Chapter 8

‎it's been two years already since Eric and Ashley parted ways, during those years apart no matter how much Ashley tried to move on she was been reminded of Eric she tried forgetting about him but she can't, the day after she parted ways with Eric, she got admitted into Rows music school where she started her career, Ashley heard from mutual friends that Eric had found success in his music career and was getting recognition for his talents. It pained Ashley to see him thriving without her, as if their time together meant nothing. Ashley focused on her studies at Rows music school, determined to excel and prove herself. But no matter how hard she worked, Eric's presence lingered in her mind,haunting her thoughts and dreams. She would catch herself humming the songs they used to sing together, and tears would well up in her eyes.

Ashley pack her books and bag and heed to school after her mother already left for work she had already straightened her curly hair and now her mother Laura helped her to get rid of her wrinkles, her mother brought her good body cream from her salary and now she has white skin and pink lips her platinum hair brings out the beauty that matches the color of her skin she is more beautiful than she was two years ago. she boarded a taxi that drops her at the front of the school big gate she ran into the school because she is late and had vocal training at eight "good morning Ashley" Davi her friend greeted "morning Davi" she responded running "where are you going" Davi ask "vocal class am late talk to you later"

"Okay... I will wait for you at the canteen" she said and Ashley dash off.

      Ashley creak the vocal class door open it was as silent as a graveyard she curse herself she was late again the mean teacher will have to scold her again entering the class she tiptoe and silently sit on the chair beside her friend Lisa "Late again" she whispered "sorry..." she hid her face from been seen by Mr. Smith the vocal class teacher "Late again Ashley" she jolted hearing Mr. Smith voice "so... so... sorry Mr. Smith the I was held by the traffic" she said, Mr. Smith cough and shook his head "your everyday excuse"

"Sorry sir, I promise to be punctual next time"  Mr. Smith clears his throat and turn back to the class, the vocal class goes on and they train their voice after a few hours the class ended already Ashley hit her head on the table "am so stupid... stupid" she cried tugging her hair "hey Ashley..." Lisa touch her shoulder and she flinches "Why are you crying"

"why won't I cry first we have an upcoming exam then after the exam there will be a stage play and I don't have enough time to read... am going to go crazy" He clutch her hair so hard "What were you doing all night"

"thinking" she packs her books and stands up as Lisa follows her "Have you heard about Eric Rowland he just release a new album 'when it still hurt' am just so in love with that music" Lisa giggles "am not a big fan of his music so just spare me"

"you have to see him, he is just too handsome I wish he could just meet me one day and marry me" Ashley scoffs "In your dreams" she walks away "Super mean Ashley can't you just support my dream for once?"

"only if it is not a nightmare" She walk away Lisa pressed her lips together and grunt how did she ever meet this girl "Ugh! I hate that girl".

      Ashley and Lisa sat down at the school canteen waiting for Lisa meanwhile Ashley was secretly admiring Eric picture on her phone he has almost fifty million followers and is now a huge star no one will believe her if she tell them this guy used to be her best friend she grunts remembering it why can't she just hate him, he breaks her, cut her into pieces it's been a year already and why can't she move on when he already did, "hey girlfriend" Davi voice came behind them and Ashley quickly hide her phone "hey, Davi" Lisa smile "you keep us waiting feel better now?"

"Sorry babe... the teacher uses extra time" She sits down "Are you preparing for the exam?"

"yes, I am..."

"if I pass the exam it might be my only chance to be able to enter the yearly competition and become rich and famous," Lisa said "I should go now, it's almost time for my keyboard practice," Ashley said and pack her book "bye girl"

"see you later"

"bye..." she departs.