Chapter 13 | Locked doors and Free rides.
1296 Words
Ashleigh’s POV
Do not share a bathroom with anyone. I would repeat that but you can just read that line again.
Kane hated my guts. That was as clear as day and it wasn’t like I was very fond of him myself. But I just was about to find out how much.
I had done a little exploring once and found the library which was on the ground floor tucked behind the den. It was a cosy space which Willow surprisingly used. She was a gifted student apparently and whatever she lacked in manners, she made for in brains.
Anyways, tests weee coming up in school and I needed to do some extra reading since I’d joined the school midterm. However, I wasn’t aware that Willow preferred having the space all to herself.
The first day she’d seen me, I later overheard her complaining to Kane about how I was just “in their faces.”
What was her deal?
I decided to ignore that anyway. I had tests to prepare for and I wasn’t going to let anyone get in my way.
The morning of the first paper, I woke up early but heard Kane in the bathroom. I groaned, alreasy thinking I was going to be late. Thankfully, and surprisingly, Kane didn’t intentionally waste time like he always did whenever he got to the bathroom first.
I heard something drop and it sounded like it had come from my room but I ignored it. However, I shouldn’t have because by the time I was done showering and got to the door, it was locked. Someone had snuck into my room and locked the door from the other side.
What the hell?!
I tried the door several times but it didn’t budge. I turned around and eyed his door suspiciously. I thought I heard the door to his room shut but it’s possible he could have been Re-entering and not leaving. Well, I was just going to chance it.
I tried the door but it didn’t budge. Great! He’d locked this one too.
I picked up my phone which I always carried into the bathroom for music. My father had hated in when he was still alive, worried that one day, it would slip and fall into the toilet bowl. I laughed now as I thought about what he would say if I told him this story.
“Aw shucks,” I imagined it in his western drawl. “This is just one occasion Yogi. You won’t get stuck in the bathroom all the time.“
Well, dad, If you met Kane, I’m sure you would change your mind.
I called my mother.
“Ash? Shouldn’t you be on your way to school, what’s up?” It sounded like she was driving.
“Yeah, mom, I should but I am currently stuck in the bathroom.”
“What do you mean stuck?” She asked. I heard a loud honk and then she cursed. “I’m driving Ashleigh. Let me call you back.”
I groaned.
Both Kane and Ashleigh would be on their way to school now and there was no way I was going to call the culprit for help. So, I called the last number I ever thought I would need.
“Good morning Ashleigh.”
Reginald’s voice was a hundred times deeper on the phone than in real life. I felt my cheeks flush at the sound of it.
“Good morning Mr. Blackwood. How you doing?”
“I’m great. Why does it sound like you’re in the bathroom when you should be on your way to school?”
I let out a nervous laugh. “Actually, that’s why I was calling. I was wondering if you could um get one of the maids to help me out. I’m stuck in here.”
“Stuck?”
“Mm-hmm. As in all the doors are locked from the outside.”
I heard Reginald groan on the other end before dropping the call. Five minutes later, I heard the lock turn from my room and the bathroom door came open. I was surprised to find Reginald himself standing in front of the door.
“Oh, um, Hi. I didn’t know you were still home.”
He was half dressed in his suit. The only things missing were his tie and blazer. The top buttons of his shirt were opened and I thought damn! That is some chest.
“Get dressed quickly. You’re already late for school.”
Reginald didn’t wait for a reply. Just turned and left the room. My cheeks were still burning from the embarrassment while I dressed up.
Downstairs, I saw that my breakfast of omelettes and toasts had gone cold. Still, I picked one slice before grabbing my bottle of water and heading out the front door.
“How are you getting to school?”
I jumped and turned around to face Reginald who was standing by his car, ready to get in.
I swallowed the piece of bread in my mouth. “Oh, the bus.”
“Is that how you always go to school?” He asked, his eyes widening slightly.
I nodded slowly, unsure if that was the wrong or right answer. I could sense some anger beneath the surprise.
“What about Ka…never mind. Get in. I’ll be dropping you off.”
My jaw fell open along with the bread. I was about to pick it up but Reginald waved me away, calling for the gardener who was tending the flowers around the house.
“Get in,” he repeated and I wasted no time.
The driver started up the engine as Reginald gave him instructions on the new route they were to take. I thanked him for his kindness but his only response was,
“You need a car.”
It didn’t sound like a question, just a statement of facts. And I didn’t know how to respond to that. I couldn’t afford a car with what little money I had. I really needed to see about that job.
I expected that Reginald would just drop me off in front of school like my mother had but when we arrived, I was surprised to see the driving rolling up to the drop off.
“You really don’t have to…”
Reginald cut me off. “What time do you get off school?”
“Um.” I swallowed. “3.”
He nodded. “I’ll be here to pick you up.”
He? As in the driver alone or Reginald would be in the backseat. I didn’t ask because just then the bell went for the first period and I had to leave the car.
“Thank…” I was saying but the driver was already rolling the car away.
“Alright,” I nodded, turned around and walked to class.
On my way, I bumped into Samantha but this time she was alone. It looked like she was headed to class but she was taking her sweet time while doing it. One day, I was going to learn whatever sacred connection it was she had to the administration.
“No way, did I just see a car drop you off? Like an actual car?”
Jeez! Was there nothing this girl missed?
“No way I’m not telling the others about this. You’re so lucky you’re one of us now or you’d have been reading about it in this week’s issue.”
Right! Thank God for the membership of the magazine society, I thought as I hurried the rest of the way to my class. Shortly after that, the teacher walked in and shut the door behind her.
“All right class. Hope you’re ready for today’s test.”
Whew! Close one.
- Writer
