IT STARTS ON A BRIDGE

Chapter-8

Garry’s point of view

After the girl rejected me, I was angry, but I tried to maintain a cool demeanor. She was incredibly beautiful, and I admit I had never seen anyone like her before. However, that didn't give her the right to humiliate me in front of everyone. Some jerks recorded our interaction, and as expected, it went viral. Soon enough, everyone started making fun of me. Of course, they were too afraid to say anything to my face, but I overheard a few conversations behind my back, which infuriated me.

Determined to make her mine at any cost, I decided to play it cool. Once college was over for the day, I searched for her, but she was nowhere to be seen. While chatting with some friends, I spotted her. It seemed like she was heading home. She was quite far away, so I ran after her and called out her name, but she didn't even glance back at me. Was she ignoring me? Or was she unable to hear me? Suddenly, she started running. Confused, I chased after her and finally caught hold of her elbow. She looked shocked to see me, her eyes wide like she had seen a ghost.

Sarah: "You! What are you doing here? Why were you stalking me?"

I thought she had lost her mind. Why would I stalk her? I explained that I wasn't stalking her and called out her name multiple times, but she didn't listen. After a while, she asked,

Sarah: "So, why were you following me?"

I don't know what came over me, but I apologized to her, and to my surprise, she forgave me. I asked her to be friends with me and invited her to my birthday party, which was the next day. She agreed after some convincing. In my mind, I thought, 'I am going to make her mine.' I'll play it cool, and soon she'll be begging me to be with her because no one can reject me.

Sarah’s point of view:

It was the day of the party. I went to university as usual, attended classes, and at lunchtime, I found Kenna and Chris sitting in a corner of the cafeteria, having their food. I sat down on the chair next to Kenna.

I smiled at Kenna and said, "Hey, Kenna."

Sarah: "You know today is Garry Ashton’s birthday party, and I got the invitation card. He said I could bring my friends too. Will you both come with me?"

Kenna almost choked on her food, surprised by the news.

Kenna: "You got the passes? It's so hard to get them, and you got them so easily."

Sarah: "Yes, this is the invitation card. Take a look."

I replied, showing her the card. But out of nowhere, Chris yelled.

Chris: "What is this, Sarah? I distinctly remember telling you yesterday to stay away from him. Why are you doing this? It's okay, but you're not going anywhere."

He said, glancing at his phone again.

Sarah: "What is it, Chris? Why are you treating me like I'm a child and you're my older brother? For God's sake, I'm an adult. I can make my own decisions. I'm not a kid anymore."

I said, a bit angry. I regretted it the moment it left my mouth. I had never yelled at Chris before.

Chris: "What? Now you don't even consider me your brother anymore, and I'm interfering in your matters?"

Chris seemed hurt. I realized I had gone too far. After all, he was worried about me, but he needed to understand that I am not young anymore. I'm an adult who can protect myself and make my own decisions. He started to leave, but I grabbed his hand.

Sarah: "Sorry, Chris. I don't know what got into me. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

I said, guilt evident in my eyes.

Sarah: "Please, just this once. Even Kenna wants to go, and we're just friends. I promise I'll stay away from him after the party, even at the party. And you can come with us. I'll be safe with you there. So... Please, just agree."

I pleaded, giving him puppy eyes.

Chris: "Okay, but just this once. Get ready by seven. I'll come and pick both of you up."

He replied before taking a seat at the back.

Kenna: "What was that? First, you two were yelling at each other like you were ready to tear each other's heads off, and now you're back to normal within a minute. You guys are strange."

Kenna said, staring at both of us.

Chris and Sarah: "Just eat your food."

Both Chris and I said simultaneously, chuckling.

...

It was almost six, and I got ready. I rarely used any of the dresses I owned. After applying a light layer of makeup and putting on a beautiful red velvet dress, I descended the stairs. After informing Grandma, I left the house only to find Chris waiting for me in front of my house. The three of us got into his car, and he started driving.

Sarah: "Where is the party?"

Kenna: "You didn't read the invitation? It's at Rose Roosevelt Villa."

Kenna casually informed me before adding,

Kenna: "Actually, it has belonged to the Ashton family for generations."

Hearing the name sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't share the events from before with them since I thought they would consider me crazy. Furthermore, I wasn't entirely sure myself. After a fifteen-minute drive, we arrived at the venue.

Upon entering, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the castle. It was grand and appeared even more beautiful than before. The decorations included balloons, candles, and flowers, with a magnificent chandelier hanging from the roof. It was a sight to behold. After a while, Garry noticed me and made his way towards me.

Garry: "Are you enjoying the party?"

He asked, smiling.

Sarah: "A very happy birthday, Garry. Yes, I love it. Thank you for asking. By the way, this is your gift. It's kind of ugly because it's handmade. I'm sorry, but I didn't have the money to buy something extravagant."

I said, knowing how expensive everything was. Buying any gift would have nearly emptied my yearly allowance, which I couldn't afford to spend on just one present. Before I could finish my sentence, he interrupted me.

Garry: "Don't say sorry. You know I love handmade gifts. They show how much effort you've put into them, rather than just buying some useless stuff that I wouldn't even care to look at."

He said, smiling. He was different from what Kenna had described to me.

Garry: "I have to go. See you later."

He smiled and walked away. After a while, the cake cutting ceremony began. It was an enormous and beautifully crafted cake. Following the cake, everyone started dancing. I stood in a corner.

Garry: "Why aren't you dancing, Sarah?"

Garry asked, catching me off guard. I hadn't realized he was approaching me.

Sarah: "I don't know how to dance."

I replied, offering a small smile.

Garry: "That's not a problem. Can I ask you for a dance? You don't have to do anything, just follow my lead."

Sarah: "Okay."

I agreed, feeling a bit bored.

Sarah: "I might step on your shoes."

I joked, teasingly.

Garry: "It's okay. You weigh nothing on me. Don't worry."

He replied, grinning. His words made me blush. We danced together, and although I accidentally stepped on his shoes a few times, he simply smiled and didn't utter a word. However, the music suddenly changed to a romantic tune. Garry pulled me closer, his hand on my waist. Our faces were inches apart, and I could feel the warmth emanating from his body. We were incredibly close. Blushing profusely, I realized that it wasn't right. I couldn't be with him. In that moment, the realization hit me, and I stepped back abruptly. Without thinking, I ran outside and found a peaceful spot at a desk in the expansive garden. I sighed deeply, trying to calm myself, until...