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### Chapter 1: 1| The Devil Himself
Thanks for putting faith in my cheesy writing, if you like the story, don't forget to vote, comment and add to your reading list. Once again, thanks for taking a chance on my cringe worthy work ••• Chapter 1: The Devil Himself. I love my job... Is what I would have said if I was working anywhere else but at Prinscott college gym. Firstly, gymnastics wasn't my aesthetic, the three empty wrappers of Oreos on my desk were enough to prove that. Secondly, this place was practically always empty. Our school had two gyms and everyone loved working out at the more furnished gym. Take a guess, it wasn't this one. I lazily ripped open my fourth Oreos, nibbling on the cookie. "Eating on the job again," Jessica, my annoying co-worker and self proclaimed beauty queen chimed in. "You eat so much, you may as well explode." Hey, I don't judge your excessive use of push-up bras so why'd you got to judge my Oreo addiction? She quickly snatched the cookie from me, throwing it in the waste bin with an evil smirk. "Eat less, it'll do you a lot better, mad Maddison." Mad Maddison, a fun little name she loved calling me... Well, two can play at that game, Jessica... Jerkface . She casually sashayed away, flaunting her long brown locks in my face. "B*tch," I mumbled under my breath. Now I had nothing else to do but watch YouTube videos, I know other people would probably hop on their message and answer their thousands of inbox but I didn't have a social life. I was practically a social zombie. I was still watching a makeup tutorial when the French door slid open as someone walked in. I didn't notice. "Get your eyes off that phone," Jessica said to me in a hushed tone, her eyes wide like she'd just seen the devil himself. "He's here... I don't know how that's possible but he's here.." "Who's here?" I asked, it was impossible, we never had customers, that was practically our slogan, loneliness . "Ashton Malik... He's here," she then gestured to the entrance and there he stood, the devil himself. Ashton Malik and a couple of friends. For someone every girl was always drooling over, Ashton was irresistibly hot, his smooth dark hair laid in a messy style from hours of racking his hands through them, greyish blue eyes scanned the gym. His eyes finally landed on us, Jessica and I, and he and his friends began making their way to the desk. "Quick, how do I smell?" Jessica asked. I simply nodded, still frazzled by the fact he was here, in our gym. "Great, now I need you to go check out the equipment, make sure everything's good to go," Jessica said. "What?! That's your job... I'm supposed to sit here and welcome athletes," I complained in a whisper. "We both know you're only going to scare them away with your awkwardness... Consider this a favour." Favour my ass, she just wanted to flirt with the hot guys. I angrily stood from my seat and walked over to the equipments. Along with Ashton were Justin Williams and Alex Harkmann, Ashton's closest friends and partners in crime. Apart from being an eye candy for every girl to fawn over, Ashton was also the son of the famous UFC fighter, Jaxon Malik. Ashton himself had also been to some minor boxing matches and for some reason, the tickets sold out in less than a day anytime he was participating. I lazily gazed at all the equipments. Dumbbells... Check. Training bench... Check. Treadmill.... Check Stationary bicycle... Check. Well, my work here was done. I know Jessica asked me to check out the conditions of the equipments but let's been real, they'd hardly been used in months, they were as good as new. I gladly turned over, trudging to reclaim my seat from the Karen that was Jessica. She stood closely to the boys, laughing to every single thing they said with her glistening white teeth. She turned to me with a frown, giving me the you're interrupting me look but I just shrugged. "Well gentlemen, right this way, the equipments are all set," Jessica said. "And what's the name of your assistant?" Ashton asked, it wasn't until then I noticed he was staring at me. My lips fumbled for a reply, his cool gaze pressed against my weak ones, a charismatic smirk played on his lips as he saw my distress. "I'm Mad-" "She isn't important," Jessica quickly interrupted, wrapping her hands around Ashton's strong arm like she'd known him for ages. "Right this way, boys." She led the way, taking them to the work out space. I sighed. For once in a lifetime, I was actually grateful for Jessica's interruption, she stopped me from saying something foolish. I'd totally lost my cool just from his stare. Not good. I guess his charm does work on every girl... I sat, counting my fingers with absolute boredom before Jessica rushed back to me. "He gave me his number," she squealed, jumping like she'd