Choosing Mr. Destiny - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Ashley's POV
One month. It's been that long since that traumatic night, and I've been nothing but a complete mess. I thought I could just move on after what happened, but I was wrong. Very wrong. It really didn't occur to me that I would change this drastically, but I did. After just a month, I turned to someone that I, myself, can't even recognize.
I shut everybody out and I can't help it.
I'm scared and scarred, for life.
I didn't know if I'll ever be the same Ash again. But for the past weeks, I tried to handle myself accordingly. Taught myself that it was all in the past, and that I should move on. But somehow, my brain won't listen to my own words. I would always be frightened even when I'm around my family and friends. I know they won't hurt me but for some reason, I still am scared. I no longer trust anyone. And if I did, it would take a while to gain that trust.
I didn't want to be like this. No one does. No matter how many times I tell myself to just get over it, I still couldn't. Those horrible moments are now imbedded inside my mind and it will reside there till my very last breath.
Even up till now, I keep convincing myself I wasn't raped. That it was just an attempt. But I also knew it did happen. That I was taken and held down against my will. But I still refused to believe it all. I keep telling myself day by day that it was just a nightmare, even though it wasn't. The lies I told myself caused me to build my own reality as I tried to forget the past. I tried to make myself believe that what happened to me was nothing but a stupid nightmare. But it was all nonsense. I know everything I told myself was utter nonsense.
I can never change what happened. I can never turn back time to prevent myself from being in that situation.
Whatever Jacob has done to me, did a lot of damage. Not just physically, nor mentally, but how I view life. I changed. Not for the better, but for worse.
I lost confidence in myself. I lost the courage to face my everyday life with optimism. I completely changed. In just a course of a month, I completely changed to a person, I, myself know nothing about.
I feel helpless, hopeless, and just utterly incapable. I simply gave up in trying to better myself after what had happened.
I still feel dirty and I don't know how I will be able to face anyone without them thinking the same thing. It's been a whole freaking month I kept my mouth shut even with them constantly bugging me what was wrong. I was scared they will see me differently if I tell them. And I was also terrified that they won't believe a word I say.
That's why I decided to keep my mouth shut and never ever mentioned anything about what happened to any living soul. Not to my friends, my best friend, even to my own family.
Right after I came home, thanks to Jessy and Mat, I immediately went inside the house. Not even feeling anything. Just loneliness and emptiness. I know right after everything have happened, my whole personality had changed. I wasn't the same Ash that everyone knew. I was different.
I was scared towards anyone.
I couldn't keep eye contact with anyone longer than 2 seconds without visibly shaking. I would flinch when someone dares to touch me. And I would easily freak out when I sense that there's someone staring at me. After that horrible night, I completely lost my appetite to eat, the will to smile, and the strenght to continue living.
Right after I entered the house, I know I had to keep my mouth shut. That I have to keep it all to myself and to never trust anyone ever again. I don't want to tell anyone, even my family about what almost happened to me; what happened to me. I don't want Jacob to go to jail, even when that's all that he deserves for what he did to me, I just can't. I do want to see him rot behind bars but if it means getting to see him once again in the process makes me cower away.
I didn't want to see his face ever again.
So I kept my mouth shut.
Even though he managed to ruin my entire life, I still couldn't build the will to plan revenge towards him. I won't, and I will never forgive Jacob for what did to me. Not ever. I may not want him to go to jail, but that doesn't mean I forgave him. I only want him to stay away from me and wished that he won't ever do what he did to me to anyone ever again.
I gave him a second chance to live but never a second chance to be with me or be my friend.
The moment I entered the living room, I saw Papa waiting for me there. I forced myself to look normal and gave him a smile; more like a grimace actually. And thankfully, I managed. He asked me things on what I did during the time I went out with Jacob, and of course I didn't tell him that Jacob raped me and all those unwanted details. Instead, I lied infront of him again. I told Papa that Jacob was going through a rough time and I had to be there for him, to be able to comfort and help him. After I told Papa all those stupid lies, he looked like he believed me so I guess I was good.
My family and I had dinner and I was silent all the time. I hardly even touched my food and Papa took notice. He questioned why I didn't eat that much and as usual, I lied and told him that I already ate with Jacob and that I wasn't so hungry and already full. I lied while using the name I despise so much that just by pronouncing his name, it left a venom like taste lingering in my mouth.
After dinner I went straight to my bedroom, grabbed some clothes and headed to the bathroom to have a much needed shower. Right after I stepped inside the shower and turned it on, there I cried silently under the spray of warm water falling down my violated body. I poured every emotion that I had been bottling up ever since I came home. I let my heart take over my whole body and just be vulnerable and broken even though my brain told me to be strong. But I guess I'm too weak to consider myself strong. I wasn't able to defend myself when Jacob did what he did. So maybe it's true, that I'm weak.
When I was done in the shower, I went back to my room and plopped down in bed and curled into a ball. I cried again, sobbed, and poured my heart out into my pillow. The pillow that witnessed all my break downs and emotional moments.
I laid in my bed with no intention of sleeping at all. The only thing swimming inside my mind was the events happened back at the lake, and the thought of why Jacob did what he did.
And now It's been a whole month, but I still couldn't believe Jacob did that to me. Not even once did it came to my mind that he was capable of doing such horrible thing. I thought he was different and would never do things to hurt me. But I was absolutely wrong. I was obviously deceived and lied. He was a monster and a rapist. He wasn't human in my eyes anymore. He was something else. He's a spawn of the devil from hell.
The whole month I had managed to go to school without seeing the one person I never wanted to see, and I was grateful. Besty told me that Jacob transferred school, but she didn't know where and what was his reasons why he did. They were sad, but I wasn't. Instead, I was thankful that he transferred. Because with that, I won't be seeing him ever again. I didn't know how I'll ever survive and graduate with him being around. Hell, I don't even know if I'll go to school if he was there.
I was happy that he did what he promised, and that is to leave me alone.
I would be lying if I say that my friends didn't notice my change of mood and personality, because that is far from the truth. For a month they didn't stop bugging me why I was suddenly quiet, distant, jumpy, and easily scared. But I didn't utter them any single word that may serve as an answer. Well, I did told them that I was fine for like a million times already, but I guess they didn't buy it. That's why I had no other choice but to lie in their faces over and over again. I told them the complete opposite of what I feel and told them I was sad that Jacob left, and I guess they believed me.
