~~Ashley’s POV~~
I jerked off my reading table at the buzz of my alarm clock. My eyelids felt heavy, my eyes, dizzy. “Ah,” I groaned softly with the tips of my thumb and middle fingers against my temples to curtail the slight headache I felt. Squinting to take a closer look at my room, it felt like my memories were blurred for a second. Scanning the table before me, my eyes fell on my laptop, then veered to a few books of mine, the pint glass, then lastly the new alarm clock displaying ‘6:03 am’ boldly on the screen. A gape washed over my countenance on coming to realize something – I’d fallen asleep!
The blurred images dancing through my head became clearer, and the events leading up to that morning were gradually being recalled. I remembered watching some documentaries as usual, being unable to fall asleep. I also had my mom get me a glass of carrot juice, after which I switched to watching the footage Carson gave me. My mom also replaced my alarm clock, and had it set for 6:00 am. “For what?” I mused aloud. My alarm was usually set to go off by at least 8:00 am. But suddenly, it was pushed forward by two hours! And on top of that, I’d fallen asleep.
‘Am I dreaming?’ I touched my face because everything felt off. Something just didn’t feel right and I couldn’t place my hand on what it was and that ticked me off.
As a habit, I picked up my phone lying on my laptop’s touchpad and pushed the power button to get it on. “What the hell?” I winced at the sight of the dazzling white screen that flashed my eyes. I clicked randomly on the first document displayed on the WPS app that came on. “Would you like to continue from where you stopped two hours ago?” read the question that came on display. That called my attention to the caption which read: “timetable for the new semester.”
“Shit!” I mumbled under my lips when I finally realized it was a Monday morning and the beginning of the new semester. After tirelessly going through some documentaries, the CCTV footage, and the books, I opted to go through the documents posted by Jordan on the class WhatsApp group leisurely with my headphones on. That must have been when I dosed off. I moved my hand to my head to confirm that fact.
“It’s out of battery.” I put down the headphones to kick my day off. For the first time in forever, my mom’s diligent efforts – the alarm clock – came in handy.
One hour on…
While running my brush through my hair, I paused, looking back at my glum expression from my dressing mirror. I was skeptical about resuming school that Monday morning. Due to my newly formed hate for people, I thought to skip school for a few days but my therapist strongly kicked against the idea, advising me to face my fears. ‘I already am following her instructions obediently, lol.’ I smirked, releasing a huff when that thought breezed in.
I heaved a deep sigh before bending over to unplug my headphones and fitting it around my neck. I walked out of the room thereafter.
In the dining room…
I walked in on my mom setting the table for breakfast.
“Good morning, mom.”
“Good morning, my dear,” she replied merrily.
“What is all this?!” I exclaimed, pausing midway when I took a closer look at the dining table littered with assorted dishes. “Are we having a feast?”
“Your mom is so excited that she wants you bloated before you step out that door!” she jabbered. I twitched with creased brows.
“I’m just excited you decided not to skip school,” she paused what she was doing to rephrase, then stared at me.
“Oh,” I mumbled faintly.
“Come on, let’s have breakfast,” she beckoned before pulling out a seat for herself.
My mom’s efforts were never shabby to me but I sucked at expressing my feelings adequately – too exhausted to do so. All I could mutter was “Wow,” going around to take my seat while scanning the table. Little did I know more surprises were lying in wait. “What’s this?” I asked impulsively at the sight of the pair of white Nike Jordans on my seat.
“New shoes.”
I looked at the ones on my feet before raising my face to her. “I’ve got shoes.”
“It’s a new semester, honey. Just accept it.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I said sluggishly.
“Try them on!”
I sat my bag pack within reach, took off my old shoes, and replaced them at her wish. ‘They’re lovely,’ I admired how well they fit.
“Do you like them?” she asked, her eyes glowing with excitement. I nodded in response. “Okay, that’s good then.”
Unlike my dad whose love for me felt more or less like a façade, I could feel my mom’s. Her honesty and sincerity were never missing from her gestures. Even though I lacked the courage to express how I truly felt, I loved and appreciated her deep down in my heart. I noticed someone else walk in on us but didn’t bother to shift my attention from her.
“Woah they’re lovely!” I heard a familiar voice blurt from nowhere. I was compelled to veer in its direction only to see the same petite lady in our midst with a tray of assorted fruits, looking down at my shoes.
