REMINISCENT

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: Loving Him Had Consequences (EDITED)

Ashley's POV
When i got home after the party i packed everything that reminded me of Aiden.

Chanel had tried stopping me countless times until she gave up and helped me.

Then after i was done i showered and we went to her house since mom was working night shift this week.

When we settled after Chanel had showered and we both ate, I couldn't hold it in any longer, i broke down.

I cried for all the pain I've been through, i cried because I missed my dad, i cried because i was done hurting myself, i cried because all the promises we made were broken all for nothing, i cried because i was so naive thinking my happily ever after would be with my first love, i cried because of the trauma and nightmares, i cried because i lied and hurt him to protect him and most of all i cried because i still loved him.

Even now, here i am scrolling through Instagram acting busy like everything is okay.

I know I've come to terms with what happened and how Aiden and i will never be, i can tell because i didn't notice if he had come into school or not

"Hey" Chanel greeted

"Hi" i said without taking my eyes off my screen

"You okay?" She asked concerned

"Never been better" i smiled half heartedly. It is true, i do feel sort of better.

I didn't have a nightmare, i actually had a strange dream...

' It was peaceful, i was alone just enjoying the view.

I remember it, it was our favourite beach. It felt like i was there just visiting, it felt so real.

I had my hair up in a bun with a white dress on and barefoot. I sat on the warm sand just close enough for the water to kiss my toes

I don't know how long i sat there and just enjoyed the view. The sun seemed to be stuck on the horizon, reflecting its rays on the water giving it a breath taking view

"Ashley?!" Someone shouted from a distance.

I thought i just imagined it, so i waited to hear it again "Ashley!" I was just about to turn

"Ashley?...Ashley?...Ashley?!" Chanel called me multiple times shaking my shoulders

"Huh?what?" I furrowed my brows at her

"Geez...what's wrong, i called you like a million times" she exaggerated

"Nothing, i just zoned out. What's up?" I cleared my throat turning to unlock my locker

"I said we should go to class, the warning bell just rung. You coming?" She asked turning to the direction of class

"I'll catch up, go" i said picking out my books and put my lunch bag away

Just when i was about to shut my locker, some lunatic slammed it shut and slammed my back on it but not hard enough to hurt me

"What the f--" my words got stuck on my throat when my eyes were captured by his ice blue eyes glaring at me, an accusing finger pointing at my face

"You" he moved his finger closer

"What the hell Jake?!" I hissed at him

"You're her, you're that girl, you're the girl" he accused me, like a kid accusing his parent for making him a fake promise and he wants to know why

"What?" I raised my brows at him. What on earth is this jerk talking about

....
We were now in our English literature class and Jake never left my side