Chapter 6

it was already late at night when Eric drive Ashley home after the wonderful date, Ashley got out of the car smiling brightly, Eric got down after her smiling "Thank you" Ashley said burning red "we are best friends those are normal things friends do" he said "but there is no friend like you Eric"

"and there is none like you Ashley" he cough slightly and move close to her almost leaving no gap between them "Ashley..." he reach for her hair and rub it down gently "I would like to tell you something" she stare up at him "what's that"

"I will tell you but only on two conditions" she threw him a questioning look "one" he raise his thumb "only after you perform well at the audition" Ashley chuckles "two, we won't see each other until after the audition and after the audition, you will meet me at the park beside the stream noon"

"We won't see each other why?" Ashley eyes widen "just to let you concentrate on preparing well for the audition don't worry we will talk on video call" she pouts "is what you want to tell me that serious?" Eric cock his head "I don't know yet" he laughs "I should get going mom's already at home waiting for me" he said and turn his back "Eric!!" Ashley called and he turn to face her then a peck landed on his cheek Ashley drew back and smile "see you in a week Eric" she turns her back and hurried off, Eric remained a frozen statue as she left did she just peck him, he can't believe it he must be dreaming he almost jumps and screams out with excitement but he hit his car instead it was just a peck from her so why is he so happy about it "bye Ashley" he wave smile brightly at himself.

......

it was Friday evening and just a day before Felix's wedding to Layla and Ashley audition Eric was sited on a sofa in the sitting room staring at Ashley image on his phone and smiling suddenly the door busted open, he got shocked and stood up immediately and he saw his father enter with annoyance written all over his face and his mom behind him with a worrisome look "dad! mom!! when did you arrive" he smiles at them but then a hot slap landed on his face, he held his slap cheek as he saw star utterly confused why his father had slapped him "dad!" his father clenched his fist together bitting his lips so hard and then threw some certain pictures on the table right in front of him, Eric stare at the picture on the table then look at his father and mother bewildered "you are nothing but a bastard" his father declares "father!!!"

******

it was Saturday Ashley was all dressed up for her audition today her long-time dream will be achieved she will gain scholarships into Row music school and from there her music career will be achieved she take one last look at her herself through the mirror and smile, today is the happiest day of her life but not the happiest as she remembered Felix will be getting married today but joy filled her heart as she remembered Eric and she will be meeting him at the park after her audition "Ashley it's time to go" Laura said "okay mom am ready"  she packs her bag and leaves.

       getting to the audition hall there were many contestants Ashley got nervous this was the first time she will be singing in front of people she watched the contestants go in and out after they were done and now it is her turn "you can do this Ashley" her mom kissed her forehead "I know mom" she inhales sharply "I know you can, I believe in you" she hugged her mom "bye mom"

"bye sweetie".

.......

she entered the small hall, there were four judges sited two men and two ladies, the lady on the right has a stern look on her face adding to her nervosity "what's your name" one of the male judges ask "Ashley Campbell" she said "how old are you"

"Twenty," they ask her random questions and she answered all giving her the courage to continue after she was done answering the question she pick up the mic and close her eyes. inhaling sharply and ready to sing. "♪finding it hard to forgive just because it's easier to hold on, doesn't me it's good for me♪" the judges almost stand up she has such an angelic voice Ashley recall Felix promising her heart clenched remembering this "♪ looking for a sense of control but it's letting my pain define me it's getting in the way of who I want to be, it's never to let to change let go never look back don't wanna be a prisoner of my past anymore♪" she closes her eyes, the judges rest back the song touches the depth of their heart "♪ so I'll free my soul keep moving..."

      Minutes after she was done singing the judges complimented her and told her to check her emails for messages if she will be lucky to be chosen she smiled excitedly and exited the room, she met her mom in the waiting room she hug her and gives her every single detail Laura hugged her and reassured her that everything will be fine, Ashley remembered she had to meet Eric at the park at noon and it's one minute past 12 already she kiss her mother goodbye and board a taxi to the park.