DUSK by Esther Machethe (top books of all time txt) 📕

nothing useful and she didn’t come to yell at me even though I know the latter was really impossible. However, as I was exiting her room, I came across something really useful to me, something that I can use to make fun of her; a single thing that made me feel like the most powerful tease she had ever met. Chloe Jade, prepare to meet your new embarrassment.

The next few weeks were probably the worst times because I never got a chance to relax; it was always ‘Ashton look at this’ or ‘Ashton take care of that’ or ‘Ashton these files need to be corrected’. I almost quit.., who was I kidding, I could never quit because there’s no out once you’re in. I never got a chance to hear if the girls settled in comfortably at their new home.

To be completely honest, despite being busy, I was extremely bored without three of the most important people in my life. I heard that they all joined university and had part time jobs even though the organization could sustain them and provide for their every need, it beat me why they wanted to earn on their own. As for me, all chances of normal flew out of the window once they were gone; there was no reason for me to go to school or to try to even fit in as a normal teenager, hell I was rarely out in the open and to most people it’s like I vanished completely from the face of the earth. I didn’t mind anyway because I hated school and I liked my work, as weird as it sounds.

I wanted to see the girls again or at least talk to them again but Mr Elroy said it wasn’t the time yet and it looked like Chloe was thinking the same because they never tried to contact me, not even once; that or they completely forgot I existed but I chose to believe the former was the right option.

“Look alive son, maybe you’ll get a new partner among the new recruits, or maybe even a girlfriend if you’re lucky enough.” Mr Elroy teased me but I only chuckled in response. Nothing could ever replace them in my life but they didn’t need to know that because they’ll never let me live it down.

With a deep sigh, I walked towards one of the trucks that the rookies were in and opened the back door. I was met with at least fifteen curious pairs of eyes, a couple of familiar faces but there’s one familiar smirk I will never forget but I’m relieved it was him.

“I knew you were some form of spy, at least you’re cool.” Reece murmured more to himself but I think everyone clearly heard him.

“Well, at least you took a step in the right direction. Welcome to the club man.” I extended my hand and he shook it in a firm grip. A throat was cleared and we both turned to the other expecting teenagers.

“Hello everyone, sorry about that; I was just too happy to see him here. I’m Ashton but you can call me Ash, I’ll be one of your trainers. One of you will be lucky enough to be my partner if the higher-ups deem you good enough but we have to prepare for the bigger cause here. So, how about we step out of the truck and get started.” I tried to minimize my words but from the corner of my eye I could see Reece snickering at me which could only mean that I made a very big fool of myself. I held my head up and walked out while I still had my ego intact and led them to the rendezvous point where all trainees were to meet.

I watched them from a corner as I leaned against a wall and observed how the chatter grew as they freely socialized. I remember when I first joined the mission, the first rule my asshole of a father taught me was to never speak unless spoken to. Well I had to break that rule when I was given the assignment on Chloe. Dad wasn’t too proud of that but looking back now, I’m better off than how he wanted and I couldn’t be more proud of Leo for everything we’ve been through but we still came out on top.

“I could ask you what you’re thinking about but I know you’ll talk about her.” A familiar voice rang out behind me. I briefly turned my head and caught a glimpse of Reece in all his gay glory. I snorted at him.

“I hope you’re not going to profess your undying love for me again. It’s flattering but I don’t swing that way.” I answered but he only chuckled at me,

“relax buddy, I have a boyfriend right now and I’m happily in-love, don’t get me wrong, you’re handsome and all but I moved on bro and I think you should too.” He commented in a light tone but I could sense an undertone of seriousness underneath.

“Aren’t you too young to be in-love, I mean, we just got out of school. Don’t you have plans like university or a job to plan for?” I asked. I am honestly happy for him but I think it’s too early for love. He snorted at me before his lips curled up in his famous smirk.

