I Bet I Would

Chapter 54: The Uninvited Guest

ASHTON

"I'll copy your episodes of How I Met Your Mother and watch them at home," Eric said.

The door bell kept ringing.

Dad and Nash won't use the door bell.

"That must be Tiffany," Eric went on to say.

I heave out a sigh.

Oh yeah, Tiffany knows about the party. Thanks to this big-mouthed Eric.

I run down the stairs and opened the door.

I froze when I saw who was at the doorstep.

I could not describe what I am feeling.

Or am I suddenly devoid of feelings?

No.

I am sure I am feeling something right now.

Something revolting.

And repulsive.

Also a feeling of longing.

How is that even possible?

I close my eyes for a moment before opening it again.

She was still standing there.

"What are you doing here?" I ask as calmly as I could.

"Ashton, I am so glad to see you!" She came closer.

"Do not, for a second, think that you are welcome here," I hissed at her.

"Ashton, I'm sorry, but, please, let me in. Where's Nash? I want to see him. Let me greet him at least," She begged.

She was much thinner now from the last time I saw her. Her cheek bones were higher. Her hair is still as black, though. I inherited that from her along with her deep, sea blue eyes. 

I am very much like her except for those cheek bones, they say.

I am very much like Vicky.

Not.

I am nothing like her.

"This is not your home anymore. You are not part of this family. Neither are you invited to this party."

"But Ashton, don't you think Nash wants to see me?"

"You show yourself to the boy, and what?! Leave him again?! Leave us again?! He barely remembers you!" I yelled at her.

Calm down, Ashton.

I take a deep breath. 

I never knew I had this much hatred for her inside of me. 

I thought I was perfectly fine with her leaving us.

I thought I was okay.

I even thought I wished her well.

I thought wrong.

I hate you, Vicky.

I hate you so much.

You are a despicable woman who would leave your family so you can be with a rich Belgian man.

You are a terrible woman, but, I cannot even manage to call you a bitch inside my head.

Three years ago, you decided to leave me and my then barely two year old brother.

What have we done?

You said you were so sick of being poor.

That was it.

I heard you say you want a good life and not a life with a mechanic and two sons to feed.