I Don't Need A Promise

Chapter 3

 “Goodnight!” I hollered as Ash stormed out of the room with a limp, ranting about how pop stars are underappreciated or some other such nonsense. I finished washing the last of the dishes and set them out to dry on the dish rack. I folded up the dishtowel and headed to bed with a triumphant grin; Ash would never make the mistake of calling me a hick again.

 It’s not like I disliked him, though; it was actually fun to talk and tease him, it was something new and entertaining. Maybe I should apologize. Upon reaching my room, I saw the door to the guest bedroom was shut tightly; I decided it was best not to bother him.

 I went into the hall bathroom and got ready for bed, mulling over what to make for breakfast tomorrow. I started to plan around Ash, but I then remembered he’d be gone before I even woke up. A shame we‘d part on bitter terms, plus he’d hardly be around for twelve hours; at least Miss Annie was elated by the visit.

 I decided to stick a note on his door, even if he’d tear it up I’d feel less guilty. I fixed a post-it on his door, reading: “Sorry about your dancing foot. I owe you a French fry?” I even signed it and dotted the question mark with a heart, just in case it might help.

 I pulled on my nightgown and emptied my pants pockets, placing my Canadian penny and the photo of Ash on my bedside table. I flopped on my bed and turned the little picture over in my hands, trying to make out his signature, but it was completely illegible. I fell asleep that way, laying on my side, gazing at the photo I held at arm’s length.

 I woke up just as the sun peaked over the horizon and the rays reflected off of the pieces of colourful glass that hung from my window. The photo had fallen on the floor during the night, so I rolled sleepily out of bed to fetch it and stow it away in my bedside drawer. Stretching my arms, I sighed and enjoyed the colourful lights flickering on the ceiling and walls.

 I gazed thoughtfully out the window into the dirt road below, mulling over how Ash might have left. Maybe Remy had been a few minutes late since it was so early; I could imagine the way Ash would reprimand him for it. I wondered if he had looked back at the house before he had left, or if he had considered forgiving me before he had left. Did he even see my note…?

 I sighed and cracked open the window, trying to clear my head. I picked out a sundress to wear, and headed for the bathroom. For some reason, though, there was almost no hot water when I tried to take a shower. I got out as quickly as I could manage, then braided my wet hair into a long plait down my back.

 I grabbed a jacket and headed down the stairs, speculating whether or not we had any eggs left from breakfast yesterday. Waiting for me in the dining room, though, was the last thing I dared to expect.

 “Morning, sunshine,” Ash said, smiling. “Sleep well?”

 “Ash? I thought you left this morning,” I gaped, stopping in my tracks. “What are you still doing here?”

 “Don’t look so disappointed,” he replied with a chuckle. “I got a call last night that my appointment this morning got moved to next week, so I can stay a bit longer until I have to meet up with the boys tomorrow night. I‘ve got to hand it to Remy though, he was there right on time. I gave him a considerable tip for his troubles, though.”

 “Oh. Alright,” I busied myself with cooking breakfast, thoroughly flustered by Ash’s appearance. I rummaged clumsily through the fridge for something to prepare, trying to calm down. I was glad to see him again, especially since we last parted on bad terms. I turned back to him to ask what he wanted to eat, but he was watching me from the table, my post-it stuck to his forehead.

 “Really?” he asked wryly, pointing to his forehead. “You couldn’t just apologize in person?”

 “Well… I didn’t want to bother you so late.”