“Hello pot, meet kettle. I think you should look at your situation first, don’t you think?” he replied, partly in sarcasm and partly in amusement. I was about to answer him when Mr Elroy’s voice rang out clear,

“Can I have your attention please?” the room fell silent. “Thank you, I’m Mr Elroy and I’m happy you all have joined us. You all know why you’re here, and I won’t take up much of your time since it’s already late. Your trainers will show you to your rooms, I assume you have met your trainers, if not, please confirm with the lists that are at the entrance doors where you will rest for the night and we’ll begin tomorrow. Good night everyone.” He stepped away and disappeared among the excited teenagers.

“Come on, let’s round them all up then we’ll go to the rooms.” I pushed myself off the wall and walked towards Reece who was already waiting for me and we walked towards the crowd of trainees. It was going to be a very long night.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

^^^^^

It’s been three months since I last saw them; Ash and my parents. Em and I moved to a new state and enrolled into a new university; lucky for us we were able to graduate with good grades and could score a good scholarship and imagine my surprise when we ran into Jared and found out he attended the same school and lived a few blocks from our apartment but at least he was a familiar face who could help us get used to ordinary life. He was surprisingly nice to me and apologized for what he did while we were in school and we became good friends.

 We also got jobs but it wasn’t at the same place, even I have to admit no one is that lucky but the good thing is we weren’t far from each other and the jobs have semi-decent pay that helps pay the bills. I think it was also safe to say that we made some new friends and I finally got to experience a normal teenager’s life though I have to admit it is rather boring.

 I’ve never talked to Ash since we left because of two reasons; one is that he might have forgotten about me and that scares the hell out of me and the other reason is that I never felt like it was the right time. Maybe I was just postponing the inevitable but one of these fine days I would make sure I get over it.

I was currently sitting on my bed reading a book from one of my favourite authors when I heard the front door open followed by Em’s loud voice;

“honey! I’m home!” she shouted trying to make her voice sound more masculine.

“Coming darling!” I shouted back, dramatically high before I walked out of my room and headed downstairs. I froze at the entrance when I heard a masculine voice which commented something followed by Emma’s laughter. The voice was deep in just the right way and I felt my face flush immediately. I took deep breaths trying to compose myself before I walked in with a smile plastered on my face. Em turned immediately she heard me and shot me an amused smile.

“I thought we moved from ‘darling’. It’s so old.” She complained but I only let out a snort that was most definitely not lady-like.

“Like ‘honey I’m home’ is so original.” I countered sarcastically before I caught a new face at the corner of my eye. My body went rigid and my face instantly flushed before Em broke out into full laughter and the guy snickered.

“Chloe, meet Leo Havier, he’s our new neighbour and my newest friend.” Em introduced us briefly and her tone was so smug. I turned my attention to Havier and before I could control my blabber mouth I blurted the first thing that came to my mind.

“You don’t look like a Mexican,” I covered my mouth and my face reddened. Only I can find a way to embarrass myself during an introduction. Havier only smirked at me before he found the right words to answer me,

“Very observant Chloe; I was adopted by Spanish parents so they named me Havier. Does that make sense to you or do you have another question?” he finished off with a sarcastic remark which I was so ready to sass out but Em beat me to it. Lucky him, or maybe I was the lucky one.

“Okay, as much as I enjoy the drama, the tension is too much for me to actually breathe normally.” Her comment made us both turn to glare at her but she only chuckled “Aww, you guys are so cute together with those cute little glares but keep them on and I’ll throw you both out of my house.” She cooed but her last statement was so serious that we both stopped glaring and I huffed childishly while Havier smirked at me.

As hot as he is, he really is starting to piss me off. Whoa!! What the hell? He’s not cute or hot but he’s plain ugly, both inside and out especially with those bright green eyes and those sweet-looking lips and—w-what the hell! I unconsciously widened my eyes before reality hit me and I quietly walked out to get myself a glass of water. I didn’t miss the snicker on his face as I walked away.

One day I might just die from embarrassment and I have a feeling it’s all going to be his fault. After getting a much needed glass of water and composing myself I decided to go back to my room where my book was waiting for me to bury myself in making me smile at the thought. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didn’t see the object blocking my view and I run into a warm wall.

“Sorry,” I mumbled