AyeRa/PreeDit A Horror Story FF NEW! FINALE PG12 - Page 4

The Tv flickered on to a movie channel showing an amateur horror tv movie where a bunch of teenagers were being chased down by a slasher killer. It was so predictable and mind numbing failing to engage Ayeshas fleeting attention as her mind raced back and forth onto bigger issues. She was trying to work out why she was here in the first place. She did not fancy the prospect of spending a night in an unfamiliar place that belonged to someone she couldn't care for. And with someone she had already had intense moments with. She never got intimate with anyone before this. It was unlike her. And what if Randeep and Ashi had gone out till late. Ashi had not responded to any of her texts. It was unusual of her not to but then she was fast becoming used to Ashis uncharacteristically irresponsible habits since she had started dating Randeep. Ayesha and Raghav had decided to stay at Randeeps place and watch the movie till they got news of them although Ayesha didnt want anything more than to go back to her house but she wouldnt have known the way back without Ashis guidance.

Raghav appeared from the kitchen with a huge bowl of popcorn in hand. He set it on the roundtable and sat next to her on the sofa without so much as a glance at her while she watched him curiously. It was a small and cushy sofa and she was conscious of the slight brushing of his arm and thigh against her as he planted himself next to her. As if things werent ackward enough already. She tried to shuffle as much as possible to the edge but it was all in futile and it didnt help that he sat with his legs spread out so she crossed her legs instead to maximise the space between them.

'Anything interesting on?' he asked oblivious to her annoyance as he leaned forward and shoved a handful of pop corn down his throat.

'Not really'

"Good. Lets just put Insidious on then, their loss if they arent here to watch."

'Insidious...uhh..'

'Chicken?' he said with a sly smile at her

'No' she responded with indignance. 'I think we should wait for them'

'Chicken.' He said with resolve.

'Fine put it on!'

He smirked and slid the disc into the player while she scowled at him from behind.

He flicked the lights off and flopped back on the sofa throwing one arm on the back of it and cocking his eyebrow at her while she kept her eyes fixed on the screen determinedly trying to ignore him. Which, wasnt too difficult as the movie quickly proved to terrify her with its creepy music and deathly atmosphere. The intensity was heightened by the fact that she was sat just inches away from him which didnt serve to quell her paranoia at all and he didnt give her much leg space either. She swore she felt his eyes on her and snuck a quick look at him out of the corner of her eye. It was hard to tell in the dark but it could be that her mind was playing tricks on her and her nerves were naturally piqued as the horror in the movie unfolded.

As the movie rolled forth she found herself increasingly gripped so much so that she had subconsciously grabbed a cushion and squeezed it tightly to her ducking behind it during the scarier parts.

'Omg tell me when its over'

'Its over'

She peeked up from the cushion but jumped dramatically just as the scene switched into a more horrific scene with the demon that leapt into view. She heard Raghav chuckle and was almost about to whack him with the cushion but something she saw across the corridor to the kitchen made her halt instantly. For there lurking in the dark stood a figure casting a shadow, long and menacing. It was motionless. Still. Silent. She froze for a split second hearing her heart thump inside her.

'Pppandit' she stammered gripping his arm tightly

'Hey! Geez whats wrong with you, you made me jump'

'Sshh someone..theres someone in the kitchen..'

'What? Get out, if this is your idea of a prank-'

'Please Raghav, Im not kidding, I saw someone' she whispered her eyes welled up in fear. The shadow had vanished but her fear wasnt dispelled one bit.

He looked at her suspiciously.

'Oh come on theres no one here, just us.' He got up to have a look

'No! Dont go' she pleaded tugging at his tshirt. He smirked as she held onto him

'Theres no one, youre getting worked up because of the film thats all. Let me have a quick look.' h

He disappeared into the kitchen and it was eerily quiet the only sounds coming from the movie. She called out his name in a loud whisper but there was no answer. Her heart thumped louder against her chest. Why wasnt he replying. She got up slowly, grabbed a lamp stand and tentatively tiptoed to the kitchen. Dread filled her to the core as she saw no one there. She half wondered if she was having another bad dream again, or sleepwalking.

Suddenly someone seized her from behind by her waist and clamped a hand over her mouth.

'I am going to kill you and every one close to you' the voice said sinisterly into her ear.

Ayesha squirmed and grappled helplessly against the persons arms till they let go, her panic mounting by the second. How did she not hear anyone creeping on her like that. She turned on her heels just as the person let her go and gaped in shock at the person before her. It was Raghav. His mouth curled into a sneer.

