Hope Everlasting. [COMPLETED.]

Chapter Eighteen-Confessions.

Chapter Eighteen-Confessions.

Ashlynn’s P.O.V.

“How did you not know?” Dylan asked for what seemed like the twentieth time today.

“Well...I...I don’t know!” I wailed in frustration. “I just never thought about it.”

Dylan frowned. “We have got the same surname...Dylan and Cory McKinnon? Sort of gives it away, don’t you think?”

I shook my head in amazement. “Dyl...I don’t think I ever even knew your surname.” I chewed on my lip; this was not what I had planned. How could I try to ask him without revealing what had quickly become my darkest secret?

We were sat at a large, mahogany table, a large beaker of cola sat in front of me. I took a sip; anything to stop me from breaking down completely. This had been by only hope, yet how could I get information without telling them?

“See? Told you she’s got the hots for me instead,” Cory sniped smugly.

I rolled my eyes. “Behave. The last time I saw you, I pushed you into a swimming pool. You’d have thought that might have taken you down a notch or two.”

It was Dylan’s turn to smirk, then.

“Behave, would you?” I exclaimed suddenly.

Both boys turned to look at me, and my cheeks burned slightly. I hadn’t meant to shout like that...guess my emotions were pretty out of control right now.

“Sorry,” I muttered sheepishly.

“So, are you going to tell us why you’re here, or what?” Cory demanded, taking a seat next to me.

Great; two feuding, testosterone filled brothers, either side of me. I felt like a macho sandwich or something. And I definitely, definitely felt like I was stuck in some kind of cliché love story with totally no imagination or originality. Yeah...I needed to stop reading.

I sighed; this was a tough decision. Yet, I couldn’t help thinking that I had to do this. I trusted Dylan, I really did. Maybe he could help me.

Or maybe they’ll lock you away. Just like her. You know Ashy, I’m disappointed in you. All the times you said you loved me. I’ve watched you cry, blame yourself. It must all be an act. If you loved me, you wouldn’t be doing this.

Although shocking, Hope’s words almost pushed me towards telling the truth. This, more than anything, proved to me that what I was doing was correct.

“I’ve been having some...problems. Odd things have been happening recently. Things I can’t explain. I did some research and well...it led me here.”

I glanced up anxiously at them, hiding behind a curtain of auburn hair as I waited for their answer. Both just looked expectantly at me, as though waiting for me to say more.

“Uhm...does this mean anything to you?” I asked, taking the article about the young girl being taken to the asylum and sliding it across the table.

Dylan caught it first, his kind eyes quickly scanning the page. I chewed my lip nervously as I studied his face, an expression completely unreadable even to me, who seemed to know him so well by now. That was when it happened. His eyes narrowed, darkening in colour if that were even possible, his usually gentle features contorting into one twisted with rage.

He stood up, knocking the chair over as he went.

“You!” Dylan roared, pointing an accusing finger at me. “This was all an act, wasn’t it? Think you could play me, did you? I knew it! Everyone in this godforsaken town...are they all untrustworthy? You were using me for information, just like all the others. You know what? I’m done with everyone and their fucking games!”