In a span of only a month, I changed into someone that I, myself can't believe I turned into one. In a month, I was a completely different person, I don't trust anyone except myself, my family and friends. But even to them, I still have trust issues. It's hard to know who I can really trust and rely on after what happened to me. The way I see people, they're all unworthy of trust, they're selfish, cruel, sadist, and all of them can be monsters no one ever imagined they can turn to be. And most of all, they can destroy someone's life in just a second. That's how cruel people are, how cruel the world is.
Life is a witch and the world is full of crap.
That's how I see it, and I bet those who also experienced the same thing as I did will surely agree with me.
So this is me now. The same name, but a whole new person.
The way I interact with my friends was way different than I did before. Now I never goof around, joke, get along in their childish banter, or even just simply talk. In short, I've been distant and I know by doing so, I'm hurting them in the process.
But I can't help it. They don't know what I feel and they don't know what I've been through. But at the same time, I also don't want them to know. With them not having any sort of idea about that matter made me feel slightly okay.
And I want it to stay the way it is. They don't have to know what I feel and they don't have to know what I've been through. They don't have to know anything, or else they will surely hate me.
If I did tell them about it then I'm positive they will leave me, or worse, treat me differently.
I would rather be distant to them than them turning their backs on me.
Though both of those options sounded cruel, I'd rather pick the first one.
And that's what I did
Be distant.
Today is Monday, which means a freaking school day. And since that night, I've been dreading school even more. Not because I hate school, but because I hate being around people. But I had to suck it up. I still want to graduate even with my fluctuating grades. I kept pushing myself not to get distracted but I couldn't. The memories of that night keeps haunting me.
After my alarm blared, I sat up in bed and rubbed the sleepiness out of my eyes. I stayed in bed the whole night, not even able to get a wink of sleep.
I sighed deeply before I stood up and went to our shared bathroom. And because I haven't had any sleep at all, I decided to just prepare for the day early. Before I got out of my room, I turned to look at the time on my bedside table and saw it was still 5:05 in the morning. And thankfully, during this time, no one uses the bathroom. I stepped inside and took my time in doing my morning routine. I used the toilet to empty my bladder, I brushed my teeth thoroughly, and showered my body clean of any dirt. After that, I took the towel and wrapped it around my waist before quickly exiting the bathroom.
When I was inside my closet, I took out my briefs and quickly put it on. After that I grabbed a plain white shirt paired with a simple faded ripped jeans. I didn't feel like wearing the schools uniform today again, so might as well just settle with some shirt and a jeans.
Even though I've been ditching the uniform for two weeks, no one still called me out on it, which I was thankful.
Well, I won't get in trouble when I asked the principal for permission. And as long as I don't get myself in huge trouble then I'll be fine. And it's not like I interact to people anyway, so me getting in trouble isn't happening. Besides, I'm now at the top on his list of High Academic performing students, might as well use it to my advantage.
After getting dressed, I grabbed my black and white checkered design shoes and silently wear them. When that's done, I took my bag on top of my desk and walked out of my bedroom. I headed towards the kitchen and saw Papa preparing breakfast. I looked down on my watch and saw it's still 5:45, usually Papa prepares breakfast at 6 so why was he early today?
Minding my own business, I quietly went straight to the fridge and took out an apple juice and took a bread from the counter. I didn't feel like eating that much anyway so an apple juice and a bread would be enough for breakfast. After I closed the fridge and washed my hands on the sink, I started heading to the living room. But before I could make another step out of the kitchen, Papa called me using my full freaking name.
Letting out a slightly annoyed sigh, I turned around and faced my father. I know something bad is going to go down when he calls me by my full name. Either there's something important he's going to tell me, or he's going to tell me that I'm in trouble before he starts to lecture me nonstop about it.
I gave Papa a straight face that I was barely able to muster. I gave a glance at his intimidating stare before I quickly looked away.
"Yes, Papa?" I said uninterested while looking anywhere else except his eyes.
Papa stopped what he was doing and washed his hands on the faucet and grabbed the towel. He then walked towards the stool beside the breakfast bar.
"Sit." Papa ordered sternly in his deep authoritative voice while pointing to the stool in front to him.
Not even bothering to argue or anything, I silently followed him and sat on the stool feeling nervous on what he's about to tell me.
When I didn't utter anything, he sighed in what I guess was frustration.
"What is happening with you Ash? You've been acting different lately?" He asked with a frown on his face. "Your friends came and told me that you've been distant to them. And don't even try giving me those nonsense excuses because you've been like this for a month, so don't dare lie to me." Papa said with my eyes glued on the breakfast bar.
I know he had his intense stare on me because I could feel like the side of my face was burning. And though he told me not to lie, that is what I'm about to do.
"Nothing." I said blandly while staring at the marble finish of the breakfast bar.
"What did I just said Ashley Dale? Don't lie to me." He scolded sounding impatient. "Now, tell me what is wrong with you this instant before I really snap." Papa warned.
I sighed, feeling tired and done for the day.
"I'm just caught up with school Papa. I've been busy with all this school works and different kinds of activities that I didn't have time to spend with my friends anymore, that's all." I lied with my eyes not looking his way.
"Yes I understand that, but it doesn't mean you have to be acting like this Ashley Dale. Do you really think we didn't notice how you changed in front of our very eyes? Do you think we didn't notice the way you've been so distant not only from your friends but also from us? Now, explain to me what happened to you and why you changed. I hardly even know you." Papa said with frustrations coming off of him in waves, and his brows were knitted together.
I remained silent for a while and thought about what I should tell Papa. Whether I tell him the truth or give him one of my lies again.
I can't tell him what had happened to me. He shouldn't know. And I don't think I can tell him..... I just can't.
"I'm just sad that....J-Jacob transferred school Papa." I stuttered a lie to him and I prayed he'll believe it this time.
I don't know how long I have to keep lying to everyone now that they're starting to bug me again with these questions that I didn't want to answer.
"Is that really the reason Ashley Dale? Or is there something you're not telling me?" He asked in his calm but intimidating and scary voice.
I nodded. "Yes Papa, that's all." I said as I forced myself to look him in the eyes to make my lie believable. I pushed all my emotions out of my features and faced Papa with an empty and emotionless eyes and face.
Papa sighed seemingly tired, and I know he's still not convinced on what I told him. He nodded his head and looked at me with calm expression in his aging face.
"Alright then. If that's what you say then I'm not going to push you any further." Papa said and I forced a smile out of my lips which I know it looked more like a grimace than an actual smile.
"Thanks, uhm, I have to go." I said as I quickly left the kitchen and into the living room.
"Wait, aren't you going to have breakfast first before you leave?" He asked.
"I already did." I mumbled loud enough for his to hear.
"But it's way too early for you to be in school. It's only 6 in the morning Ash." Papa called out but I was already out the door before I could even give him a response.