'You jerk! What the hell is wrong with you.'

He sniggered as she started to pound him and tried to duck away.

'Thats not remotely funny.'

'Chill girl, why are you so edgy'

'Maybe its because not just 3 days ago and no more than 3 occasions has an attempt on my life been made. Not to mention that shadow I just saw.'

He put his pulled his earlobes in gesture of forgiveness as she turned sharply away from him.

'Please pretty please maaf karo. It was just a joke.'

'A joke in bad taste'

'Im sorry Ayesha.' He followed her back into the living room and bent down on his knees as she sat on the sofa with folded arms.

He sidled up to her on it lightly brushing his leg against hers but she turned her head sharply away and crossed her legs. He offered her the bowl of popcorn but she wasnt in the least interested and made a point of showing him how annoyed she was. She had been certain of seeing the shadow of a figure. But her mind was now scrambling for other explanations like a swaying tree from outside. Raghav didnt take it seriously either and it was bugging her.

As the film moved into the final 3rds, one scene made her jump from her seat and cower behind raised hands. She didnt notice Raghav who was scrutinising her closely, unflinching. He leaned in close to her whispering into her ear

'Want me to turn it off?'

A shudder ripppled through her in surprise of the proximity, the sound of his voice and feel of his breath on her. They were inches from each other now, his breath on her lips.

'No' she said breathlessly hypnotized by his gaze

His eyes lingered on her mouth as he fought with all restraint to taste them again with his own. Her heart raced once more in anticipation of his next move but he simply moved away leaving her with an empty pit in her stomach, her desire unfulfilled.

She twirled her hair and tried to compose herself while his gaze returned to the screen though his mind was elsewhere..

They heard the rattling of keys in the door and both jumped as Randeep and Ashi walked in through the door apparent a tipsy state.

'Where the hell did you 2 go. We were worried sick.' Raghav called out in a rather bored monotonous tone

'Oh yeh, you sure sound it, is that why you went ahead with the film without us?' sameer replied sarcastically

'Yeh, you snooze you loose and sometimes you dont want to picture the worse so this was a good distraction just in case something bad did happen to you guys.'

'Buddy your dark sense of humour will never get old' he chuckled while Raghav clicked his fingers at him in acknowledgment.

As Randeep and Ashi scampered in the background going back and forth into the kitchen to prepare some food Raghav and Ayesha shared a secretive look. Their privacy had been disturbed. Not that they were doing anything dodgy but having each other for company was all they had wanted at that point. Though they were on the edge of doing something, she had sensed it in his eyes. Raghav picked his coke up while watching her. His eyes travelled to her thigh as he took a sip. Ayesha took an intake of breath feeling a rush of adrenaline surge through her as she realised he was watching her with avid interest not even trying to mask the seemingly innappropriate looks he gave her. She rubbed her neck ackwardly as his eyes did not leave her, hovering over her body, a ravenous look in them. She felt pinned to the sofa by his intense gaze that skimmed slowly up her body to her parted mouth. Her breath quickened as she met his eyes that twinkled with mischief and his lips curled into a faint smile.

As Randeep went on about something or the other Raghav slid his arm round the back of the sofa. She felt his arm right behind her then the tickling feel of his fingers stroking her shoulder and neck. She winced at first but gradually closed her eyes reddening at the feel of his skin on hers as he feigned interest in what Randeep was saying from the kitchen. He enjoyed the way she tilted her head back as his hand trailed up and down her skin and along her arm sending shivers through her.

'Ayesha I tried texting you why werent you checking your phone?' Called Ashi from the kitchen.

'Huh? I..' Ayesha broke off unable to focus. She opened her eyes and was about to say something to him when he edged close to her and with his other hand pressed a finger to her lips.

'Ssshh' he whispered

He looked at her as if to test her reaction from the effect of him on her as he precariously rested his palm upon her knee. She looked at him in alarm before he slowly lifted her skirt upwards fixing her with a hard stare slipping his hand beneath. She sighed deeply as his hand grazed her thigh teasingly.

Ashi was calling her name at this point.

'Hmm' Ayesha responded meekly while he continued to touch her. In the dark they could barely see what they were up to and it made it all the more exciting. Ayesha stopped him from going deeper resting her hand on his and looking into his eyes beseechingly.

'We shouldnt' she whispered softly as he probed her with hungry eyes.

