FLASHBACK (4)

The school was as peaceful as it could get. Kate's life was equally peaceful as well. But what she didn't know was that this was the calm before the storm. Ashton used to talk to her every now and then. And she would lie if she said she didn't feel anything about him. He was the sweetest person. He would always walk her home. The truth was that he lived in the opposite direction, and Kate knew this as well. She was curious as to why Ashton would wait for her to reach her apartment even though she would already get inside the building. But this feeling used to warm her heart so she never mentioned anything about it to him.

She should have. If for once she had tried figuring something out, she wouldn't have been dumb to think about Ashton like that.

In spring when she was 17

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"Hey Susie! Finally the spring break is over! You sure traveled to a lot of places!"

"Yes girl! I wish I could take you with me. "

"Chill out lady, we'll go when I become independent, but you'll still pay for the trip."

"And why is that?"

"Because you have the privilege of being my best friend. Also if you don't pay for your best friend, then what sort of best friend are you?"

"You know, same goes for you Kate Brooke."

"Haha. But you are the rich one here. So as a ritual it is necessary for me to rip you off!"

"Yeah, yeah I'll pay. You idiot."

Suddenly Ashton came around.

"Hey girls, how ya doing?"

Kate suddenly smiled and looked at Ashton. "Hey Ash!"

Susie's expression changed a bit but no one noticed.

"Hey Ash. We're fine. Here to pick her up again?"

"Hey no! When did I say I came to pick her up? I just came back from my college. Okay?"

"Yeah, yeah whatever."

"Kate? Let's go then? I could use some company."

"umm.. okay cool, Susie then I'll be leaving, you know my mum."

"Yeah. Go. I'll leave as well. Bye!"

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"Ashton actually I wanted to tell you that my yearly exams are coming up. They start the next month so I've to study real hard. I have to get into a top university. And our study leave is also starting from next week. So I won't be able to see you in the upcoming month."

"Oh, okay. Well okay. All the best for them then."

Seeing Ashton's reaction Kate felt a bit sad, but what was this feeling? Why was she feeling down just because she couldn't meet him for a month? Maybe she has gotten used to him a lot. 'Yeah, that must be it' thought Kate.

"Umm.. Hey Kate?"

"Yeah?"

"Since you won't be meeting me for the next one month, could you meet me in the upcoming weekend ? I wanted to take you somewhere to show you something."

"This weekend? My mom won't allow."

"Tell her that you are going to the library or something?"

"umm... I don't know man... if she catches me, I'll be better off dead"

"I won't let anything happen to you."

Kate's heart skipped a beat. What did he mean by that. And what was this feeling?

"Kate? What do you say then?"

"Hmm.. okay."

"Done then. Meet me in front of your school at 9 am. Tell your mum that you'll be late. You'll probably reach by 8 pm."

"Oh.. okay"

As they reached closer to Kate's house she started walking fast as she was getting late. Ashton held her hand and pulled her closer. Kate suddenly realized that they had such a height difference. Her heart started beating faster suddenly. Ashton bent a bit and kissed her forehead.

With a smirk on his face he looked at her and then said "Off you go now. Goodbye"

Ashton left while Kate was still standing there. Dazed. 'What just happened? Did he kiss me on the forehead just now? And why didn't I reject him? Why do I feel happy? Have I fallen in love with him?

No, I don't think that's possible... But....'

'Chuck it. I'll go home.'

That night Kate couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about the forehead kiss. She was now looking forward to the upcoming weekend and it made her feel all bubbly and warm inside.