After Highschool

Ashley checked herself in the mirror one last time, adjusting her cap and taking a deep breath. Tonight was the party marking the start of their final year at Raven High-a celebration thrown by one of the wealthy kids in her class. But unlike her classmates, Ashley wouldn't be attending as a guest. She was here to work, wearing a crisp white shirt and black jeans, not as a choice but as a necessity. Derek had offered her the waitressing job with a snide smile, clearly meant as a jab, but she accepted without hesitation. The pay would help keep her family afloat for a week.

She stepped outside, the evening breeze catching her jet-black hair, blowing it back to reveal a pair of deep brown eyes and a set of finely shaped lips. Her face, once radiant, now bore the marks of hardship-stretch marks and dark circles that hinted at sleepless nights. She flagged down a cab, mentally preparing herself for whatever the evening held. This wasn't just another shift; it was a test of endurance.

Arriving at the sprawling mansion, she stepped out of the cab and paid the fare, feeling the familiar pang of being an outsider in a world of opulence. She walked into the house, only to be met with a pointed glare from Emily, one of the school's popular girls, standing by the door with her friend Luna, who smirked at Ashley's arrival.

"What are you wearing? Surely, you're not here for the party," Emily sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.

Ashley shook her head, unwilling to rise to the bait. Emily's eyes narrowed, her smirk widening. "Oh, that's right-you're one of the waitresses." She laughed, joined by Luna and even Derek, who had insisted on hiring Ashley to "help out."

"Just ignore her," Derek managed between chuckles as he led her toward the kitchen. "We need you to prep before everyone arrives."

Ashley followed him, feeling every gaze on her as she entered the kitchen. A few other staff members were already there, preparing for the night ahead. The head caterer handed her a plain, black uniform.

"Here's your dress. Change quickly and get to work," he instructed with a no-nonsense tone. Ashley took the uniform, her fingers tightening around the fabric. This job was her choice, but moments like this made her question why life seemed determined to keep her in the shadows.

---

Outside, a sleek Lexus sports car pulled up, its engine purring as it came to a stop. Fred stepped out, his presence causing a ripple of excitement among the guests. He rarely attended school events, preferring to keep his distance from his classmates. His quiet aloofness had earned him a mixture of respect and fascination from the girls and a grudging animosity from the guys.

As Fred walked inside, people turned to stare, whispering about his striking looks and elusive charm. Emily, spotting him from across the room, felt her heart flutter. She grabbed Luna's arm, her eyes locked on him. This was her chance.

They approached him, Emily grinning, already planning her opening line. But as she drew closer, Fred's gaze drifted past her, zeroing in on someone in the background.

"Hi," he greeted, glancing at Emily for a brief second before his eyes moved beyond her. "Could I get your name?"

Emily, flustered but thrilled, responded eagerly, "I'm Emily. And this is my friend-"

Fred interrupted her, his gaze fixed somewhere over her shoulder. "Actually, I was talking to the girl behind you."

Emily spun around, and her face fell as she recognized Ashley. She shot her a look of pure venom, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Ashley froze, unsure whether to laugh or leave. She'd seen Fred walk in earlier and decided to bring him a drink, never expecting this kind of attention.

Fred smiled as she extended a glass of wine to him. "Hey, aren't you in our class?" he asked, his tone gentle, almost too casual.

Ashley hesitated. She'd been the butt of jokes enough times to know how these conversations usually ended. Instead of responding, she turned to leave. But Fred's hand shot out, catching her wrist. His grip was firm yet gentle, and she felt a strange jolt at his touch.

"Wait-why aren't you wearing a mask like the other staff?" he asked, looking genuinely curious. "Wouldn't you want to... you know, not be recognized?"

Ashley didn't answer, knowing full well this was Emily's doing. Derek had said she didn't need a mask-another subtle way to humiliate her. She looked down, trying to pull her hand free, but Fred's expression softened.

"I'm sorry for holding you," he said quietly, sensing her discomfort. His gaze lingered on her, as if seeing something no one else had noticed.

