Chapter 5
-Ashley POV-
Dragging myself down the staircase, each step felt heavier than the last, burdened by the nagging thought of my boyfriend's potential infidelity.
It was a relentless assault on my mind as it kept hitting my brain like a barrage of bullets.
It's hard not to believe when Riele said so herself. Despite clinging to a glimmer of hope that her words are mere fabrications due to lack of concrete evidence, I highly doubt my optimism.
While there's a certain comfort in shedding light on the truth or rather, being out of the dark, it's a bitter pill to swallow knowing that Riele was the one to illuminate the darkness.
The wish to just live my life without any tamper seems to be far-fetched with Riele circling. She always likes to meddle.
"Hey, Mom," I greeted as I entered the dining room, attempting to mask the turmoil brewing within me.
She returned my greeting with a warm smile, though I could detect the strain beneath the facade. I knew she had her own share of troubles to contend with.
I looked to see dinner is already served completely on the table, and honestly, it looks yummy and enticing, but my appetite is saying something opposite.
Reluctantly, I pulled out a chair and sank into it with a heavy sigh, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me like an oppressive blanket.
"Are you okay?" My mom's voice cut through the silence, sensing my mood.
I nodded tersely. "Yeah, mom." I don't want to give her any more things to worry about.
Her gaze lingered on me, probing for the truth beneath my stoic facade. "Your mind seems to be elsewhere," she observed, her intuition sharp as ever.
I met her gaze briefly, offering a strained smile. "Nothing to worry about…"
The shrill ring of a phone shattered the tense atmosphere, causing a momentary pause in our conversation. I made no move to answer, indifferent to whether it was my phone or hers.
"It's yours," my mom informed me.
With a resigned sigh, I retrieved my phone from my pocket. Yeah, I know. I really don't want to pick up any calls.
"Won't you answer it?" My mom asked.
"I will," I answered her with an annoyed tone.
Glancing at the caller ID, a wave of reluctance washed over me as I recognized my boyfriend's number. He was the last person I wanted to speak to at that moment.
"Ashley," my mom's warning tone snapped me out of my reverie, prompting me to reluctantly answer the call.
"Ashley?" His voice greeted in a surprised tone. I wonder.
"Yeah," I answered.
"I wasn't expecting you to pick since I kinda noticed, since today, you've been avoiding me like the plague."
I sighed but didn't answer.
"Everything alright?" Joel's concerned voice broke through the phone line.
I let out a weary sigh, feeling the weight of the conversation settling on my shoulders. "Perhaps I should be asking you that, Joel. Why do you think I'm avoiding you? Have you done something to warrant it?" I countered, attempting to navigate the conversation with caution.
"No, of course not, Ashley. I haven't done anything wrong. I was just curious," he responded defensively, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Fine," I conceded, not wanting to prolong the discussion any further.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my mom stealing worried glances in my direction, her concern palpable.
I heard him sigh. "Look, baby, there is no need for you to work yourself out on my question, but is there something I should be worrying about?"
I scoffed at his question. This guy won't give up. "Why should there be anything for you to worry about, Joel?" I retorted, feeling a twinge of frustration creeping into my voice.
"It's just your behavior lately. It's got me a bit concerned. Can we meet at school tomorrow and talk about it?" he suggested, his tone pleading.
"Fine, whatever," I acquiesced, feeling drained by the conversation.
"Alright, then. I love…" His words trailed off as I abruptly ended the call.
I'm so not in the mood for any sentimentality.
"Is everything okay between you and Joel?" My mom's concerned voice broke through the lingering silence.
I turned to meet her gaze, offering a reassuring smile. "It's nothing for you to worry about, mom. Just some minor things."
Her eyes softened with concern. "Remember, sweetheart, you can always confide in me. We're in this together, after all. We only have each other."
I returned her smile, grateful for her unwavering support. "I know, mom. Thanks."
She nodded with a smile. "You should eat before your food gets cold."
I nodded in agreement, directing my attention to the plate of spaghetti adorned with rich red sauce before me.
Despite the knots of uncertainty twisting in my stomach, I need to conjure my appetite where ever it is. I need to eat this food, especially knowing it would surely bring a smile to my mother's face.
I also have to be ready to face Joel tomorrow. Somehow I'm gonna need to get the truth out of him.