THIRTY EIGHT (EPILOGUE)

Ashley walked onto the porch of what used to used to be the happy abode she shared with her parents, her wheeled bag dragging behind her lazily.
As her fisted hand came up to announce her arrival, the front door came open.

“Ashley…” Her mother hardly looked good.

“You look terrible.”

“I feel terrible too.” Francine’s eyes traveled to the luggage behind her, casing a small frown to appear on her forehead. “Are you traveling?”

“I am moving away.”

“Uh?”

“I came to say goodbye.”

“Uh?”

“I also came to thank you for all you have done for me.”
Francine, who looked lost at first immediately shook her head and offered that Ashley came in. Shaking her head, Ashley continued her talk. “Now that I am moving away, I want to make it clear that I am not mad at you anymore. You can be with Kevin peacefully.”

Her mother sighed. “He left yesterday and I don’t think he is coming back.”

Mouth wide open, Ashley had no idea what to say. She watched her mother who really looked like she was on the verge of tears. As soon as she realized there was nothing she could say that could really soothe her, Ashley reached for her mother and embraced her into a very warm hug.

“You will be fine, I promise,” she finally said.

“I guess I will be.”

Giving her a soft pat, Ashley released her. “I also have something to say.”

Francine stylishly brushed off the tear at the side of her left eye. “What is that?”

“I was pregnant.” The fact that she could not tell her mother the news with joy made her even sadder. “I lost the baby.”
Her voice was so monotonous, you would think she was a cold hearted bitch. But, the truth was that she had already accepted her fate, there was nothing she could do but move on no matter how hard it is to forget.

Francine stretched her hands towards her daughter, worry all over her face. “Oh my… my baby. You must be hurting.”
It was Francine’s turn to engulf her child in a huge hug. “You must be really hurting.”

“That is part of the reasons I am moving away,” Ashley said as she leaned on her mother’s shoulder. “I want to start afresh.”

“Are you going alone?”

“Yes.”

“But..”

“I am really going to miss you.”

Francine lips broke into a smile. “And I, you.”

“I love you.” Ashley said as she left the long hug.

“I love you too. I guess you have taken care of the things you are leaving behind here.”

Ashley nodded. “I have finally sold the house and I will be heading the company virtually. Mom, I need to leave now, I have somewhere else to quickly get to.”

Francine cupped her cheeks and looked into her eyes lovingly. “Take care of yourself, Ashley. I am sorry for every pain I have caused you.” Ashley smiled and bade her goodbye again.

After a few glances and reluctant walking, Ashley finally found herself heading towards her next stop.

~

“You seem to be busy,” Ashley called to the majestically seated woman who seemed to be enjoying the feel of the morning sun.

“Athena… I- I mean, Ashley. You are here.”

Ashley walked to the chair beside her and sat down. “You still haven’t come to look for me.”

“You seemed really angry last time, it was hard to tell what you really wanted me to do.”

Ashley stared at the lawn ahead. “I just lost someone close to me and I won’t lie, I don’t think that pain will leave anytime soon.” She faced Clara who had set aside the glasses on her face. “That pain is the reason I came to see you."
Clara frowned. “I don’t know what is in your heart, but I felt meeting you before leaving this country will be appropriate and it would cause you to have less regrets.”

“Why are you leaving?”

“I want to start my life afresh.”

Silence followed for a while.

“I really wish I could have been there for you as a mother.”

“I hope you realize that it is high time you stopped wishing. If you really want to be in my life, you can always start somewhere. You don’t have to hurriedly assume the motherly role. I hope you realize that soon.”
Ashley got up. “I have to take my leave now . I will get in touch with you when I can.”

Clara, without a word, got up and hugged her.
“I will definitely come looking for you this time,” she whispered to her.

“I would love that.”

“I guess this is it for now.” Ashley let out a smile which stayed on her face as she made for the walkway.

Taking a look at the surroundings, Ashley let out a huge smile before resuming her walk to her next stop. But a honk from behind stopped her.

As the familiar jeep stopped right beside her, she broke into a bigger smile.

Slowly, the tinted glass on the passenger side came down.
“Hey baby, you going somewhere?” Dave asked teasingly, his eyebrows dancing.

“Why? Can you take me there?” She gave him a playful cold shoulder.

“Anywhere you want to go love, I am here for you.”

Ashley just had to laugh loudly at his dramatic expression. Without wasting time, she had her luggage at the back seat and her butt on the seat next to Dave who had this beautiful smile refusing to leave his beautiful face.
“So, where are you headed sweetheart?”

“To a new beginning.”

Dave reached for her hand and tangled it with his soft ones. “A new beginning together.”

Ashley scrunched her lips as she recalled something. “Was it really necessary for you to leave a copy of your divorce papers for me to see?”

“Yes. I needed you to know how serious I am about being with you. And I am so glad you decided to come with me.”

Ashley tried to hide her smile. “Oh you know, I actually like…”

“Like?” He leaned in with interest in his eyes.

“…like having you around.” Dave gave a playful sneer as she did not say what he expected to hear. “I am also glad that I have you.”

“Well, let’s get going then.”

Ashley looked out of the window and every incident since the past three months came rushing and even though really sad, Ashley could not help but be grateful that she was having another chance to start over.

Away from her somewhat murderous environment.

With the man she loved.

Maybe life wasn’t so bad.

It had kicked her to and fro in a thorough manner. And, no, she did not like it. But the games life played with made her realize things about her, it made her stronger and it made her meet Dave.

Dave Scott. The gorgeous man that once asked her what her story was.

The man with the twinkling eyes that was now part of her story.

Ashley reached for his hand. “Lady, I don’t like being disturbed… you know it already.”

“But I just want to hold you.” Ashley said, her eyes made puppy-like on purpose.

“Oh hell, how can I say no to that beautiful face?”

Admiring heir locked hands, Ashley said quietly, “Dave, please never let go of my hand, no matter what.”

“I wouldn’t dare to think of it.”

That was all she needed to hear and it was more than enough to fuel the journey ahead.

The journey of her crazy life.


THE END
~~

Honestly, a huge thank you to all of you.

Thanks for reading this simple story. I really appreciate your patience and love.

I love you guys!

Well, till the next story, do stay safe and happy.