Only You

chapter 7

I went to my cabin, still trembling a little from the incident that occurred not minutes ago. I redid the whole document and made sure to re check it over and over again before finally submitting it to Mr Knight. He didn't even acknowledge my presence as I  made my way into his office and placed the document on his desk. I asked if he needed anything else. Not getting a reply in return, I just turned around to leave.

I sat on my chair before calming my self. When was I ever going to have a simple life with not having to worry about money anymore? With having someone to care about me. Why did you leave me so early mom? Just why?  A tear leaked from my eye at the memories I had with her. My mind trailed off to the days when we were all happy, living together as a family. With my elder brother always there to look after me and to kiss my boo boos when I got hurt. Was he doing alright now? Had he settled down in life? Had he taken over dad's business as it was planned? I just hoped where ever he was, he was doing fine and living a happy life unlike me. I wiped that tear when someone barged into my office. It was none other than Stephen.

"Hey what brought you here?" I eyed the big canvas-like thing he was holding in his hands.

"You seriously asking me that? Girl where have you been? I waited for you at lunch but you never showed up?" He asked worried.

"Oh yeah . I just had a little extra things to take care of today. " He nodded in understanding. "What's that in your hand?" I asked him curiously.

"Oh this? I wanted to give this to you at lunch. But since you didn't show up, I brought it to you myself." He turned the canvas round, leaving me breathless. It was a picture of me. More like a portrait that he painted.  And it was beautiful. I was smiling in the photograph wearing a sundress and a hat. He had gotten every detail right. Every feature was painted to perfection.

"Wow," was all I could say. " I can't.. I can't believe you actually.... Woah! You really are very good at this." I was genuinely smiling in a long time. This small gesture actually really made me happy. "It's beautiful," I whispered.

"I know. This girl really is beautiful," I gave him an amused glare at his comment and he chuckled. I took the frame from his hand and placed it behind my chair against the wall with the portrait facing the wall so no one could see it.

"I didn't think you would actually paint me!" I exclaimed.

"Well now you know I am one honest friend huh?" He smirked .

"You sure are," I smiled at him.

"Now since you haven't had your lunch, wanna go out for dinner? My treat!"

I checked the time to see the work hours were almost over.

"Sure let me just wrap everything up. I'll meet you downstairs"

"Ok then see ya," he left my cabin while I started packing.

"Where did you find that picture of mine?" I asked as we took our place on the table. He brought me to a nearby diner and I couldn't wait to finally get something in my tummy.

"Ok don't be angry at me but I may have stalked you on Facebook to find a nice picture of yours!" He grinned sheepishly and I chuckled at his words.

"Of course you did!" we talked a little more and I realized I like spending time with him. After so many years I had finally made a friend who considered me a friend too. He dropped me off at my place and wished me good night.

Author's POV

All the while Ashton was feeling a little guilty. Was he too harsh? Ashton thought as he ran his fingers through his hair.