'Why not' he growled into her ear skimming his teeth down her neck

'no stop' she pushed him away startled by his bold streak just as she heard footsteps shuffle down the corridor as Randeep and Ashi reappeared.

'Whats going on? Ashi enquired suspicion colouring her face.

'Nothing' Ayesha answered thankful for the dark that hid her shame and any sign of mischief that would have given them away.

'Scooch over' Randeep said and squeezed himself next to Raghav while Ayesha stood up at the instant of Raghav crossing her personal space a bit too closely for her liking. Raghav curled his lip in annoyance at Randeep. Ashi eyed her little sister dubiously before saying

'Then where do we sit?'

Randeep wrenched her till she sat on his lap.

'This is your seat' he said encircling his arms around her tightly

'Randeep thats quite innappropriate' she scolded and shrugged him off her.

Raghav looked up at Ayesha while sweeping his hand through his hair as she looked back at him helplessly.

'Whats this? Coke? What are we children? Wheres the booze?' Randeep quipped

'I was waiting for you guys. Let me go and fix us some drinks. Ayesha you could help me to carry them.' Raghav said gesturing to her secretly.

She shook her head at him wide eyed and realised Ashi was watching her so relented with a nod before following him to the kitchen.

When they were out of earshot Raghav turned to face Ayesha and approached her slowly.

'What?' Ayesha asked warily.

'Well?' he drawled

'Well what?' she was getting impatient.

He pulled her roughly into him.

'Admit it' he whispered

'Admit what?'. She was gripping his tshirt putting her arms in between them as a barrier.

'You know'

'You dont even know' Ayesha said narrowing her eyes

'Fine, I admit we arent what Randeep and Ashi are, you know the whole boyfriend girlfriend thing.'

Even though they intermittently acted like them with their hormones flying uncontrollably all over the place. It tugged at her again. She didnt understand what they were. There was that undeniable thing that neither wanted to admit.

Ayesha felt herself flush and pushed him away.

'Theres nothing to admit. But yes I do find you cute..' she said turning her back to him before looking at him again to gage his reaction.

Raghav looked down at his feet and smiled almost shyly and she found it so endearing that she kissed him on the cheek without thinking twice.

He was about to take a step to her but she spun on her heel and darted out of the kitchen in embarrassment.

Ayesha found Randeep and Ashi huddled close together eyes glued to the screenb their hands weaved through each other. She smiled to herself seeing them like that not knowing why she had and sat close by on the dining room chair. Her phone buzzed on the table and in a split of a sec Ayesha had gone from feeling warm and fuzzy to a feeling of deep seated fear as she read the text.

ENJOYING THE MOVIE?? The number was unknown. She froze with abated breath expecting something to happen but all was silent and still in the room. Another buzz.

GOOD BECAUSE SOON YOUll BE THE ONE SCREAMING FOR YOUR LIFE!

Ayeshas heart skipped a beat as she took in the message. She was being watched. She looked nervously about her but the rooms curtains were drawn and it was shrouded in pitch black except the crack of light from the curtains edges. She looked back to her phone again.

'THATS RIGHT, I CAN SEE EVERYTHING. UTTER A WORD TO THE COPS THEN YOUR SISTER IS DEAD. HOPE IVE MADE MYSELF CLEAR.' Ayesha pushed her phone away and jolted up out of her chair at the exact moment when a scary scene appeared in the film.

'Oh Ayesha the drama queen' Randeep quipped turning at the sound of her chair scraping across the wooden floor.

Ayesha ignored him and tried to compose herself. Raghav had returned with their drinks set on a tray and shared them out. He gave one to Ayesha examining her with furrowed eyebrows. Her face was marked with fear. She sat down and knotted her fingers together. Raghav picked up her phone from across the table and handed it to her as he sat next to her at the table noticing how she recoiled as he put the phone into her trembling hand.

'Are you ok?'

'Yeh I'm fine'

'You sure?'

'Yes just didnt see the scary scene coming'.

'Ah, yeh you just dont know when to expect it.' He threw a glance in Randeeps direction before leaning closer to her and speaking into her ear.

'Sometimes the creepy slow build is more impactful than the occasional jump scare.' She winced and looked the other way.

'It crawls under your skin, gets inside you, inside your head' he said whispering into her ear and stroking her hair from her face, his lips lightly touching her skin. She turned her face to his meeting his fervent gaze, her eyes dropped to his mouth and back to his eyes again.

'Raghav..'

