Choosing Mr. Destiny - Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Ashley's POV
Right after that fight between Jacob and Connor, I decided it's better to just leave to give myself some space. I wasn't able to handle the situation anymore considering the fact that the tension was high in the air. And besides, it's never in my line of comfort to witness two people going head on as they kept throwing punches after punches towards each other.
Thankfully, Besty came right in after I walked out. She consoled me into things and told me to just let off steam because I was too upset that time. She stayed by me as I ranted on how mad I was towards the two guys.
And as I kept letting my frustrations out, Besty was there to listen, and I was utterly grateful. She knew I needed someone to lean on during that time and I was glad she stepped in to comfort me.
She was there to give me advice on what to do and I accepted it whole heartedly. She was there as my best friend when I needed her.
But when I told her that I needed some time to think, she left and went back to my friends.
Sitting on the log, I watched as the small waves crash into the shore.
I was doing my best to forget what happened earlier and just try to relax. But it was to no avail. Even with how hard I tried to fight it off, my thoughts would betray me as it always go back to earlier's events.
I groaned loudly.
"All I wanted was a day of relaxation. Is that too much to ask?" I spoke to no one in particular.
I groaned once again as I tug on my hair in frustration.
The two of them does have a lot of explaining to do. I may be upset but I'm willing to address the issue before I finally decide to move on from it. As much as I don't want to talk about it, I had to. It has to be done and fixed. I have to act accordingly and maturely if I wanted to resolve this said issue. I know it's going to be awkward, it's guaranteed, but that doesn't mean I can just neglect it like it didn't happen. And besides, I'm the reason why the two guys went into a nasty brawl. One, because Jacob misunderstood Connor. And two, jealousy was at work during that time. Both of them were no longer able to control their emotions as anger took over.
I have to fix this myself as well. I have to explain to Jacob that Connor wasn't asking me out the way he thinks it is. I also had to clear things up between Jacob and I being boyfriends because we both know we weren't together. We went on a date, yes, but he didn't ask me to be his boyfriend. And even if he did, I'd tell him to give me time since it was too early to step into that kind of thing anyway. We did went on a date for the purpose of getting to know each other, but not even ones did I mention we're officially in a relationship.
We only went on a date once, ONCE, and he already thought we're boyfriends.
I wanted to tell Jacob that his thinking was way too advanced, but I thought it would be mean, so I'll just keep it to myself. And us being boyfriends isn't going to happen. At least not just yet.
But then again, right after that drama happened, the thought of having a boyfriend no longer interest me. In my mind, I think it's much better to just stay single. For now.
If the dating scene is really going to happen, it will happen in the right time. No one can stop it, not even myself.
But for now, like I have said, I guess it's best to stay single.
Besides, dating is so complicated and needs a lot of work and effort. I don't think I'm ready for it just yet.
If I'm being honest, I'd rather do calculus all day than put myself in the dating scene. At least with calculus, if you really thought hard about it, you can easily solve and find the right formulas. But with dating, there's millions of possible outcomes you have to think about.
But then again, maybe that's just me being nerdy, and comparing math with relationships. And that just proves how messed up my mind is during these kinds of situation. I mean, no one can blame me for acting this way. I wasn't used to being surrounded with constant drama almost every damn time. I was overwhelmed and I didn't know how to react accordingly.
And besides, I was upset. Anyone who feels the same would've done what I did.
I sighed and ran my hands on my damp, messy hair.
I swear to the heavens, I didn't sign myself up for this.
It's already too much for me.
Groaning, I turned to the lake and sighed heavily. I closed my eyes as I embrace the feeling of the breeze washing over my stressed out body.
"I'm going to keep losing weight with all these drama." I mumbled as I opened my eyes.
I stood up from sitting on the log and walked along the shoreline.
I looked over my shoulder to see how far my friends are, and saw them sitting under the shade acting like nothing happened.
I guess that's how they deal with it. Act like it didn't happen in the first place.
Sighing once again, I walked towards the side of the lake where I guess, no one visits that much. It was nice and cool but also a little creepy considering the woods was only a few steps away. I stared at the trees and felt how eerie the vibe it was giving off.
"I surely don't want to get lost in there." I mumbled to myself again.
I turned my attention back to the lake and focused on it's amazing beauty.
It really is true that if you're stressed out or just plain tired, you just go to a place where you can really be with nature and you will feel relaxed and be in peace.
The scenery can take your mind off of the things that might be bothering you. It can sooth your body just by admiring the amazing scenery it offers.
I smiled when another cool breeze washed over me.
And since there was no one else there with me, I opened my arms wider like Rose did in the movie Titanic, just without Jack.
I let the wind embrace me and completely take my mind away from any worries. I was finally relaxed, my mind was at peace, body in nothing but pure contentment.
Inhaling deeply, I was able to smell the lake's fresh scent as well as the woodsy smell from the trees behind me.
I smiled once again and closed my eyes. I let my senses take over as I give the cool breeze the power to bring me bliss. It was nice.
Feeling the wind on every inch of my skin, hearing the water crashing on the shoreline, and feeling the birds fly freely above me.
But my relaxation was suddenly interrupted when something happened I totally didn't expect.
Surprisingly, I heard a whine. A small but cute whine.
I furrowed my brows in confusion. Did something just whined or is it my imagination playing with my head? I opened my eyes and saw the lake with it's calm water shimmering with the sun's rays shining down beautifully at it.
Yeah, definitely my imagination. I thought.
Then I decided to close my eyes again, in hopes of hearing nature's relaxing hymn. But then, the cute whine sounded once more, effectively interrupting my suppose-to-be relaxation for the second time.
Just my imagination. Just my imagination. So better ignore it, I told myself.
Then it whined again, and again, and again, which was very odd.
Okay, if the lake was the one whining then this is really creepy.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw nothing and didn't hear anything. I frowned again in confusion.
Okay? So, is nature playing tricks with me? Or is it just me thinking that something just whined?