won the lottery. I really didn't know what to tell her, she seemed so excited so I just said, "I'm so happy for you." "I know you're jealous... I'm not giving you his number," she then proceeded to flick her hair at my face, swaying her hourglass curves. "I don't need it," I replied. "Liar!" I was okay with fantasizing about him from a mile away, I know it was creepy but atleast I didn't make a total fool out myself by starting an actual conversation. "You're so weird," Jessica commented. Then we both heard the loud yell, a deep voice vibrating through the gym. It was Ashton. We both rushed to the boys, fear pounding in each heartbeat. There Ashton laid on the floor, cradling what seemed to be an injured leg, his friends helping lift him up. "Get a doctor!" Alex yelled at both Jessica and I. Sh*t! ••• *Thea casually sipping coffee in the midst of the drama*
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### Chapter 2: 2| Bag Of Disaster
Thanks for putting faith in my cheesy writing, if you like the story, don't forget to vote, comment and add to your reading list. Once again, thanks for taking a chance on my cringe worthy work ••• Chapter 2 : Bag Of Disaster There Ashton sat, his leg resting on the thigh of the doctor who tightly wrapped compression wraps around his ankle. "Is he going to be okay?" Jessica chimed with concern. The doctor ignored her, handing Ashton a pack of Advil. "This should relieve the pain, it's just a simple sprain but I'd suggest you rest a lot and avoid putting a lot of weight on the leg." "Thanks for the help doc," Alex said. "I just got off a call with Ashton's dad," Justin said, "he'll be here any minute now." "Cr*p," Ashton mumbled, leaning his head against the wall. "The manager will also be here," Justin casually added. The manager was coming?! Jessica and I both stared at eachother in panic. This had happened under our watch, we were both so screwed. Screwer than a screwdriver. Bam! In came our visibly worried manager, Mr Pipeson rushed into the gym in distress. "What happened here?" "Apparently, there's a reason no one comes here," Alex said, glaring at the stationary bike. You know, the one I was meant to check out... Big oops. The manager turned to both of us, "girls... Explain!" Once again, the entrance burst open and in walked a towering man, his dark suit hanging on his muscular build. The world renowned boxer was a spitting image of his son, just older and with more facial hairs. "Son, are you okay, I came as soon as I got the call from Justin," Mr Malik said. "Can someone explain what the heck happened to my son." Usually, I'd be glad that a figure like Jaxon Malik was in our fricking gym but now was not the time, his voice seemed to vibrate with so much anger and hostility, he could literally strangle someone right now. "Dad, it's no big deal... It's barely a bruise," Ashton said but immediately contradicted himself with a wince when he tried to move the ankle. "A bruise? You can barely walk, you had a big match this saturday." "The bike was faulty, pedal broke off and I sprained an ankle, big deal, I can definitely make it for my match saturday," Ashton said like it was nothing. "Ashton, I wouldn't advise you to fight in your condition," the doctor chimed. "Wait a minute, did you say the bike was faulty?" Mr Pipeson turned to Jessica. "Ms Leanard, didn't I ask you to always ensure the equipment's were safe before every use?" Jessica was beginning to sweat, the anxiousness in her voice as she spoke felt genuine. "It's Maddisons fault, she offered to do check up on the equipments," Jessica blurted. Wait, I offered? Everyones gaze turned to me, expecting a no doubt sensible explanation. "Hi," I simply mumbled. Okay, I panicked. What was I supposed to do? Tell them I didn't check the equipments because I'm such a lazy ass. "That's it, this is ridiculous, I'm suing this entire school," Mr Malik fumed, dragging out his iPhone. Were we getting lawyers involved? I couldn't go to jail, I'm too young to be there, I haven't even gotten to graduate or get married. Too much melodrama? Okay. "Mr Malik, please... It hasn't gotten to that," Mr Pipeson pleaded, he then looked over to me with a stern unforgiving gaze which would make anyone run for their money. "And as for you, you can count yourself fired," he yelled. "F– fired?" I managed to mumble, my eyes wide with shock. Yes, I know I hated my job but working at the gym was the only place I seemed to hold an occupation for up to a month. "Sir, I beg yo–" "Enough!" He bellowed, "I don't want any excuses, don't come back tomorrow." Tears battled it's way down my eyes but I quickly wiped it off, I was trying to be as strong as possible but losing my third job in two months isn't exactly good on my résumé. "It's not her fault..." My heart lightened as I looked up to see the person who was