When I made it in front of the bench I usually sit on, I silently sat down as I sighed deeply.
The day's only starting and it's already giving me frustrations, what more when hours passed?
I sighed once again as I sat on the bench waiting for Connor to arrive.
And speaking of, Connor has been nothing but good to me. I still remember the time when all I did was avoid him at all cost. Not even bothering to acknowledge his presence when he was there.
He started approaching me since last month but I always avoided him, but since he had a strong fighting spirit, he never once gave up. Last month, two days after the Jacob incident, he came to me and hopes to have a talk but I declined and kept avoided him still. He tried that move on me everyday but I didn't give him a single. That was until this one time I was walking out of school and into the parking lot when he approached and practically knelt in front of me, infront of everyone. He said that he just wanted to talk and apologize for what he did when we were back at the lake during that little outing we had. To say I was shocked was an understatement. Who wouldn't be? He knelt in front of me like he was proposing for me to marry him or something, while we were in front of the school's parking lot full of students? I was absolutely flabbergasted with his little stunt.
Because of that, I didn't have any choice but to agree to him, just to cut everyone's attention from us. Once it finally occurred to him that I agreed, he quickly stood to his full height and engulfed me into a hug, which made me react differently considering I'm terrified of being touched.
As I stood there, tensed and stiff as a log, with my heart beat going off into a full marathon, I gave him a light push just for him to know it's already making me uncomfortable. And thankfully, after catching my little message and sensing my growing anxiety, he quickly pulled away and state his apology for hugging me.
And because I didn't want to make a scene again in front of everyone, I held myself from breaking down.
I told him if we can leave which he didn't waste a second to obey as he led me to his car and quickly drove off.
Once I was sure I was calm enough, we talked. Well, he did the talking since I was being my quiet self all the time. But that didn't stop him from apologizing to me multiple times.
It made me think whether I should forgive him or not. But since I already moved on from that little fight scene they did back at the lake, I figured maybe I should. And I thought about what he did at the parking lot and it somehow strengthens the urge for me to forgive him, in which I did. It would be heartless of me if I ignored his efforts, that's why I decided to forgive him. He was happy and said that he's going to make it up to me.
Then after our talk, he did what he promised and made it up to me. The next day when I stepped out of my door, I saw his car in front of my house. He said he wanted to take me to school, in which I convinced him that the school was only 5 to 10 minute walk away from out house. But still, he insisted that he take me so I let him. I wasn't in the mood to have an argument with a stubborn person anyway so I let do what he wants.
After school, I walked out into the parking lot again and to my surprise, I saw him leaning into his car hood while looking at me with a huge smile. I didn't expect him to pick me up after school since I thought he was only taking me every morning. But because I know I can't, and don't want to argue with his hardheadedness, I let him do his thing again. So yeah, he's been like that ever since and I kind of appreciate it.
I was snapped out of my thoughts and almost freaked out when I heard someone call my name. I turned see to who it was and saw Alicia standing there. I blinked at her without utter a word in which she sighed.
"I called you because it's time for breakfast." She said casually, making me frown.
"But I'm already waiting for someone." I stated an excuse.
She shook her head. "I told him to wait for you. So now come on." She said as she pulled me up by my hand which caused me to tense up and withdraw my wrist immediately.
"Don't touch me." I said with fear lacing my voice.
She frowned as she stared at me in shock.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
I shook my head, refusing to answer.
"Let's just....." I didn't finish what I was about to say when I bolted towards the house.
Once I was in the kitchen, I silently took a seat, not bothering to greet everyone good morning.
As breakfast went on, my other siblings had conversation floating around, whereas for me on the other hand, I was being my usual quiet demeanor.
"Hey bud, you've been really quiet lately, are you okay?" Alisandro asked, snapping me out of my reverie.
Oh no, not again. I thought while internally groaning.
I nodded my head in reply instead of uttering a word as an answer.
"Yeah Ash, I also noticed you being distant from all of us. Is there something wrong?" Anthony asked as I felt Papa, as well as everyone's attention all on me.
I never gave them a glance as pinned my sight to my plate. I don't like it when someone stares at me. It makes me feel violated and small.
I took a single glance towards Papa and saw him watching me with worried expression.
"I-I'm fine, been busy with school and all that. Nothing to worry about." I replied to Ali and A.J's question at the same time.
I looked up from my plate and forced myself to look at them and gave them both a small smile, I just hope it doesn't look like a grimace like before.
"Alright then. I just thought I had to ask you just in case something was wrong because you were never like this before. But if you really are fine then we're cool." Alisandro said with a sincere smile, as well as A.J. Then I turned to Papa and saw him giving me a sad look.
I continued eating even though my appetite was long gone. Before, I would eat this pancake in one go. But now, it doesn't look so appealing to me anymore, same as the other food. It just look like a plain food that I need to eat in order to live, and not the pancake that I really love for breakfast.
When a car honked outside of our house, I turned to the door expecting it to be Connor.
"Looks like your ride is here." Papa spoke through the awkward silence we were in. "Off you go then." He added.
I quickly stood up, took my plate to the sink and washed my hands before I dried them off using the hand towel. Once I was done, I casually gave everyone a small wave before I stepped out of the house. I walked towards Connor's car and hopped into the passenger's seat before buckling myself up silently.
"Good morning, Ash." Connor greeted with a beaming smile on his face, which I wished I could reply back with the same enthusiasm he has.
"Morning." I said blandly without making eye contact.
Once he was sure I was securely buckled, he drove out of our driveway and headed towards the school. On the way there, I didn't utter a single word even with Connor constantly talking in hopes of making a casual conversation. I just focused myself on listening to the soft music playing in the background.
And as I get lost in my thoughts, I couldn't help but think about what happened to me and what I turned myself into.
I changed, a lot, and I'm making everyone around me worried sick with how I'm acting. One of them being Connor.
It's not like I wanted to be this way in the first place. No one, and I mean no one, wants to be raped just like what almost happened to me; what happened to me.
But I guess things happen for a reason. And I just have to find out what those reasons are.
Connor's POV
I don't know what's going on nor what is up with Ash, but one thing is for sure, he had changed, drastically. He's so different from before that I hardly even recognize him anymore. And even though I don't know him that much, I still noticed how he's changed. And I made it my mission to know why, and made it my goal to bring back the Ash that I knew. The shy, adorable, lovable and innocent Ashley that I liked since the first day I laid my eyes on him.
Though even when I won't be successful on bringing the old Ash back, at least just part of him in which made him the Ash everyone loved.