I looked around but there was nothing there also. Everything looked peaceful and the forest behind me was silent, except the rustling of leaves when the wind blew over it and the bird's melodious chirping. But over all, everything was silent.
Okay, what the heck was that?
Then something nudged me on my ankle and I nearly Jumped twenty stories high and shouted my lungs out. A bit too exaggerated but you get my point. And well, because I jumped, I went straight to the water with a big splash. I coughed hard when water entered my nose and felt the nasty burning sensation.
I hate when that happens, it freaking burns.
I quickly stood up and turned my attention to the little thing that startled the life out of me.
Once my eyesight caught what it was, I realized it was a cute little puppy, looking all terrified and sad.
I frowned after I coughed out.
As I inspected the Puppy even further, I figured it was a husky, or so what I thought it was.
My frown deepened. Why would a husky pup be in a place like this all alone? I thought.
I looked around in hopes of finding it's mother but found none.
I turned back to the puppy when it whined.
"How did you end up being in here, little puppy?" I asked, not expecting an answer.
I got out of the water and slowly walked towards the little angel sitting on it's hind legs with it's ears low. And suddenly, something clicked inside my head.
"Hold on." I spoke, halting my steps.
I stared at the pup with uncertainty.
"You don't happen to be a wolf, are you?" I asked the little puppy again, still not expecting an answer, obviously.
The scared adorable little creature whined.
I stepped closer as I inspected it even better.
"Oh my god." I whispered in disbelief. "You are a wolf pup."
Still in awe, I slowly crouched down as I sat on my ankles, making myself look small. The puppy was already terrified by the looks of it, I don't want to make it even worse.
"What are you doing out here alone puppy?" I asked softly even though it can't answer me.
I looked around again just in hopes of catching a sight of it's mother.
The wolf pup whined and I turned my attention back towards it.
"Are you lost?"
The wolf pup whined as it lowered it's head to the ground with a saddened look on it's face.
With that, I'm pretty sure the answer to my question was a 'Yes'.
"You poor little thing." I cooed sadly.
I opened my hands and placed it down so the pup knows that I mean no harm. The pup tilted it's head as it slowly made small steps towards me. The pup sniffed my hand for a bit, maybe searching for something harmful or anything that may looked like a threat. Then the pup looked up and flopped it's cute pink tongue at me and I can't help but giggle like a damn high school girl. Not that it's wrong or something.
But I swear, I just giggled.
"Awe, aren't you adorable." I said as I started petting it. The pup stood on my lap while looking up at me with it's tongue out.
"Are you even a boy or a girl?" I said while leaning down and looking at it's behind to see it's gender.
"Okay so, you're a boy." I stated. "And because of that, I will name you Tammy." I said cheerily and the pup barked at me adorably. I smiled and picked him up before I quickly stood up.
I giggled. "I'd take that as a yes then." I said while holding him into my chest.
"Well, I should help you get home to Mommy and Daddy. It's not safe for you out here alone." I spoke, looking down at the pup.
He can't survive on his own yet, he's still a helpless little puppy. If I left him alone in here, then he would die and I don't want that to happen. It may be stupid to go into the woods unprepared, but I care for living creatures, even if they turned out to be harmful. They still deserved to live and If there is something I can do in order to save this Pup's life then I will help.
"We will find your family, I assure you that." I told Tammy and he whined.
I turned to the woods and eyed it wearily.
I have to help this pup, because if I didn't, then my conscience will eat me slowly. It's a heartless act to leave a helpless pup on it's own.
I sighed deeply.
After I decided to help Tammy, I started to make my way towards the forest. My big t-shirt was still wet, and so was the short I'm wearing which made me feel cold. But it's not going to stop me from helping Tammy. He's my friend now. My new wolf friend.
People might call me stupid for doing this but I don't care. At least I'm helping in a small way.
I walked further into the woods, not knowing where I was going. I looked everywhere but there was no wolf family in sight.
I decided to just keep walking until I find something that can somehow help me.
I suddenly stopped in my tracks when I noticed Tammy's nose started to twitch.
I gasped.
I think he's picking up something that's familiar to him, hopefully his family's scent. He continued to sniff the air until he stopped in a certain direction.
I looked down at the pup. "I'm going to trust your instincts with this Tammy." I said in which he barked at me softly.
With that, I continued walking heading towards the direction Tammy's nose pointed.
God, I hope I'm doing the right thing. I thought.
After I made it into a small clearing, Tammy's nose twitched continuously as it pointed straight ahead.
"Are you finally picking up your mommy and daddy's scent, Tammy?" I asked while looking down at him.
He barked adorably and I giggled.
"I'll take that as a yes again." I said with a giggle and continued walking.
We entered the woods once again but this time, I didn't stop walking. I followed every direction Tammy's snout directs me and pray that it will lead us to his family.
As I was walking, I was suddenly startled by the rustling of leaves.
I stopped in my tracks and looked around.
Tammy then started growling which only made the situation even scarier for me.
"Shhhh Tammy." I scolded him but he didn't listen.
The rustle of leaves sounded again which had me on complete alert with one thing in my mind. Run. Which I did.
I sprinted like the devil himself was on my heels. Never once turning back to check if there was someone or something following me.
I just ran.
I didn't even bother listening to my lungs screaming mercy for me to stop for air. I just kept running because I figured my life depended on it. If I stop, whoever or whatever was out there in a hunt, will catch up on me.
My life may be a cluttered mess at the moment, but I value it the most. So as much as possible, treasure the only life I have.
And with that in my mind, I continued to run for a couple more minutes until my lungs felt like it was about to collapse.
Once we stepped into another open space, I finally decided to stop.
I dropped Tammy to the ground as I continued to take in deep breaths to regulate my breathing and erratic beating heart. I was so deprived of oxygen that dark spots started appearing in my vision.
For a minute straight, I did nothing but calm myself down. Taking in as much air as I can.
Five minutes later, my heart beat as well as my breathing was finally back to normal.
