If or When

Ashley entered her room, closed the door behind her and rested on it, later sliding to the floor and sitting there. She had just thanked God this morning that he hadn't been silly through out the time she had already spent here and this evening he.... how could he ask her to feed him?

And why was it hard, why couldn't he have explained all that to her before? Well, she loved her life more than fun and she didn't want to lose it. She would try to behave till everything becomes okay again then she can continue having as much fun as she wanted.

Ashley sighed. Now she wondered why she was sitting on the floor and she got up.

She took a bath and changed into her pajamas. Then she sat down on the couch and crossed her legs. Her thoughts then drifted back to the morning, when she had stopped in her tracks just looking at Damon.

Ashley took out her phone quickly to dismiss the thought. She went through it and came across a video that caught her attention. It was a couple that did something which she knew could be scary, dangerous but at the same time super exciting.

They were zip-lining. Ashley had heard people talk about it and she was seeing a video for the first time. It really looked exciting and watching the couple that did it made Ashley wish for it too. The lady's reaction was funny and cute to watch and Ashley smiled to herself.

She wished that someday she would also go on a zip line tour with a partner. She knew just how much she was afraid of heights so she would love to do it with her boyfriend if she someday got one and enjoy what it felt like to feel safe in his arms, just like she read in many novels.

If she someday got a boyfriend, or should she say when she someday got a boyfriend. She didn't know how old she was going to be before she got one.

This video just made her day, she kept smiling as she got up and walked to the window. She opened it to know if she could see the city from this side too and well, she could. It was so beautiful at night.

Ashley closed her eyes again while inhaling fresh air then opened them. Outside the mansion also looked beautiful at night and so serene. She wanted to go out and sit somewhere there in the open, enjoying the cool breeze and forgetting all her worries again.

She stood at the window for a little while before closing it and going to her bed.

She laid down on it, enjoying the comfort it gave. Ashley covered herself and curled up under the covers after turning off the lights. It was time to finally have a good night sleep.

The next time she opened her eyes, her alarm clock was ringing so loudly. An annoyed Ashley turned it off and got up, stretching her body with a loud yawn. Perhaps she should get rid of the alarm. Now it disturbed her when she had good sleeps.

She lazily stood up and walked into the bathroom, going through her morning routine again. After that she wore a black jean skirt and a long sleeved white top.

She let her hair fall and applied some powder and lip gloss. Then she grabbed her bag and exited the room. Today again, Damon was waiting for her by the car already.

Ashley was the one who had to be at work on time yet the one to take her was always ready before her. She was supposed to be the one waiting for him like this.

"Good morning." Ashley greeted once she got to him.

"Did you sleep well?" He asked.

"Yes, did you?"

He nodded. "Get in."

Then they drove out. Ashley got to work before Natalie for the first time in a very long time and when Natalie came she was surprised.

"Natalie, you're late." Ashley said.

"Are you imitating me now?" She asked with a frown.

"Of course I am. I came before you today so I have to." Ashley said and they both laughed.

"Did you have a good night." Ashley asked and Natalie nodded.

"How about you?"

"I did, but it felt so short." Ashley replied her, pouting.

"Don't worry the weekend is close, you'll get to sleep as long as you want." Natalie assured.

Of course she would. She could even stay sleeping the whole day, since there would be nothing really to do.

The two of them started work for the day and time went by quickly they didn't even realize it was noon already. The weather hadn't been fair since the morning as it just kept on drizzling.

After Ashley just finished attending to a customer, she went to assist Natalie in something she was doing. Not long after another person walked into the shop and they looked to see who it was. To her surprise she saw Zuka.

He came in with an umbrella and after he had settled down, Ashley went to him.

"Hey." She greeted.

"Hey." He replied with a wide smile.

"You weren't here yesterday, was anything wrong?" She asked.

"Oh, you did notice that I wasn't here." He said feigning a thoughtful look and Ashley narrowed her eyes.

"I thought it would go unnoticed." He smiled innocently.

"You deliberately didn't come yesterday?" She asked as if it was a must he came everyday.

"Well I....." He started then stopped, like there was nothing to explain. "Thanks for being concerned." He smiled showing his teeth again.

Ashley returned the smile and asked him what he wanted. Chicken and fries again. She served him and left to attend to other work waiting to be done.

Zuka stayed longer than usual in the restaurant and Ashley kept him company. At one point, Natalie had to even come drag her away.

"I'm sorry sir but I feel like you're starting to steal my place in her heart. So if you don't mind, I'll take her away now." Natalie said with a fake smile then she pouted.

Ashley was surprised at her behavior.

"Natalie? Nobody is stealing your place." Ashley laughed.

"I actually don't plan on doing that miss. You don't have to worry." Zuka turned to her with a smile.

"I'm Natalie. Thanks for always coming to our restaurant. We'll leave now." Natalie bowed and pulled Ashley with her.

"I'll also be leaving." Zuka stood up.

"Okay, have a great day." Ashley waved.

"You're making me want to regret asking you to make friends." Natalie said pulling Ashley along.

"Gosh, dude. What's with you?" Ashley laughed.

"You know I'm jealous." Natalie pouted.

"Gosh. Now I feel like the older sibling." Ashley shook her head.

"I'll be attending to him from now on. He's a distraction for you at work."

Ashley laughed even more. "How do you know he wouldn't be a distraction for you too?"

"There's no way he would be. He's just like every other customer."

"But he's my friend too."

"I'm also your friend."

"Both of you are my friends and I'm grateful I have you both. You make me laugh and feel less alone." Ashley said.

"I should be happy someone else aside me makes you feel that way." Natalie kept her gaze fallen.

"Hey," Ashley said holding Natalie's shoulders. "You'll always be my best friend. I love you."

"You're making me emotional." Natalie cried. "I love you too." She sniffed.

"Oh, come on. You wouldn't want customers to see you crying now, would you? Ashley asked remembering when Natalie told her the exact same thing.

The lady sniffed and chuckled then cleaned her eyes. "Funny how you're the one telling me that now." Natalie said and they laughed.

"I know right?" Ashley said amidst laughter.

Natalie was just something else entirely.

By the time they were closing for the day, the rain had just stopped. Natalie decided to wait with Ashley till Damon came for her. And when he came she boarded a taxi to her own place while Ashley followed Damon back home.

"Good evening." Ashley greeted him with a smile.

"Was it stressful at work?" He asked narrowing his eyes.

"No, why?"

"I sense happiness. I felt it yesterday too." He replied.

Ashley looked at him confused for a moment. "Since when does stress give happiness?"

He shrugged.

She couldn't believe him. Why would she be happy because work was stressful? Was he not thinking well now?

She shook her head and continued staring out the window then she remembered when he had stubbornly insisted on taking her to work. She smiled at how she had reacted then.

There had been no need for that.

"What's making you chuckle?" Damon asked.

"Do you have to know?"

He looked at her and frowned. "What if I have to know?"

Ashley hissed. This man was unbelievable. What was he? Her father now?

"Did you eat already?" He suddenly asked.

She didn't know if he was suddenly just concerned or...

Oh no! She didn't feel like having dinner with him again, at least not after last night.