"Can I go?" Ashley's voice came out in a soft whisper, laced with exhaustion. Fred released her, his own emotions a confusing blend of intrigue and something else he couldn't place.

As she walked away, he found himself replaying the moment in his mind. Her voice-there was something hauntingly beautiful about it, a calmness hiding years of unspoken pain. Fred hadn't expected to feel anything tonight, yet here he was, drawn to someone he barely knew.

From a distance, Emily watched the exchange, her heart boiling with jealousy. She couldn't stand the idea of Ashley, of all people, drawing Fred's attention. Tightening her jaw, she stormed toward the DJ booth, an idea brewing.

Grabbing the microphone, Emily's voice crackled through the speakers, halting the party's rhythm. "Attention, everyone!" She smiled wickedly, her eyes locking on Ashley. "Has anyone noticed the waitress tonight?"

Laughter rippled through the crowd as people turned, snickering and exchanging knowing glances. Ashley felt the heat of humiliation rise, but she knew she couldn't react. Derek had warned her-any drama, and her pay was gone.

"Why don't you come up front, Ashley?" Emily's voice rang out, each word a barb meant to humiliate. Ashley's heart pounded. She glanced toward Derek, hoping for a signal to ignore it, but he just watched, expression unreadable.

Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. If she was going to walk into the spotlight, she would do it with her head held high. Ignoring Emily's smug grin and the whispering crowd, she stepped forward, standing tall amidst the laughter. Even as the world around her tried to break her, Ashley vowed to hold on to whatever dignity she had left.

Ashley took a deep breath as she walked into the spotlight, hearing the whispers and snickers from the crowd but doing her best to ignore them. The low, harsh laughter began as soon as she came into sight, swelling to fill the room like a taunt meant just for her. She kept her gaze steady, her face unreadable, refusing to let their mocking smirks penetrate her calm.

Fred felt his stomach turn, his eyes darkening as he watched Emily openly humiliate Ashley. Emily, wrapped in her designer dress and dripping with expensive jewellery, looked every bit like the queen bee as she sneered at Ashley. But what surprised him most was how Ashley stood there, silent, unflinching, her head bowed slightly. She didn't say a word or show any sign of sadness or anger. She just...stood there, waiting for it to end.

To Ashley, this was just another hurdle, and compared to what she faced at home, Emily's cruelty felt small. She knew that if she reacted, she'd risk losing her pay for the evening, and her family's hunger would be the price. So, she stood still, counting down the minutes until this would be over.

Frustrated by Ashley's lack of response, Emily's lips twisted into a smug smile as she reached for her wine glass. With a delicate flick of her wrist, she poured the entire glass over Ashley's simple, worn dress, red wine staining the fabric and spreading like spilt blood.

A pang of humiliation tugged at Ashley, her mind racing with a familiar question that haunted her daily: When will this stop? But she knew better than to answer it. This wasn't the time for dreams, and it certainly wasn't the time for outbursts. Instead, she kept her head bowed, even as murmurs of satisfaction rippled through the crowd, some clapping for Emily's "courage."

Emily wasn't done. Displeased by Ashley's silence, she let out a bitter laugh and, with sudden malice, swung her hand forward, delivering a slap that echoed through the room. The blow caught Ashley off guard, sending her stumbling backwards until she fell to the floor, her vision blurring with unshed tears.

The laughter in the room grew louder, some girls from Emily's circle openly applauding, while others gasped in shock. Some from the average crowd frowned, muttering amongst themselves in discomfort. But the rich, the popular-they only watched, amused, letting the scene play out.

Emily, emboldened by the attention, bent down, reaching for Ashley's hair, ready to drag her up for more humiliation. But then, a voice cut through the noise.

"Stop!" The room fell silent, parting to reveal Fred, standing at the edge of the crowd, his expression fierce.

Emily froze, her grip loosening in shock. "Fred," she stammered, her voice a mixture of disbelief and embarrassment.

