"Are you that stupid?! He almost raped you!"

"If I didn't come over there, what happened to you?! He ravished your body and kissed you sensuously like somewhat you're a feast!"

I was scolded like a five-year-old kid who accidentally broke her grand grandmother's antique vase. I did my best to hold back the tears that are threatening to spill.

The cold breeze of midnight air kissed my skin, giving chills to my body. I caressed my arms to relieve the coldness I was feeling, but it didn't help that Ashton's cold glare sent shivers down my spine. Another snap coming from him and I might cry.

"You are so dense."

That's it.

"Excuse me?!" I snapped, "Dense? Seriously? I walked in there wearing like this not because I want them-- I want him to feast on me! My clothes do not suggest anything. Rape happens because of rapists not because of how girls wear clothes."

I hate how he rubbed it on my face and how idiotic I am for attending this party. How stupid I was for talking and dancing to a stranger, and especially for blaming me just because of how I wear. Remembering what happened back there makes my stomach churn and tears well up in my eyes. How the stranger got his hands on such a sensitive area of my body... how he kissed me forcefully... I shivered in disgust.

I wiped the tears that were streaming down my cheeks. I wiped the dreadful memory from my mind, as well as his assault kisses on my neck. I despise myself when I'm like this - a crying baby. It adds to my aggravation that in a simple crack the stupid tear will fall without any permission.

I sniffed. Passers-by looked at Ashton disapprovingly and shook their heads. If you know less, it appears that Ashton is the reason I am crying (which is half true). An inevitable sob escaped my lips, and Ashton made a strange sound coming from the back of his throat, pulling his hair in annoyance. He grabbed my wrist and dragged me into a black sedan parked across the street. He slid inside the driver seat and put the engine into life.

"Get in," he demanded.

But I didn't move an inch. I stood there like a statue, staring at him outside his car. I shifted my gaze away from him and back to the house.

What if he's just like him? But instead of just raping me, he'll stuff my body in a trunk and throw it somewhere out of sight?

I shuddered at the thought.

"If you're thinking I'll do something, I'll pass. Now I'm doing you a favor and hop in the car now." He snapped again.

The sharpness of his voice surprised me. I moved my knees stiffly and bent over his car, hesitantly. I hadn't even buckled my seatbelt when he pushed the car off the curb and drove like we were being pursued by turbo racers. I closed my eyes tightly and prayed that my dear life would not be taken from me. Oh, my God. I don't want to die just yet. I don't want to die—

Someone fillip my nose. God? Is that you? Where are you? Why can't I see you?

Someone fillip my nose again but this time a strike like my nose will rip-off from my face. My hands flew on my, I assumed, now red nose, and heaved a sigh of relief. I can feel my body, which means I'm alive.

Then who fillip my nose?

 I slowly opened my left eye to reveal a pair of deep ocean eyes staring back at me. I cleared my throat, shifted in my seat, grabbed my seatbelt, and buckled it. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Ghaaad. Blame it on the alcohol.

"Wh-Where are you taking me?" I stuttered.

"I'll take you home, dummy," Ashton said without sparing me a glance.

And that fella, how he shut me up once more. Silence embarked for the both of us as we begin our journey to my house.

Wait.

"Do you know where I live?" I asked.

I received no answer from him.

Okay.

I sighed and leaned against the window, my gaze wandering from the neighborhood houses that screamed opulent life. I looked up at the peaceful sky, which glistened like diamonds in a starry night and was complemented by the moon, which shone brightly on its half crescent.

"Thank you," I mumbled. I looked down at my fidgeting intertwined fingers resting on my lap. I cast a glance at him, and he looked back warily.

"You know... for saving me again. I honestly don't know what would have happened to me by then if it hadn't been for—"

"Forget it," he said, shifting in his seat and gripping the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white.

"And just so you know, I did not save you—at least, not on purpose. I was just walking by and thought you were Victoria and," he trailed off and looked away. "Why am I explaining it to you?" he muttered under his breath.

"Why'd you keep on denying it? We both know you did." I persisted.

"I'll keep denying it because I didn't. " he fired back.

I take a good look at him. Victoria is extremely lucky to have a man like Ashton.Apart from the looks that make girls swoon over him, there's something about him hidden behind that cold glare and silent shoulders. But what exactly is it?

I hadn't realized I'd been staring at him for a long time until a knowing smirk appeared across his lips.

"Enjoying the view?" He smirked.

"W-What?" I asked stupidly.

"I know I'm handsome but I never thought you're that kind of girl who'll show blatant fascination with me." Playfulness lacing his voice, he adds, "Ah yes, I'm irresistible."

I rolled my eyes but a small smile tugged at the corner of my lips. Yes, I admit he has the beauty of Adam and a well-toned physique but I refuse to admit it on his face and give him the satisfaction.

