ASHLEY (broken but strong)

SEVEN

They were soon out in the car, Ashley driving slowly and carefully unlike the fateful day. The events of that day flooded into her brain again and she dropped into a sad mood.

They soon got to a phone shop. She went in to buy her lost phone. Iphone sixteen. Beautiful and shining. She wanted to unbox it right there and get into the news but she has to do other things first.

Shopping clothes were not her thing. Her mother is always responsible for shopping her clothes. With the help of Layla, She just picked some clothes and accessories. They left the mall.

They headed for the party and Layla looks so thrilled as they drove into a big hotel. It is actually a pool side party. There are people sitting and some were at the pools edge with their legs slightly in the water. Some were swimming while others were dancing to the loud pop music and some just walked around.

Layla adjust her gown up and made her cleavage show more. If Ashley was disgusted, she did not show it. If her other friends were here, they would have talked Ashley out of the disgusting behavior. For goodness sake, she is just nineteen.

They found an empty seat. They had barely sat down when two girls came to the table. They had seen Layla from a distance. They gisted and chatted nonstop while Ashley just look on. She should have just declined coming to the party. She does not even know anyone here. The. Some guys came, different young peeps kept coming to see Layla. She must really be popular.

Back at school, there is always a rumour of Layla of having an affair with so many guys but Layla was always in the habit of denying it all. She never owned up to it. She never tells her friends the truth even when she is caught red handed.

Everyone knows Layla is a struggling girl with her elder sister. Her circle of friends understand that she has to do many dirty things to keep body and soul together. Their uncle is only invested in their education and they have to fend for themselves otherwise.

Her friends always opt to help her, give her things and buy things for her but she always decline the offers. She is always trying to put a contented look on even when she is dying inside. She doesn't asks for help from her friends no matter how they want to be involved.

The friends left and Layla went to get some drinks. She came back shortly and served Ashley.

“I want us to go home soon, I'm feeling uneasy and I want to rest” Ashley said to her and Layla nodded.

“I just need to meet some friends and we will go back* Layla responded.

Ashley sipped the drink, pineapple drink.It is very cold and her favorite. She drank it all in one gulp.

“Do you like it?” Layla asked smiling.

“Yes, it is so refreshing” she replied.

“You can have more” Layla said pouring her more from the bottle. She sipped it this time.

Layla initiated a conversation and they started gisting, talking about old takes and laughing heartily. For a while, Ashley feels so free spirited and she feels happy.

Minutes later she started feeling dizzy. Her head was throbbing and she feels very sleepy. She glanced at Layla who was staring intently at her.

“Layla, can we just head home, I think I need to sleep” she said.

“Yeah… but I think you need to meet someone “ Layla said standing up.

“Who?” Ashley asked feeling very tired.

“ Don't worry sweetie, you will meet them soon* Ashley heard Layla saying before she black out.