"What you've done to her is enough." Fred's voice was calm but cold as he stepped forward, ignoring Emily completely. His gaze was fixed on Ashley, who still sat on the floor, her hands covering her face as soft, muffled sobs escaped her.

Kneeling beside her, Fred reached into his pocket and handed her a handkerchief. "It's okay," he said softly. "You don't have to cry over people like them."

Ashley looked up, eyes wide, and took the handkerchief from him, barely managing a quiet "Thank you." Her voice was faint, filled with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief.

A ripple of envy swept through the crowd as Fred helped Ashley to her feet. Whispers broke out again, jealousy simmering among the girls who longed for the same attention, the same tenderness. To them, Fred was a prize, the epitome of everything they wanted but couldn't quite capture.

"I think we should go," Fred suggested, his tone gentle as he reached for her arm, ready to guide her out.

Ashley shook her head, glancing away. "I can't," she said quietly. "I still need to get paid."

Fred's brow furrowed at her response. He hadn't expected her to care about the pay after everything she'd been through tonight, but he quickly understood. "Don't worry, I'll handle it," he reassured her, lifting her with an ease that made her feel both fragile and protected.

As they made their way out, Fred opened the door to his sleek black car, helping her inside before walking around to the driver's side. Once in the car, he looked over at her, his tone softened. "Which way is your house?"

Ashley pointed in silence, guiding him through quiet streets and past worn buildings until they finally reached a small, faded house just on the outskirts of town. The house was modest, a humble contrast to the grand mansions Fred was used to. He glanced at her, absorbing the reality of her situation with a pang of empathy.

"So, how much were you supposed to be paid tonight?" he asked, pulling out his wallet.

Ashley hesitated. "One hundred and fifty dollars," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She felt a twist of shame, but it vanished when Fred handed over the amount without hesitation.

She offered him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you," she said again, more sincerely this time as if those two words were all she had to give.

****

The shrill beep of her alarm jerked Ashley awake. Her hand went to her cheek instinctively, feeling the faint throb left behind by Emily's slap. The pain didn't bother her it was a small price to pay for a meal, after all.

Dragging herself out of bed, she knelt beside it, clasping her hands and saying a quick prayer. Her mother had always told her that faith could carry them through the hardest days, and she clung to it, especially in moments like these.

After her prayer, she went to the bathroom, squeezing the very last drop of toothpaste from the tube. She made a mental note to pick up another tube when she had the money, applying more pressure than usual just to make the paste last.

Once she was ready, she grabbed her backpack and headed to the small kitchen, finding her father already seated at the dining table, staring at his half-full cup of water, lost in thought. It was his daily routine a quiet moment to prepare himself for the day ahead, a day that often brought little more than struggle.

"Good morning, Dad," she greeted, her voice quiet but warm.

Her father looked up, managing a faint smile that barely reached his weary eyes.

"Ash, you're off to school?" her mother asked as she entered, exhaustion etched on her face. She'd just returned from her night shift at the bar, her eyelids heavy, as if they could barely stay open.

"Yeah, Mom," Ashley replied, heading over to the counter to see if there was anything left for breakfast. She was hungry, but she'd take whatever little she found with gratitude.

Raven High where luxury breathes in every corner, from the polished marble floors to the lush green fields, a school carved out for excellence. It's a realm mostly reserved for the wealthy, where the children of affluent families roam, brimming with confidence and clad in designer labels. But, in the shadows of privilege, there are also students like Ashley James students whose presence is a rare anomaly, only there because of scholarships or parents who sacrifice nearly everything for a taste of quality education.

Ashley, isn't like most of her classmates. Her mother works multiple jobs, hardly resting, just to keep Ashley's tuition paid. Her father, on the other hand, dreams of winning it big in gambling, wasting what little they have. Often, it's left to Ashley or her mom to pay off the debts he carelessly racks up.