I looked down at Tammy who was sitting in front of me with a tilted head.
"What have I gotten myself into?" I mumbled lowly as I stood up.
Picking up Tammy back into my arms, I continued to walk towards where Tammy's snout would point.
And as I kept walking, the pup in my arm suddenly jumped out as it ran towards the woods.
"Woah Tammy wait up." I called as I followed him.
The pup continued to run with it's cute little legs with me following close behind. A few minutes later, Tammy stopped as he tried to catch his breath.
I giggled.
"That's what you get for running off." I said. "If you could've just stayed being carried then you would've been fine." I chuckled.
I crouched down as I made a move on picking him up. But instead of letting me, he ran off again.
I sighed.
"Fine. Have it your way." I said as I followed the stubborn pup again.
Tammy kept running towards where I have no idea about. I just made sure to keep an eye on him.
But when he suddenly vanished behind an area covered with thick tall trees, I immediately panicked.
"Oh my gosh, Tammy come back." I called out as I followed him.
As I made my way through the thickly covered area of the woods, I heard Tammy bark.
"Tammy I'll be right there." I yelled as I finally saw a little way out.
When I was finally in the open, I saw Tammy sitting on his hind legs. But what caught my attention was the house in front of us.
My mouth fell open as I walked further towards Tammy.
"Holy Pineapples." I breathed out.
The house wasn't small nor large. It was just the right size for a family with 5 members. It looked like it wasn't old either.
But what struck me the most was the fact there was a house in the middle of nowhere. Specifically, in the middle of the woods.
Tammy suddenly let out a bark as he ran towards the left side of the house.
"Tammy wait." I called out as I followed him with my gaze.
Suddenly, my eyes landed on a person, which made gasp.
My eyes connected with his and there I felt like my legs were going to give off.
From where I stood, he looked really tall. I'm guessing somewhere close to 6'7. As I inspected him better, I figured he's probably in his 40's. And I must say, he looked very intimidating.
"I-I'm sorry Sir, but I d-didn't mean to trespass." I stuttered out.
The guy didn't respond. Instead, He just stood there as he kept staring at me.
While on the other hand, Tammy was looking up at the guy happily with his tongue out.
I frowned. Does Tammy know this guy? If that's the case then I probably should go seeing as he's finally home.
"I-I should go." I said, turning back towards the woods.
And I guess the guy snapped out of whatever trance he was in and finally spoke.
"No, wait." He called out using his very deep, masculine voice.
I halted before turning back slowly towards him.
"I apologize for being a total creep." He said as he walked towards me.
And seeing as I don't trust the guy, I stepped back.
He immediately stopped on his feet. "I promise you, I mean no harm." He said as he raised his hands up.
"I just want to ask how you get here?" He questioned watching me with a calm look on his face.
I gulped. "I, uh, I was looking for Tammy's family." I spoke.
He frowned. "Tammy?" He asked.
And with that, I pointed to the pup who was sitting next to him.
He looked down. "Oh." He then turned back to me. "Well, Tammy actually lives here. For now." He spoke.
I frowned again.
"For now?" I asked.
"Well as you can see, he's a wild wolf, and we can't keep them as pets. It's against the law." He said. "He was just staying here temporarily because his mother was badly injured. We have to make sure they're all well before we send them back into the wild."
I gave him a nod.
"So uh, you're a rescuer then?"
He smiled which made him look like a really nice guy. But I was still on guard just in case.
"No. My wife and I stubbled on them three days ago with the mother wolf badly injured that we were sure she was going to die if we didn't take her and her pups in."
My eyebrows rose. "Pups?" I asked again.
He nodded. "Yes, Pups. She had five pups in total but the other one was dead when we found them. I'm guessing they were attacked and the mother tried to protect her young, that's why she's injured."
"Oh." Was all I said.
"And then just this morning, this pup ran off." He said as he looked down at Tammy with a disapproving look on his face.
He crouched down before he started petting Tammy. "You should be thankful this nice young man took you home to us." He spoke before turning to me with a grateful smile.
I gave him a smile back.
He then stood back up to his full height. "But what really impressed me the most is that, even when you knew it's dangerous, you still did what you did." He said. "You risked your life to save a little wolf pup's life who could also potentially harm you."
I looked down feeling the blush creeping up into my cheeks.
"I just did what I think was right." I stated.
"And that made you a hero in your own way." He said.
I turned to him and smiled.
"Thank you." I told him, still feeling shy.
"Honey, what's going on out there?" A woman's voice suddenly called.
The guy smiled lovingly. "That's my wife." He said.
"What's taking you so long............" His wife went silent once her eyes landed on me.
"Hi." I greeted with a single wave of my hand.
She blinked before finally snapping out of her shocked state. She probably didn't expect someone to just barge into their property, so did the guy.
She shook her head. "How did you get her sweetie?" She asked.
I looked down to the ground as I played with my fingers.
I was about to answer her when the guy did for me.
"He brought the wolf pup back to us, Jessy." The guy said.
The woman with the name Jessy, turned to her husband. "He did?" She asked in surprise. "But how did you know he lives here?" She questioned, turning back to me.
"Well, he kinda led me here actually." I spoke.
Their eyebrows rose at that. "Really?" The guy asked.
I nodded. "I was walking in the woods in hopes of returning him to his family, when he picked up, I guess, the scent of either of you and led me here."
"Sweetie, do you realize you just helped a wolf pup?" She asked in which I nodded my head 'yes'.
"Then why did you decide to help him? You do know that wolf parents are very aggressive when it comes to their off-spring, right?" She questioned again.
I nodded. "Yes, I do know that."
"The pup's parents could've killed you on sight."
"Yeah, I kind of didn't think about that right away." I admitted.
"Well, let's just all be grateful that Tammy lives here then." The guy spoke.
"Tammy?" His wife asked with furrowed brows.
"The pup. He named him Tammy." He said.
Jessy chuckled. "Really? That's really close to what we named him. Timmy." She said.
