by Priyal Jain
CHAPTER 22
We started off our work with cleaning the tables and chairs; they were quite in a rough shape. We spick-and-spaned the chairs and dusted the table.
“Ashley, why the hell did you say yes to this?” Emma asked, exhausted.
“Well because he is paying me $100 for this.” I told her the truth.
“It is not much, we could do it!” Emma said and we both laughed. We began to re-do the conference hall with full zeal. It took a lot of patience to tidy up the hall as it was too huge.
After two hours of vigorous hard work we were finally able to make the hall a crackerjack. It looks very nice. Emma and I were so proud of ourselves. The table tops were shining and the chairs were looking as though new. We placed fresh lilies in the vase and sprayed a refreshing room freshener in the hall. It looked amazing.
“Well, well we did it and it is looking quite good.” Emma said.
“Of course after all we’ve worked on it.” I said and winked. “I think we should call Justin, just to be sure.” Emma nodded and we both went out in search of Justin. We found him near a table talking to one of the customers. Sucking him up.
“I wish he talked to us in the same manner.” I muttered to Emma.
“The earth would shatter that day. Justin and polite are just opposites.” Emma said and we both giggled. I stole a glance at Jake and he was already staring. I hurriedly looked away, avoiding any eye contact.
“Let’s go!” I said and we went near Justin.
“Jake can we speak to you for a moment please? Sorry for the disturbance.” I said, politely.
“Sure! Excuse me gentlemen. I will catch up with you later. Enjoy your meal.” He said, smiling at the two well-dressed men who were having lunch. They nodded as though to give permission to Justin to leave.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“We’ve cleaned up the conference hall. Everything is done. Would you mind take a look?” I asked. He nodded and we once again headed back to the conference hall. Jake constantly gazing at me. I know it is hard for him as well, he was taking my side and then also I am punishing him but I can’t help it. Me staying away is the only option. I want him to make peace with his sister and be happy. We reached the conference hall and went inside.
“Is it fine Justin?” I asked nervously as Justin is a very minute observer. He always finds mistakes.
“Absolutely. The place looks really good. I must say, you have done an incredible job.” Justin complimented us but I am still waiting for an error to pop up.
“But you know, I think the projector screen is not looking right, there is something wrong. I think you should move it to the left a bit.” Justin said, making gestures with his hand. There we go, see I know Justin so well know. I looked at Emma and we both went to adjust the screen. We moved it a little left and turned to Justin for approval.
“Nah! Move it a bit more.” Justin is never pleased. We followed his command and moved the projector a bit more.
“Not too much!” he shouted and we moved it back. I could see Emma was losing her temper even me too. Justin is such a sick person.
“Now it seems fine.” He replied and I took a sigh of relief.
“Good job guys. Keep it up.” He said and went.
“Well easy $100 made.” I said.
“Well not easy!” Emma snapped.
“Ya, well I meant……”
“I know what you meant. Come on let’s go.” She cut me in between and dragged me out.
“Here, take it.” I said to Emma, handing her the $100 bill. We are standing in the balcony as Justin gave us a break.
“Come on, you worked hard too, let us divide it into half.” She protested.
“Emma just take it and say thank you.” I replied.
“Thank you, you are the best.” She said and took the money. I heard someone coming in so I looked behind. Jake.
“I am gonna leave.” Emma said and tried to walk out but I grabbed her arm. Jake didn’t say anything.
“I have to call my brother and check on him, Ashley. I really need to go.” She said and freed herself from my grasp.
“Thank you Emma, you are great.” Jake said and waved Emma goodbye. I turned around, my back towards Jake.
“So you think, by coming here with Emma or ignoring me, you could delay this conversation.” He said in a really stern voice. I haven’t heard him so serious before. I am frozen to my spot. I don’t know what to say. Okay Ash, relax, don’t panic. I would just act aloof and get away with it. God, please help me.
“You don’t even want to talk to me now? You think mom didn’t tell us about your visit?” he asked folding his arms.
Now I have to say something.
“Please go Jake.” I said in a really feeble voice. “I don’t want to talk about it.” it took a lot of courage to say this without crying.
“You heard Becky and me talking, right?”
“Yes, I heard you both fighting over me.”
“Ashley, she was out of her mind. She was talking crap.” He explained. I couldn’t take it any longer and tears started to spill out my eyes.
“I don’t want to discuss anything so please leave me alone.” I wept.
“Come on, why are you not talking to me? What have I done?” His tone softened. He stepped forward towards me and grabbed my arm. He slowly pulled me so that we made eye contact. He took one more step near me and wiped my tears with his soft hands.
“No stop!” I said, rushing away from him although I didn’t want to.
“Okay, would you atleast tell me what is wrong?” he asked backing away from me. I turned away without answering and grabbed the railing tightly otherwise I would have fallen apart.
“Fine, I am really sorry Ash.” He said and went away. As he said those words something inside me broke as if my heart was being ripped. My life halted. I slumped down and began to sob like a child. This is not what I wanted. It is horrible. I have never been this shattered before in my life. Everything is a blur. I cannot imagine my life without Jake because he is my life. Somehow I got up, feeling as though the entire world’s burden is on me. I feel so heavy from inside. I don’t want to go inside or see Jake; I would not be able to handle myself. Seeing him and knowing that he is not gonna be mine fills my heart with unbearable pain. I straightened up my hair and wiped my tears and went to the kitchen.
“Do I need to ask?” she snapped at me.
“Please Emma, not now or else I will start crying and never stop. We will discuss when we go to your house.” I replied.
“Okay so you are coming today, Emmet would be really happy.”
“Yes I will be coming, alone.”
“Ashley, I am so sorry for you.” She hugged me hard.
“No need to be, I am absolutely fine.” I replied with a fake confidence.
“I know that, you are a very strong girl!” she replied but she knew that I was breaking from inside.
“Well, we better work!” I said and went out of the kitchen. I promised myself I won’t look at Jake. But as I entered the singing voice I heard was not of Jake’s. I looked at the stage and the other guy, Ro, was singing. My eyes searched for him but he was nowhere in sight. I went a little towards the stage and then saw him sitting at the back and scribbling hard on a notebook. I looked more closely and he looked so frustrated and angry. He started scribbling even hard. I wonder if this is the way he channelizes his anger. He suddenly closed the notebook, threw it aside and buried his head in his hands. I have never seen him like this. So angry, so upset and so sad. He looked genuinely worried about us but I could not explain him the reason I am ignoring him. The truth is I love him so much that his happiness means a lot to me. He slowly looked up and turned his head in my direction. I got nervous and turned around. But too late, he had already seen me. I started walking towards the tables and started doing my job. Working was the best way to keep myself occupied. But still every now and then Jake pops into my head, I don’t know from where. He actually never leaves my th
oughts; it is like a habit now. I once again glance at the backstage and he is standing there, hands in pocket and staring at me. I looked away and went to the kitchen.