NEVER AGAIN!

"I am deeply interested in the excuse you are going to put forth!"

"But…" Ashton paused for a minute and spoke as he watched the baffled expression of the 'two' who were just caught in their act.

"I opt not to ask…" He carefully read the wave of relief swoop over their faces before he put forth his little condition, "…if you refrain from digging deeper into my dating life!"

"Deal!" Jerry was quick to give a firm thumbs up and walked away swiftly as he let out a deep sigh.

Jess stood inside mentally battling on whether to follow him or be confronted by Ashton.

'I won two 'heads' to run from in a single day!'

Jess thought as she gave a dry smile to Ashton and spoke, "I will go and tend the next customer!" She turned towards the client's seat only to see it empty and forcefully shut her eyes in great humiliation.

"Oh God! I am leaving Jess!" Ashton stormed off through the open salon door as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Even the devils fall in love…What should I call it? Cupid gone rogue?"

Ashton gave a heartfelt smile as he felt happy for the two immature souls who kept him alive during his once dry life.

Lyza was earnestly waiting for Ashton. She peeked through the front door curiously at times, trying to find out whether it was Ashton who caused the occasional disturbance of 'dry leaves' crumbling outside. Her expectations skyrocketed every time she heard a distant voice, only to be left disappointed when it reached nearer. This ache of getting her hopes 'up and down' repeatedly was extremely tiring, yet she overflowed with anticipation.

"Ash…!"

Lyza called out from inside as her face gleamed with joy while she ran to Ashton who was at the iron gate.

"Hey Lyza…! Which season is this?" Ashton asked humorously.

"Ahh… Spring?"

"I guess not!" Ashton told as he thought about the recent turn of events which happened around him.

"It's season of love!" He busted out in chuckles.

"Let's go!" Lyza screamed with excitement. She was looking forward to this trip with Ashton even though it was just to the shopping mall.

"Yes! Let me grab my coat! It's gonna be freezing later!"

[SHOPPING MALL]

Ashton and Lyza were inside the mall with a cart in hand trying to decide from where they should start the purchasing. She needed almost everything a woman required about which Ashton had no idea.

"Shit!" Ashton shouted as he searched his pockets. He had forgotten his wallet at the salon.

"You stay here! Don't go anywhere else. I will be back in 10 minutes with my wallet."

Ashton turned back and sprinted to the salon as he saw Lyza nodding a 'yes'.

"Stay right there! Don't wander off!" He yelled out as he turned towards her while he ran, just to be reassured.

Lyza sat there at a corner holding on to the empty shopping cart and looked around. She was a little frightened, but more excited about the outside world which was newly opened to her.

Ashton was quicker than he anticipated. The idea of his 'naive one' sitting alone in an unknown environment gave him chills.

'What was I thinking??'

Ashton thought as he sped to the mall.

In love the strongest one seems to be the weakest and the silent ones, the loudest! Everything which was once wired perfectly begins to mismatch, unintentionally rearranging the 'bits and pieces' in an attempt to create a 'perfect yet imperfect' image of the truly cherished one.

Ashton entered the mall in haste and looked around for Lyza as he gasped for breath. He couldn't find her. He immediately regretted his decision of leaving Lyza behind.

Ashton felt his heart sink deeper and deeper as if it was being pulled down by a string into the deepest water as the moments passed.

He ran panic stricken while he scanned the area with his fright filled eyes, only to see Lyza standing in one corner with the same cart in hand. She looked dull and lusterless.

Ashton rushed to her and hugged her in relief and told, "Never again!"

Lyza gave a weak smile as she saw him. There was something off about her.

She stood there under his arms with one hand tightly pressed on to her belly. The deep red stains on her clothes grew bigger and brighter as the time went by.

"Oh…" Ashton looked with concern in his eyes and spoke softly. He slowly took off his coat and wound it around her waist not caring a bit about the judgmental faces around him.

"Now we know where to go first!"

He told in a happy yet relieved tone as he smiled.