutes to reach the restaurant as I got down I saw Jake’s car already parked. I drew a deep breath and went inside. The restaurant was completely empty. Jake was on the stage and saw me as he climbed down to talk to me I hurriedly went inside the kitchen. I saw Emma sitting in a corner and reading, Pride and Prejudice. It is still very famous.
“Hey Em!” I said in a feeble voice.
“Ashley, what is wrong with you?” Emma asked, completely aghast. She stood up and looked at me with worried eyes.
“My life is a mess again.” I narrated the whole incident of yesterday. I have learned how a single day can make your life upside down.
“Ashley, don’t worry. Everything would be just fine.” She said and hugged me tightly.
“I know!” I said, fighting back my tears but still few of them escaped. I wore my apron, took my notebook and set my foot outside the kitchen. Jake hadn’t started playing and he was coming towards me. I wish I could rush back inside but too late.
Oh My God! He is nearing me.
“Ashley can I see you for a sec?” Like a guardian angel Justin’s voice came. For the first and the last time in my life I am saying that I love Justin. Perfect timing. Saved me from a very awkward talk. I quickly rushed towards him
“Sure!” I said, over-excitedly. “What’s the matter?”
“Ashley, there is a reservation of our conference hall today at 2:30 p.m. these are our very important clients and we, sure, don’t want to upset them. So I want you to take care of everything. The hall should look immaculate.” He said.
“Me? I mean why me?” I asked gobsmacked.
“Because you have been doing a great job, lately.”
“Well thank you! But I think it is a huge responsibility……”
“I’ll give you a $100 bonus.” He cut me in.
“And I will be happy to do it.” I said. My mouth watered after hearing the bonus price.
“Very well! I guess you should start your duty and you can have one or two helping members with you.” He said. “All the best!” he gave me a smile and went. I returned to the kitchen and saw Emma still reading.
“Emma listen, you have to help me to set up the conference hall.” I shot right away.
“Why if I may ask?”
“Some big company is coming to hold a meeting and we need to prepare the hall. So hurry up!”
“Okay. Sounds like we’ll get an hour or so to ourselves. Sounds nice.” She said and leaped to her feet.
“Come on. Everything has to be prim and proper. Nothing should ne chaotic or else we are in a big trouble missy.” I said and she nodded. We went outside the kitchen and saw Jake singing though his gaze was on me.
“Why are you punishing yourself and Jake?” Emma asked, noticing the disturbed expressions of Jake.
“I am doing this for his own good. He loves Becky more than he loves me.”
“Have you asked him?” she cross-questioned me.
“Come on they are brother an
d sister.” I answered. I realized we were walking really slowly but I didn’t mind.
“Look at him, he is so distraught. He keeps staring at you. Can’t you see the frown on his face, even his song is not as cheerful as it used to be. He loves you and can’t bear the distance.”
“I know that. That is why I have decided to stay away. I can’t separate Becky and Jake. Come on I will feel guilty my entire life.” I tried to explain my point to her. She didn’t reply and we reached the conference hall.
Oh My God! This conference hall is grand. I have never seen it before and it is huge and equally ill-maintained. We rarely have conferences so it looks so untidy. This is why Justin was offering such a big bonus.
“You better be kidding me. Where to start from? It is too big and every corner is dirty.” Emma said.
“It’s not that bad. We just have to arrange the tables and chairs. Add some fresh flowers and spray some air fresheners and our job would be done, I guess.” I said, motivating her and myself too.
“And that is all so very easy to do in so little time.” Emma snapped.
Typical Emma.
“Come on, be a support.” I said.
“Okay. Only for you!” she said. And I’m doing it for her. That extra $100 will be for Emma only.