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.