Claws And Flaws

~Chapter 15

HARLEY

We sat in the car as the silence consumed us.

Few minutes later.

"I'm sorry Harley. I really didn't know it will turn this way." Asher said letting out a sigh.

"It's okay. It's not your fault."

"But I kind of force you into having friends. This wouldn't have happened if I just left us the way we were."

"It's okay Asher. It's in the past now." I assured him.

"I'm deeply sorry." He turns to me with guilt playing in his eyes. "I feel guilty." He brought his hand to my her and begins to smooth it back. He then move closer to me and lands a kiss on my forehead. He moves back and stares into my eyes. "I was the cause to your sleepless nights."

"Asher, seriously it's okay now. It is all over thanks to you." I assured him smiling. But something feels uneasy inside me the moment I said it is all over. It felt like it wasn't over yet. Nothing close to being over. Why am I feeling this way?

He slowly nodded.

"We should go home now." Asher says before turning forward and putting his arm on the steering wheel. He starts the engine.

***

"Mum! I'm home!" I yelled as soon as I got in.

"Over here darling!" I heard mum's voice coming from upstairs.

I quickly climb up the few stairs and went straight to hers and dad's room.

I knock softly before coming in. I found mum looking for clothes to wear even though she looks like she was already done taking a bath. She had a huge grin on her face.

"Hey sweetheart." She says looking up at me with the same grin and of course I couldn't help but grin back.

"Hi mum." I greet back and I slowly walk up to her with confusion written on my face as I watch her searching some clothes and moving to the mirror to see how it looks on herself.

"How was school today?" She asks.

"It was.....fine." I lied. When did I start lying to my mum? I wanted to smack myself on the cheek. Of course it wasn't fine. There was a fight and I was the source of it. Two cousins made a huge scene in class today. But overall I felt relieved, right? No more workloads to do at home. Now I can have some time with mum.

"Good." She replies, her eyes looking between her black dress that reaches right over her knees and a white top with a soft fabric and a neat black skirt that also reaches over her knees.

"Mum? What's going on? Are you going out?" I ask staring between her and her cloths.

"Yep, but from tomorrow." She said grinning as she turns to me.

"From tomorrow? I don't get it." I said looking at her confused.

"Good news sweetheart. I got a job." She beams.

"Wow." I said shocked considering I did not even know she was looking for one. "I didn't even know you were looking for one." I admitted.

"Well that's because you were busy, for a whole week sweetie and I didn't want to disturb you." Argh! Thanks to those haters! My mum couldn't even have time to talk to me. 

"Oh wow, that's great. So what job is it?"

"You know the company your Dad works in right?"

"Yeah of course."

"I was looking for job and they were looking for a receptionist..."

"Soooo?" I urged her to continue.

"I am the new receptionist starting at your father's workplace tomorrow."

"That's good news. Luckily for you, you would be seeing dad every time." I was happy for her. I could see how she would talk about him and remind me of how they met. What did would do to me anytime I said something off guard of hilarious.

"I know sweetie, that's what makes me more happy." She squeals like a child making me chuckle then she joins me. My smile slowly fades as I remember something and decided to ask for confirmation.

"Are you going to be coming as late as dad now from tomorrow onwards?" I raised an eyebrow. 

She slowly nods with her lips in a thin line. "Yes sweetheart." I couldn't help but look down on my feet. "Awww I'm so sorry sweetie." Mum said walking closer to me and widens her arms before engulfing me in them, hugging me. 

I will be in this house alone from tomorrow onwards, and worse part is Dad usually goes early and comes back late when sleep already won me over. Just when I was happy I could spend some time with her again, this happens. She puts her other hand on my cheek making me face up at her. "I'll try and make time for me and you like usual. Okay? Besides you must have lots of homework to do."

Not anymore. 

I would like to say that to her but she might get suspicious and I would have to make up another bag of lie why I don't have lots of homework like the past week again.

"Not for today." I said hopefully.

"Really? Are you sure darling?" I nodded. "Okay, you know what? Let's watch the movie I wanted to surprise you with last week." She says smiling at me.

"Okay, that's a good idea. I'll just go and change now." I said.

"Okay, I'll be waiting downstairs!" She yells.

I ran out of the room and went straight to mine.

***

After eating dinner, I didn't want to leave mum to head to my room but knowing she would wake up early tomorrow to leave, I heard to stop being selfish.

After washing the dishes, I went upstairs to my room. I got in and locked it. I went to my closet, took out my pajama set and went to the bathroom. Did a quick shower and got out with my pajama on as I dry my hair with the towel.

I set on the bed. I smiled relieved like a person who got a vacation from work because I didn't have any homework to do. I finished the only two homework I had before dinner. I just needed to study which I'm planning to start tomorrow since I still feel tiredness on my shoulders. Asher really saved me from dying from lack of sleep. I smiled at the thought of Asher. He really took me out of my lonely self.

I could see he cared about me. We share food together. He bought food for the both of us and made me sleep in his car. He is currently the best thing that ever happened to me.

Hope it's forever.

I felt like God brought him to my depressed life. From the unnoticed girl to the most noticed girl, even if my lack of dressing is bad as people said. He still never cared.

I took out my phone and it didn't take long for me to find his name since I only has his, my mum and my dad number and no one else, sadly.

Me: Hey donkey, still awake?

I waited patiently for his reply. But got nothing. No reply yet. I waited for ten minutes more but still nothing. I pouted. He must be sleeping.

I switch off my screen and drop it on the table lamp. I closed my eyes and beg for sleep but I got no forgiveness.

My phone vibrated from the table making the table vibrate as well. I quickly sat up and took my phone switching it on.

It was from Asher. I opened the text.

Asher: Really? Donkey? Calling me a Prince Charming isn't that hard sweet cake. And I can't get any sleep here. Want me to come over?

I let out a chuckle and quickly reply.

Me: What?! No. It's late for you and I can't let my mum start thinking something else.

It didn't take long for him to reply back.

Asher: I can just climb in through your window.

He could do anything. I shook my head.

Me: We'll meet tomorrow at school, Donkey.

I told him the obvious.

Asher: Stop with that name, it's fighting with my self esteem here.

I chuckle at that. I soon started finding sleep.

Me: We'll see tomorrow.

Asher: Caught some sleep?

Me: Yeah Asher, isn't it that obvious?

Asher: It would be if I could see you.

Me: Good night Asher.

Asher: Good night blossom.

I felt my cheeks warm up at the last word. My stomach starts doing their wonders.

What is Asher doing to me?