"I'm thinking maybe we should name him Tammy from now on seeing as this hero right here, saved his life." The guy said.
Jessy nodded her head in agreement. "Definitely."
"It's no need, really." I said.
Jessy waved me off. "Oh nonsense. You deserve to name him."
I wasn't able to reply. Instead, I gave her a smile.
"And I think Tammy is a more fitting for this very active pup." The guy stated as he picked up Tammy into his muscular arms.
"Oh, if I may ask, sweetie. What's your name?" Jessy asked.
"I'm Ashley. Ash for short." I answered nicely with a smile.
"That's a very beautiful name fit for a beautiful and kind person like you." She said.
And if I'd say my cheeks didn't turn red because of what she said then I'd be lying.
"Thank you." I replied back shyly with bright tinted cheeks.
"You're most welcome Ash." She said. "Well I'm Jessy. And here next to me is my husband, Matthias." She introduced.
"It's nice to meet you both." I said politely.
"If I may ask, Ash. Do you live near here?" Matthias asked.
As I was about to answer, Jessy interrupted. "Before you answer that, maybe it's best if we go inside and sit down. I'll go get some drinks. How's that sound?" She said.
To be honest, I was a bit hesitant. I didn't know these people and I don't trust them.
Well, you went into the woods, with a wolf pup in your arms, to go search for it's wolf family. I guess you're way past beyond the point between taking risk and staying safe. My brain argued, which it definitely had a point.
"Sure." I answered.
"Okay great. You can also meet Tammy's family too." She stated excitedly.
And with that, we all went inside their house with Tammy in Matthias' arms.
Once we were finally settled in the living room, Jessy excused herself to go get something to drink. And since I was dead thirsty, I didn't even think about declining the offer.
"Anyways, to answer your question, I live the next town."
He nodded. "Oh okay. Then how did you end up here?"
"Well, my friends and I came here to have a relaxing day at the lake." I stated with a little eye-roll after remembering earlier's events.
Matthias chuckled. "With how you said it, I figured it wasn't as relaxing as you expected then?"
I chuckled as well. "Yeah, kind of." I said. "I had fun, but then these two guys suddenly went head on and rained punches towards each other."
"Thus, ruining the fun." Matthias finished.
I nodded with a chuckle. "Yeah."
"That's unfortunate. But I hope things will go well between the two."
I shrugged. "I hope so."
I turned to Jessy once she arrived back from the kitchen.
"Here is your Juice." She said as he gave me a glass full of apple juice.
"Thank you."
She then went to her husband and gave him his coffee.
"So I heard from the kitchen you came here to have a relaxing day at the lake?" She asked once she was seated.
I nodded. "Yup."
"So I assume that's where you found Tammy?"
And I nodded again. "More like on the farther side of the lake where less people goes to."
She hummed before she sipped her tea. "That makes sense."
"So how come you two live here in the middle of the woods? I mean I'm not saying it's a bad thing. It's just a bit surprising to find a house out here." I asked.
"Well, we both figured it's a perfect place to build a home. And besides, I got this land from my father whom he also inherited from his father." Matthias answered.
"That's cool." I said. "So do you guys have kids?"
They both nodded.
"We do." Jessy said.
I looked around. "And where are they?"
"One is out with his friends and one was in a different family." Jessy admitted.
My eyebrows rose up. "Oh. Uhm, if you don't mind me asking, what do you mean by 'in a different family'?"
Jessy looked like the question was something she couldn't answer so she turned to Matthias.
"Some things came up and we have to give him to a family more capable of keeping him safe." He said.
"Oh. I-I'm sorry if I asked." I admitted feeling like an idiot for asking such personal question.
Jessy smiled at me.
"It's okay sweetie."
We all went silent for a moment before I decided to break it.
"So uhm, what do you think attacked Tammy's mother for her to have those serious injuries?" I asked in an attempt to change the subject.
"With those marks and wounds on her, I'm guessing it's another wolf." Matthias answered.
"That's horrible." I stated. "Is it okay if I go see her?"
"Sure. But you can't go near her. She's still a wild animal and is very dangerous." He said in which I nodded.
With Tammy sleeping on his lap, Matthias slowly handed him to Jessy.
"Aren't you going to give Lana her pup?" Jessy asked.
Mat shook his head. "We have to do that later when she's sleeping. She's been so stressed out because of Tammy going missing, we can't make that any worse."
With that, Jessy nodded and petted Tammy's soft fur.
"Follow me." Mat said as he walked through the house and out into the backyard. "We had to build her, her own enclosure just to be safe." He said.
"How do you guys tend to her wounds then?"
He turned to me. "We have no choice but to tranquilize her."
I nodded. "It's for your own safety anyway, so I guess that's fine."
And with that, Lana's enclosure came in sight.
I gasped when I saw her figure resting on the side with wounds patched up all over her body. "I didn't expect it to be this serious." I said.
"She looked way worse when we found her." Matthias commented.
"But she still looked so gorgeous though."
Mat nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, she is. Wolves will always look so majestic no matter what."
And I gasped loudly once again when my eyes landed on her pups.
"Oh my god." I breathed out as one by one, cute little puppies ran towards the edge of the enclosure.
"They're so adorable." I cooed.
Mat chuckled at me. "They are."
"Thank Goodness they're not hurt."
"Yup. Other than the single pup that died, Lana still did a great job in protecting her off-spring." He replied.
Mat and I stayed in front of Lana's enclosure for a while. We talked about different stuff and I'd say he's a great person. At first I thought he was very scary and intimidating, but when I got to know him better even for a short time, I can say I thought wrong about him for a first impression.
That's why I highly agree on the saying 'never judge a book by it's cover'. Things may be different once you get to know someone and how they are as a person.
I guess saving Tammy wasn't that bad at all. I get to meet new people at the very unexpected places.
"So how old is your son?" I asked as we walked back inside the house.