With a sigh, I glanced towards my right and saw Ash. His gaze was out the window which made me think he's deep in his thoughts again, like what he usually do these days.
I'm still not used to him trying to ignore me as much as he can, but that didn't stop me at all. I'm not giving up on him. It's not in my blood to give up. Not on Ash.
I don't know what caused him to change this bad but I have my suspicions that it had to do with Jacob. He left two days after their talk with Ash, like what Rose had told me. And she also said that Ash wasn't his usual self the next day he went to school. She said Ash was always spacing out and suddenly became distant, even to her and she is Ash's best friend. Rose also mentioned to me that he saw Jacob with an injured thigh come out of the Principal's office the day Ash started acting out. She approached him and asked what was he doing inside the principal's office. He told her that he was going to tranfer school. And then just like that, he walked off without telling her the reason why he's transferring.
Though I'm not really sure about it, but I suspect that it really had to do with Ash. Either Jacob decided to transfer because of some other reason or if it is because he did something to Ash. Rose also mentioned that Jacob was acting differently the whole week which is why Ash decided to talk to comfort and help him. All she knows is that Ash and Jacob went to who knows where after school that day and they talked. So that just strengthens my conclusion that Jacob was the reason Ash changed and Ash is also the reason why Jacob transferred school. I just have to know what those reasons are.
And I will make sure I'll find out sooner or later.
I tightened my hold on the steering wheel and took a glance at Ash who still looked like he's in his own little world. Once we arrived in his school, I carefuly parked the car near the school doors. I turned to him and called his name. But by the looks of it, I'm quite sure he didn't hear me. So I tried again, but still he didn't budge. So I did it again for the third time. Still no luck. Tried it again for the fourth time, still never worked. So I decided to shake him a bit to snap him out of his thoughts, so I reached for his hand that was resting on his lap and held it. Suddenly, he stiffened as his eyes grew wide. But what he blurted out next shocked me the most.
"Let me go. P-Please Jacob d-don't..... don't hurt me." She shouted fearfully with wide tearful eyes as he clutched his hand to his chest and scooted away from me looking terrified for his life.
I instantly withdraw my hands as I sat there taken aback at his sudden outburst.
I blinked as I composed myself back up.
"Woah, calm down. It's me, Ash. It's me Connor." I paused as I gestured at myself. "See? It's just me." I told him as gentle as possible.
His eyes were still wide, as it showed nothing but pure fear. Tears falling from it freely as it cascaded down to his cheeks. He was breathing heavily as his eyes kept it's gaze on me. He looked at me fearfully that it breaks my heart. I know it's not me that he saw, but it still stings that he's going through something as rough as this situation. What ever is going on, I know he's struggling. Even a blind man can see it.
"It's okay Ash, it's me. I'm not going to hurt you, I will never hurt you." I assured him gently.
I guess he snapped out of his shocked state as his eyes widened again in realization. Then he quickly avoided my gaze, looked around and realized we were in his school.
"I-I have t-to go." He said breathlessly and hurriedly opened the passenger door before he quickly stepped out.
"Wait, Ash." I called him out but he was already in front of the hood as I did.
I watched him as he head inside the school with me sitting in my car feeling confused and lost.
I sighed deeply.
What the f*cking hell just happened?
Why the hell did he reacted to me like that? And what did Jacob do to make Ash looked so terrified?
F**k this sh*t. Once I find out what he did to Ash, I swear to the Gods he will never see the light of day. Ever again.
I sighed deeply once more as I let off steam. I was mad. Livid even.
I felt so clueless as to what the actual f*ck is going on. I don't know what happened between him and Jacob.
I didn't even know what to think of this anymore.
But one thing is for sure, what ever reason why Ash reacted to my touch like that proves that Jacob caused it. And I just have to know and figure out what.
With confusion still running in my head, I drove back to the apartment I rented. After I parked, I stepped inside and went to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. Then I casually went to my bedroom and grabbed my gym bag since I'm originally planning to work out today. Stepping inside the closet, I placed some clothes to change after I'm done in the gym. When I got everything ready, I slid the bag up my shoulder and walked out of the bedroom. I went to the medium sized living room and dropped the bag next to the couch.
I sat down on the couch and heaved a deep sigh.
It's only morning and I already felt drained. Groaning, I rubbed both of my hands on my face as I sat up.
Suddenly, my phone started blaring my ringtone obnoxiously.
I fetched it out of my jean pocket and looked at the screen to see who's calling. It was Ashley Rose. Then suddenly, nervousness hit me out of nowhere.
I pressed the answer button and held the phone to my ear.
"Hey Rose, what's up?" I said casually even with my heart beat going a mile a minute.
"What happened to Ash? We saw him ran in the hallway crying before he went straight to the boy's bathroom. Now he won't open the door. You were the one who took him here that's why I called you. What the heck happened?." She said worriedly on the other line and my heartbeat went up even faster.
"What?" I shouted in worry and sat up on the couch.
"I swear Connor if you did something stupid to Ash, I will not hesitate to Castrate you." Rose threatened over the phone and I wince.
"I didn't do anything." I defended. "Well the only thing I did was snap him out of his thoughts right after we arrived. And then suddenly he freaked out on me." I added.
"What do you mean freaked out on you?" She asked.
"After we arrived at school, I saw him completely zoned out, so I decided to snap him out of it. I called him multiple times but he didn't budge. And then when I held his hand, he suddenly went in panic and shouted something about Jacob. He....." I was cut off when Rose spoke.
"Hold on. Did you say Jacob?" She asked.
"Yes. Jacob. Ash was so terrified of him that he thought it was me who held him. Then after that, he quickly went off of my car and ran inside the school. That was it." I explained while I started pacing back and forth in the living room.
"Okay, what did Ash said exactly when he mentioned Jacob?" She asked as anger started to creep in her voice.
"He said somewhere in the lines of 'letting him go and not to hurt him'. I don't know what's going on but as to what I saw with the look on his face, I know he was beyond terrified." I admitted still pacing in the living room while clutching my hair.
"Why would he say that?" Rose asked more like to herself than me.
"I don't know." I said while shaking my head.
"Okay, I have to go Connor, the Janitor is here to open the bathroom. I'll talk to you later." She said as I heard keys clicking in the background.
"No, I'll be there. I'm on my way." I said while quickly making my way back to my car.
"Okay." She replied with worry present in her voice before she hang up.
I placed my phone in my pocket and fetched the car keys out. Then I unlocked the car and stepped in. I turned it on and drove back to Ash's school.
