Ashton clenches his jaw, locking his eyes on mine. He slides over an envelope, and I sigh when I look inside.
"What's this?"
"The money I owe you. Like I told you before Halloween, I'm done doing your dirty work. Now I've got the payment, my debt is repaid."
I chuckle and light a cigarette, "Ash... I'd hoped you were just throwing a tantrum, and it was a phase... What happened to you? You used to be so ruthless. Are you going soft on me?" I pout.
He clenches his fist and gives me back the photograph of Clementine I had given him. "Fuck off. Only reason I agreed to help you find her was because I needed to pay you back for getting someone to watch my siblings when I was in here. Not that you needed me to find her, asshat. You sent Hassan after her, too. What the fuck was up with that?" he barks.
I roll my eyes, "Hassan is an idiot. That was a complete coincidence. But he's showing to be a lot more useful than you."
"Great. Well now he's arrested, or dead. As is the fate of everyone else you send after her or her family," he threatens.
I smirk, "You're really cute, you know that? Did they teach you that line in preppy-broodingly-handsome-but-scary school?"
He clicks his tongue in irritation, "I'm done with you. I came here to pay you, and I did. Now I'm out. Leave her alone."
I laugh and stand. "Wanna know what I think, Ash? You've fallen for the girl, and now you're soft. And pathetic. And weak. It's a shame, really. You had real potential, kid. You think I give a shit about the money?" I snort.
"All of this is meaningless. Nothing we pride ourselves in having, none of these luxuries, are real. They're nothing. I want people to see the truth. Become their true selves."
He rolls his eyes, "I honestly couldn't give less of a shit about your prophecy or theory or fucked up way of thinking that has lead to your psychotic behaviour." He leans in, eyes locked to mine, "Enjoy the rest of your miserable, pathetic life."
He stands and throws the envelope down before storming off.
I smile in amusement. Ballsy kid. I slowly sit back down in my chair and continue smoking the cigarette. I pick up the payphone and punch in a number.
"Boss?"
I blow out smoke and smirk, "Change of plans."
__________________
- CLEMENTINE -
"I'm glad you decided to come out!" Ashu tells me as she leads me through the crowd of people at this party.
I'm a bit drunk, and a lot mad. A lot mad... Is that proper grammar? I shrug to myself, not giving a flying fuck! Well, I've only given one fuck, and that didn't end so well, did it? I spot Kate and Dustin making out and I roll my eyes. Got out while she still could. Lucky girl.
"I need more," I point to my empty cup and hiccup. Ashu laughs and shakes her head, filling up another cup for me. "Take it easy champ. They're drinking outside. Arin brought over his friends from another school. Really hot guys. Huge bonfire," she winks.
I nod in comprehension, she wants me to fuck one of them! Good idea! That'll show him. I stumble outside and take an empty seat near the bonfire. I look to my left and see a boy staring at me. Ooh. He is hot.
"Hey. I'm Brad," he shakes my hand. "Brad," I tell him. Then I shake my head. "No. That's not my name. I'm Clementine," I correct myself. Jesus, how much did I drink? Oh, wait. No fucks are given here. Right. New and improved Clementine fucking Charmant.
He chuckles. "Been drinking a bit tonight, huh?" he motions towards my cup.
I glance down at my cup. "Mhm. Yeah. That's me. I'm a huge drinker," I tell him.
He nods, "Anything else you're good at? Other than stealing everyone's attention when walking into a room?"
I snort. Ugh. So corny. But he's hot. Fuck him, Clem!
"You tell me, Bob. Are you all talk, or are you game, too?"
He seems surprised, "It's Brad, actually, but—" I roll my eyes and wave a dismissive hand in the air, putting my index finger to his lips. "Shh... No one cares. Do you wanna fuck me or not?"
His eyes pop, "I feel like this is a trick."
"Offer's about to expire," I sigh. He shakes his head, "No no, wait! I'm totally down, but um... Could we maybe kiss first?"
I shrug, whatever turns him on. I prepare to stand to find a room, but I'm startled by a pair of lips on mine. He meant here? What the fuck? I'm not gonna shoot a goddamn porno. I sigh and wrap my arms around his neck anyway, he tastes like rum and coke. Hold the coke. I kiss him back, trying desperately to lose myself in him. Who even is Ashton? Doesn't ring a bell in my head, no siree!
I suddenly feel an intense bite on my lip, my eyes pop open in pain. Jesus, who bites someone that hard? I'm fucking bleeding! I glance up to realize that Ashton has grabbed Bob by the jacket before punching him to the floor.