"He's 18 and turning 19 very soon." He answered with a proud smile plastered on his face.
I hummed. "He's almost the same age as I am. I'm 17 but turning 18 in a few months."
Mat chuckled softly. "Are you ready to be an adult?"
I fake scoff. "Of course I am."
He smiled. "Were you being sarcastic?"
I laughed. "Obviously."
"Figured." He said with a little laugh.
"I don't want to be an adult yet." I whined embarrassingly. "I like being a teenager. Less worries, happier life."
Mat laughed again. "Well, you have a few months to enjoy that."
"Sadly."
"But look on the bright side, when you're an adult, you can do a lot more things than when you were a teenager."
"True." I said.
Then Jessy popped out from the living room.
"How was she?" She asked as she placed the empty glass and mugs in the sink.
"She's doing good. She's getting all the rest as much as she can." Mat replied.
Jessy nodded hummed. "That's good then. But how are the pups?"
Her husband chuckled. "Healthy and hyper as always."
"No surprise there." She said with a laugh.
She turned to me with a soft smile. "Anyways, do you want to stay for dinner Ash?" She asked.
I pouted slightly. "I wish I could but I have to go back to my friends."
She gasped as if just remembering. "Oh my, they must be worried sick searching for you."
I nodded with a defeated look.
"And what's worse is that, I don't know the way back to them." I admitted.
"Don't worry, I'll get you back to your friends." Mat said making me turn to him feeling grateful.
"Really?"
He gave me a nod. "Even if you know the way back, I'm not going to let you walk back alone in the woods."
I smiled at him feeling relieved. "Thank you."
He shook his head. "It's nothing."
"Well, off you go then." Jessy said as she walked over and gave me a hug. "Be careful next time, okay? You can never trust the woods. It will always be dangerous. So stay safe." She said before she pulled away.
"I will."
She smiled and pinched my cheek. "That's good. Now go. The sun is about to set soon."
Before we left, she gave her husband a kiss.
"Bring a protection with you. It's not safe out there." Jessy said to Mat and with that he nodded and went to their room.
I turned to Jessy with a curious look on my face.
"Is it really dangerous out there?" I asked.
"Very. I'm even surprised you came out with nothing at all. Most people who stumble here in our house by accident usually has wounds like bite marks or worse." She admitted.
"I guess I just run fast." I said in which she furrowed her brows.
"What do you mean?"
"As I was still searching for Tammy's family, we encountered something. But I didn't know what it was. I just ran and ran."
"Oh my." She said fearfully with her hand on her chest.
"Do you think it was a wolf?"
She sighed. "We don't know. There's a lot of different animals in the woods. We can't tell for sure."
We both turn to Mat as he came back from their bedroom.
"Okay, I'm all geared up." He said.
"Good." She said.
"Before we go, here." Mat spoke as he handed me a Swiss pocket knife. "Just for protection." He added.
I nodded and put the thing inside my back pocket.
"And just to make you aware, I brought my hand gun with me." He said as he showed me the gun hidden on his back.
"Okay."
What the heck is out there for them to gear up this much? I thought to myself.
"Mat the sun is about to set. You two should go before it gets dark." Jessy instructed in which we immediately followed.
After our farewells, we went on our way.
"Stay close to me, Okay?" Mat told me and I nodded.
And with that we were off.
A few minutes into the walk, I poked Mat on the shoulders, making him turn his attention to me. "How long is the walk usually?"
"It depends on what trail we follow. In this case we'll follow the one heading northeast. So it'll take us more or less 30 minutes of hike." He said.
"Okay."
"Don't worry, we'll get to your friends safe." He assured in which I gave him a smile.
"I know." Was all I said before we both went quiet.
10 minutes later, Mat suddenly stopped on his tracks making me smash myself into his back.
I looked up at him in question.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
Instead of answering me, he shushed me.
That's when I figured something was up.
"Stay close Ash." He said as he took his hand gun.
"What is it?"
"Something's out there." He said as he pointed his gun towards the left. "Take you pocket knife out and get behind me." He instructed in which I didn't waste a second to follow.
I took my pocket knife and get ready for whatever was coming.
As Mat continued to look around with his gun in hand, a rustle of leaves suddenly echoed behind the trees.
I gasped.
"Be alert Ash." He said in a whispered.
As the rustling got worse, my fear also intensified tenfold.
When the rustling stopped, Mat didn't even once put his guard down.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bunny jumped out of a bush. Scaring the crap of both Mat and I.
"What the f*ck!" He cussed in agitation causing for the bunny to run away in fear.
"Stupid rabbit." I mumbled.
"I almost shot the life out of that bunny. Holy sh*t." He said as he put the gun away.
"I won't blame you if you did. I mean it scared the both of us in the first place." I said in his defense.
"Still. It was an innocent bunny." Was all he said before we continued on our walk.
And finally, both of us were able to sigh out in relief once the lake was in sight.
"OMG Finally!" I rejoiced before running towards the shoreline.
Once I was out of the creepy woods, I sighed deeply.
I looked around and saw the familiar place I was in earlier.
"Do you see your friends anywhere?" Mat asked as he stepped out of the trees.
"No, but I know where they are." I said.
"Okay. Do you want me to take you there?" He offered in which this time, I declined.
I shook my head. "I'll be fine from here on. You go back to Jessy. She's by herself at your house."
Mat looked hesitant at first. "Are you sure?"
I nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I'm sure."
He sighed. "Okay. I guess I have to go back now."
"Yup." I said before running towards him and gave him a hug. "And thank you for helping me."
He hugged me back. "You're welcome."
After I pulled away I looked up at him and smiled.
"Oh, before I forget, is it okay if I ask for your address? Just in case I decided to pay you guys a visit?" I asked nicely.
With that, Mat beamed at me. "Of course."
Once I got his address, I told him to go back since it was starting to get dark.
"I'll see you and Jessy soon." I said as he entered the woods once again.
"See you soon, son." And with that, he was gone.