I made it to the school in record time and I hastily went inside while searching where the boy's bathroom was. I ran around the hallways and thankfully after I turned a corner, I saw Rose, Lea, and the two guys standing in front of a door as they waited anxiously for it to be opened. I ran up to them in haste and then stopped next to Rose. She looked up at me with worried eyes and I know I had the same on my own.
"Why is it still not opened?" I asked while watching the janitor tries all the keys in his hands.
"He's still looking for the right keys. He said the label that was writen on that key had faded, that's why it's hard for him to find it." Rose explained while looking at the door stressfully.
"F**k." I cursed under my breath and waited for the damn door to be opened.
"Can you hurry up Mr. Janitor? My friend is in there." Lea said fearfully.
"I'm trying Miss, I just can't find the damn key." The janitor said who was still busy searching for the f**king key.
"Please hurry." Rose said with watery eyes.
"Ugh, f**k this sh*t. I'm breaking the damn door. Step out of the way Mister." I said in annoyance and anger.
"What? You can't do that? This is a school property? You can't just break it?" The janitor said in hopes of stopping me but I didn't have the time to care since my Ash is in there.
"I don't f**king care old man, I will pay for this goddamn door so step away." I responded in anger.
"Please Mister, just let him. My friend is inside and he's in distress right now. We have to help him." Rose pleaded when the janitor opened his mouth to protest. Then he stepped away from the door hesitantly.
Then I forcefully kicked the door as hard as I can and it flew open with shards of woods flying around due to the force.
"Woah." All of them said in shock and I quickly made my way inside to find Ash with the four of them, as well as the janitor following behind.
The bathroom had multiple stools, so we decided to check each of them to know where Ash was.
"I think he's in here." Joseph said while standing in front of the last stool.
I walked towards him and pushed the door open but it was also locked from the inside.
"Ash are you in there?" I called.
"J-Just leave m-me alone." He choked out lowly. "Please." He said barely above a whisper.
"Open the door, Ash. We're worried about you." Breinard said while knocking on the door loudly, causing for Ash to let out whimpers and sobs on the other side.
"P-Please d-d-don't hurt m-me." Ash cried in fear.
"Stop." I halted Breinard. "You're just going to scare him even more."
And with that, he stopped.
"Besty, it's me. Come out please. We're so worried about you." Rose tried calling him but his whimpers and sob only grew louder.
"No. Leave me alone." He cried. "Please. Just leave me alone" He added as his voice cracked.
So I decided to step in.
"Ash it's me Connor. Please, just open the door. We only want to help you." I said as gentle as I can.
"N-No." Ash said with labored breathing.
I tried pushing the door but to no avail.
Then an idea struck. Maybe if I reach for the lock above the door, I'll get to open it.
And doing just that, I tried reaching in for the lock from above the stool and thank the heavens for my height I was able to reach it. Once I was successfully able to get it open, I swing the door revealing Ash's crying form sitting in a ball near the toilet.
I walked towards him slowly so I won't scare him even more.
"Ash?" I called as gentle as I can muster.
He whimpered before pushing further into the wall.
"Hey it's me Connor. We are not here to hurt you Ash. We're here to help you." I said gently as I started kneeling in front of him. He rested his head on his arms as he continued to cry.
I reached for his arm slowly and he flinch causing him to cry even harder.
"Hey, shhh. Ash look at me, I'm not going to hurt you okay? I will never ever hurt you. I promise you that." I told him while holding his arm. Then he slowly lifted his head up to look at me showing his blood red eyes and tear stained cheeks.
Suddenly, I felt my anger rise as I saw his eyes showing nothing but fear and trauma. And I swear to the Gods, I will f*cking kill that Bastard for what ever he did to Ash.
I f**king swear.
"See, it's me. I'm not going to hurt you. I will never do that." I told him while keeping my hold on his arm slightly loose so he won't feel trapped and held down.
He didn't utter a word, he just kept his gaze on me as his tears kept cascading down his cheeks.
"We're all here for you Ash." I whispered sincerely while slowly cupping his cheeks and wiped away the tears that threatened to fall.
He hiccuped as he tried to normalize his breathing.
"Can you tell us what's wrong so we can help you?" I asked nicely as I stared deep into his eyes.
He then looked away, suddenly trying to avoid my gaze.
He shook his head 'no' as his unspoken answer.
I mentally sighed after realizing it'll be hard for all of us on making Ash open up. But for sure soon, we'll make progress.
"Do you wanna go home or stay here in school?" I asked.
He didn't meet my gaze as his eyes stopped on my lips. Tears still streaming down his reddened cheeks.
"Home." He whispered so low I bet his friends behind me didn't hear it.
I gave him a small smile.
"Alright, I'll take you home if that's okay with you."
With that, he slowly nodded his head with sniff.
I stood up as I offered Ash my hand for him to take. He stared at it for a second before he reluctantly took it. When I had a good grip on him, I slowly pulled him up on his feet.
"Are you ready to go?" I asked again just for confirmation. I didn't want him to go on another break down if I just pull him out of here.
When he nodded his head in response, that's when I walked out of the stool with Ash next to me.
Once we were in front of his friends, Ash suddenly tried to hide himself as he scooted closer to me. He wouldn't meet anyone's gaze as he made himself small as I held him.
"Ash are you okay?" Breinard asked in which he earned a smack on the neck by Lea.
"Of course he's not, you nutthead. The answer's already in front of you." Lea said as Breinard rubbed his neck.
He pouted. "I just wanna make sure. Am I not allowed to ask?"
Lea was about to reply when Rose stepped in.
"Guys it's not the right time for your banters." She scolded, and the two instantly quieted down.
Rose turned to me as Ash won't look at them.
"He wants to go home." I said in which she nodded.
"Alright."
As they step out of the bathroom one by one, I made sure Ash was ready before we leave. I looked down on him and saw his curled up form seemingly trying to be close to me as possible. He was still visibly shaking from earlier so I figure I should just carry him to the car since I bet he doesn't have enough energy to walk the hallways.
"I'm going to carry you, okay?" I asked but he didn't respond. So I figured it's fine with him.
I slowly took him in my arms bridal style. There I realize how light he was. He's probably not eating right for the past month that's why he lost some weight.
When he was firmly situated in my arms, he then hid his face in my neck as his breathing slowly came back to normal.
I'm glad I'm slowly making progress. I thought. Even when it's not much, at least it's something.
With that, I walked out of the bathroom with Ash in my arms.
His friends was already waiting outside, and when they saw I was carrying Ash bridal style, all of their eyebrows rose up dramatically.
I just shook my head and proceeded on walking towards the parking lot to take Ash home.
Once we were finally at the parking lot, I didn't waste a second and went towards my car.
