ASHLEY (broken but strong)

FOUR

Ashley did not stop driving even though the murderers are no longer after her. They had chased her till when she entered the car but couldn't get hold of her.

She is almost safe. She knows they must have immediately started running after her with a car so she kept racing with the car. It will be hard to tell which way to go.

Her mind is shaking bad. What if she cannot drive a car. Just what if she had not pressured her dad to teach her how to drive a car like an expert. According to him, kids less than eighteen years old should not be driving a car. It is dangerous, he had said.

But it is not dangerous right now. Infact it is very much protective, life saving. Ashley kept thinking about the events from moments before. Her father meant well but she would have lost her life if she couldn't drive. Who said driving is not a survival skills?

Right before her eyes, her parents were murdered. She doesn't even know where Luther is. She burst into fresh tears. She is hurting badly. What did her family do…What did she ever do to deserve all of this?

Then Jeremy, she winced. Whatever happened to him. She owes him her Life and hopes he got away alive. What if he hadn't heard the conversation, what if he hadn't chanced upon those men, then her whole family would have gone down in death. Gosh!!

She kept driving faster and faster, not knowing where to go. Her friends house is not an option now. She did not even know if they got out alive. She does remember seeing them since the lights went out.Where will she go?

Her parents have many business buildings and houses around and out of town but she is scared to go there. What if the people responsible for the happenings come for her?

She trembled in fear. What if they are somewhere around?

Aside the dress she is wearing, she has nothing on her. No financial means, nothing.

Then she remembered Layla. Her last friend who did not attend the party today. Layla had men being sick and couldn't come. She is the best option but first, she has to call her.

Her phone is not with her. She can't remember where she had left it. The tension and panic had made her forget about her phone. There is no phone in the car either. She will have to go to Layla's house without informing her.

Thank goodness she knows where Layla lives, she would have been stranded.

She turned and headed to Layla's house. Layla lives in an estate with her big sister. Apparently, they are orphans and are trying to irk out a living. Ashley has been of help to Layla several times.

She soon got to Layla's estate and have to go through the gateman. The gateman vehemently refused her driving in. He told her to call Layla to come and verify.

Luckily for her, Layla was coming out of her house and seeing a boy off when she called out to her.

Layla is very surprised to see her. she had heard the news. It is being broadcast in the news and social media.She crashed into Layla's arms happy to see someone familiar, the stress if the day overwhelming her.

Layla hugged her rubbing back softly. It feels so therapeutic to Ashley.