I took a sigh of relief and turned towards the lake.
"What an adventure filled day for me." I said with a little chuckle.
Deciding it's time to go home, I went back to my friends.
And as I was getting nearer and nearer towards where they were suppose to be staying, I was able to hear them shout my name.
Oh god, I made them worried sick. But then it's not my fault I had to leave in the first place. If it weren't for their manly egos, no drama would've surfaced.
But then again, I guess what happened was a blessing in disguise. I get to meet two new, amazing people and that itself made everything seem worth it. Especially during the time when I was lost in the woods.
Everything was unexpected but it was very well accepted.
But should I tell them about what happened though? I'm sure they'll just freak out about it for nothing. So it's probably best if I keep it to myself.
Besides, I'm thinking maybe it's for the best if I keep Mat and Jessy's location stay hidden. They deserve the peacefulness.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even notice someone gasp and run towards me.
"God, Ash, Where have you been? We've been looking all over for you." Connor said as he hugged me tight. He lifted me off the ground as he hid his face into my neck.
I blinked before the situation finally sank in.
"I'm fine." I said before pulling away from him.
When earlier's events came flooding my memory, my mood instantly made a complete 180 degree turn.
I can't deny that I'm still upset towards the two of them. What happened during the time when I was at Mat and Jessy's was just a little distraction.
Now I'm back to my reality.
Now I still want to be alone.
Be with little Tammy instead.
It may sound stupid, but that's what I feel.
I wanted to go back to them and pour my problems out to both Mat and Jessy because I feel like they're always there to listen. Always.
I know they do.
I may have met them just today but I feel like they're people I can trust. There's just something about them being so welcoming that made me feel so at home and safe. Specially to Mat. When I'm with him, I feel safe and secured. It's odd but I can't deny the feeling was there.
I was once again snapped out to reality when Connor spoke up.
"Where have you been? You really scared and worried us to death Ash." He said with concern as he examined my body for any sign of me being hurt.
His eyes showed nothing but utter sincerity but I was still upset to care.
"Somewhere." I told him flatly.
I may sound or look mean, but my sudden change of mood prevented me to give a care.
At that moment, all I wanted was to be alone again.
"Somewhere? You were gone for three straight hours Ash." He paused as he turned behind him to inform the others about me coming back. "Hey guys! I found Ash!" He yelled loud to let my friends know that I'm back.
The five of them instantly came running towards where we were. Besty and Lea were having this horrified looks on their faces with the two guys sporting a strong look as always. While as for Jacob, well, he's giving me the sad, worried look. They stopped in front of me and Connor.
Besty and Lea instantly went to me and hugged me like I was gone for a freaking century.
"Hi." I said casually.
"Oh my god, Ash where have you been? We were so worried about you." Besty cried and hugged me tightly with Lea now standing behind her. The two boys along with Jacob, just listened in the background.
"Just somewhere." I said flatly again.
Besty instantly pulled away from the hug after hearing what I said and she looked at me with shock on her face.
"You were gone for three hours and you'll tell me you just went somewhere? You made us worried sick, Ash." She exclaimed angrily at me.
I scowled at her. "Well I'm back now and that's all that matters. Now I wanna go home." I said as I started to walk towards my things, but Besty stopped me.
And for some odd reasons, It caused for the anger hiding in the very depths of me to slowly float to the surface.
"Are you seriously kidding me right now? At least tell us what happened with you. Not just walk out and act like nothing happened." She pushed which fueled my anger even more.
"I don't want to talk about it Ashley Rose so please, just drop it." I told her in warning.
"You want me to drop it? Then tell us what happened. We have the right to know." She said. "If you want me to forget about the fact that you were lost somewhere in there then please have the audacity to explain what the f*ck happened. Didn't I tell you not to walk further away Ash? But you didn't listen." She retorted angrily which was also the last straw for me to finally burst.
"I said, drop it." I yelled with anger flowing like hot lava in my eyes causing for them all to freeze from my sudden outburst.
I bet they didn't expect that one coming seeing as it's the first time I yelled my lungs out in anger. And also for the fact that I rarely snap at anyone, I'm sure my outburst really shocked them. Well, except for the scene that happened earlier during Jacob and Connor's brawl, I think they were still not used to me yelling or just snap.
They never saw me during this state because I made sure to be as calm and composed as I can all the time. But if they keep pushing me towards the edge, then I don't have any choice but to give them a little peak of someone way different than the Ashley Dale they know.
"What is wrong with you? We were just worried that you were hurt?" Besty said in a much lower tone of voice, and an obvious disbelief on her face.
To be honest, I don't really know exactly what was freaking wrong with me. All I know was that, I'm still upset and no longer in the mood to talk to anyone. I was never like this to anyone but for some reason, I feel like if someone pushed me to talk, I'll easily snap. My patience was really thin at the moment.
"Well, as you can see, I'm not hurt. So just drop it. Like I said, I'm back and that's all that matters. And I'm not in the mood to freaking talk." I told them as I made my way towards where my things are.
But even before I took another step, Jacob stopped me and I instantly tensed.
"Look, if this is because of the fight..." I didn't let him finish what he was going to say when I cut him off.
"Don't. Just don't." I told him without giving him a glance. Then I shook my arm out from his grasp and walked away.
"What is wrong with him?" Lea whispered but I was able to hear her clearly.
"I don't know. He's never been like that before....... like ever." Besty said with sadness present in her voice.
I made it to where my things are and started to change into some clean and something more comfortable clothing.
I wasn't planning on going back swimming anyway so might as well change. Besides, it's getting dark, we'll head home soon.
After getting dressed, I laid down on the towel and I put my left arm above my eyes to cover it from the sun's setting lights. I just let the breeze calm me down again and thankfully, it did manage even for the slightest bit.
I can feel them walking quietly towards their own spot. And I can sense someone looking down at me. And slowly felt someone sat right beside me. Without even seeing who it was, I know it was Jacob.
He cleared his throat.