When I was in front of the passenger's side, I took a glance at Ash and saw he was asleep.
I smiled.
He's probably not getting enough sleep, or any sleep at all, with those dark bags under his beautiful eyes. So seeing him out cold in my arms made me happy.
I gently placed his sleeping form in the back seat of my car and then turned back to Rose and her three other friends who were standing behind me.
"Go take him home Connor, we'll inform the teachers that he's not feeling well today. And don't worry about the broken door, we will take care of it." She said as she took a glance at Ash behind me.
"Okay, but I do have to talk to the principal about the door since I'm the one who broke it." I responded with a small smile and taking a look at Ash.
"You sure? I think Lea can handle it. Besides, the janitor agreed to be there as witness." She said.
I smiled. "I know you guys can. But I think it would be better if I go talk to the principal myself."
She nodded before sighing. "Okay then, I'll go with you." She said then she turned to her friends. "Hey guys, can you watch over Ash for a minute? Connor and I had to go to the principal's office to discuss about the broken door." She asked and all three of her friends nodded their heads in approval.
"Sure, we'll take care of him." Lea said with a small smile.
"Great. Thanks guy." She replied before she turned back to me and nodded her head.
We walked back into the school and headed towards the Principal's office. We went straight to the matter after we entered Mr. Cruz's office and told him that I will take responsibility for the door that I broke. The Principal wasn't mad or anything, because by the looks of it, he was also worried about Ash. The matter was settled professionally and I shook hands with Mr. Cruz. Then Rose and I went back outside the school and to my car. The guys were leaning on my car as they busied themselves talking, while as for Lea, she sat inside the passenger side scrolling on her phone. Ash was still sleeping peacefully in the back seat and I was glad. I know he needed it so I'll make sure he gets enough rest.
We approached and infromed them that everything was settled. After that, I told them that I should bring Ash home so he can have a proper bed to rest.
"Call me when you get Ash home, okay?" Rose said while I buckled up.
"I will. Now go to your classes. I don't want the four of you getting in trouble for being late." I told her and she nodded.
"We will." She said while her friends nodded.
"Good. I'll call you later." I told her and I started up the car, then drove off the school premises and into the road heading to Ash's house.
After I made it in front of their house, I parked the car and unbuckled myself. Then I took Ash's sleeping form bridal style and walked towards their front porch. I pressed the door bell and seconds later, Ash's Dad opened the door. After realizing who I was carrying, his eyes instantly widen when he saw Ash sleeping in my arms.
"He wasn't feeling well so I took him home." I stated causing for Ash's father to look at me. Then he opened the door wider for us before he lead me towards a room which I guess belongs to Ash.
"What happened to him?" He asked after I placed Ash in his bed.
"I think he passed out because of exhaustion, Sir." I told his dad without taking my eyes away from Ash.
He sighed and shook his head. "I know this was about to happen." He spoke which instantly gained my attention. "With him constantly beating himself up for god knows what reasons, I was sure his body will slowly give out." He paused as he sat at the edge of his son's bed. "He's not taking care of himself and it's worrying me as well as his mother. For the past month, he hardly eats, hardly even talks, and he has been so distant from us. And I don't know why he's doing this. He's never been like this before." His dad said worriedly as he placed a hand on Ash's cheek.
I wasn't able to respond because I was also clueless on why Ash decided to do this to himself. Although I suspect Jacob had a huge part on this, I know I don't have a solid evidence to prove it, seeing as it's only a suspicion.
Ashley's dad sighed heavily and went to remove Ash's shoes and socks then placed them on the shoe rack.
"His mom and I has been so worried about his behaviour lately. He never interact with me or even his siblings ever since he started acting like this. And I know even if they don't say it out loud, his older brothers and sisters miss their youngest sibling so much. We miss Ash so much." He said sadly while watching his youngest son with sad eyes.
I stood there not knowing what to say so I kept quiet. Then Mr. Valdez cleared his throat and turned to me before he gave me a small smile.
"Thank you for bringing him here safely Connor." He said and I nodded my head.
"It was nothing, Sir. I'm also Ash's friend and I only did what was best for him." I said taking a glance at Ash.
"Thank you. And please, stop calling me Sir. Call me Benjamin or Ben for short. Calling me Sir makes me feel so old." He said, in attepmts of making the atmosphere lighter. He chuckled and I smiled at him.
"Sure Sir... I mean Ben." I said and corrected myself when he gave me a knowing look.
"Okay, I'll be downstares if you needed anything. I will go make something to eat so when Ash wakes up, we will fill those stomach whether he likes it or not." He said while walking out the door.
I sat on a desk chair near the bed and watched Ash sleep peacefully. I will stay here until he wakes up, just in case he freaks out again or anything.
I didn't realize I fell asleep until I heard a faint voice calling my name. I opened my eyes and quickly turned to the bed and saw Ash awake with tears falling from his eyes.
I hurriedly walked towards him and took him in my arms.
"What's wrong Ash?" I comforted him as I began rubbing circles on his back to calm him down from crying.
"B-Bad dream." Was all he said.
"Don't worry. It's just a dream, it's not going to happen." I spoke.
He shook his head slowly.
"But it already did." He whispered too low I thought I wouldn't catch it.
When I register what he said, a frown appeared on my face.
"Then I will make sure it won't happen again." I stated.
He didn't respond. He just remained silent as I kept rubbing soothing circles on his back to fully calm him down.
When I felt his breathing evens out, I glanced down at his face and saw him back asleep.
I smiled before I gave his forehead a gentle kiss.
"I promise I'll protect you from now on." I whispered as I stared at him sleeping peacefully.
Few more minutes passed, I stayed there in his bed with a sleeping Ash wrapped protectively and safely in my arms. I didn't want to put him down, because I feared that he'll freak out again and he won't be able to have rest. He's tired and stressed with all the drama that has happened in his life, and I want to ease his stress if I can, even just a little.
I slowly laid the both of us in bed without waking Ash, and thankfully I succeeded. He looked so in peace when he sleeps. He looked so innocent and pure. He's like an angel sent from above. And I hate it that he had to go through something so stressful like what he's experiencing now. What ever Jacob did to him, I know it's bad. Because a person won't be this terrified and distressed if what that Bastard did was something to shrug about. Ash won't look so traumatized, disturbed, restless, and this aweful right now, if what Jacob did was nothing that serious. I'll find out the truth real soon. And once I know everything, I'll make sure that if that bastard is not even dead when I'm done with him, he'll be in life support.