'Hmm'

'Ive been sent threatening texts from the stalker again'. Raghav pulled back slightly and followed her with narrowed eyes as she lowered her head.

'Really. Show me'

She was debating whether to tell him and in the spur of the moment chose to, holding it to herself would do her little good.

'I think he is watching us.'

'Thats mad. How can he watch us, its just us 4 here.'

'I dont know who knows what hes capable of.. maybe he snuck into Randeeps house and installed a cam. Maybe hes right outside waiting for one of us to slip out. I wasnt lying when I saw his shadow.'

'Maybe or.. maybe he is in here.' He said it very calmly.

She stared at him pale faced. If he was feeling anxious Ayesha wouldnt have a clue as his eyes betrayed not a ounce of fear in them.

'Look' he continued; 'We could sit here and start to speculate on all kinds of possibilities or we could actually do something about it'

He grabbed her phone and started to tap the keys on her phone, 'who is this?'

Ayesha gripped his arm tightly

'Are you crazy?!'

No response came.

He dialed back and a distant ringing was heard. Ayesha and Raghav exchanged a look.

The sound appeared to be coming from outside.

'We need to call the cops'

'No! Please dont! If you do Ashis life will be in danger!'

'Look Ayesha if hes out there roaming theres a likelihood that he may enter these premises and when he does get in, all hell will break.'

'And if you call the cops hell will break, he swore he'd kill Ashi!'

'So we should just sit here, do nothing and play to his tune?'

'I am not risking my sisters life!'

'Then we are trapped. Hes out there and he wants to keep us locked in here before he plans his next move.'

'Its me hes after. I will be accountable for what happens. Im not going to let anything happen to Ashi even if that means keeping this away from the cops. You have to promise me you wont tell them either.' He looked at her concernedly and ruffled his hair.

'This is surreal. I mean Id never thought I would be involved in a psychotic stalker's mindgame despite my dad being a cop.'

Ayesha was struggling to keep herself from shaking and looked over to Ashi who was lying sprawled in Randeeps arms. Raghav squeezed Ayeshas shaking hand and looked at her in the eye.

'Hey, its ok, Im glad you told me'.

'I didnt want to drag you into this'

'Ayesha, dont worry, we will figure something out. He cant harm us.'

'How can you be so sure of that?'

'Because I wont let him.'

Randeep slumped back against the sofa biting down on his lip as Ashi was swaying her body in front of him. The movement of her hips driving him mad as he watched her his eyes roving down her body. She flung her hair on one side while he tilted his head back as her soft tresses struck him on his face. He parted her long straight hair from her face and caressed her cheek and neck. She backed up again just as he was about to lean in to kiss her. She ran her hands up her hair her back to him while he stalked up to her from behind and with his arms squeezed her tightly just above her waist, feeling her heaving chest in his strong suffocating grip. She tried to prise apart his arms but to no avail as he used his teeth to pull her strap off her shoulder, and trailed his mouth up her shoulder and neck while her arms fell limp to either side of him. Her vision became blurry and her hearing appeared to be coming from a distant away.

'Randeep Im feeling dizzy'

'Ssshh. Youre ok. Focus on my voice'

Ashi frowned in confusion not comprehending what was going on. 'Randeep..'

He picked her up and lay her on the sofa. He massaged her feet as she twisted side to side. She sighed as his hands travelled up her legs pushing the rim of her skirt upwards to bare her smooth thighs before she felt a sharp jab of pain sear through her. She let out a gasp of surprise as he explored her there with his mouth and she began to moan increasingly with every of his persistence. Another sharp pain pierced through her causing her to gasp.

'Huuh..whats..happening, who is that behind you' she quivered

'Sshhh, you've had a lot to drink Ashi. Just close your eyes.' She obeyed.

Ayesha and Raghav had ransacked Randeeps house peering through every window to get a view of the outside. But all was dead silent. To put her mind at ease it had been Raghavs suggestion to see if there were any suspicious activity happening in the vicinity but the night was passing by without much event and seeming to end on an anti climax. That was before a scream erupted from downstairs.

Ayesha jumped and bolted down the stairs in a flash finding Ashi lying in Randeeps arms with her eyes closed. She felt her heartbeat thud against her and swiftly rushed to her side.

'Omg Ashi!'

Randeep frowned at her.

'Sssh shes asleep, what the hell you doing and why do you look so tense?'

Ayesha let out a sigh of relief.

'Oh no its..nothing, just wanted to check on her.'