defending me... Ashton? "It... Isn't my fault?" Mr Malik and the manager both simultaneously turned to Ashton, brows raised with confusion. "She tried to warn me... But we were total snubs to her," Ashton lied. Wait, Ashton lied? For me? "But, Ash, that neve–" Alex tried to oppose him but Ashton quickly interrupted, taking charge of the situation. "It isn't her fault, at worst, she's just a bag of disaster." Was that a defence or an insult? "Soo... You're saying I shouldn't fire her?" Mr Pipeson asked. Ashton nodded, looking over at his dad, "we don't need a lawyer, I'll be good as new in no time... I'm sure they're many more matches along the line." "But son, this one was special... We'd anticipated this for months," Mr Malik complained. "Don't worry about it," Ashton brushed his concern aside, "I'll be good in no time," he said. "It'll take anywhere between five to eight weeks for that leg to completely heal," the doctor interrupted. " Five to eight weeks? " Mr Malik exclaimed, "we don't have five to eight f*cking weeks... He's missing a lot of practice." "Dad, it's okay ," Ashton said with a little more stress. Jaxon Malik finally sighed, taking a look at the manager, he towered over him, standing at about six feets. "Look, I'll make you a deal," he said to Mr Pipeson, "I won't file any charges and in return the girl keeps her job since that's what Ashton wants." He rolled his eyes. "You don't want me to fire her?" Mr Pipeson asked again, like he hadn't heard what he'd said. "You don't want to fire me?" I asked, equally confused. It was amazing to see the power a guy like Ashton held even in the midst of people far older than himself, he could make decisions alongside them. My heart skipped a beat the moment I heard Mr Pipeson say, "fine... You can keep your job." "Thank you soo much, sir," I beamed, almost pulling him into a hug. "One more screw up and you're out of here, understand?" I nodded charismatically, grateful for a second chance. Jessica finally chimed in, "okay... Now that's settled, I was thinking I can volunteer to take care of Ashy..." Ashy? ... When did they get to nickname calling. Ashton raised a fine dark brow, perplexed. "Who are you again?" "Jessica... The girl you gave your phone number like an hour ago, remember?" Ashton finally nodded, dismissing her with a wave. Ashton was truly someone who had every girl wrapped around his finger. "Very well, I'll be back to check up on you," Mr Malik said to his son, "your mother was so worried... Don't come back to this gym again, they're clearly trying to kill you... I have to go now but I'll get someone to pick you boys up." He casually strided across the room, exiting the gym where a black BMW awaited him. ••• I had been determined to thank Ashton for his help but he's friend carried him out the gym before I could say anything. I made my way back to my apartment complex, drained from all the energy by the end of the day. "Hey, Maddie." I turned to find Paul walking up the stairs. Paul was my neighbor in the complex, as well as a faculty friend, he was usually helped me out with my Bio 101, an all round a great guy. "Oh hi, Paul," I greeted. He grinned, displaying a set of white teeths. "How you doing, you missed Bio class today." "Yeahhh... I was in a... Situation," I explained. "Cool, just thought I'd hand you some notes and the assignments." "Yeah, thanks a ton, Paul, you're a life saver." He dug into his bag, retrieving his notebook which he passed to me. He scrunched up his nose, taking a whiff of the air. "Do you smell that?" Did I stink? I'd applied my perfume today but all that sweat and anxiety at the gym must have washed it off. I finally drew in a deep breath and I caught the smell immediately. It was smoke. "What kinda psycho is trying to burn down this place?" I commented. "Umm... Maddie, I think it's coming from your apartment." It was infact coming from my apartment. I rushed in there, making my way to the kitchen at the nick of time. The smoke was thick, the stove a burning red. It was so choking, I had to open up all the windows I turned it off, eager to find my psychotic roommate who left the stove on. I finally found her in the shower, the curtain only displaying the silhouette of her shape, she held a shampoo bottle, using it as some mic as she sang. "AND WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE... YOU ARE THE DANCING QUEEN..." "Angie," I called but she was too distracted by her own singing. "ANGIE!" I repeated much louder which startled her. "Oh my god, Mad, you're back." This was Angela Chika, my roommate and defacto best friend, the only weirdo who could bear living with a fellow weirdo like me. She sniffed, taking in the burning stench of the apartment. "What's that smell?" Hmm... I wonder... What is that smell?
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