Behind the mask
(Dean)
So, it's Friday evening, the day Ashley had asked to come over to my house and talk things out.
Personally, I'd prepared myself for tonight, because something deep inside me tells me that Ashley can't just accept rejection without a fuss, her response almost sounds like there's an ulterior motive behind it.
Well, tonight I'd know.
"It's all set," Ethan says, his voice cutting through my thoughts. I take a quick sip of my drink before turning to face him.
"Thanks man," I say earnestly, and almost on cue, the doorbell rings, Ethan and I share a look, he has a smirk as he shrugs into the couch.
"I guess it's time," I say with a grin, raising my glass of wine. Gently, I bring it down and head out of the guest room to get the door.
I get to the door, and take a quick look through the peephole. Ashley's standing there, a bottle of champagne in hand.
Without hesitating any further, I hold the doorknob and slide it open, revelling Ashley.
Her face breaks into a fake smile, one that belies her true intent. "Peace offering," she says, raising the bottle of champagne, her smile widening.
In a bid to play along, I let a smile play at the corner of my lips, making sure it doesn't seem forced. "Come on in," I say in a calm tone, stepping aside to let her in.
She steps right in with a confident stride, her eyes darting around and then we both walk into the living room.
We settle into the couch, sitting just across from eachother.
A heavy silence follows, but only briefly, because she quickly brings the bottle of champagne down and furrows her eyebrows on me. "Look, Dean." She says, her voice cutting through the silence. "I've made peace with your decision, it's actually okay if you don't want us together anymore, but can we at least not be enemies?" Her eyes are on me when she asks this.
This doesn't sound like Ashley at all. She's not so great at acting.
I look at her expectant face and forced a smile. "Sure. Thanks for understanding," I play along, my voice steady.
"But if I'll advise, please don't fall victim of Bella's deception again," she blurted out, her voice dropping to a low tone. "Do not forget what she did to you. Don't let her pretty face deceive you. I'm just looking out for you in the best way that I can," she says, noticing my silence, she adds. "As a friend,"
I mirror her fake concern, the twitch in her as she spews trash about Bella.
You know, I still don't understand why she has so much to say about Bella. It's weird, especially when they use to be best of friends, it almost seems like she holds a personal grudge.
And now, I'm doubting if she's ever stayed true to their friendship.
I get the part where she isn't in support of Bella's shady deeds but her gibes sometimes feels off, like it's coming from a place of spite rather than concern.
And even worse, she's doing the same thing she ousted Bella for.
I just don't understand.
Regardless of my conflictions, I nod, struggling to keep my smile in place. "I'll keep that in mind," I tell her, but my voice isn't firm.
"Okay then. How about we toast to friendship?" she says pointing to the champagne bottle, her smile widens as she pins her gaze on me.
Again, I nod. "Sure. I'll get us glasses," I tell her, standing up.
I appear again with two glasses and she pours us a drink.
Quickly my phone vibrates and I pull it out of my pocket, looking back at Ashley I say. "Excuse me, I have to take this," I tell her.
"Sure, go ahead," she has a smile, her voice calm.
I pick the call, standing up and stepping away, a bit out of sight.
I take my time, and when Ethan's message comes in. I start to step right back to the living room and as planned, the doorbell rings.
"Please help get the door," I tell her in a soft tone, my phone still pressed to my ear. "Must be the delivery guy, I ordered pizza," I add, making sure my voice is as convincing as ever.
I watch her eyes light up slowly and she squeals. "My favorite, you remember?"
I smile. "Of, course I do,"
As she steps out of the living room, I quickly pocket my phone, exchanging the drinks.
Quickly I relax back into the couch, taking a sip from my glass.
She cast me a glance as she comes right back with the pizza, she settles into the couch, but not before I see a triumphant smile on her face, but it's gone as quickly as it came.
I watch her as she reaches out to the glass, bringing it to her mouth, she takes a sip, another after another.
I just stare at her, greatly irked but I keep my cool.
Now, let's see what's behind this mask of pretense.