"Uh, I know you're still mad at me but........can we talk?" He said a bit unsure.
He's still not going to drop this, is he?
I sighed and lifted my arm out of my face before I sat back up next to him.
"What is it." I said much calmer now.
"I just wanted to say sorry for what I did earlier." Jacob said while avoiding eye contact.
I sighed again knowing where this conversation was going.
"It's not only me you have to say sorry for Jacob, you know that." I told him calmly.
"I know, I already apologized to Connor and we're finally okay. Well, sort of. But that doesn't mean I'm okay with him taking you away from me." He said the last part only above a whisper.
"Jacob, I thought we settled this? We only went on a date on......" I was cut off when he spoke up.
"I know, we went on one date once, I know that. But I can't help it. I want you. And I want you to be mine and mine only. I can't control my possessiveness when it comes to you Ash. I just can't . And I don't.......... I just don't want to lose you. Not again." He said defeatedly.
I sighed.
I understand where he's coming from, I really do. But I guess it's not okay to prevent someone to hang out with their friends just because they're supposedly dating right? I think that it's just unfair.
But then again, that was only my opinion.
"I understand Jacob. But what you did earlier was still irresponsible. I know you're upset about Connor talking to me but you didn't have to attack him. If you have issue with him then talk to him personally." I told him.
He sighed.
"I know. I messed up. I was just too driven by my anger to process it the right way. I didn't think, I just acted." He admitted.
"Well I'm glad you know you made a mistake because now, you have to fix it up. And I'm not saying Connor didn't mess up too, because he did. You both did. I'm just saying that if you guys do have problem with each other, resolve it the right way." I said.
He didn't answer, he just sighed.
"The problem with you guys is that you never talk things out, you always resort to violence, and I never understand why." I spoke up again.
"I promise, I'll fix this." He said and I nodded my head with a smile.
"Good. At least there's a start." I said before a thought came to my mind. "But why do you have such conflicts towards Connor though? I mean, you don't even know each other."
He sighed deeply again.
"Well, I'm.........I'm j-just......." He trailed off before continuing. "I'm just jealous whenever he's around you. I feel threatened that he'll make a move on you one day. Which I'm sure he will, since he did told me he likes you a lot and........." He confessed but I quickly cut him off.
I think my jaw lost a screw and dropped to the ground
"Wait, what?" I asked a bit taken aback.
He shook his head, dreading to speak the words out loud himself.
He sighed. "Connor told me when we were talking earlier that he likes you, and that he will pursue you too." He said with sadness.
Holy What??
Connor Jamieson wants to pursue me?
Like, for real?
"Oh." Was all I said.
I feel like I ran out of words for some reason.
"We were competing against each other just to win you over, remember?" He reminded and I fought the urge to slap myself with a brick in the face.
Right. They were 'Competing' to see who's the best of the best to win me over.
It sounds really ridiculous, and believe me, I tried to stop it even before it started but I guess they were both being too stubborn to listen. And add up to that, I just don't have the power to stop two well built guys from doing what the hell they want.
I mentally groaned. "Right."
"That's the reason why I'm afraid that once you go out with him, you'll like him more than me. That he'll be more deserving for you than me. I feel threatened that the only person that I want, that I am finally going out with, will be taken away from me that fast." Jacob said while looking down on the ground and I tighten my grip on his arm to give him comfort even if I don't know how.
"Jacob, I just want to tell you that during the time of our date yesterday, you really did made me  happy. And the fact that I really enjoyed it, made my first date very memorable, and it's a big points for you." I started. "You taught me how to enjoy being with someone else's company, and for once, I can truly say that I did enjoy it. Even when I barely know you, I lend you my trust. There's so little information that I know about you, Jacob. Probably it only consist of mostly the basic things that I should know before going out with you. I only know your full name, that we're schoolmates, that you're a soccer player, that you have a younger sister, that you're Dad's job was a supervisor, and that's about it." I paused as I sighed. Resting my head on his shoulder. "Before, I was too afraid to go out even with my best friend or my friends with me. Which of course, ends up with me staying in my room more often instead of hanging out with them. And I thought that I will only enjoy being around them and no one else. But you, you taught me how to let loose and just be myself. You made me enjoy our date and I'm thankful for that. So don't ever think that you're not deserving, because you are MORE than deserving Jacob. Maybe I should be the one to ask why I deserved any of this." I told him with all sincerity while still holding his arm.
Wow, did I just say that? I really think that I have major mood disorder or something.
God I hope not.
"Thanks Ash. And I really am sorry for what happened." He said with a soft smile while putting his warm hand on top of mine's that was holding his arm.
"Uhm, you're welcome Jacob." I said. "And well, I guess I should say sorry too. Since you know, I acted like a meanie earlier." I told him before I looked into the lake's shimmery red color in front of us.
"Yeah it's fine. But maybe you should say sorry to your best friend too though. She was really hurt when you snapped at her." He said.
"Yeah, I know. I really didn't mean to yell at her or even to anyone at all." I admitted and then slouched my shoulders in guilt.
"Just go talk to her and sort things out. I'm sure you both will be back to your usual selves in no time." He stated and I gladly took his advice.
Isn't it ironic that I just told him to talk things out with Connor, and now here he is telling me to do the same thing.
As I was about to stand up and head towards Besty, Jacob said something which really caught me off guard.
"But anyway. In between me and Connor, be the best man wins." He said with a smirk before he got up and went for a swim.
"What?" I asked with a frown.
He turned around to face me but didn't stop walking. Then out of nowhere, he winked at me.
This will be the death of me.
Please if I did end up dead, put 'This person died because of too much life dramas' in my tombstone. People who sees my grave will surely appreciate the warning from a dead person.
"In between him and Connor, be the best man wins"?
Well looks like I'm in for a ride of a lifetime. I just hope they'll take it easy on me.
Sighing, I decided to brush the subject off of my mind at the meantime.
For now, I have to apologize to Besty.