As she steps into the grand entrance of Raven High, she immediately notices whispers trailing her. Students lean into each other, murmuring as their eyes follow her through the hall. Normally, Ashley fades into the background; she's the "quiet girl" whose presence rarely stirs a ripple. But today feels different, as though she's unknowingly walked onto a stage under a spotlight.

"She actually got Fred's attention!" a girl hisses to her friend, casting a side glance at Ashley.

Her friend lets out a frustrated sigh. "Why? Of all people... she's cute, I guess, but..." She trails off, clearly annoyed.

Ashley catches snatches of the conversation as she walks past, barely able to believe what she's hearing. Cute? Me? It's a strange thought, one she quickly dismisses as she moves deeper into the halls, hoping to disappear into the crowd.

Just then, the sleek sound of a luxury car engine draws everyone's attention. Fred Thompson steps out, closely followed by another car-Emily's, the queen of the popular crowd, with her signature golden-brown hair cascading in perfect waves and her uniform skirt just short enough to catch eyes without breaking rules. Students' heads turn, murmurs hush, and suddenly all eyes are on them.

Ashley tries not to look, focusing instead on her plan for the day. It's her senior year, her final shot to keep her grades up and snag a college scholarship, and she's determined to keep her head down and avoid any unnecessary drama. But she knows that with Emily around, keeping a low profile might be impossible.

Ashley watches from the corner of her eye as Fred enters the classroom. He strides past her with the ease of someone used to attention, making his way to the back, where his seat is directly behind hers. She can feel his presence, but he doesn't say a word, instead taking his seat quietly. Despite her better instincts, she wonders if he's avoiding her deliberately.

Focus, Ashley, she reminds herself, pushing the thought away as the teacher begins the lesson.

Emily walks in moments later, her gaze sweeping the room with a self-satisfied smile. Her eyes flick over Ashley, as if to ensure she's "put in her place." Satisfied, she saunters to her seat, reveling in the adoration she draws from her classmates. It's clear to everyone that Emily has a stake in Fred's attention, and she isn't willing to share it.

****

As soon as the final bell rings, Ashley hurries to the library. The library has always been her refuge, a quiet place where she can study in peace, far from the exhausting whispers and stares. But today, it's also her escape from the inevitable confrontation with Emily. She's not ready to deal with it, not when her future is hanging by a thread.

"Hey, Ash!" a voice calls from the next aisle. Luna, Ashley's closest friend, makes her way over, her brown eyes twinkling with excitement. Luna is shorter, with a warm, expressive face that makes her look older than her age.

"I heard what happened at the party," Luna says, slipping into the chair beside Ashley. "I still can't believe a 'Red Hair' talked to you!"

The "Red Hairs"-Fred and his family-are as iconic as they are wealthy. Known for their striking red hair and nearly mythic influence in town, they're practically royalty. Fred's father is a famous business tycoon, and his mother, though not a redhead herself, is a striking beauty who could easily be mistaken for someone in her early thirties despite being nearly fifty.

Ashley sighs. "I should've listened to you. Going to that party was a nightmare," she admits. "I went because I thought I'd finally get paid by Derek, but now... this whole thing with Fred..."

Luna raises an eyebrow, smirking. "At least you got Fred's attention! That's more than any of those other girls can say."

"Fred was just being kind," Ashley insists, though a part of her questions it. He hadn't said a word to her all day, so maybe he was just trying to be polite last night.

Luna grins knowingly. "If you say so, Ash. Just wait and see." She leans back, pulling out her notebook, and they settle into their routine of studying. Despite the chaos swirling around her, Ashley feels a sense of relief, thankful to have Luna by her side.

Walking Home

Hours later, as the sun starts to sink, Ashley finally leaves the library, weighed down with textbooks and a mind full of formulas. The walk home is long and hot, the pavement radiating heat in the late afternoon sun. She has half a mind to detour and ask Derek for her payment from the party money her family could really use. But deep down, she knows he probably won't pay.

With each step, the weight of the day sinks deeper into her bones, the burden of expectations, struggles, and the uncertain future feeling almost too much to bear.