Cryptic Beauty

3. Startling Surprises

* Edited *
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"Ashton, I'm missing the whole concert!" I stomp my feet like a toddler, feeling very annoyed now.

He rolls his eyes. "So?"

"What do you mean 'so'? I paid a lot of money for these tickets and I've only seen ten minutes of the concert!"

"Stubborn as always, I see." Ashton sighs, a hint of a saddened smile adorned his face. "Besides, it's not like you'll never see the lads again."

"I'm not sure if I can, honestly! I mean, I don't have a very good job, and concert tickets are really expen--" I was cut off when Ashton stopped abruptly, whirled around and clamped his free hand over my mouth, an uncertain look in his eyes.

"Are you absolutely positive that you don't remember anything?"

I successfully pulled his hand away from face and answer his question with a confused look: "What is there to remember?"

He sighs again, clearly frustrated, and takes a step back. "Me. You're supposed to remember me, your best friend."

I raise my eyebrows, surprised by his confession. I was about to tell him how crazy he sounded and that I already have a best friend, but then I started thinking. Had I really lost some kind of memory that I can't even remember my supposed 'best friend'?

Ashton turns his back to me, our hands still locked together, and droops his shoulders. He then mumbles a coherent sentence that leaves my mind in a confused state: "I had a feeling the spell would take her memory away but not permanently."

I couldn't help but question his statement. "What did you say?"

He shakes his head and continues walking, dragging me behind. "Nothing... C'mon, I have a surprise for you."

Ashton's POV

Finding Serenity was one thing, but finding her with her memory completely wiped was another. I had missed her so much, it almost brought tears to my eyes that I finally got to see her face again. Even though she had lost her memory of me and probably of everything that had happened in the past, I couldn't help but bring her to see the lads.

It's been almost two years since the last time I've seen her. I haven't noticed until now that she dyed her hair jet black and cut it shorter, plus her skin was a few shades tanner. She may have changed a few things about her appearance but she could never change the way that her eyes shine. Two years ago, when I first met her, she captivated me. Her beauty, personality, and skill had caught my eye, and to this day she still amazes me.

I know I'm stepping over the line here but since she doesn't remember anything at all, maybe this could be my cha--I mentally smack myself to snap out of my thoughts. No, Ashton, stop. You cannot think like this. You know who she belongs to, and she is completely off limits. Whether you like it or not, you have to obey orders. This may be your only chance but you can't betray your mates.

I sigh, heavily, having an inward battle with myself. This is my one and only chance to get the girl. The girl that I've been dreaming of having for the last two years. If I give up this opportunity I might never get it back aga--I mentally slap myself again. God damn it, Ashton! You're letting her get to you! Even if you did want her back it's too late now. You already spilled the beans of you and her being best friends. Now she'll never think the same way about you. You may like her but you should know your place by now, especially after what happened last time.

I unintentionally shudder at the tortuous memory, the feeling it brought resurfaced, and I hadn't noticed that I stopped walking until a concerned looking Serenity tapped my shoulder.