Chapter 45: Yoga Class

Ashton's POV

"It seems everything went well between Megan and you because you can't stop yourself from smiling like an idiot," Zachary said the moment he found me in our dining area, and I was drinking cold water, and he was right; I couldn't contain the happiness that I felt, and it felt like I was eighteen years old again.

My smile broadened when I looked at him, and I could tell he was on his way to sleep since he was wearing his sweatshirt and sweat pants while I was still wearing the same clothing I wore during our dinner a while ago. The entire place is so quiet now, and we don't need an air conditioning unit because it is colder in this place because of the big trees that surround the entire area.

"Yeah, thank you so much for your help, Zachary, I know you also convinced Megan to hear me out, and I could tell you did your best to persuade her to give me a chance to speak with her, and right now, I don't want to go to sleep because I am afraid if I will slumber the moment I wake up everything would only be a dream," I said, and he laughed.

"I am happy for you, buddy." He said and sat across from me.

"Did you know that Megan was pregnant when you came with her to our mansion in Astikoz eight years ago?" I asked my best friend, and I could see the surprised look on his face.

"Did Megan tell you that Axel is your son?" He asked, and I am sure Zachary doesn't want to answer my question.

"Of course, she can't deny it to me, Zach, Axel is my carbon copy, and even Megan will deny the truth; I can feel it that I am the father of her son," I responded.

"Why did you hide it from me, Zachary?" I asked, and I heard him clear his throat before answering my question.

"Why, does it make any difference to you? Do you think you can do something about it, Ashton?" He responded, and my face darkened.

"I could have done something for our daughter, and you deprived me of knowing the truth. I could have been there for Megan." I said as I tried to calm myself, and I couldn't believe that he had never told me about it for eight years. And I can feel the pain of my best friend's betrayal.

"I don't think so, buddy, Megan begged me not to tell you anything, and I asked her to tell you because you have all the right to know about her pregnancy; besides, you hurt her, Ashton, and that is the punishment you are going to deal with for the rest of your life. Megan suffered enough; the punches I gave you that time will never be enough."My best friend declared.

"You can hate me all you want, but I want you to know I loathed you that day, Ashton; I could have done worse to you, but I needed to run after Megan because she was only eighteen years old at that time. And worst, her father's evil plan made her disoriented." Zach added.

"She was so lost and devastated when she came into our house. What do you expect her to do when you suddenly stop communicating with her? If she didn't find out she was pregnant, Megan would never go to your house, but Megan needed someone that time, and the only person she hoped could help her turned her down." Zach continued.

"I was proud when I told her that you will be excited to know about her pregnancy, but when I saw you together with Lauren, I felt devastated that I failed Megan. And you made it worse by telling her she is no longer part of your life. You know I love Megan, Ashton, but because I know she only has eyes for you, I gave way to you even if I liked her before you even got to know her." Zach said.

"I care about her, and that time I agree with Megan that you don't have any right to know about what is going on with her life after you abandoned her. And now, you are so lucky because Megan gave you another chance, and I hope you will not waste this opportunity, and you are so damn lucky; even if you broke her heart, I could tell she is still in love with you." He added while I was frozen in my seat, and I felt embarrassed.

"You don't deserve her in the first place, and I hate the idea that I am still helping you even if you failed to protect her young heart, and I hope this time you will make it right." He said and got up from his chair and left me like he had slapped my face multiple times. 

I stayed in the dining hall for a long time, and I didn't know what I should do because I felt embarrassed about what my best friend had told me. Zachary was right; after all, I don't deserve Megan. But I will do everything I can to prove to her and everyone that I am no longer a boy. I am a man now, and I need to convince Megan that I love her so much and am willing to do everything for her even if I am already too late.

It took me a long time before I could sleep, and it was because of my best friend. His words penetrated my core, and my happy mood dropped, and I felt like an idiot as I lay on my bed thinking about Megan. I felt so guilty that I wasn't there for her when she lost our little girl.

I got up from my bed quickly when I heard Zachary's voice outside my door, and I realized it was already early in the morning; and as I opened my door, I was shocked to find him with a yoga mat in his hands.

"You better move now if you want to be with Megan and Alice." He said, and even if I was confused, I quickly turned away from him, got my towel, and walked towards the bathroom. I took a quick shower, and then Zach smiled at me when he realized I was ready in less than ten minutes.

"Why didn't you tell me we will attend the yoga class in the morning?" I asked.

"Because you pissed me off last night." He said, and I shook my head while I followed behind him.

"Besides, you told me you hate yoga." He added.

"I love yoga, Zach; you just heard it the wrong way," I said, and he laughed.

"Yeah, I know you suddenly love yoga because Megan will be there." He replied.

"I already told you, Zach, I am willing to do everything for Megan even if it means I need to do yoga every morning just to be with her," I said as I caught up with him, and we were now walking side by side.

"Well, good luck with that, buddy." He said, and I couldn't stop smiling as I realized I would see Megan again.

I could tell we were late because the moment we got inside the yoga studio, the place was almost full. I couldn't believe many men were already inside the place, and my eyes automatically scanned the entire area, and I could feel the racing of my heart as I looked at Megan on her yoga pants and t-shirt. She looked so hot and beautiful.

And when Megan found me looking at her, I could see that she was blushing, and I winked at her, and her face turned redder. Then she focused her attention listening to the yoga master, and even if I looked ridiculous stretching my body, I didn't care as long as I was in the same place with Megan. It was enough for me that I could see her.

"Excused me, Sir?" The yoga teacher called my attention.

"Yes?" I asked, and I wondered if she noticed I was not following her instructions since I was so busy looking in Megan's direction.

"You are Ashton Pritzgold, right?" She asked, and I smiled at her, and I wanted to slip away since all eyes were on me now, and I didn't want them to think I quit football because I wanted to do yoga, but my determination to be with Megan was stronger than my desire to flee.

"Yes, Ma'am," I responded, suddenly feeling so shy.

"Thank you for joining us here today, and it is my pleasure to be your teacher for this morning session. I am so happy to know that one of the greatest football players in the country finds interest in doing yoga." She said, and I could hear Zach was giggling beside me.

"You can transfer here at this side to be near this beautiful woman here." She declared as she looked at me, and then she turned her attention to Megan, and I could tell Megan was blushing again. And I didn't waste my time. I moved right away and put my yoga mat beside Megan, and I could tell she was conscious as she did the exercises; while I couldn't stop myself from looking at her almost the entire session, that made our instructor call my attention a couple of times.

And for the first time, I appreciate yoga.. I realized it could help you relax your mind and body, even if at first I could feel my bones crack with the stretching, and I know I will do everything for Megan, whatever it will be, and I don't care if I look hilarious as long as I can be with the woman I love.