Chapter 7

When she got to the park, she saw Eric already by the lake he was wearing a brown shirt and black trousers she smile seeing him and rushed towards "big head!" she alarms with a smile Donald got shocked and held his heart "you sacred me" Ashley laughs "sorry am late"

"Nah, why will I get annoy, I know you can't skip the audition for me and you were here right just in time," he said and sit down on the grass "really?" she sit beside him "today is Felix's wedding" Abi lowered her head "I know... I promise to go but I can't skip my audition you are supposed to go since he is your family"

"I can't how do I face mum, she will be very heartbroken if I was there" he pick up a stone throwing it into the lake "oh right..." she smile "you said you have something to say" she ask "yes I do" he responded "okay, am all ears" she tug her hair behind her ear staring at him, Eric expression turns sours and he look around then back at her he didn't know how to say it or how to start "Ashley..." he began inhaling sharply then look at her he open his mouth to speak but nothing came out he move close to her till they were no distance between them his palm caress her cheek down to her neck emotions swirling around his eyes Ashley followed his gaze and her heart ran in rapid pace she knew what he wanted to do but she didn't know how to stop him "Ashley..." he whispered and she felt his warm breath on her face "Eric..." she whispered back in same tone his gaze travel down to her lips  she open her mouth to fill her lungs with air but what she heard was the sound of her racing heart she didn't felt like this not even with Felix, she watch him as he slowly leans in and presses his lips on hers, Ashley was shock she thought she was dreaming with was her first kiss with her best friend what does it mean. his kiss was soft and it blew her mind she felt her heart going to explode as he push deeper and pull back after a few seconds, Ashley could not say anything neither could she believe nor know the reason why he had kissed her "all..." he swallows "all I want to say is..." Ashley cheek redden "is... is... goodbye," he said and she froze in shock, Eric stand up and turn his back on her walking away while Ashley immediately stands up after him "are you traveling?" Eric halt in his track "yes I am"

"When will you return..." she asked her heart pounding seriously he was the only one reliving her of her pain and now that she has started to love him and wanted more than friendship he is also leaving "I don't know Ashley... I don't know" she ran her finger through her hair "can you just look at me? we can talk about this"

"I can't Ashley... I never want to see your face again" Ashley shoulders drop "what?" Eric bite his lips fighting the urge not to cry why does it hurt so much, why does it hurt so much to let go of her "Eric..." she took a step to walk towards him "DON'T!!!!" He roar at her "Don't come closer" he said his eyes laid with tears he was afraid he will have to hug her and cry into her shoulder if he turn to look at her or she walk towards him, Ashley cheek became heavy her eyes got clouded with tears she had no idea why Eric too is pushing her away "did I do something wrong?" tears roll down her eyes "I don't know but this is where we part, this is where our friendship ends Ashley"

"but..." she took a step closer, "I SAID DON'T COME CLOSER" he clench his fist together "I... I... saw you first Ashley, I met you first but... YOU NEVER LOVE ME... the only person you see is Felix and it hurt me A LOT" he yells, Ashley cried she never knew Eric loved her since she has been with Felix "I didn't know Eric... you never told me... but..." she gulps "we can still make it work... just don't leave me alone please" she cried out "no, Ashley it's over am done with this sickening friendship"

"Eric you promised me you will never leave me, you... you... said no matter what comes may... you will still stay by my side" Eric interrupted her, his voice filled with anger and hurt. "No, Ashley, it's too late now. I've waited so long for youto realize my feelings, but you've always been so focused on Felix. It's clear where your heart lies."

Tears streamed down Ashley's face as she desperately tried to find the right words. "Eric, I never meant to hurt you.I never intended for our friendship to crumble like this. Felix and I started as friends, and it gradually developed into something more. I never anticipated the impact it would have on you."

Eric's eyes softened momentarily, but the pain in his voice remained. "You should have known, Ashley. I was always there for you, through thick and thin. I thought you saw me the same way I saw you."

Ashley reached out to touch his arm, but Eric pulled away. "No, don't touch me. I can't bear the thought of your hands on me."

The weight of Eric's words sank in, and Ashley's heart ached with remorse. "okay Eric... if that makes you happy..." she said Eric close his eyes her word was like a dagger stabbing his heart tears roll down his eyes his cheek became heavy and his head hurt without adding another word to the conversation he left without looking at her face. "I... I... I... just want you to be happy Eric" she whisper solemnly as she watch him leave she turn back to the lake Felix left her but she is not as hurt as she is when Eric too left her, she remembered when Eric said he had loved her then her mind replayed their sweet moments when they were in high school and Eric always defend her from the girls bullying her till the moment he always makes her smile even when she was dating Felix. she held her head and fall on her knees as loud cry escape from her lips.

.....

it was twilight and Ashley hasn't returned yet Laura her mother was getting worried because he daughter had never stayed out this late, she heard a knock on her door and she flew up from the chair she was sitting with the thought that it was Ashley, when she opened the door she was shocked because is not Ashley but a woman in an elegant Black dress she was wearing a set of glasses and behind her parked a luxury car one glance at her was enough for Laura to know that she wasn't just anybody "hey..." she said the woman removed her glasses and Laura almost fainted at who she just saw it was Jenny the most popular actress "Hi... am Jenny" the woman smile "why have you come here"

"Am Eric's mother," she said, and Laura's eyes widened in shock.

...

shortly after Jenny left Laura stay outside to wait for her daughter then she saw her walking from afar her face was pale and swollen with a heavy heart she ran towards her daughter "Eric didn't drop you? what happened?" hearing Eric name again Ashley burst into tears and hug her mother "mom... mom..." she cried shaking in her mom's embrace Laura inhale sharply she wanted to ask her what happened but she was more concerned about consoling her daughter.