Ashi stirred from her sleep and looked at Ayesha from half closed lids.

'Ayesha...what is it.' she yawned resting her head against Randeeps chest.

'Its nothing. I thought I heard you scream.'

Randeep sniggered. 'Its from the tv' while sleep overcame Ashi once more.

Raghav followed her downstairs.

'Is everything alright?'

'Yeh. Whats with you two, something going on that you're not telling me about?' questioned Randeep

'Uh, no, we were just trying to find your stash of snacks in the house, and have come to the conclusion that you are a miser. Your kitchen is bare.'

Randeep shook his head and checked his watch.

'Ashi is fast asleep. I think you should stay here for the night.' he addressed Ayesha

She had no choice of course and perhaps it was a better idea to stay inside rather than venture out this late. If the stalker was on the prowl anything could happen. She didnt feel much safer being inside the house either all things considered but she decided it was the better option of the two.

She decided too that she would sacrifice her sleep tonight if it meant being on guard in case of any break in.

'Raghav, what do we do? We don' know entirely that hes not out there. If we step out, he may pounce on us from wherever hes hiding but if we stay in, he knows we are here which could be equally dangerous.. We are trapped! And the cops cant help us either!

Raghav gripped her shoulders and gave her a slight shake.

'Sshh lower your voice before Randeep suspects something. And I told you it will be fine. Randeep has an security system in place so if he dares to trespass it will trigger it.' Hardly comforting but atleast they wouldnt be 2nd guessing.

'And if he does then what do we do'

'I have a gun. I carry it all the time, being a son of a cop does that to you.' he added as she looked at him suspiciously.

A deafening alarm blared through the room making them all jump. Ayesha ducked down and covered her ears.

Someone had broken in.

Raghav pointed to upstairs. Thick plumes of smoke was issuing from the gap below the bedroom door and Ayesha was able to discern a redish glow.

'The bedroom is on fire!' Raghav shouted. Randeep leapt up and darted upstairs before Ashi pulled him back.

'No! What are you doing?!'

'Im going to put it out'. He cupped her cheeks.

'Stay here'

'Ill come with you.' Raghav followed Randeep before Ayesha could stop him.

'Why cant we just ring the fire services?!' Ashi called after them.

'Shouldnt we maybe go wait outside?' suggest Ayesha

'No dont! Were safer inside. We will deal with it!' shouted Raghav as he thudded up the stairs following Randeeps lead.

Ayesha ran to Ashis side and they both held each other's hands tightly while she tried hard to block out scary thoughts entering her mind. Had he started the fire to kill them off while they were trapped inside? She couldnt be so sure of that as she still was not clear what he wanted from her. Or was this a distraction... he could be inside the house..Ayesha let go of Ashi and scoured the whole room before coming to a freeze at the bottom of the stairs.

'God Ayesha?! How could a fire have started when we were all in this room? Ugh whats taking them so long?..'Ashi quivered shuffling on her feet. Ayesha didnt hear her.

For as she gazed up she caught a masked figure in a long black cloak, with a gaping mouth and white gloved hands.. Ayesha fell pale and was rooted to the ground in utter terror. The figure held a knife that was pointed to her then made a slashing action to his throat. He put a white gloved finger to his mouth before making a dramatic spin with his cloak heading toward the bedroom from which the boys had entered. Her throat went dry and she was unable to scream, to alert the boys that someone was upstairs with a knife.

'Ayesha what is it?' Ashi trembled seeing the horrified expression on her sisters face.

She glanced upstairs and strained to hear any noise that could have given her a sign that the boys were safe. To her dread her phone began to buzz. She braced herself and opened her message with trembling hands knowing it was from the unknown stranger and though she knew it was not logically possible, even the buzz was starting to sound sinister.

In the message was a short clip of Raghav holding the extinguisher who had his back to the camera that was closing in on him with a caption underneath:

SO HE KNOWS OUR SECRET TOO?

TELL ANYONE ELSE AND HE DIES TOO!

Ayesha started to tap violently into her phone, 'You leave him alone you f**king maniac!' while Ashi stared at her in bewilderment.

CAREFUL..I WILL LET THIS ONE SLIDE AS LONG AS YOU DON'T GET CUTE.

She dashed upstairs without thinking and bumped right into Raghav who held her before she could fall. She stared at him in half in relief half in shock. He propped her up against the banister his hands holding her waist.

'Ayesha whats the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost.'

