Secrets and Ashes

Chapter 1: Let's Stab A RudeBoy

-Ashton's POV-

"How've you been Mrs. Finley?" I said to the old woman lying on the bed in front of me.

She chuckled, "Oh child aren't you the sweetest?"

Mrs. Finley was a very nice lady and really old might I add. She was probably over seventy but she still had this quirky personality to her. She was a regular here in the hospital, because she needed to get her kidneys checked every now and then, so we were pretty acquainted since I've been doing volunteer work here for two years now.

"Anything new?" I smiled sweetly, wanting to strike up a conversation. I know she was lonely most of the time, so I came to her room occasionally in my free time.

"Oh you know Ashton, the usual. I took another cat in yesterday. There are now seventeen cats living under my roof if I'm not mistaken," She exclaimed happily, a little pinkish glow coloring her pale cheeks. "More importantly, how have you been dear?"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. She was definitely a cat lady, but not the crazy type. Or perhaps just a tad. But she was the most lovable and pure hearted person I've ever met.

"Um... Nothing much. I'll be starting my first day of senior year after a couple of days," I said, the dread clear in my voice.

She furrowed her brows slightly but she smiled back nonetheless. "Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone dear. Life is full of surprises so don't miss out by staying safe," She stated casually, closing her hooded eyes and putting them to rest.

That's what's awesome about old people. They just throw random life inspirations around nonchalantly. I think us teenagers could really use a couple of them.

She was starting to drift off to sleep so I got up from the chair beside her bed, wanting to get back to work.

"Could you buy me something sweet from the cafeteria dear? I'm feeling a bit hazy. Oh and a bottle of water too," she waved her wrinkled hand towards the bedside table, her eyes still shut. "You'll find twenty dollars here. I hope it's no trouble," She said worriedly.

"Of course, that's no trouble at all. Anything for you Mrs. Finley. I'll be back in ten."

I rushed to the hospital's cafeteria to grab what Mrs. Finley wanted. My break was already over but I couldn't refuse her polite request. I didn't do much around the hospital anyway. Some cleaning here and there, calling patients to their appointments and reception work. It wasn't a job or anything because I wasn't getting paid, it was more of volunteer work. I actually enjoyed it too, and everyone was really nice around here.

After a couple of minutes and a hell lot of running, I made it. I'm embarrassed to say that I was actually panting, although it was just three floors below. It wasn't actually a cafeteria though; it was more of a mini market.

I walked around the tiny space for a while looking for what Mrs. Finley wanted.

Something sweet. Hmm chocolate? I grabbed a Galaxy Bar and put it in the tiny basket I snatched by the door.

Jam filled croissants? Yup a couple of those.

What's missing? Oh skittles! She loves those. I scanned the shelves but I couldn't find any. I looked around for help and I spotted a young looking guy sitting behind the cashier. He looked bored out of his mind as he used his phone, and his brows were a little furrowed.

"Um... Excuse me?" I called to him.

He lifted up his gaze to me the slightest bit and then resumed his texting.

What the hell?

"Excuse me!" I said a bit louder this time.

This time he didn't even look up but instead put a headphone in his ear.