eal'

e window, my eyes following the clouds passing outside in white patterns. My mind was far removed from the beauty of th

ne of the flight attendants as

hen I need anything." She simply n

was supposed to be a way to distract me and help keep my mind from the pains of my past. I had

different, pure and delicate. When I realised it, when I noticed how untouched she was, guilt had slammed into me lik

had hurt her. When she cried...God, that had sliced me up more than I wanted to admi

ng her like that and making her shed tears.

d myself. There's a dinner party I need to attend, a welcome home kind of party, thanks to my best friend. Jayden.

black car.The drive to his house was short for me to actually think about what to do but as they pu

open arms. Years of separation melted away. Two long time friends hugged ea

yden said, his voice genuine. "It'

friend. Thank you for pulling this part

y best friend. I was going to pick you up myse

ugh? Have missed my little girl so m

st said "She's not so little anymore, you've been gone for a l

e exchanged pleasantries and I appreciated them for coming but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't help but think ab

me, someone whom I trust so much. Have experienced too much to let a

th my food, I could not even give ear to what had bee

heal, you are not eating. Are you okay? Or is the food no

him about her or what had happened that night. I took a d

conversation back to work. I had to join in, to pretend that eve

yes had welled up with tears. My heart had been racing in m

houghts, the door at the exit of t

The voice

t voice sounds familiar to the s

from me laughed out u

Ashley, you are late

mes." She replied, her tone was carefree but I no

at the door, waitin

man who had left me filled with guilt, now standing in the

d into a ponytail and twinkle in those blue ey

orward to peck him on his cheeks. "I mi

o sweetheart,

even doing here?' I

"Micheal, you know Ashl

st tig

Jayden's

cheal, I'm sure you know him already, your uncle Micheal who

l, My best friend an

rain whirled with shock. I turned to look at her and sho

se tears stuck to my mind, stood now before me and sh

ghter to me, The Ashley that I bab

one that could shake everything to its fou