'He.. he was here.. Upstairs in the room.'

'He cant have been. All the doors and windows are locked, we checked it thoroughly.'

'I saw him!' her voice had risen in slight indignation whilst Raghav put a finger to her mouth.

'Ssshh..we cant let them know.'

Randeep had stumbled back out of the room coughing and spluttering and Ashi ran upstairs to meet him. Both the boys looked rather battered and blackened. Ashi ran to Randeeps side and helped him up.

'That could have been much worse if we hadn't got there in time' Randeep said almost casually.

'We dont want to alarm you but someone was trying to break in. Likely a thief, but he probably took off when the alarm sounded.'

Ayesha exchanged a look with Raghav. She couldn't settle on probably even if they had searched the house.

While Ashi was fussing over Randeep clapping the dust and ash cinders from his clothes Raghav crept up to Ayesha leaning his head to her ear.

'He probably thought we were asleep and tried to set fire on the house. But as comforting as that sounds its more likely that hes trying to lure us outside and that will be his moment.' he said in a lowered voice.

'To do what?' She shivered as he looked at her darkly.

'To get you.'

She showed Raghav the messages, he was involved now and there was no point hiding anything from him.

Raghav furrowed his eyes and waved a hand through his hair.

'I think he is doing all this to torment me.' Ayesha said anxiously

'Who would want to torment you?'

'I have no idea! I feel like Im losing my head. Every time I step out of my house I feel like he's watching me. I dont even feel safe in my own house. And the cops cant do zilch because Ashis life and now yours is under threat. Its all hopeless.

'Or maybe not.'

'What d'you mean?'

'I may be able to track his phone using my dads tracking system. If I can somehow manage to sneak it out of the station..'

'What would that do?'

'Well dont you want to find out who is doing this to you?'

'Yes..' she sighed exasperatedly. 'But I just want him to leave me alone. How will knowing who is behind this help. I cant risk telling the cops because he will find out and strike.'

'Lets just do this. If we can track him down we may be able to catch him ourselves.'

'This isnt a simple cat and mouse hunt. He's dangerous, theres no guarantee we come out of this alive."

"We will because you have me."

Ayesha fumbled around for her keys getting ready to open for the day. No customers in sight so far. She had recently taken up a small part time job as a waitress in a cafe more for her sanity than sustenance. The distraction that strangers provided would do her mind good. So with that and her self defence classes she had great excuses to dart around Randeep who left no stones unturned to irritate her and avoid being at home alone with a stalker on her tail.

Ayesha backed up from the door colliding into someone behind her. She felt hands brush against her elbows and swivelled round coming face to face with a smartly dressed man of similar age to her. She couldnt help notice how rather good looking he was. He appeared to work here too wearing a smart white shirt with the company's logo on it though she never had seen him work here before.

'Sorry didnt mean to sneak up on you like that.' He said flashing her a pleasant smile.

'Are you new here?' Ayesha asked curiously

'I've always been here.'

'Ive never seen you here before'

'I did work lates but they shifted me to earlies. Though you seem to be new here or I would have remembered a face like yours Ayesha..' he eyed her interestedly

'Uh.. wait..how do you know my name?..' she said cautiously edging backwards by instinct.

'Everyone knows each other over here, its a small town. I figured you must be Ayesha seeing as you are the only girl working here.' he said gesturing to the staff rota list.

'Oh..whats your name?'

'Rohan.'

'Nice to meet you.'

'You too. See you around' he winked and got back to work as the first customers arrived.

Ayesha was winding down to finish her shift. She was caught up in a rather self involved customer regular who was spelling out his whole day but at the risk of sounding rude she decided to listen to the speech without cutting him off. Her boss had already had a go at her before for her bluntness. When he was finally done Ayesha rushed to the staff room discarding her apron and stripping off her work clothes to change into her short summer dress. She loosened her hair flipping it around till she was content with the way it fell down her shoulders.

'You ace that fake smile thing pretty well' she jumped.

'Geez you have to stop doing that' She blushed with realisation and crossed her arms seeing him slumped across the sofa. He had been here all the time. How did she miss that?

'Sorry again. Im on my break.. But that was entertaining.' Ayesha threw him a mistrustful glare.

'What happened downstairs I mean, you bear the torture better than I do.' Ayesha picked up her things in a hurry and made for the door

' Hey you leaving already?' he asked cooly.

'Yeh my shifts over, I'll see you tomorrow' she said sharply and left feeling flustered.

'