Ashley's POV:
It's Friday already, and I'm ready to go to Charles' house, he texted me last night that he'd invited some of his friends, Veronica, my classmate who lives in his neighbourhood too, I asked him if I could bring someone with me, I was hoping for Nini to come with me, he agreed, but that bitch said at last moment that she's gonna visit that old man (her grandfather).
So, I'm alone today...
"Where to?" Dad asked as I came to the dining room for breakfast, he was already ready in his uniform to leave for his office, and mom was busy getting his signs on some documents, my dad also has a company, which is usually handled by my mother and sometimes when my brother is free, but my dad is the mastermind, with his brilliant stretegies and powerful communication skills, our company is on the sixth list in our province, it's still growing.
"I'm going to Charles' place today, he'd invited Veronica and some of his friends too, it's for study, but you know when it's Veronica present, there is no chance that we'd only study," I explained him in one breath while stuffing half the sandwich together in my mouth, I was in hurry.
"Slow down, sweetheart... You're not missing a flight," he said with a chuckle, and I'd already stuffed another half in my mouth, with my mouth filled, I said "Dadda, you know, I hate being la..." The word 'late' stuck in my throat as well as the food.
Dad, concerned, hurried towards me, patted my back to ease the pain and shouted to the head servant, "Glenda, bring water immediately!"
I love when dad behaves this protective and caring, a maid filled the glass of the water and passed it to Ms. Glenda, my mom took it from her and came to my other side, she slowly helped me drink the water, while dad kept patting my back, even after I was fine.
"Dadda, okay now, I'm fine, so go and continue eating your food!" I said softly, but firmly. Dad sighed, he knew there is no point of fighting with me, so he went back to his chair and we started food again, but before I could take another bite, "Don't you dare eat that recklessly again, not today, not in future," dad snapped, and I grinned.
After finishing my food, I left, I brought icecream from the same convenience store again, it was too hot today, I should have agreed when dad offered to drop me there or tell any of the drivers to take me there, I was the one persistent to walk on my own two feet, which are no longer energetic as they seemed at home.
Finally, I can see my destination, I went in, directly to Charles' bedroom, because that's where we always gathered.
I knocked twice, and his voice came "Come in, baby girl", I went in and saw Veronica already sitting near his study, I chosed to sit on the edge of his bed, so that I wouldn't have to hang my feet. As soon as I took my place, Veronica spoke.
"So, Ashley, we'll study when everybody arrives, till then, how about we play something," Charles nodded slowly in agreement with a smirk.
I sighed, "so, are you going to follow what I'll say?" I asked, knowing very well, they'd do what pleases them.
"Of course not, babe" she paused and looked around, "let's play truth and dare" she grinned wickedly. FUCK, I swear they'll beat the shit outta' me. I inhaled deeply to break the tension in my head. I can sense they've planned something.
She took a plastic bottle from Charles' study table, emptied it in the bathroom, filled it with some solid ornament stones.
Then we all dat on the bed, Veronica spun the bottle, I silently prayed it wouldn't come to me.
SCREW IT.
It pointed straight at me, I sighed, I knew Veronica is a kind of girl who will do anything to get gossip out of your mouth, so choosing truth with her in the game is definitely risky, so, "I choose dare!"
Veronica smirked, "So, Ashley Richard, you've to promise first that you wouldn't back down from the rules," she said slowly. My breath hitched, her tone made it clear that she's something spicy for me. But there's no chance, I, Ashley Richard, Daughter of The Jonathan and Nicole Richard.
I pressed my lips into a thin line, staring down at my palms, I said, "Fine, I promise,". I glanced at Charles from the corner of my eye and saw him enjoying everything.
Veronica sighed and gave a smile in victory. "So, Ashley Jonathan Richard," she paused, watching my reaction closely, that wicked smile still glued to her lips, she spoke again, slower this time, "You have to...."
Voice was cut by the sound of doorbell, nobody paid attention to it, and she continued, "whoever is at the gate, you will kiss him on the lips." She grinned widely.
My eyes widened in shoch, it could be anyone, Charles' father, uncle Dominic, any servent, or..... My mind thought of multiple possibilities of who it could be.
"You bloody slut," I yelled at her, "how can you fvcking tell me to kiss someone, neither you're sure of." I wanted to say more but before I could, Charles spoke.
"Relax baby girl, I know who's it, don't worry, he just texted me why am I not coming out." He said in a gentle voice, reassuring me.
"FUCK YOU BOTH..." I used as much as profanities I could think of, I basically spit out venom in my words, as if words would kill them both right now and right here. "Baby girl," Charles spoke again, "what's the problem?" He asked careful not to increase my frustration.
"What's the problem?" I scoffed as I snapped his question back at him, "you bastards are telling me to kiss somebody I've no idea of, and now you've the nerve to ask what's the problem, huh?"
"Listen, Ash, you cannot refuse to follow the dare, it's the rule and you promised you wouldn't back down, and you were afraid that if the person at the door is my dad or some other older people, or probably any girl, right?... But now I've already told you, it's a guy, my friend, he's hygeinic, so no need to worry, okay?" He said his last two lines while laughing.
My lips pursed, I don't know how to react, seeing my reaction, Veronica signalled to Charles and he said, "follow me!", I didn't wanted to, but I did.
When we reached the door, I stopped, he went forward talked to him, and that guy's back was on me, it looked exactly like that Joseph's, memories flooded back in my mind, that street bumping, the note in my bag, the way he ignored me.
Before I could think of anything more, he turned. Startled, I almost fell. I saw him.