And I'm sure this is going to be a piece of cake.
I walked towards her sitting from a few feet away. Without uttering a word, I sat next to her.
Looks like I have to use my charm so Besty forgive me right away.
Hopefully it works.
"Uhm, hi. It's a nice weather today don't you think?" I said and don't get me started about my opening conversation. That's just my strategy so hush.
She turned to me with a raised brow.
"Really Ashley Dale?" She said flatly.
"What? It really is a nice weather today. I was just stating the obvious." I said in a nonchalant manner.
"So you came to talk to me about the weather? Now don't tell me it's going to snow here in the Philippines because that's never going to happen." She said with an eye roll. Okay so Besty being Besty huh, I see where this is going then.
Let me handle this, ladies and gentlemen.
"Well it's not really impossible. Just like recently, it rained Ice or also known as Hale in the northern part of the Philippines." I said with a shrug letting my nerdy self took over.
"Ashley Dale!" She shouted. I blinked and nearly jumped.
Yup! It's working.
"What?" I asked innocently.
"You're kidding me right?" She asked with disbelief visible on her face.
I internally grinned.
She thinks I'm going to say sorry to her but no, I will bug her to death until she forgives me.
Yeah I am mean that way. Sorry not sorry.
"No I'm not. I read it on the newspaper this morning." I said in a matter-of-fact way.
"Seriously? You're talking about the weather? To me? Right now?" She asked and gaped at me in disbelief.
"Uh yeah I am, obviously. So, do you want me to tell you the weather forecast for the next three days?" I asked as innocent as humanly possible.
"Oh my god Ashley. You'll be the death of me." She exclaimed while throwing her hands up in the air in frustration.
I internally laughed.
Gosh this is entertaining.
"What? Talking about the weather can't kill anyone. Well, except if you're talking about the weather and then got hit by a lightning then you'd be bye-bye." I said innocently and acting all oblivious about my best friend's growing frustrations.
"Oh my freaking god. This is not happening, this is NOT happening." She said while cupping her face with her hands. I tried my best not to laugh at her and I guess I'm doing great.
"Of course it's not happening, lightning only strikes when there's a thunderstorm and it's sunny today so I doubt you'll get hit by lightning." I said while checking my nails acting all casual like planned.
"Oh good lord. I'm friends with a nerd. Please help me and send me an angel and take him away from me." He said while covering her ears with her hands.
"Do you know that there is a frost phenomenon happening in the Cordillera Region of the Philippines? Isn't that cool? Well it is cool since it's frost right?" I asked with much enthusiasm paired with a bright smile.
"Not hearing anything he says. Tada-tada-tada. Oh look a shark." She said trying to block her ears from hearing what I was saying.
"Technically, there is no shark here. Specifically lakes here in the Philippines. That's just againts the laws of weather. I mean nature." I said with a chuckle and a bright smile.
"Nope still not hearing anything?" She said in a singing manner.
"And do you know I lost my virginity?" Dropped the bomb like a pro and kaboom. I just have to wait for it.
Silence.
Any second now.
"WHATTTTT?" She really did shouted that near my ear and I feel like my eardrums blew up to tiny pieces.
My poor ears.
I looked at her with a blank look on my face but deep inside I was laughing my butt off.
"Okay I forgive you, just please tell me. Did you really lose your V-card? To whom?" She said wide eyed and I internally smiled wickedly. "Most importantly, was it good? Did it hurt? Did you use condom? Lube? Dildo? Vibrator? Did he prep you? Or no foreplay just right on too it and went bare?" She added which was very unexpected.
What the actual hell is she talking about?
"God you better used protection. You're too young to be pregnant."
Uh.....What?
I was about to reply when she squealed.
"Oh my gosh. Did you and Jacob do it? Was he big? Was his junior average size or above average? Oh my lord, poor Connor. Jacob already won. He already deflowered you." She exclaimed while acting like she was crying. And I just sat there looking at her like she grew two more heads.
"Woah, hold on. How did Jacob get into this conversation?" I asked.
"Well the two of you were dating so I thought......" She trailed off before she let out a loud gasp. "Wait. Unless........." She added with a suspicious look.
"Unless what?" Okay this plan is not going as I expected.
"Oh my freaking god. Unless you hooked up with someone else." She assumed and I mentally cringe.
Me? Hooking up with a random guy? That is very unlikely to happen.
Unless of course, if the guy was a complete package them maybe I'll reconsider.
Que horror.
"Uh. What?" I asked.
"Tell me, who is the bastard that tainted your flower with baby batter?" She questioned as she waited for my reply expectantly.
Mentally smiling wickedly, I decided to go on with the flow.
"Cheese." I said only above a whisper.
"Did you say yes?" She asked a bit confused.
"Cheese." I said again.
"Cheese? The one who took your V-card was named Cheese? That's an odd name." She asked now looking lost and confused.
"Burger." I said trying not to laugh.
"Burger? Wait, hold on. You're playing with me are you?" She asked with furrowed brows.
"Cheese." I said.
"You tricked me so I will forgive you, didn't you?" She asked with a small glare.
"Uh. Yesss?" I said then smiled widely while forming a 'peace' sign using my fingers.
She groaned. "Oh you little. Ugh........ You always get me every time Ashley Dale Valdez. You are so mean." She said while smacking me on my shoulder.
"Hey stop that...ow. Hey that...ow, hurts. But you do...ow, love me though. Ow, I said stop it...ow. What is wrong with you woman. This is child abuse you know... ow." I told her while clutching my abused arm.
"You deserve it. And I love you too." She said and just like that, we were back to being crazy best friends.
She hugged me really tight and I hugged her back. I told her why I was really not in the mood earlier and thankfully, she understands where I was coming from. I really do love my crazy Besty though, she's my crazy ugly duckling and she also love me, her little pony.
Yeah we do have a love/hate relationship and I love it/hate it.
She quickly pulled away from me and looked at me in the eye.
"But did you actually lost your virginity though?"