The Second Attack

Days felt lighter now that the threat of the mysterious letters had disappeared. Ashley could finally enjoy her days more. Not only that, her relationship with Bianca had grown closer. Bianca even offered to go to and from campus together. The blonde girl reasoned that going alone felt too lonely and needed company. Hearing that, Ashley felt terrible for refusing Bianca. Besides, when she thought about it further, she wouldn't have to be the third wheel between Florence and Samuel in the car on the way to and from campus. Maybe this was an advantage for her to avoid Florence and Samuel's shameless public displays of affection.

Of course, this change caused Flo to protest. The brown-haired girl even considered driving, refusing to go with Sam so Ash could join her. After a long debate, Ash finally agreed to make a schedule: sometimes, she'd go with Bianca and other times, she'd go with Flo and Sam.

Thinking about all of this gave Ash a headache. Why were friendship dramas more complicated than romantic ones she watched in movies?

"Is there another game coming up, Sam?" Josh asked, his excitement bubbling as he looked forward to watching more basketball games. The brown-haired boy's eyes sparkled as Sam shared one of his favorite game moments.

"There is, but it's next week. It's just a scrimmage, but it's open to the public. You should come!" Sam explained that the scrimmage would be challenging because they were up against a team from a prestigious university in the city.

"I'll definitely be there!" Josh exclaimed enthusiastically. "It'll be awesome!"

Ash, who was listening while eating, raised an eyebrow. She was puzzled by Josh. Why didn't he join the team if he loved basketball so much? Josh might not be tall for his age, but he looked fit enough for an intense sport like basketball.

"Why don't you join the basketball team?" Flo asked, voicing Ash's unspoken thoughts. "You love the game."

Josh averted his gaze slightly and gave a small smile. "I do love basketball, but I can't join the team."

"Why not?" Flo asked, still chewing her food but focusing her attention on Josh.

"I had an accident a few years ago, and this leg—" Josh pointed to his left leg, hidden under his pants. "—hurts when I run."

Flo and Ash raised their eyebrows. "Oh, I see," Flo responded.

"Maybe you could join a different club," Bianca suggested.

Josh smiled. "I'd rather not join any clubs, so I can watch basketball games whenever I want."

"Oh, speaking of basketball, Coach Edward is hosting a BBQ at his place the day after tomorrow. He invited us and said we could bring friends. Do you guys want to come?" Sam suddenly shared the news.

"Are you sure we can all come?" Josh asked, a little hesitant. Ash and Bianca also expressed doubt. If Sam had only brought Flo, it wouldn't have been a big deal since she was his girlfriend, but inviting everyone seemed like a stretch.

Sam, with his tan skin, waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine. Coach Edward is super chill. If he says we can bring friends, we can bring whoever we want."

Ash, Bianca, and Josh exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "Alright then, tell Coach Edward we'll bring some food too," Bianca said, with Ash and Josh nodding in support.

Sam grinned widely. "Sounds good!"

***

Sam, Flo, Ash, Josh, Bianca, and others headed to Coach Edward's house for the B.B.Q. Two days later. The weather was perfect—warm, with a light breeze. When they arrived, Coach Edward greeted them with a big smile and a firm handshake.

"Glad you all could make it!" Coach Edward said, clapping Sam on the back. "I've got the grill going, and you can help yourselves to the drinks. Make yourselves at home."

"Thanks for having us, Coach," Sam replied. "I told you they'd come," he added, turning to his friends.

Bianca smiled. "We wouldn't miss a free meal," she joked, making everyone chuckle. She quickly added, "Just kidding, Coach! We're really excited to be here."

"Yeah, thanks, Coach!" Josh echoed. "It's cool of you to invite us."

Coach Edward waved them off. "Any friends of my team are welcome here. You're all like family. Now, grab a drink and find a seat. We've got plenty of food coming off the grill."

As they settled in, they saw Anya Taylor, one of Bianca's friends, chatting with David and Jeremy, two basketball players and Sam's close friends. They waved at the group as they approached the food table. Many basketball players joined today.

"Hey, you guys!" Anya called out. "Long time no see."

"Anya!" Bianca exclaimed, pulling her into a quick hug. "I didn't know you'd be here."