‘What the hell?’ best described the instant scowl that masked my expression. I was too taken aback to even say anything in response that all my lips could afford was a loud scoff. My mood was ruined, I was irked. Turned out my mom also got a fair share of the shock considering how still she was at the time.
“Emerson!” she eventually interposed. “What’s the meaning of that? Since when did you become friends?! Don’t you know there are boundaries?!” she scolded.
“I’m sorry ma’am. It’s just…”
“It’s just nothing!” Her mellow apology was cut off. “If you love your job and wish to keep it, do your bidding and return to your duties right this minute!”
“I’m sorry ma’am. I’m sorry miss,” she apologized and left our presence, racing in the blink of an eye.
“What insolence!”
The nerve. I still wondered what gave that lady the guts to keep appearing before me. What surprised me more was how she managed to get away with it every single time. It was as if a curt spell was cast on me, set to wear off after the deed had been done. Or maybe I was taking a liking to her without even knowing. Because the last time someone was this cheeky, she landed in the hospital. Although that was shortly after getting discharged from the hospital. I guess I’d calmed down a bit since then.
“Ashley!” My attention was called back from the direction she ran in.
“Mom?”
“I’ve been calling you.”
“What?” I asked in a hushed tone. ‘Was I actually lost in thoughts? Because of that weirdo? Is her cheesiness already rubbing off?!’ my inner voice rambled non-stop. I shook off the thoughts.
“Are you okay?”
“Sure.” I made a resolve not to be as lenient the next time the action was repeated.
“By the way – ” she paused, narrowing her eyes to look at me.” Were you able to catch some sleep?” I rolled my eyes. She finally caught on.
“Yes, Mom,” I stressed with pouted lips.
“You did?!” she exclaimed, brimming with excitement.
“Yes.”
“How long has it been?”
“I don’t know, five days?” I guessed casually.
“Did you sneak in some pills?” ‘Like hell, I would.’
“Of course not, Mom!”
“Oh my God Ashley. I’m proud of you.” The joy she radiated resembled that of a child whose undying wish was just granted. It was actually satisfying to look at. ‘But be grateful to your “best in Chicago,” Mom.’
Moments on…
“By the way, are you off to somewhere?” I asked, unable to water down my curiosity anymore, seeing her all dressed up while wiping my mouth off with a disposable tissue.
“We have a meeting with some Russian representatives today. They’d like to donate.”
“I see. Thanks for the food.” I picked up my bag pack and left.
Oh, and by the way, my mom was an entrepreneur who owned a boutique and a nongovernmental organization channeled to helping victims of any form of abuse.
“Good morning, miss,” a strange dude I ran into in our living room greeted me, wearing a civil smile.
“Mom?” neglecting his warm gesture, I called. “Who’s this?” I queried when she closed our distance.
“Good morning ma’am.”
“Good morning, Maverick.” They exchanged pleasantries like acquaintances. ‘Hello? Can someone tell me what the hell is going on here?’ A total stranger whose origin remained a total mystery was conversing with my mom in a friendly manner I didn’t dig in the slightest.
“Is this the delivery guy?” I loosened up a bit, drawing that conclusion.
“No, baby. Your father sent you a driver.”
“A driver?” I cried out nonplussed.
“Maverick here is going to be taking you to and from school. He has to be within reach at all times,” she formally introduced.
“Hol’up, mom. Why in God’s name do I need a driver?”
“Please wait outside in the car,” she requested of him.
“You need a driver to aid you free movement, Ashley,” she repeated nicely when we were alone. “Don’t pay him much attention. Just listen to your dad and accept his offer, okay?”
“He’s going to be using my old car. I serviced it yesterday,” she added with an arm rub to appease my pissed soul.
“Whatever,” I grumbled before walking off in a fury.
I knew damn too well the driver was employed to keep watch over me, unable to let me out into the world by myself. My mom lacked the courage to explain it that way but her eyes said it all. She too was worried sick about me leaving the house that morning. It wasn’t like I for one enjoyed going back to the outside world, I knew it was something I had to do one way or the other. But definitely not with a human surveillance camera following me everywhere I go.
The ride was exceptionally tranquil, just the way I loved it. The only words we spoke to each other were to confirm whether or not I wanted the AC on. Of course, I said yes. The windows were going to be up. Though conscious of being near a total stranger, I kept my headphones on whilst relaxing in the backseat.
Suddenly, I felt my phone vibrate on my lap and took it up leisurely to confirm what it was. Swiping down the notification bar, the headline read “Deep Ocean Blue Eyes.”