After Highschool

best to ignore them. The low, harsh laughter began as soon as she came into sight, swelling to fill the room like a taunt

expensive jewellery, looked every bit like the queen bee as she sneered at Ashley. But what surprised him most was how Ashley stood there, silent

lt small. She knew that if she reacted, she'd risk losing her pay for the evening, and her family's

hed for her wine glass. With a delicate flick of her wrist, she poured the entire glass ove

But she knew better than to answer it. This wasn't the time for dreams, and it certainly wasn't the time for outbursts. Inst

swung her hand forward, delivering a slap that echoed through the room. The blow caught Ashley off gu

others gasped in shock. Some from the average crowd frowned, muttering amongst themselves in

ing for Ashley's hair, ready to drag her up for more

to reveal Fred, standing at the edge

ck. "Fred," she stammered, her voice a

ed forward, ignoring Emily completely. His gaze was fixed on Ashley, who still

d handed her a handkerchief. "It's okay," he said so

om him, barely managing a quiet "Thank you." Her voice wa

again, jealousy simmering among the girls who longed for the same attention, the same tendernes

ted, his tone gentle as he reached

away. "I can't," she said quie

erything she'd been through tonight, but he quickly understood. "Don't worry, I'll handle i

helping her inside before walking around to the driver's side. Once in th

hed a small, faded house just on the outskirts of town. The house was modest, a humble contrast to the grand

sed to be paid tonight?" he

r voice barely above a whisper. She felt a twist of shame, but

you," she said again, more sincerely this time

*

ek instinctively, feeling the faint throb left behind by Emily's slap. The

g a quick prayer. Her mother had always told her that faith could carry them t

othpaste from the tube. She made a mental note to pick up another tube when sh

eated at the dining table, staring at his half-full cup of water, lost in thought. It was his daily routin

" she greeted, her

ging a faint smile that ba

ustion etched on her face. She'd just returned from her night shif

see if there was anything left for breakfast. She was hung