"I am the team's manager. Of course I'll be here, Bianca. Plus, who says no to BBQ?" Anya laughed, flipping her straight hair over her shoulder. "How have you been?"

Bianca shrugged. "Same old, same old. Assignment, projects, the usual grind. You?"

Anya nodded. "Same here. Oh, Jeremy, pass me the ketchup, will you?" She caught the bottle Jeremy tossed her with ease.

As the group relaxed and helped themselves to food, Sam and the basketball guys grabbed a few beers. After a few drinks, their conversation got louder, filled with laughter and retelling of old game moments. Ash quietly listened, sipping her soda while sitting beside Josh.

"You alright, Ashley?" Josh asked, leaning toward her.

Ash smiled softly. "Yeah, just a little tired. I think I'll go get some fresh air for a bit."

"I'll join you," Flo offered, standing up from her seat. "I could use a smoke."

Ash and Flo made their way to the backyard, away from the noise. It was peaceful out there, with the sky slowly turning darker as evening settled in. Flo pulled out her pack of cigarettes and was about to light one when she groaned.

"Dammit, I forgot my matches," she muttered, patting her pockets.

Ash chuckled. "I think Sam has a lighter on him. You can go grab it."

Flo sighed. "I'll be right back. You okay out here by yourself?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Take your time," Ash replied, leaning against the fence and looking at the sky.

Flo gave a short nod and returned to the house, leaving Ash alone in the backyard. Ash breathed in the cool night air for a few moments, enjoying the quiet after all the noise.

But then, something felt off.

The hairs on her neck prickled, and she glanced around the dimly lit yard. There was no one there. Just the rustle of leaves in the breeze. She shrugged off the uneasy feeling, convincing herself that she was overthinking.

Suddenly, there was a sound behind her—a faint shuffle, barely noticeable.

Before Ash could react, she felt a sharp, excruciating pain at the back of her head. Her vision blurred as she realized she'd been hit. Her body crumpled to the ground as darkness took over, and everything went silent.

***

Meanwhile, back inside, Flo was rummaging through Sam's bag for his lighter. "Baby, where the hell is your lighter?" she called out, frustrated.

"It should be in there. Check the side pocket," Sam replied, taking another swig of his drink and laughing at Jeremy's words.

"I swear, if I can't find it—"

"What do you guys need?" Bianca, who just come out from the toilet, joined them. 

"A lighter. I need my smoke break." Flo answered shortly. She still didn't interact that much with Bianca. 

The blonde-haired girl grabbed a lighter from her pocket. "Here, use mine instead."

Florence raised her eyebrows. "I don't know you are smoking."

Bianca chuckles. "Sometimes. I just a social smoker after all."

The brown-haired girl took Bianca's lighter and lit her cigarette. "Thanks." Flo nodded after she puffed the smoke.

"Anytime." Bianca smiled gently. 

Josh, seated beside them, turned to Sam. "Speaking of breaks, where'd Ashley go? She didn't come back yet, did she?"

Sam raised an eyebrow, glancing toward the door. "She's still outside, right? Didn't Flo go with her?"

Flo, hearing her name, looked up. "Yeah, but I left her in the backyard. I was just gonna go back once I found the lighter."

"She's been out there a while," Josh said, concern creeping into his voice. "Maybe I'll go check on her."

Flo nodded. "Yeah, I'll go with you. Let's make sure she's okay."

"Count me in. I want to go, too." Bianca joined.

Josh, Flo, and Bianca headed outside, calling out for Ash. "Ash?" Flo called, but there was no response. "Ash, where are you?"

As they stepped into the backyard, Josh froze in place. "Flo... look."

Flo followed his gaze and saw Ash lying motionless on the ground. Her heart skipped a beat as panic set in. "Oh my God, Ash!"

Bianca's face also looked panicked. "Ashy! Ashy!"

They rushed over, and Josh knelt beside her, gently shaking her. "Ash? Ash, can you hear me?"

But Ash didn't respond.

Flo's hands trembled as she pulled out her phone. "We need to call for help—right now!"

Josh nodded, his face pale as he stared down at his unconscious friend, fear gripping his chest.

A night that started so light-hearted suddenly took a terrifying turn, leaving everyone shaken and desperate for answers.

***