ASHLEY (broken but strong)

THREE

Everyone flinched and started running. There was a great commotion as everyone scampered for safety.

Ashley looked around her confused of where to turn. What exactly is happening?

Suddenly she sighted her mother crying and beside her was her father. He looks like he had been shot. Her eyes opened in panic and she made to run to the scene but a hand held her back.

It is Jeremy. She is surprised to see him. He looks very terrified.

He was about saying something when a bullet hit Ashley's mother who was initially standing. She crashed to the floor bleeding profusely. There was a loud shout from the people around.Meanwhile people were still running Helter skelter looking for where to hide.

Immediately, Jeremy held her mouth from screaming and started dragging her from the scene. It was not easy she resisted his grip. She was crying and wants to shout out loud.

Jeremy dragged her to a corner far from there and tried to calm her down.

“Ashley stop and listen to me, I thought I asked you to run. What are you still doing here” Jeremy said in a tired voice.

“What do you mean Jeremy and what are you doing, what is happening with my parents!!” Ashley screamed while Jeremy tied her to the wall with his hands.she struggles to wriggle free.

“Listen to me, I got a wind of this in a restaurant just while coming here. I actually went to get your favorite treat. I overheard two men talking about your father, how they want to kill him and his family and then they mentioned your birthday. How they are planning to do this in your birthday and I have to rush down here” Jeremy said and Ashley's mouth was wide opened shocked of what to think or say. Hot tears were streaming down her face.

“ You know what z you are not safe Ashley. They are planning to kill you all… all of you Ashley. You need to escape “ Jeremy said and Ashley crashed on the floor.

“I know how you feel Ashley but this is not the best time to act like this, we have to think of a plan NOW!” Jeremy said and Ashley nodded weakly. Her well made up face is now a mess with splashes of colours formed like water color.

“First we need to get to the car, I have to take you out of here” Jeremy said and held her hand. They started running.

Ashley suggested a back gate door. She knew no one knows about the gate. It is a secret gate door that is only known to her family members. And speaking of her family members.

.” Where is Luther?”.She thought you loud

Jeremy ignored her and she burst into fresh hot tears. Jeremy cautioned her not to cry too loudly. They are not yet far from danger.

They got to the gate and she opened it and they got out. It is actually a narrow way.

“Hey there, look at her, go after them” they suddenly heard. Gosh! They have been found.

She wanted to look back but Jeremy held her hands tightly and they kept running.

They headed to where Jeremy's car was packed. It is quite a distance from where they are.

Then there were gunshots. Hot gunshots being fired at their direction.

Ashley was scared. What if they got shot.

“Don't stop running” Jeremy said as they kept running. They soon got to the car.

Few steps to the car,Jeremy slumped on the Sandy floor. He seems to have been shot. The murderers were still running after them.

“Run Ashley! Get into the car and drive far far away. Don't look back. There is a lot of cash in the car. You can make use of that.Ashley run. Please, make sure you make it alive” Jeremy said pushing her to go ahead.

Ashley is now very scared. She should run? When they are almost here? She is almost dead now.

She looked at Jeremy who was writhing in pain.

“I will never forgive myself if you don't survive this Ashley. I love you” Jeremy said.

Ashley's tears streamed down even more faster. She decided to fight for her life.

She ran to the car and entered it. She can actually drive. She is waiting to be eighteen so she can officially drive on the road.

She started the car and with one final look at Jeremy, she sped off.