It's almost lunch time and Ash still hasn't woken up. He have to eat something so he'll have his energy back and gain some weight again. Sighing, I pushed the stray hair that was on his forehead. I stared at his face as he continued to sleep peacefully.
Then my phone started ringing in my pocket and I quickly took it out so I won't disturb Ash. I answered the call without looking at the caller ID.
"Hello?" I asked into the phone.
"Hey Conny, how's Ash doing?" Rose said on the other line.
"He's finally having some rest thankfully, and he's here beside me sound asleep right now." I replied while looking down at Ash's sleeping form.
I heard her sigh on the other line and I know she's relieved that Ash was able to have some sleep.
"That's great. We'll come visit him there in a few hours, maybe right after school ends." She told me with a sigh again.
"Alright. And Rose, don't stress yourself up so much. It's not good for your health, and it'll make you ugly as f**k." I said in hopes to lighten her mood.
She giggled lowly and I smiled.
"Thanks Conny, I'll keep that in mind." She replied then giggled again. Then Ash started to stir in my arms.
"Good, I have to go Rose. Ash is waking up and I want to make sure he eats his lunch."
"No problem. And also, please make sure that he eats a lot. He needs it to gain his weight back." She said.
"I will. Okay bye Rose, I'll see you later." I said while looking down at Ash who's currently rubbing his eyes.
"See you later Conny. Oh and before I hang up, also make sure he gets some rest. Make him stay in bed even if he refuses to." She replied.
"I will." I responded with a low chuckle before she hang up the call.
I placed my phone on Ash's bedside table and slowly sat up.
"Hey." I cooed softly as he rubbed his eyes from sleepiness. "You hungry?" I asked as I helped him sat up.
He nodded his head exhaustedly at me.
"Yes."
I smiled.
"Well let's get you some food to eat then." I told him and right on cue, his stomach growled at the mention of food.
Ash's cheeks instantly blushed an adorable shade of red because of embarassment at how his stomach reacted. Another smile broke it's way into my face at the sight infront of me and I just realized something, which seriously scared the sh*t out of me.
I'm falling real hard for Ash, and I didn't know what to do.
Should I be scared that I'm falling for someone I barely knew? Should I let myself fall freely then let fate take me where it wants to take me? Or should I control these growing feelings for Ash and not get too attached?
Questions I can even hardly answer, yet one thing I know for sure, Ash is worth it.
"Uhm, o-okay." Ash said shyly and my smile widens even more. I miss this Ash in front of me. I miss everything that is him, his old self.
He tried to get out of bed, but before he could, I immediately stopped him. He turned to me with questioning gaze.
"Just stay in bed, I'll go get you something to eat." I told him in which his cheeks once again reacted by blushing bright red.
He looked down and nodded his head. "Okay."
I smiled when I realized he's no longer being silent with me anymore.
Well, that's a huge improvement, since my goal is to bring back the Ash that I knew. Slowly but surely.
"I'll be right back. Just stay in bed and you can play with my phone if you want." I offered and he slowly nodded his head in agreement.
"Are you sure?" He asked unsure and I kissed his hair this time.
I nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. Stay here and I'll go get you something to eat." I told him. "I won't be long, I promise."
With that, he gladly complied and sat back in his bed.
I gave him my phone and told him my password. He was shocked at first that I gave him my phone's password, but I wasn't hiding anything of some sort, so I'm okay with him using my phone. But only him and no one else.
"This will keep you busy until I get back. There's games, music, and movies in there so I guess that'll keep you entertained." I told him while fetching something from my pocket.
He nodded his head at me adorably again with a small pout. Gosh, how I badly want to kiss those full lushious lips of his. Hopefully soon.
"Here, use my earphones." I hand him the pair of earphones and he gladly took it and gave me a small smile causing for my heart to skip a beat.
He finally gave me one of his heart-melting smiles after a month of wearing the blank mask.
And I would be F**king lying if I didn't say my heart felt like jelly.
Just a simple smile from him makes my body do some stupid sh*t.
Damn.
Even with my stomach felt like it was being invaded by those pesky butterflies, I managed to gave Ash a genuine smile. Then I headed towards the door to go downstairs to get some healthy food for my Ash.
But before I get there, my name was called.
"Connor." Ash called adorably with raspy voice, effectively stopping me on my feet and turned towards him with a gentle smile.
"Yes Ash?" I asked nicely and he blushed again.
Damn, he doesn't know how he makes my heart soar whenever I see that I have that kind of effect on him. It kind of burst my ego that I can make him blush like that. Is that bad? Hopefully not.
He looked down on his lap and started playing with his fingers. I know that body language like the back of my hand, he's nervous.
My face instantly frowns after knowing he's getting nervous.
"Thank you." He said only above a whisper but I still heard him clearly.
Then my face softens at what he said and then smiled.
"Of course." I replied. "I will be back before you even know it." I told him with a bright smile.
For some reason, I couldn't stop smiling. Is that creepy? Well, the f**k I care.
"Okay." He said adorably before he picked up my phone and started playing with it.
And with that, I walked out of his room and down the stairs before I went to the kitchen.
Thankfully, Ash's dad, was preparing lunch when I entered the kitchen, so I volunteered to help.
After almost thirty minutes, the food was done and plated. I took a tray and placed Ash's food before I slowly headed back upstairs to his room.
I was about to open his door when I heard soft giggles on the other side. I was a bit unsure if it was Ash or not. But I was sure as hell that Ash was the only one in his room, so he must be the one giggling, right?
Well, one way to find out.
I balanced the tray carefully on my left hand as I turned the door knob using my right. Slowly opening the door open, I went inside and turned to look at Ash who's still in his bed. And yes, it was him giggling. He had the pair of earphones on both of his ears and my phone in his hands. He looked like he's watching a movie or something with the way he giggles every now and then.
I walked towards him and placed the tray on his bedside table.
He removed one earphone and turned to me with a smile, and again, my heart soared.
"What are you watching?" I asked while thinking what could he be watching since he managed to giggle.
"Uhm, silly cat videos." He said with a chuckle and I beamed at him. Then I remembered that there were tons of cat, dogs, and funny fail videos in my phone.
Well I'm glad it made him laugh.
"You're not on youtube?" I asked.
He looked up at me before he shook his head no.
"I don't want to use your mobile data so I just decided to go to your v-videos. And uhm, I-I forgot our wifi password." He admitted with light pink tinted on his cheeks.
I smiled. "It's fine if you wanna use my mobile data. I'm on unlimited data plan anyway so you don't have to worry."
He nodded in response before he spoke: "I was just making sure. I didn't want to increase your phone bills."
If he's not the definition of perfection, then I don't know what is.
