"Because in the end,

we are all just

dreamers in an

endless universe."

_______

a s h l e y

"That's all for today class. I expect your reports on my desk on Monday." Mrs. Diaz dismissed us as she sat down and began grading papers. I started gathering my books once the bell rang. I rushed out of the classroom and pushed through the scattered mess of students in the hallway. "Ash! Where the hell were you? You disappeared on me!" Emilie shouted. "Umm, I had to go class. You know the thing that determines what college we get into and if we're going to be successful in life." I said in a duh tone as I opened my locker.

"Ashley you're only sixteen one time. Why do you worry about school so much? The thing you should be most concerned about is that you haven't said a word to James." She rolled her eyes. "Em, boys aren't everything." I reminded her, throwing my books in my locker before looking at my pink mirror, examining my face. "Oh funny you say that, cause look who decided to show up." She gently nudged me. I turned around to meet eyes with James. For a split second it seems like the world stopped and it was only the two of us.

But reality kicked back in when he broke eye contact and continued to walk, brushing right past me. "Boys aren't everything Em." Emilie mocked me, shutting my locker. "Shut up." I huffed. I zipped up my book bag and then traded goodbyes with Emilie before heading to my car. Thankfully today was Friday.

I was already dreading returning back to school on Monday even though the weekend just began. Hm what are my plans for tonight? Maybe binge on Glee and clean out all the sugary snacks in the pantry. Actually, I have to work on a project instead. My history teacher, Mrs. Diaz has assigned everyone an important landmark in Connecticut as a project. We have to do research on the particular landmark and write a five page essay on it describing it's importance and role in society today. Also the way it has impacted us.

I got stuck with Dreamers' Star. Dreamers' Star is a special star in the outskirts of Hartford. I honestly really don't know how a star has impacted society or the importance of it. But my teacher and everyone else seems to think otherwise. So as soon as I get home I'm heading straight for my room and researching. I just want to get it over with and not worry or stress over it the day before it's due. I got into my beloved red car and jabbed the key into the ignition.

A few minutes later, I had finally arrived to my casita. Pulling into the empty drive way I got out of the car and entered my home. The house was empty. My little sister had cheer practice while my little brother had karate. My mom is probably out having a drink with the other cheer moms. My dad is probably still at work. My mom is a well known surgeon at a nearby hospital and my father is a famous FBI Agent. I know right, some shoes I have to fill.

"Good afternoon Ms. Ashley, how was school?" Mercedes asked as she continued to wash the dirty dishes. "It was ok, nothing exciting happened." I shrugged taking a bite out of a red shiny apple. "Hey have you ever heard about Dreamers' Star?" I asked. "Actually I have. Dreamers' Star is a star found in the outskirts of Hartford and is known for making wishes come true. Tourists from all around the world come just make a wish. People claim their wishes come true, so it's very special." She explained.

"Mm, I have to do a project on it so I'm going to go see it around seven thirty maybe." I said. Without another word being shared, I headed up to my room only to find Martin dusting my night stand. "Ugh, you're here." He scrunched up his nose in disgust. "Why hello to you too Mart." I smiled, throwing myself onto my soft fluffy king sized bed. "Ashley, do you happen to know when the rug rats get home?" He questioned. "They should get home around six I think." I answered. "Great! That will give me enough time to get some shut eye!" He excitedly said before running out of my room.

Martin is our butler, but he doesn't really do much besides complain and eat. If he feels like it, he'll do some cleaning or dusting here and there. But he's like family and I know he loves us even though he swears that the day he gets his big break on Broadway he's going to ditch us. Oh did I mention how much we all annoy him? Yeah, maybe that's why he seems to sigh every time we get home.

It's a different story with Mercedes though. She's our maid, but she's like a mother to both me and my siblings. With my mom being a surgeon and working crazy hours, she's not really around. Mercedes usually plays my mom's supposed role. Either way I love both, Mercedes and Martin and I don't know what I'd do with myself if something ever happened to them.

As I laid down I took a deep breathe and closed my eyes. And before I knew it, I was slowly drifting into the blackness. My tiredness had taken over me which resulted into a three hour nap.

I slowly got up, rubbing my eyes in order to see clearly. I glanced at my digital clock which read 6:30. I can hear my little sister, Bella giggling and Martin's whining all the way from my room. I got out of bed and rushed downstairs to the living room to see Mercedes, Martin, Bella, and my little brother, Connor playing Monopoly. "You can't take my house." Martin whined. "I just did! What are you going to do about it crybaby?" Bella sassily replied as she snatched his house.

"Hey weirdos." I greeted, setting a kiss on Connor's and Bella's head. "Ashely!" They both exclaimed running towards me. "How was cheer and karate?" I smiled, running my fingers through Bella's long brown hair. "I got my back handspring!" She reported with a bright smile glued on her face. "It was ok." Connor shrugged.

Bella is eight years old and Connor is only three, yet we all fight like we're the same age. "I'll be back. I have to go check this place out for school." I grabbed my car keys and slipped my leather jacket on. "Be home before ten thirty!" Mercedes called after me. I nodded my head and walked out to my parked gorgeous car. Ahh I love my car with all my heart! I got into my car and turned on my navigation app.
"20 minutes until you reach your destination." The female navigation system announced.

Hmph, this damn star better be worth the drive. I could be in bed right now doing absolutely nothing.

I began my journey, singing along to Bad and Boujee. That song is my shit. After replaying it for about a million times I reached my destination. I turned my car off and climbed out of it, looking for the star. Hm, where can I find it. I walked around, keeping my eyes glued on the starry night until I noticed a humongous shiny star placed into the middle of the night sky. Now I know why everyone comes to see it. It was absolutely stunning. I couldn't take my eyes off of it.

Oh man I can't believe I'm doing this, but here goes nothing.

I sat down on a big rock and continued to gaze at the star. "I can't believe I'm actually doing this. But here I go. I wish for James. I want him to notice me and take interest in me. I think I love him. I just want the feelings to be mutual."  I wished, shutting my eyes. I sighed and broke contact once I looked down at the ground. This was a waste of time. I should've never done this. The point of this star is to only get peoples' hopes up in thinking their wishes or dreams will come true, but it won't.

A star can't do much, except sit there and look pretty.

_____

So this is my first book! I'm really excited for it, I have big plans for it!!!! I just really hope that whoever reads it, actually likes it. 💖💖 I know this chapter was pretty boring, but I promise it's going to get better and better! Thanks again to whoever read my book and I hope you continue to read it!

Love you💘💍!

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