Chapter 5 Enzo's Story
Enzo approached a frantic Ashley as she was yelling at a group of people to move tables to the far left side. Graduation was approaching quickly and Ashley still had much to do to make sure everything would be perfect for her graduating class.
Stress levels were high for everyone with finals to study for and project deadlines to meet, but there was still a chill of excitement buzzing in the air. The end of an era… One door closing with many more to open. Graduation day.
"Good morning gorgeous," Enzo attempts to compliment Ashley but she reacts by rolling her eyes.
"Go away. Can't you see I'm busy? Hey! I said to put the blue table clothes on all the tables on the right, not purple! Are you color blind?" Ashley freaks out.
"Well it seems like you could possibly use a hand. I thought I might try and help."
Enzo's words makes Ashley stop to turn and look at him. She was not expecting him to offer to help, but she also did not care much for him after his insults.
"Why?" Ashley questions Enzo, showing she is not trying to play games right now. "Look, I don't know what kind of games you are up to but I have a lot to do in order to make sure that graduation runs smoothly. So if you would please GO AWAY."
"Oh come on love I only want to help, really," Enzo continues to try and persuade her to give him a chance. Ashley just stars at him waiting for him to crack and leave. "I am not going anywhere so might as well put me to use. Let me help."
"Fine, I don't have time for this. Why don't you go and help with the stage set up way over there, away from me."
"Will do love. I will come find you when I am done and we can grab a drink," Enzo adds a wink after he's done talking.
"Keep dreaming," Ashley scoffs and walks away.
Enzo was not used to girls not swooning over him. He has always been quite the ladies man, but not with Ashley. When he is around her he is off his game, becoming uncomfortable around her presence.
Enzo could tell he annoyed her and this just made him feel guiltier. This girl risked her life to save him and all he has done for her is annoy her. It might not seem like it, but he truly was trying. He wanted to do something good for Ashley, even have her like him. Yet, every time he spoke to her he seemed to just get her more aggravated with him. So Enzo walked over to the stage with determination to finish the setup so it was complete and perfect for Ashley. He might not have the hang of how to talk to her yet, but at least his actions can maybe make her less annoyed by his presence.
For the first time in a century Enzo worked hard and long for many hours, not taking a break until the stage was completed. As Enzo worked with the others, hammering nails in to pieces of wood and lifting chairs so they would align perfectly with one another in rows he did not see Ashley glances over at him. She saw how hard he worked and questioned if she judged him to fast.
When the stage was completed Enzo collapsed in the corner out of exhaustion, taking a moment to recoup.
"Here," Ashley's voice made Enzo jump. He looked up to see Ashley offering him a water bottle.
"Well what's this? When I said get a drink I meant alcoholic love. You must not get out much," Enzo teased but after saying the words immediately regretted it. He couldn't help himself. He didn't mean to always be so sarcastic. He did appreciate Ashley's jester despite how many times he made her angry.
"You're going to have to settle for water instead." Ashley said in a frustrated tone as she tossed the bottle at him a little angrily. She was attempting to give him a chance and he already messed it up.
Enzo caught the water bottle. He opened it and downed half the bottle. He hadn't realized how thirsty he was. He was thirsty for something stronger than water though… He needed to feed… needed blood.
Ashley turned to start to walk away but stopped after a couple of steps.
"And thank you." You could tell it was a forced thanks but Enzo's obnoxious personality did not take away from how hard he had just worked.
Enzo did it. He had helped her out and could feel less guilty. He hoped that this would be his closure to leave her alone… but he still felt an urge to be around her, even help her.
Enzo jumped up and quickly escaped the university. He needed to feed… needed to get away from her… and most of all needed to make sure that Damon did not find out he just spent hours slaving over building a stage just to hear a girl thank him. He had surely lost it and if Damon tried to follow him around as a babysitter again he would end up snapping and fighting his friend.