The next day was a Monday. Ashley awoke refreshed and happy. She glanced at the clock and noticed that she wad running a tad late. She shrugged and pulled on some jeans and a t shirt. The rose lay on her desk, unfaded. She smelled it and sighed. Senioritus was sinking into her skull. She went into her barthroom and decided to French braid her hair. She did that then grabbed her backpack and purse. Her parents were already at work. She put the keys in the ignition and drove to the school parking lot. Justin was waiting for her in the usual spot. He didn't bug her anymore. To be honest, she was actually growing fond of him. If she hadn't met Erik, she might've just been in love. Justin was a great looking guy. He had blue eyes with sideswept dirty blonde/light brown hair. He could sing like nobody's business and he had amazing kisses. He genuinely cared for her. All the girls in the school wanted him, but that never crossed his mind. He only had eyes for one girl. Ashley sighed and pulled up. He was leaning up against his car smiling at her. Ashley actually smiled back. She felt warmth spread over her body. Her head used to scream at her not to feel like that, but that had been muted after prom. She opened the door and he embraced her. He kissed her lips so softly and wrapped his arm around her waist. She got her purse and bag out of the car. He helped her with her things. She slid her hand into his and felt him squeeze it. Everything would've been perfect. Except for one thing. She was in love with Erik. Justin didn't know that after they graduated, his girlfriend would leave him for a man in the late nineteenth century. As far as he was concerned, they were both going to UCLA to study music. What the future held from their was unforseeable. The week went by slowly as if it were taunting Ashley. Finally, graduation came. She was on a vacation in France with her family for a week. The Eiffel tower was beautiful and all the buildings were too. The theatre wasn't nearly as beautiful as it was. She did, though feel at home. She brought her things for the time travel. They were about to go on tour of the place, when the tour guide got sick. He asked if we could wander around the opera house. Ashley knew that place like the back of her hand. She walked by herself in the corridors. She walked down the stairs to the vaults of the theatre. Justin flew down the same stairs following her. He was vacationing with them. He wanted to be alone with her for a moment... When Ashley got to the lake, she waded through it. She didn't care if she got wet. After what seemed like hours wading throughout the lake, she came to the landing. Sitting on the shore was he. She grinned and waded faster to him. His welcoming smile only fueled her legs into walking faster. Finally, she reached the shore. He picked her up and spun her around. He kissed her tenderly. "Finally you are here with me," he smiled wider and pulled something out of his pocket. "Happy birthday," he said. She kissed him. "Thank you," Ashley said, a blush creeping up on her cheeks. He dropped to one knee suddenly "Ashley, when I first met you, i was broken into a million pieces Within the year we spent together, you fixed that heart and loved me You gave me what I most needed Acceptance and love. Een when I abused you physically and emotionally, you still loved me and helped me realize not only I could live without Christine, but I couldn't live without you. So finally I ask you this: would you make me the luckiest man in the world and be mine forever?" he said, pleading. Tears were pouring down her cheeks. Right as she opened her mouth to answer, a male voice rang out throughout the lair. "Ashley! What are you doing?" Justin said, wading through the water. Erik stood up and wrapped his arms protectively around Ashley. "Really? You had to come in then?" he said, placing the ring back in his pocket. He let go of her and walked down to Justin. Ashley shuddered. She could hear the anger in Erik and could see it in his eyes.