chapter 5

Ashton wanted to invite Cathy and his friends to his grandparent’s lake house on the following Saturday for a weekend trip to celebrate his eighteenth birthday. He decided to invite her personally. He knew where exactly he could find her. So, he went to the library, were he found her seated on a chair and taking notes from a huge book. She was wearing a white jean with sky blue shirt. Her hair was left loose and the shorter front ones were falling on to her face. Ashton stood there admiring her beauty. He sighed shortly and decided to talk to her. 
Cathy was unaware of his presence until, he pulled the nearby chair to sit on it. He placed his arms on the table and leaned on it.
She was startled at first but calmed down eventually.
“What are you doing here?” she asked quietly.
“I came to see you.” He said calmly
“And may I ask why?”
He heaved a long sigh “I want to invite you and your friends for a weekend trip to my lake house. I've also invited my friends.” 
“I don’t think I can join you. I'm sorry.” She refused bluntly but politely. But Ashton would not take no for an answer. So he tried to persuade more. He placed his palm on her hand and squeezed it gently
“It's my birthday, Cathy and I want you to come with us. I already talked to Ann and Hudson and they have agreed to come. Please think about it and give me your answer tonight.” He got up and walked away.
She couldn't concentrate anymore and sat there in deep thoughts. ‘Should I go? Of course not. Probably, I will put myself in more trouble by going there. Ann and Hudson can go and have fun. I will stay here. That's final.’
She was well aware that, she was attracted by his charming personality and good looks. For the same reason, she wanted to avoid going and spending the weekend anywhere near him. Stuffing her things into her bag, she walked out of the library. 
Ann and Hudson decided to convince Cathy during lunch break. They knew she could be very stubborn at times but they still wanted to try their luck.
Cathy acted cool and did not speak a word about it until they started the conversation first.
Ann nudged Hudson's hand asking him to begin the conversation .
“Hmm.. Cathy.. are you free this weekend?”
“Why do you ask?” Cathy remained calm and kept eating her meal, acting like she had no idea about their plan.
“I.. we actually, met Ashton in the gym class and he invited us all to his lake house to celebrate his birthday this weekend. How about we all go together?” he asked carefully.
“You two can go. I will not be able to join you.” She denied sharply.
“We will not go if you don't join us.” Pouted Ann.
“That's up to you to decide.” She said rudely. “I have to leave now. See you two later.” 
“What shall we do now? I promised Ashton that I would convince her to go with us.” Whined Ann looking sad.
“Who asked you to promise him something like that. Don't you know how stubborn she is?” 
“You are not helping me, Hudson. I know she is stubborn but Ashton is a great guy and I want her to give it a try. Help me Hudson. Give me some idea.” Pleaded Ann with a serious look.
“I seriously do not have the courage to talk to her, Ann. But I believe there must be someway to make her understand Ashton's feelings. Be patient till then.” He tried to console her. Nodding her head, she got up and together, they walked out of the cafeteria. 
Cathy had to work very late that night since there were lots of costumers to attend. 
She received a text from Ashton asking for her reply. 
Ashton: Cathy, have you decided yet? Will you be joining us?
Cathy didn't have to think much. She was determined not to go with them.
Cathy: I'm sorry Ashton. I won't be joining you guys. Enjoy your trip.
It was almost midnight when she closed the cafe. It was pitch dark on the streets. There was not a single soul on the road, except for some cars passing by. She swallowed hard and started walking as fast as she could. She held the pepper spray can tightly in her hands. She turned back to see if the grey car was following her. She was glad that the car wasn't anywhere in sight tonight. She kept walking, turning back time and again.
She had hardly gone half a mile, when clouds started gathering in the sky, lightening began to flash and the wind became biting cold. She took a left turn after the junction and stopped dead for a split second, when she saw few muggers standing on the roadside, fooling around. She was nervous but continued walking quietly. She tried to stay low and kept walking, not daring to look at them even once.
Suddenly, one of the muggers called her in a rough tone and ordered her to stop.
She stopped on her track, breathing unevenly and she slowly turned around.
She stood there innocently as if she did not know who they were but her hand was ready to grab her spray can. The guy, who looked like he was in his late forties, came closer to her and took out a small knife. He placed it slowly, near her neck.
“Take out your purse.” He ordered her roughly. “Hand us any money, that you have.”
Money was a very valuable thing for Cathy. She would save it bit by bit very careful but for now she did not want anything more than to get out of there. So, she took out whatever money she had and shoved it to his hands. 
He shook the knife in a way, indicating her to go away.
When he was about to let her go, a much younger one asked her to stop.
“You can have all the cash and let me have the lass, eh?” said the guy rubbing his hands up and down her arms. He moved his body closer to her. She began to struggle in his hold and started to scream for help.
“Stop screaming, will ya? No one is coming to save you, sweety.” 
“Let me go, let me go, you moron.” She started hitting him on his chest.
She tried taking out her spray can but that went all in vain when the other guy pushed it out of her hand.
They did not notice a car coming their way in full speed and stop near them. 
Suddenly the robbers were pulled away from Cathy. She sobbed out of fear and her vision was blurred with tears. In addition to all, it started raining heavily.
All she could see was a tall, muscular figure punching the life out of the three mobs. She struggled to sit up and wiped her tears. The first thing that caught her eyes was the grey expensive car, parked on the other side of the road.
She straight away looked at the owner of the car and she could only see his back facing her and he was vigorously punching the thugs. The robbers were motionless and seemed to have passed out. She slowly got up on her knees and crawled to him. She placed her hand on his shoulders and gently pulled him away from the criminals.
She was left speechless when she saw her rescuer's face.
“Ash.. Ashton?”
“Are you okay, Cathy?” He studied her from her head to toe, worriedly.
She was shaking and there were few scratch marks and bruises on her arms but other than that, she seemed fine.
“I'm oka.. okay. Are you alright?” She stammered and started sobbing placing her head on his chest.
“It's okay. Look, look. You are okay now.” He hugged her and comforted her. “We should go now. I'll call the police on our way.” 
He slowly walked her to his car. He made her sit on the passenger seat and buckled up the seat belt. He was about to close the door but suddenly grunted in pain. She saw that the younger guy standing behind Ashton. Ashton's face turned beet red. Cathy saw blood stains on his hip and abdomen. Cathy tried to rush out of the car while he pushed her back inside.
“Stay here. Do not come out of the car. Call the cops.” He instructed her and locked the car from outside.
He was pushed on the ground but immediately got up and started punching the guy brutally until his knuckles started bleeding. All the three goons laid there without any movements. Soon, the sirens from police cars were heard and the robbers were under arrest. 
Ashton dragged himself towards his car and opened it. Cathy rushed to his aid. She noticed two holes punched on his t-shirt and blood was oozing out of it making the white shirt, red.
“Oh my God, Ashton you are bleeding. Call the ambulance, please. Somebody, call the ambulance.” She screamed hysterically.
“Shh... Shh Cathy it’s just a small brui...” He didn't get to finish and collapsed on the ground.