"But anyways, were the cats funny?" I asked even though it's obvious.
He nodded his head again. "Yeah. I-I love to watch videos where cats do a-all sorts of silly things." He admitted with a slight stutter before he let out another adorable giggle, which I can't seem to get enough of.
I chuckled. "That's good. But for now, you have to eat up so you'll have your energy back, as well as gain weight again." I said while placing the tray down with his thighs in between of the stands.
He looked down at the food in-front of him before frowning.
"But w-what about you? A-Are you n-not eating?" He questioned while looking up at me.
"I'm not that hungry. What's more important is you, so eat up." I stated truthfully.
He looked down on the tray with his food then back up at me.
"But there's alot of f-food more than enough for m-me. I know I-I won't b-b able to eat it a-all so you might a-as well s-share the f-food with me." He offered shyly with pink cheeks and I held my restraints tightly to not kiss his lips right then and there.
"Don't worry about me Ash, I'm fine." I said with a smile.
He looked down into his lap before pursing his lips.
"B-But there's more than enough for m-me, and I-I don't want to waste food i-if ever I'm not able to eat it all." He said lowly and shyly.
He's concerned about me. What the actual f*ck is going on?
Ash is concerned about me!
F**k yes.
"Is this your way of saying that you're concerned about me?" I said playfully and in return, I made his blush deepened.
"Yes, I guess?" He questioned more to himself. "I don't want y-you to go hungry t-that's why I'm uh, o-offering you to s-share the food with me."
Or do you want me to eat you? The green minded part of my brain said. And I slightly agree. Okay I agree 100 percent.
"So you are concerned about me?" I teased again.
"No. Uh, I mean yes, w-well I mean n-no, yes. I-I was j-j-just concerned t-that you'll uhm, uh, g-get hungry, t-that's all." He stuttered adorably and my smile widens if it's even posible.
"Well if you want me to join you then I will." I stated then sat next to him on the bed.
"O-Okay c-cool." He said without eye contact but I was already staring at his face and I know he felt it.
He handed me some of his food and we both started digging in with comfortable silence around us. His eyes were glued to the food infront of him all the time and not even taking a glance my way. I took the chance to stare at his beautiful features and awe at his cuteness. I know he can feel my stare because the blush never left his face.
After we ate, I took the tray and placed it on the bedside table. Ash finished his apple juice and then I put it back on the tray when he was done. After making sure he was really done, I stood up to bring the empty dishes back to the kitchen. But once again, I was stopped on my tracks when Ash spoke my name.
"Uhm, Connor." He said shyly with bright pink cheeks.
"Yeah Ash?" I answered nicely with a smile.
"Uhm, I just wanted to uh, say thank you for being there for me even though all I did was ignore and be mean to you." He said without eye contact as he bit his bottom lip.
"You don't have to thank me Ash. I did all that because I care for you, and I don't want you getting hurt." I stated. "You're important to me Ash. If it means for me to stay by your side all the time, I'll gladly do it just to make sure you're safe." I said sincerely. And I mean every word I said.
He finally looked up to meet my eyes before he gave me a sweet smile.
I smiled back in reply and gave him a wink, causing for his cheeks to heat up again.
Then I walked out of his room and went downstairs headed towards the kitchen. I saw Ben cleaning the dishes and once he notices me, he looked up before glancing down at the empty dishes in the tray I was holding. He looked back up at me and smiled.
"Did he ate a lot?" Ben asked with a wide smile.
"Yeah, he did." I replied then placed the dirty dishes on the kitchen counter. "But he insisted on sharing the food with me and I can't say no to him even though I wasn't hungry." I added.
He smiled genuinely. "Looks like my son didn't completely change at all. He still have the kindest personality that he got from his mother."
I nodded in agreement. "Indeed he didn't. But I can still see that he's still closed off and guarded." I responded.
I was about to start cleaning the dishes when Ben stopped me.
"Don't worry about the dishes Connor, I'll take care of them. You can go back to Ash so he won't feel alone." He spoke dismissing me. "Oh, and thanks by the way." He added as he went to grab the dishes and placed them on the sink.
"Thanks for what?" I asked with furrowed brows.
"Well, for bringing my son home and for taking care of him." He said genuinely.
I nodded my head with a smile.
"It was nothing, really. Ash is a very important friend so it's normal to take care of him." I stated. And even though I wanted Ash more than a friend, I decided to leave that bit of information out. His dad doesn't have to know yet. Not now.
"Still, I thank you for taking care of him." He said while patting my shoulder.
I replied him with a smile before he told me to go back to Ash's room.
And I did just that. I walked back upstairs and went straight into Ashley's room. I stepped in and saw that he's still busy watching cat videos on my phone. He looked up once he noticed me enter his room.
"Oh uhm, y-your Mom called but I didn't answer it." He said which caught me by surprise.
Mom called? That's a first.
Ash handed me my phone and I took it.
"You should probably call her back." He suggested and I looked down at my phone in thought.
I looked back at Ash and smiled. "Okay."
I turned back to the door. "I'll be right back."
"Sure, take your time." Ash said behind me.
Once I had the door shut, I dialed Mom's number and waited for her to answer.
"Connor." Mom exclaimed once she picked up.
"Hey Mom."
"Why didn't you answer the phone when I called earlier?" He questioned.
"I was busy." Was all I responded.
"Oh okay." She said. "So how are you?"
"I'm doing good." I replied.
"That's good. And how's the search doing so far?" She asked.
I smiled wide. "Fantastic."
She hummed on the other line. "Is that so?"
I chuckled. "Yes Mom. It's doing great."
"Well, that is good to hear. Mission accomplished." She said happily on the phone. "So when are you planning to come back?"
"Maybe soon. I just need more time."
She hummed again. "Well then." She said. "I'm glad you're doing great in there. I can't wait to meet them soon."
I smiled and nodded my head. "You will meet them soon Mom."
She chuckled. "Well I surely am excited." She stated. "But for now I have to go, I have things to do before your father gets home. I'll talk to you later son. I love you."
"I love you too Mom. Take care."
"I will, and you too."
With that she hang up.
I placed my phone back in my pocket and slowly entered Ash's room.
When my eyes landed on him, I saw he's back to sleep once again and I was glad. This is probably the most sleep he's getting since the past month.
I sat on the edge of his bed and stared at his face for a while. Slowly but surely, he's getting back to his old self and I'm more than thankful. I just wish this progress continues on,  and in no time, Ash will be the same Ash that I knew and everyone loved.
And now that I'm here for him, I will do my best to bring him back. I vowed that I will, and I will do just that.