chapter 5

Ashton woke up to the continuous banging sound on his room door. He groaned loudly and rubbed his eyes. He caught a glimpse of the clock, it was early in the morning and dark outside. Even now, he had some discomfort from the pain in his abdomen, while moving around. He could make out who exactly were standing at his door and knocking so early in the morning. He opened the door with a small grin on his lips.
“Happy birthday, Ashton.” He tucked his head into his folded arms to save his ears from all the howling. He was immediately engulfed in Noah's warm embrace, followed by Mike and Laura. Ashton's parents were also present there, his dad holding a small box which was gift wrapped neatly. 
“Happy birthday, son.” They both kissed him and handed the small box in his hand. He opened it to find a car key inside, a new Audi .
“Thanks mom, dad. I really didn't have to give me that, mom. He said hugging his mom.
Ashton turned to Callie, who beamed a smile seeing his happy face.
“Happy birthday! How are you feeling now?” She asked hugging him and placing a chaste kiss on his cheeks.
“Thanks, I'm better.” Judy came over wishing him and hugged him slightly.
The morning was simply spent chit chatting and having fun. Ashton had received several calls from his friends and family members. Later that morning, he decided to check out his latest Audi Q7 black edition, driving it around the town with his friends. Each of the boys got to drive the car and reached home for breakfast. Ashton's mom had prepare a special breakfast for her son and his friends. The huge dining table was overflowing with various kinds of dishes. The servants were rushing in and out of the dining room, carrying all the food items which included, back bacon, scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, buttered toast, sausages and pancakes. His mom walked inside the dining room with Ashton's favourite, a huge pineapple cake, which had ‘Happy b'day Ashton' written on it. As soon as he, blew the candles, the room roared with a huge round of applause and happy birthday song. The cake was served by the maids after everyone was done with the sumptuous breakfast. He seemed to enjoy the precious moment with his family and friends, before he got a call. His eyes sparkled like a twinkling star and he smirked triumphantly upon glancing at his phone.
“Guys, I need to pick this up. Please excuse me.” His fork and knife came flying down on the plate making a clinking sound as he hurried to his room. Right at that moment, his friends knew who the caller was.
“Hey!” was all he could say as he was out of breathe since he had to run up the stairs.
“Happy birthday!” Cathy's voice came out like a soft melody from the other side.
“Thanks.” There was a long silence after that since, he did not expect her call and hence he did not know how to react.
“ahhh...How's your day so far?” She tried to make small talk to kill the awkwardness.
“Cathy, listen. Do you mind going out for dinner tonight, that is, if you are free?” Cathy was speechless at his bluntness. She did not expect that question so early. She kept quiet for a couple of minutes, thinking.
“Cathy, you there? It's okay if you are not ready y...” he sounded defeated when he did not get a reply from Cathy. 
“Yes I'm free tonight. I.. I was actually planning to take a day off since a long time. I guess it would be today, then.” She cut him of midway. Now that was unexpected for Ashton and he smiled brightly.
“So I'll come and pick you up at around one o'clock?” it was more of a question. He still couldn't believe that she agreed to go out with him without arguing, like she always did.

"Hmm.. alright. I'll be waiting." She chimed. 
“See you soon, Cathy” 
“See you.” 
Phew. Ashton let out his breathe that he was holding unknowingly for a long time. He started pacing up and down his room in excitement, running his hand through his hair, making it look messy. After spending the next fifteen minutes striding nervously, he decided to calm down. He knew that he was sounding like a girl but it was really happening, his first date with Cathy. ‘Oh for the sake of God, shut up, Ashton.’ His brain screamed at him.
He decided to join back with his friends to distract his mind for the time being. They were almost done with breakfast by the time he reached them.
“What took you so long, man?” Noah teased with a lopsided grin and Ashton knew well, that his friend was only pretending not to know what exactly happened.
“It was Cathy. I asked her out?” He breathe without bothering to look at his friends.
“You asked her out again? Even after she rejected the first time?” Judy pinned him with an accusing look. “why re you being so desperate about her? I've never seen you behave like this before? Did she even agree this time?”
“That's because I like her and I don't take no for an answer very easily.” He replied in a clipped tone with an irritated expression on his face. “And yes, she is going out with me tonight.”
“Wow! That's great.” Callie tried to lighten the mood in the hall. “so, where are you guys going?”
“I haven't decided yet.” He sighed, clearly not having an idea about where he should take her.
“Let us help you then.” Laura chirped. “Take her to a movie, followed by a restaurant. That's it.” Slinging her hands on either sides.
“Uhmm... don't you think it's too plain.” His eyebrows shot up and he stated unsurely.
“Then, how about...” Callie was trying to put her mind to give him some idea but was cut short by Ashton. 
“Guys. Guys. Thanks for your ideas but I think, I can handle this on my own.” He said in a low voice.
“Okay, buddy all the best with that. Call us if you need any help.” Joked Mike. “I think we should all be going now. Let's just give him some place to plan the evening with Cathy.” With that, they all bud their farewell to Ashton.
Ashton propped up against his head bed and sat thinking on ways to make his date with Cathy a memorable one. He wanted to make the best first impression, get to know her more and have a great time together. Processing all these thought, he came up with the best first date ideas. He started making some calls for reservations and he was done.

He impatiently glanced at the wall clock for, like the hundredth time. He still had an hour to go pick up Cathy but he was already dressed up in a deep indigo jeans, with a white dress shirt which was neatly tucked in. He wore a dark brown casual leather belt and paired it with similarly coloured shoes. He completed his look, wearing a dark brown jacket. He sent a quick text to Cathy informing that he had already started from his place and immediately got an 'ok' for the reply.

When he was about to leve his room, he got a call from Callie.

"Hey, Cals. What's up?" 

"Hey buddy! Ready for your date?"

"Yeah. Im just a little nervous. Wish me good luck. Okay"

Ashton don't worry. You will be fine. By the way, I too am going out on a dinner date with Ron." She informed him

"Should I come, drop you and warn that jerk?"

"Can you really leave your date and come for me,Ashton? She asked him eagerly.

"Of course, I will do that for you. Don't you know that, Cals?

Sheaughed on the other end, "I do, it just means a lot to me but I do not intend to spoil your first date. I wish you all the best.

"Take care, talk to you later." He cut the call with a happy smile.

He hurried down the stairs only to meet his parents who were leisurely having a cup of mint tea.

"Are you going aomewhere, Ashton?" His mom enquired warmly.

"I've a date tonight." 

"Is it with Callie?" She spoke again.

"Mom, no. Callie and I are not dating, ever" He said firmly. "I'm going out with Cathy." He mumbled.

"The girl you saved from the robbers?" She asked with a poker face.

"With the girl who got me to the hospital on time." He spoke abruptly, clearly irritated by his mom's interference. 

"Alright son, have a great time." His dad spoke this time to cut the tension lingering between them.

He walked away nodding his head.