TAINTED (book II)

XXX

It was getting dark and chilly when Ashton found himself leaning against a lamppost. His cheeks sunk in as he took a drag from a cigarette he stole from Tristan's car. One of his hands sat in the side pocket of his jacket, fisting a crumbled piece of paper. Ashton slowly took it out, smoothing out the creases. He read the handwritten address before his gaze lifted to the house across the street.

The light in the front room was on. The curtains became see through. He could spot two silhouettes. The feminine one seemed to be walking around the house – Rita. The other figure was reclined in a long chair, in front of the flickering television screen – Colby.

Ashton's eyes followed Rita as she walked into the hallway. The front door had a tall window on top, giving a clear view of the stairs. She moved up the steps and disappeared for a few seconds. Ashton's gaze jumped to the upstairs window facing the street, the light turned on. When it looked like she was getting dressed, he respectfully lowered his gaze back to the dark silhouette that seemed to be dozing off.

For the first time in his life, Ashton didn't feel the urge to pummel his own father's face in. There was no need for a fight anymore. He had already won.

A ringtone suddenly went off, cutting his train of thoughts. Casting one glance at the caller-id, Ashton sighed and picked up.

"Yeah."

"Where are you?" Jordan's voice sounded through the receiver.

"Out."

His brother didn't say anything for a few seconds. "Everything okay? Haven't seen you in a while."

"Don't worry about me."

"When are you coming back home?"

Home.

For a long time, Ashton had thought he was homeless. In his mind he resembled a little boy, sitting outside in the cold. In his grubby hands a scribbled sign, begging for a childhood he'd lost. Most people would walk on by, not paying any attention to his heartfelt plea. Even his own parents would cover their ears, pretending they couldn't hear his heart cry.

His body itched to storm through that door and confront his father. To shout at him how he finally had found a real home. He had found someone better than him. Someone willing to give him his childhood back. Someone who wanted to take him in – not out of guilt, not out of duty but out of love.

"Ashton?" Jordan's voice rang through his ear.

"I'll be there," he answered vaguely.

"I was just about to order something, wanna have dinner with me?"

"Sure."

"I'll wait till you get back." Jordan was trying, he was trying really hard and Ashton noticed. He even appreciated it, so much so that he wanted to show his brother.

Ashton was momentarily distracted as Rita walked back down the stairs. She briefly stepped into the living room, seemingly saying something to Colby. He picked up his hand in a half wave before she walked out the front door.

"Where are you? I'll pick you up."

Clearing his throat, Ashton said, "No, it's fine. I'll be there."

"Listen, Ash," Jordan sighed heavily and Ashton could just picture his brother rubbing a hand across his face. "If this is still about the other day – "

"It's okay," he interjected, taking another pull from his cigarette.

"I meant what I said."