"I-I wasn't looking at you. The window, that is, catches my attention. I lied.

"What's with the tinted window that fascinates you so much?" He cocked his brow, an act of pure challenge.

"Of what it is. How I can't see through it. Of how it is like you. They'd said darkness consumes you and that you bring nothing but trouble. You are good for nothing jerk-"

I pressed my lips together, wishing I hadn't opened my mouth and said those words. I'm filled with guilt when I saw anger and rage swathe his face- as I saw the pain on his face. I'm afraid he'll be mad at me and throw me out of his car, leaving me to walk down the dark road and figure out my way home.

He didn't, much to my surprise, and for that I am grateful.

I didn't mean to hurt him and I wanted to say something to apologize, to say sorry, and for feeling bad, but no words came out of my mouth.

I was so engrossed with how I could make it up to him and gain back from the embarrassment I had cause myself, I didn't notice the car came to a halt.

How did he know my place without me giving him directions?

"Oh, um... thanks for the ride," I said. He didn't answer back. His gaze was fixed on the road and tapped the steering wheel impatiently.

Stupid mouth. Stupid me. Taking a deep air, I turned to him." And I didn't mean-" before I could finish what I'm about to say, he flipped me off by the cold and sharpness of his voice. "Get out."

I nodded understandingly and jumped out of his car. The sound of his voice shouts out what he feels and by then I don't want to add his range. As soon as I shut the door, a gust of wind slapped me as he speeds up the street.

✿✿✿

The day seemed to fade away. It was a bright Saturday morning when the whole house was usually silent except for the sound of the clattering of dishes in the kitchen.

I was awkwardly seated in front of a long wooden table, facing all the mouthwatering foods beckoning me to try them. Unfortunately, I don't have the desire to do so. I feel like my head has been pounded a hundredth of a million times, and I feel sick. The aftermath of drinking last night.

"How was your stay at Mia's house, honey?" my mother asked as I looked up. The corner of her eyes crinkled as she smiled at me. The lines of wrinkles tracing across her face could not be concealed by make-up. Stress and sleepless nights are likely to have taken their toll on her. She volunteers as a nurse at the city's community hospital.

"I-It was good, great even. I- I had a great time with them. "

Congratulations! You've just won the best stuttering liar of the year. Bravo! I smacked my head mentally.

I felt bad for lying in front of my mom just to cover up my batty action that her little daughter had gone partying at some high school party. She thought I was in the Angels the entire time dealing with school stuff. Oh, mom. If only you had known.

My mother sensed something was wrong with my stuttering as she looked at me suspiciously. I couldn't look her in the eyes, so I focused on her brows.

I embraced myself and waited for her follow-up questions. I'm preparing yet another never-ending excuse to cover up another lie. I didn't hear anything but I did notice the loving smile spread across her lips.

"My old friend invites us to have dinner with them next Friday. I can't turn down the offer, David and I haven't seen each other in ages." My dad informed me after putting down the newspaper he was reading and sipping of his dark coffee.

David was my father's accomplice since high school. In sorrow and happiness, they stick to each other no matter what; they treat as if they were brothers. As far as I can remember, mom said that this David guy served as the bridge of their relationship. I've heard he has a son the same age as mine and I used to play with him when we were still living here when I was a kid.

Sadly, no matter how hard I tried, those memories were nothing but vague.

"Really? That's great!" My mom said cheerfully, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips remembering their old times. I wish I could see those smiles all the time. I wish that the light and cheerfulness that I used to have would return to me.

"I heard he went through a lot after Margaret died. They're perfect together, I must say."

I dozed during their conversation and I just wanted to run up to my room and sleep all day while cuddling Scooty.

"Ann, I request that you be in your best attitude when the dinner comes. I don't want you to make afuss." Dad said sternly. I jerked my head up and looked at him.

"Yes, dad." As if I could ever do that.

"Don't be ridiculous! Of course, Anna will be in her best manner. She always is," mom defended. "And besides when has she gotten us in trouble? Never. Now eat up."

"I just want to be sure. And who knows what's going on in her head? Teenagers these days are so tactless and careless. I don't want you to be one of them. I want you to watch your actions carefully, Ann. You hear me?"

"I said do you hear me?" he claimed and I nodded meekly.

"Honey, Drop it." She hissed next to him.

My head casted down and my gaze fixed on my food. There they come again, the tears that are threatening to fall. I bit my lip firmly which will leave a swollen mark after. My hands were clenched tightly around the hem of my shirt. I shut my eyes tightly and draw out a deep breath. I open my eyes and look them straight in the eyes saying, "Mom, Dad, did you ever regret adopting me?"