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by S J Crabb
Chapter 39
We don’t go to Violet’s. Instead Ash takes me home. As we stop I look at him in surprise. Looking sadly at me Ash leans towards me his head resting on mine. “I’m sorry about that Angel. I had to go in heavy with him. He would have used you and your family against me and I won’t have any of you put in danger. He knows now how much you mean to me and that scares me. He is capable of a lot and I don’t want any of you caught up in his evil, vile plans. If he ever found out about you then you wouldn’t be safe and that is my number one priority.” I pull him to me and kiss him, pouring as much love and peace into him as I can to soothe his soul.
I feel him relax and drawing back he looks lovingly into my eyes. “I love you Grace. I will do anything for you, even if it means bringing him down once and for all.” “I know you do Ash and I love you too. I am here for you and will do everything I can to help you.”
Looking towards the house I say, “Why have you brought me home though?” He grins and almost looks embarrassed. “I wondered if your Aunt Sarah would mind if I hung out here this evening. I want to see what a normal family is like.” Laughing I pull him after me. “You think this is normal, if only.”
My Aunt looks surprised as we walk in. “This is a nice surprise. Have you eaten yet?” Shaking my head I smile at her. “No, not yet. Do you mind if Ash stays for dinner?” Smiling warmly at him she nods towards the front room where we can hear the sounds of the television blaring out. “No I don’t mind at all, it will be a pleasure. Gabe is through there watching the game. Grab some drinks from the fridge and I’ll make you all something to eat.”
Grabbing a beer for Ash and a soft drink for me we go and flop down on to the couch next to Gabe. Grinning up at us he shifts along and I sit between them, my legs up on Ash as he puts his arm around me.
I snuggle in and listen to them chatting about the Game like normal people do. This all feels so right. It’s good to just hang out with my new family. It will be good for all of us and is exactly what we need.
After a while I leave them and go to help my Aunt prepare the food. As we work away I remember Mr Watson. “Have you had any more thoughts about how we can help Mr Watson?” She shakes her head sadly. “He is beyond help Grace. It’s gone too far now.”
I didn’t hear Ash come in until he speaks. “Who’s beyond help?” My Aunt says, “Mr Watson. He has to close the library next week. It has gone too far now and it cannot be saved.” Tears come into my eyes but I notice that Ash just shrugs. “Probably for the best. He’s been going down for years.” I turn on them both angrily. “I can’t believe that nobody has noticed before now. That poor man. He lost the love of his life and now the business that they started together. He will be in debt for the rest of his life probably and I fear for him.”
Coming over Ash takes me in his arms and I bury my face in his chest. Stroking my hair he says nothing and I realise that they are both probably right, there is nothing we can do.
Despite this we have a lovely evening. We just hang out around the house and I am glad to see Ash getting on well with Gabe and my Aunt. They all seem relaxed around each other now which I am glad about. As I walk him to his bike he pulls me close and kisses me gently.
“Thanks for that Grace. You don’t know what it meant to me. I want that for us you know. A loving family home with a couple of kids, just a nice normal life.” Smiling into his chest his words light up my soul. Pulling away I say softly, “I would like that too Ash, in fact I can’t think of anything that I would like more.” As we kiss I wish with all my heart that it would come true.
Ash picks me up in the morning and we head off to school. I love it when I ride behind him, clinging on to him and feeling the wind in my hair. As we pull in I see Skylar and Teagan getting out of a car. They see us and then pointedly look away, but not before I see the hatred directed at me in their faces. Luckily Ash didn’t see them and I say nothing. I just hope that they keep away from me for all our sakes.
After school finishes I am putting my books away when I feel a hand sliding around my waist, pulling me around to face him. Ash leans down and kisses me pushing me against the locker. My legs almost give way as his kiss is so passionate. I hear his friends laughing and as he pulls away his eyes glitter wickedly. “I’ve waited all day to do that,” he says looking at me triumphantly. Blushing I straighten up and notice that we are the subject of a lot of attention as everyone appears to be watching us. Ash laughs and grabs my hand. “Come on little Tess I thought we might all go bowling tonight. What do you say, girls versus boys?” Grinning at him I see that the others are watching in amusement. “Prepare to lose then.” I say raising my eyes in a challenge. His eyes flash. “Are you challenging me little Tess?” Pushing past him I look back and give him a defiant stare. “You’d better believe it.” Quickly I walk away and laugh as he rushes to catch me up. Flinging his arm around my shoulder he pulls me close to him. “Come on then, I never walk away from a challenge.”
As we get outside I suddenly remember Piper. She is following us out and I know that Gabe has football practice. I whisper to Ash, “Is Lucian bringing anyone?” Shaking his head I point to Piper. He nods and I call out, “Piper do you want to make up the numbers bowling tonight?” Smiling she races over.
“That would be great; Gabe has practice though how will I get there?” Ash shouts, “Hey Lucian, give Piper a ride to the alley.” Looking up Lucian smiles and waves her over. We all head off and I am really looking forward to a good evening.