Forever & Always || Redlyn

Exhausted

Ashlyn went to and from New York for multiple callbacks. Each time, she kept getting callback after callback. She only had a few more to go at this point, and her practice was constant.

"Hazel, Thomas, could you keep it down?" She asked, briefly exiting the bathroom.

"Ash, babe, maybe you wanna take a break?" Big Red suggested from across the room.

"I've gotta get the role, it's Broadway, you know that."

"Honey."

"I'm not gonna stop practicing." Ashlyn insisted.

"You woke the kids up singing, you haven't stopped in so long, they're probably not gonna get much quieter. You're gonna wear out your voice."

"If I'm singing eight shows a week it'll be rough on my voice. Practicing."

"This is different, it's multiple days and constant. Constant."

"Do you want me to just not get the role?" She complained.

"Come sit with me for a few minutes." He suggested.

"Fine." She walked over, sitting on his lap and putting her head in his shoulder.

"You gotta rest your voice baby."

"I know. I'm just so scared I'm not gonna get it. But, like, I came so far and I don't wanna fail now."

"I know, I know... but you sound amazing, you know the song by heart, everything will work out how it's supposed to."

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess that's true." She nodded.

Ashlyn frantically FaceTimed Big Red as she waited for her callback. She was now in New York City.

"Oh, hey, Ash! How's it going?" He asked curiously.

"You know that cough I've had?" She asked hoarsely.

"Can you repeat that?" He asked. So she did. "Oh, yeah, what about it?"

"I think I lost my voice." She admitted, putting her head in her hands.

"Oh."

"You were right."

"Hm?"

"Overworked my voice." She finally admitted. "Probably have laryngitis, and I have a Broadway audition."

"Oh, Ash... I don't..."

"There's no way I can sing like this."

"Give it your best shot? Explain what happened."

"I guess." Ashlyn sighed. "I'll call you back when I'm done."

"Bye hon." He gave her a quick air kiss. She waved.

Ashlyn, exhausted and upset, never did call Big Red back. Around midnight, though, she showed up at their home. He was still awake, as he usually was, but he had also been waiting for her.

"Hey."

"Oh, hey, how'd it go?" He asked, patting his lap to invite her there. She put down her bag and sat on his lap. She put her face in his shoulder.

"Awful."

"You made it so far." He kissed her forehead. "You're amazing."

"I just really thought I might get it." She whispered.

"I did too." He nodded. "It just wasn't meant to be, right?"

"I guess so."

"You tell them what happened?"

"Yeah, and while I tried to sing, it sucked. And I lost my voice so easily they think I can't do eight shows a week. There's no way I'm getting it." She let out tears.

"Hon, getting it would've been spectacular. It would've been amazing. But this is fine. Remember, you weren't even sure you wanted it. And of course you did, because it's Broadway. And that would've been great, I would have loved that, but now you're here with all of us."

"I know."

"It's hard." He rubbed her back. "But I'm proud of you."

"I'll get over it." She nodded.

"You being on Broadway would've been great, but I'd be lying to say I don't love that you're gonna be home too." He placed multiple kisses along her neck.

"I love you so much."

"I love you more, Ash." He mumbled, still showering her neck with kisses. She enjoyed it, and let him continue for the next few minutes. When she pulled away, it was only to put her lips to his.

"That's—" she went back into the kiss. "Not—" again. "Possible." She fell against him as they continued kissing (or rather making out).

"That's what you think." He teased, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. While she would usually protest, she gave up and tightened her hold around him. Minutes later, she stopped and put her head on his chest.

"Oh God."

"What?"

"I failed. I told everyone I had a shot at Broadway, and I failed."

"Look, as much as you deserved it, it wasn't the time and I think everyone we know will understand." He explained.

"Promise?"

"I'm pretty sure. So yeah, sure, I promise that I think that."

"Okay. Okay." She nodded. "I'm gonna call it a night."

"Yeah, that sounds good. And take care of your voice." He felt her forehead. "Don't think you've got a fever though." He said, which made her nod. "I'm gonna grab a water, you get ready for bed, you want some water too?"

"Thanks, yeah." She nodded. She headed to their bedroom.

"Here ya go." He set a water on each of their nightstands when he came. "That was quick." He laughed lightly, noticing Ashlyn already in bed.

"So tired."

"That makes sense." He got under the covers beside her. "You stole one of my shirts."

"I need comfort tonight." She pouted, pulling him closer and putting her head on his bare chest.

"It's cute on you." He kissed her cheek. "Night baby."

"Night love." She closed her eyes, a yawn ensuing. In her tired state, it didn't take long to fall asleep.