Crystallized Truth

Chapter 14 - Scary Thoughts

Ashley scrunched his face. A bitter feeling snaking around him. The hall where they would sleep, was converted into a pub. The neon lights fell everywhere as hawks on prey and soft music played in the background. His friends roamed around, enjoying themselves and sometimes passing him to reach the mini bar created in the corner, right behind him.

His finger caressed the glass of wine as his eyes covered every step of Amelia. He did not mind the party, it was his best time usually but this party was a nightmare. Archie was busy with his new sweetheart, not that Ashley cared much for Archie but he was not liking the lonely feeling. Only Ava smile was not letting him feel wounded. At least, she was happy. Ethan, on the other hand, was far from listening to what Ashley wanted and this was an infuriating suprise.

Keeping all these aside, Ashley was bubbling in furry on the audacity of Amelia. She planned party without involving him and even if that was not enough, she brought two strangers, some new friends, of her at his place. That too without his permission.

What does she think of herself? His grip tightened on glass. Amelia was laughing with those two clowns surrounding her. She walked to a table for a drink. She should've asked for his permission. She should've told him. What does she think she is?

Ethan pulled Amelia in corner and Ashley narrowed his eyes. The angry thoughts flew away. Amelia was standing against the wall and Ethan had his back to Ashley. Ethan leaned over Amelia and Ashley shifted on his feet almost ready to punch Ethan. They were standing really close, Ethan whispered something in Amelia ears. Ashely felt a strange sting in his heart and almost imagined himself ripping away Ethan from Amelia and punching on his nasty face.

Amelia pulled herself away from Ethan rather too disturbingly. Ashley could see the fire lightening in her eyes as she glared Ethan. For a change, Ashley felt good on seeing that fire in her eyes. Ashley stepped stealthily towards them and stopped when he was able to listen them.

"Stay away from my business," Amelia said, her voice filled with burning rage. "My friends are my decision and I don't care for anyone's damn thoughts."

Amelia was ready to leave when she stopped and glared Ethan once again.

"Tell your friend too, am not someone to take orders in my personal matters." Amelia added as an afterthought and looked directly towards Ashley.

Her piercing gaze was not new but this time again, Ashley was not at fault. Ashley fisted his hand. If he had problems with Amelia new friends, which he had too, he would've said it directly and not Ethan as vehicle to convey his glorious emotions.

Amelia stormed back to her friends and Ethan turned around only to notice Ashley glaring him. Looking away, Ethan walked out of his line of fire. Ashley gritted his teeth trying to control himself from delivering a punch in his guts.

He hates new friends of Amelia but who is Ethan to go and talk to Amelia?  Ashley stepped back, picked his glass from bar and gulped down the wine. Ethan has damn no right.

Dance was started. Not started, but Archie decided to have enough and started to dance with Ava with no particular warning. Ashley shrugged as if he did not care but then Amelia whistled gaining his attention.

Maybe, I can ask her for a dance? Ashley thought with a slight smile but returned with a frown when he realised what he was saying. What the hell? Am I going mad?

His eyes were still stopped at Amelia when local guy reached to Amelia asking for a dance and Ashley could do nothing but glower in frustration.

"Hey, will you honour me by being my partner for dance, Amelia?" He asked with an outstretched hand.