𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 ➤ 𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘

𝐭𝐞𝐧

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍

𝘪'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘺
𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯

I was actually glad Ashtray had offered to take me to the support group. Partly because my mom had gone back to the work so she wouldn't be able to take me but also because that moral support he mentioned was a lot more needed that I expected.

"Maybe I shouldn't go in. I bet they will have all been through way worse stuff than me, it would be like offensive for me to even try compare our experiences," I tried to rationalise as we sat parked outside the address Alana had given me.

"You need to stop this right now. The entire way here all you've done is talk down on yourself. You deserve to be here just as much as anyone else," Ash assured as he held onto my thigh firmly to stop me from anxiously bouncing it.

I weakly smiled at him before taking a deep breath. "Okay. I think I'm ready to go in," I mumbled as I checked the time to see that the group would be starting soon.

"Aight well I'll be waiting out here for you in an hour," he reminded, giving my thigh a supportive squeeze before letting go.

"See you then," I waved to him before leaving the car. My legs were slightly shaking as I made my way into the building.

I followed the signs that directed to the support group and entered the small room that had several chairs laid out in a circle. Most of them were already occupied by women who looked between 16 and 50, all conversing amongst each other.

I scanned the room and met Alana's eyes which had a welcoming glow. She walked over to me with a wide grin, "Winnie! I'm so glad you showed."

"Yea..Me too," I responded quietly as she ushered me over to an empty chair.

"I think just about everyone is here so we will start soon," she informed before taking a seat on the other side of the circle.

After a few minutes and once all the seats were filled, Alana spoke up, "Hi ladies, I'm glad to see so many of you here again as well as a few new faces. Since we have got some new people in the room I thought it would be a good idea to go around and introduce ourselves."

One by one the women started to recall their names, some of them offering small waves around the room. It quickly came to my turn where I managed to speak just above a whisper, "Uh hi everyone, I'm Winnie."

Everyone gave warming smiles which I thankfully returned as I felt myself relax more. I didn't say anything else throughout the group session, instead I just listened to everyone else. Alana did ask if I wanted to share once but I politely declined. I just didn't feel quite ready to talk about it all again.

After the group session finished and people began leaving Alana came over to me again, "So how did you find the session?"

"It was nice. It was really insightful to hear other people with similar stories, I was honestly worried that I wasn't going to fit in at all before I arrived. I'm also sorry for not speaking up earlier," I hummed.

"That's okay, no need to apologise. It's only your first meeting, and even if it wasn't you still don't have to share. As long as this group is helping you, even if it's just by you listening in, then that's what is important," she reassured.

"Thank you Alana. Would you like any help packing away?" I offered as I looked around at the now empty room which still had the chairs displayed in the middle.

"No it's okay. I leave these out for the next group," she noted before slipping on her coat and leading the way out of the room.

"So will you be joining us again?" she queried as we walked outside.

"Yea, I think so," I smiled before turning to where Ash was parked up.

"Oh my god," I mumbled at the sight of him leant up against the bonnet of his car with a gorgeous bouquet in hand.

"Aren't you a lucky girl," Alana giggled as she nudged my shoulder slightly, "See you next week."

"Bye Alana," I waved kindly before speeding over to Ashtray.

"Hey princess," he spoke softly, opening his arms for me to fall into.

He held onto me tightly before pulling away to pass the bouquet over. I took them gratefully, admiring them before looking back up at him, "They're so beautiful Ash. Thank you."

"Anything for you," he said quietly as he brushed a strand of hair away from my eyes.

He opened the passenger door for me to get in and then made his way to the drivers side, "So how did it go?"

"It was good. Everyone was really nice," I replied honestly.

"You gonna go back?" he asked, keeping his attention on the road ahead.

"Yea, I think so," I smiled, still inspecting the flowers in awe, "I don't think anyone has ever bought me flowers before."

"I don't believe that for a second," Ash commented with a snicker.

"I'm being serious," I frowned over at him.

"Well then you better get used to it," he muttered causing my cheeks to redden slightly.

As well pulled up outside my house I turned to face Ash, "Do you want to come in?"

"Aight but I can't stay long. Fezco already on my ass cause I made him cover so I could take you to the support group," he reminded before following me inside.

After multiple disagreements we finally decided to watch Shark Tale. Only half an hour in and Ash had completely passed out. I eventually zoned out of the film myself, focusing my attention of his peaceful expression as I traced his tattoos the same way I always did.

I didn't want to wake him but I knew Fezco would be even more pissed if I kept Ash for the night. I nudged him slightly, resulting in him letting out a groan and nuzzling his head even further onto my lap.

"Ash you need to get up!" I hissed as I began to prod his face.

He swatted my hand away, keeping his eyes closed as he muttered, "But you're so comfortable."

"I don't think that's going to be a very good excuse when Fez gives you an ass-whooping for not being there when your guys arrive," I urged causing him to reluctantly lift his head from my lap.

I followed him over to the front door where he slipped on his shoes and got ready to leave. "Good night shawty," he mumbled before placing a kiss on my temple.

"Night Ash. Stay safe," I spoke barely above a whisper as he made his way back to his car.