Chapter 22

PRESENT

I shifted from one leg to the other, repeating the speech I made. She was washing the dishes while dad helped her. Should I? Shouldn't I?

" Mom. "

Both looked towards me.

" Oh Hey Ashley. Did you need something? And if it's about that ice cream then no, you're not getting any. The wedding dre-" , I cut off my mom.

" Actually, I was thinking that umm, that.... umm... ", I stuttered.

"Ashley is something wrong?", my dad asked concerned.

" Why don't we invite the Andersons on Saturday. ", I said in one breath.

My mom rushed towards me and immediately put her palm on my forehead, " Are you okay, Ashley ? You know what sweetheart, you can have that ice cr-"

" No mom! I just want the two families to spend time together. I want to build a foundation. And I think that this is the best time to do so. ", I finished with a fake smile.

" See Harry? I told you she loves Liam and that she will finally fall back into this marriage. Oh my dear Ashley. ", she hugged me tight.

This was when the guilt kicked in. I managed a smile that looked real and went back to my room. I lied down while listening to mom's chatter on the phone. I'm sure that was Natasha. She sounds so excited.

Suddenly my phone buzzed and the ID showed none other than ' Devil'.

"It's ten at night. Shouldn't little boy be asleep ?"

"I wish I could but I first have to know what's your plan? "

" My plan? ", I tensed up.

" Mrs. Payne just called and invited us to dinner on Saturday. And she specifically told us that it was your idea to invite us. So, what's cooking? "

" Really Liam? I just asked y'all to dinner, it isn't like I told you jump off the roof. Just like old times.  "

A long silence.

" Okay. If that's what you're saying. But if I find one thing awkward on Saturday,  you know what I will do. "

" Of course." , I gulped.

Cutting the call , I went to sit beside my window. He wouldn't do anything. Cause it'll all be the parents whom I need to prove to. It'll be fine.

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Saturday

Dressing up is probably the worst part of a dinner party. Woah woah, don't be triggered. It is for ME.

Well, if I need to piss the Andersons off, I need to wear this. Miranda bought this extremely short dress and I'm sure half my boobs will be on the show. I've never felt more awkward and uncomfortable.

The cleavage cut was deeper than usual and I felt horrible and dirty in it. I'm not used to wearing stuff like this.

The netted laces gave little to imagination. I let my long black hair travel down my back as I tried putting as much chemical as I could to look slutty. Make up isn't my cup of tea. Well, it isn't even my biscuit. I mean, how the hell does anyone ever wing both the eyes perfectly right?  If I do my right wing right, my left wing looks completely different. In a nutshell, I end up looking like a clown.

I could hear the chattering from downstairs. Finally putting on my make up and perfume, I wore a pair of black heels.

My heels clicked on the wooden floor as I climbed down the stairs .

I stood in front of the living room as all heads turned towards me.

My dad put down his head once he saw me. Shit I feel so uncomfortable.

Derek did the same.

But three people looked at me like they saw a cow standing on two feet,them being, mom, Natasha and devil.

"Ashley, you... you look... " ,my mom stuttered, "different".

"Oh don't I mom? This dress looked so good on the mannequin. I just had to buy it. So, wassup y'aaaaaallllll? ", I dragged.

Liam eyed me in confusion.

" Hi you. ", I slowly moved towards him and kissed him on the cheek.

" Hi Nats, Hi Der. ", I mentally cringed at nicknames I made.

"H-hi Ashley. You look.... f-fantastic. ", Natasha said.

"Oh don't embarrass me. I'm nothing compared to how you're looking tonight. Anyway, anyone hungry? Cmon let's eat! ", I dramatically clapped my hands. 

Everyone got up lead by me. Soon mom dragged me into the kitchen.

" What the hell are you wearing?! ", she whisper-yelled.

" A black dress? "

"It looks like you're some prostitute! "

" Oh C'mon mom . You liked the dress few minutes ago. Now move, I'm hungry. "

" Ashley you can't go out like th-wait Ashley! Ash-Ashley! ", before she could go on, I quickly left the kitchen and sat beside Liam.

We all dished out and began eating when Natasha asked me, "So,  Ashley, do you have, you know, like a side job? Something out of a hobby? "

" Well, I don't now. But I used to in London. "

" OH really? Where? "

" In a farm. ", I smiled. Mom choked on water and Natasha nervously smiled.

" A-a farm? ", she repeated.

" Yep. A farm. I just love the country air, you know. Pigs are my favorite animal. They are so cute. I used to spend my weekends there and played with them all the time. Their poop was all over me an-"

" We'll hear this story some other time, when we're not....., eating. ", mom cut me off.

" Okay. But Europe is a fascinating place. Loads of hot boys, I tell you. ", I winked at Natasha.

Fart.

Everyone's eyes widen and they look from one person to the other.

" That would be me. Lately, I've been having all these gas problems. Don't mind me. ", I told them.

This is probably hitting on the nerve of my mom. If looks could kill, I'd be long dead.

After dinner was over, everyone was pretty much shocked by my behavior. Well, I don't blame them. Talking non stop about shit and how I had a goat as my lover last year , could drive anyone insane. Not to forget the two loud burps and another fart.

" I think it's better if we leave. It's quite late. " , Derek said.

" Oh no no no,  don't go just yet. What about this?", I said as I waved a Barcadi rum bottle in front of them.

" I don't think its-"

" Come on! It's nor even ten. Cmon, don't go just yet." , I whined like a baby.

"I'd like to stay. ", Liam said.

I smirked at him as he smirked back.

We all sat in a circle and filled up our glasses.

" To new relationships! " , I said.

"Cheers! ", everyone said.

******

5 rounds later

"We need music . ", I said as I tripped on the sofa.

"I need more of this. ", mom mumbled.

It felt so awkward to get high with your parents but Barcadi is known for making people high in an instant.

Soon I put on the music and Calvin Harris blared on the Bluetooth speaker.

"Let's danceeeeeeee!", I screamed.

All of us got up and I danced with the moms while both the best friends tried matching steps. Liam, being Liam sat on the sofa, eyeing me curiously.

" Mrs. Anderson, I'm sorry to say this, but your son right here is a complete bore. It's like I'll be marrying a wall."

" You are absolutely correct Ashley. Only god knows how I put up with these two. ", she said loudly.

I slowly walked towards him , completely drowned in my intoxicated state, " Cmon Liam!  Dance wee meee. "

" No. Thanks. ", he looked at me amused.

"God, you're such a buzz kill. ", I whined.

" I think you've had enough for today. We should take our leave. ", he murmured.

But I couldn't hear anything as I swayed to the music.

" O - Okay. I think now - now we should leave. ", Natasha pants.

"Alright Nats. See Ya lateeeerrrr. ", I yelled over the music.

Dad turned the music off, " Go and help Natasha to their car. "

" Me? ", I whined.

" Yes Ashley,  you. After all you're responsible for her intoxicated state. "

I rolled my eyes and went outside. Liam was surprisingly not high yet. After I helped Natasha get into the car, Derek too got inside and held her in his arms.

" We will discuss about what happened on Monday. ", Liam seethed as he griped my arm.

" Discuss what? ", I was confused.

"The act you pulled out."

" Bu-", before I could say anything, he strode to the car door and got in as he drove off without second glance.