NEVER BEEN IN LOVE LIKE THIS

CHAPTER ONE

2 years later............

"Waaw" Yelled Janine as Ashley comes out of the dressing room. She wore a tight blue halter neck dress with crystal heels.

"Come on bae, do a 360 for me" cooed Janine enthusiastically. Ashley turned around with a smirk on her face.

"I don't like it" Ashley mumbled. "It shows off my thick body and my boobs are on display" she added. Janine looked at her with a playful snort. "Girl you look yummy. I like your body, unlike mine, it's too thin. You look eatable. The dress makes your thighs look sexy."

"Hey, just stop flattering me. I'm the owner of my body and I know what I look like." Ashley sighed. She looked at the wall length mirror for the last time. Her body wasn't that bad. She had always had low self esteem and believed she didn't have a good body but wearing the dress had kinda made her change.

" Just think about it. We have been here for hours, trying out different dresses and we have tested all. This one suits you fine. Just take it. You would love it and you won't regret." Janine urged Ashley who just stood motionless, facing the mirror. She had never worn something like this. She felt awkward in it and what if Robin saw her. Robin, she can't forget him. He had been the only guy she had sincerely loved. Thinking about him now made her want to cry.

Janine noticed the change in Ashley's mood. She quickly comes over and gently touch her shoulder. "I know why. But If you don't want to, we could pick something comfortable for you. I know it's about Rob." She said. Ashley just stood there speechless. She felt so shattered and broken. She hated this feeling and It was all because of Robin. She turned to Janine who was still standing behind her so quiet.

" I would wear it for the party and if Robin happens to attend, I want to show him I moved on"

Janine was awestruck. Her mouth hung open as she stared at Ashley.

"For real?" Janine finally asked. "Yes. For real." Ashley replied and made for the dressing room.

"Yuppie! This party is gonna be something!" Janine yelped, doing a happy dance, clapping her hands. Ashley giggled when she comes out and sees her friend. Janine hurriedly comes to her and gives her a tight hug. "I'm so happy, Ash" then Ashley tickles her wildly and both girls giggles.

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Rosewood Spa............

"Gawd, Janine. Is this what you do constantly? I feel like a cooked chicken!" Ashley yelped. Janine giggled loudly.

"It's fun, sweerie. You'll get used to it." she smiled. Ashley just looked at her and shook her head. "I'll never get used to being a chicken! This is too hot!" Janine laughs out loud, holding her chest."You are so funny. Just enjoy it"

"Whatever. Well, it's going to be my first and last time here" Ashley mumbled. An attendant comes over to attend to them and Ashley sighs heavily.

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After spending hours in the spa, the duo comes out looking so beautiful. Janine giggles when Ashley shades her eyes from the sun.

"You make use of shades, dearie"

"And my skin?" Ashley asked.

"Umbrella, dummy." Janine pouts, handing her dark specs and an umbrella. Ashley collects it, dons the shades then opens the umbrella and puts it over her head. Janine smiles at the naivety of her friend. Ashley wasn't into fashion like she was. She loves looking like a model and thanks to Mark she was able to have a good life. Mark had been her boyfriend from when they were both 13. They had been in love with each other and Mark was the last child of a very wealthy family. He was spoilt with money and never lacked anything. And when they started dating, he cared for her and did everything she asked and sometimes even when she don't want his help, he provides for her. Her love for Mark was indestructible and unbreakable. She had known him all her life and couldn't bear to look at another man. Janine smiled. She was happy and she wanted Ashley to be happy too. She turned to look at Ashley as she walked beside her. She and Ashley go back a long way. She had known Ashley from grade school and they had been friends all this time. Their friendship was forever. Ashley had been there for her when she had no one. Ashley had begged her aunt to take her in after her parent's death. Ashley shared her room with her. She shared her toys and her food. Ashley fought for her and even though they had misunderstandings, they both loved each other as-

"So what do we do? Go home?" Ashley asked, interrupting her train of thought. Janine blinked. "Oh, let's go eat. I'm soooooo hungry."

"Where?" "Umm, I think McCain"

"okay, off to McCain"

And they both hurried towards a big restaurant with "McCain" written in bold letters at the front of the building.