Chapter Four

"Ashy. Wakey up!" A feminine voice shouts in my ear, startling me awake, but still keeping me bed-ridden.

I rolled over, ignoring the girl beside me.

The shuffling of feet occurred, right before I got hit in the face with a pillow.

"Whyyy," I groaned, rolling over once again.

"Because today is the day and we're suppose to meet the boys at three. Its two and I need you to do my hair, you need to get dressed, and we need to leave in an hooour." Alina dragged out the last word, making it sound more serious than intended.

I pulled myself off my bed, already missing the warmth and comfort it gave me. I swiped a black sweatshirt and black leggings before making my way into the bathroom. I took a record-time shower and got dressed without doing my makeup. I ran a brush through my hair, that being the only thing I really needed to do.

I came back into my room, Alina waiting on my bed for me to do her hair. It took me about half an hour because she was moving so much from being happy. I don't blame her.

The gang and I were going to the ice skating rink for the first time in three years. It was our favorite place to go and I actually had my own personal skates this time. Alina was really excited to get some alone time with Tyler while they skated.

I was just hoping that Andrew wouldn't be with us again. There was something about him that was just, off. I didn't like the guy and he gave such an eerie feel everywhere he went. Sometimes, it even feels like he's following me.

"I heard Kyle's bringing Andrew again." And I spoke too soon. Again.

I rolled my eyes. "Why?"

"Ash, come on. Give the guy a chance. He doesn't know many people and he doesn't hang out with others. He's a loner. Let him have some fun with us."

I sighed. "Why us though? There are a million other groups out there. He could join others that actually like him."

Alina turned around, her brown eyes a bit wide. I know she was hurt after Andrew, but she always seemed to forgive him, even though I never did. "Ashlyn, he doesn't have anybody else to go with. We're the closest he can tag along with. He's lost everyone around him. His old home, his parents, his friends. We're his last hope at keeping him sane."

"I think it's already too late for that part."

She glared. "I'm being serious. Just give him a chance--a fresh start. That's all I'm asking."

"But he already stated that he doesn't want to talk with--"

"Please. Start things over with him. For me."

- - -

We arrived at the rink. Holy crap, was it full.

The guys arrived two minutes before us with Andrew. He never looked at me and barely even glanced at Alina. I tried taking her advice. The second I was left alone with him, I crept up to his side.

"So...how are you today?"

No response.

He walked a little faster. I picked up my pace.

"You know, it's not polite to ignore someone who's asking you a question."

He didn't even look up at me.

I frowned.

I took bigger strides, placing myself in front of him. He stopped, but his head never lifted up to meet my gaze. I crossed my arms, one hand still holding my skates.

"Look, Andrew. I know that we haven't been on best terms lately. I'm willing to give us a clean slate. You may not care, but I want you to know that I'm willing to do this. I just need you to cooperate too." I breathed in heavily. "I'm sorry."

He looked up. His eyes were still hardened in on my expression. His lips parted, just like he was beginning to talk. Then, a stream of air shot through and he left, making his way inside.

I scoffed. "Asshole."

I followed the group inside, skates still in hand.

After paying for my entry, I laced my skates, helping Kyle as well while Alina helped Tyler.

Heading to the rink, Alina and Tyler took their own path alone while I remained with the guys. Not wanting to hang back with Jake after what occurred, I went ahead and launched, striking my skates against the ice. The smooth texture of the ice calmed me down.

Realizing I had brought ear buds, I pop each side into my ears, playing an old playlist I've had since middle school. While gliding on the ice, rock music flooded my ears, filling me up with energy. Without even realizing it, I went back into my old skating routine of flying around and spinning, almost like a professional.

Ever since I was young, I had always wanted to skate professionally, almost like an Olympist, but I could never get into the training since I was too tiny. So, I learned off YouTube and began memorizing movements. That way, if I ever made it into a rink, I could pull off a few tricks of my own.

Even the group always complimented me on my skills, telling me that I should get back into it, even though I knew I never would. That's why I took up a dance class--to help hone my skills and let me accomplish an old fantasy.

"Whatcha doing?" Jake skated by right while I was in mid-twirl. Losing concentration, my legs tripped over one another, causing me to collapse on top of Jake, everyone else shuffled away. I scoffed, grabbing my earbuds and getting up while asking him if he was alright.

Once he said he was good, I was back at it again. Pirouetting like a ballerina, I added in my dance class skills to the routine I've started since ten years old. The more I added on to it, the better and more advanced it became.

- - -

After skating for a few hours, I found myself driving back to work for my shift. Drained of energy, I struggled to make it through the long hours. The pizzas baked slower than before, the people were indecisive, and I was ready to pass out.

The second my shift ended, I left, only to find the same shadow from last time, seeming to watch me. Standing still, I pretended to pick up something I dropped, trying to get a closer look. The figure didn't move. There was something strange about it.

I shifted a bit closer to the shadow. It moved in a way I recognized. Something about it was so...familiar.

Just as I was about to take another step, my phone rang.

"Ash, where are you? You better not be with Andrew. You both are running late. Isn't that suspicious?"