REMINISCENT

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE: My Last (FINAL EDIT)

Song for the chapter: 'Interference' by Tems

Ashley's POV
When I got home yesterday, still a little buzzed, I found Dad. I wanted to feel happy, to jump into his arms—but instead, I cried. Let's just say my already terrible day got worse.

- "D-dad?" I stammered, staring at him in shock.

He looked up from Mom and smiled at me as he stood.

"I'll leave you," Chanel whispered, glancing between us. "It's really nice to see you again, Uncle Ash." She hugged him tightly.

"Nice to see you too, Chanel. Tell your mom congratulations for me—I'll stop by before I go back," he replied, patting her hair down.

Chanel looked at me from the corner of her eye, gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze, and left.

"Aren't you going to hug your dad?" he asked, hands casually in his pockets.

That was it. That simple question broke me. I started crying, and he laughed softly before walking toward me, wrapping his arms around me. I clutched his torso like I might never let go.

He kissed the top of my head, then pulled back slightly, holding me at arm's length. "Ashley... are you drunk?" His brow furrowed. "And what happened to your cheek?" He ran his thumb over the spot. I winced; adrenaline had numbed the pain.

"We need to talk. Freshen up, then come back down," he said, turning without waiting for an answer.

I spent what felt like eternity in the shower. I had a bad feeling about this talk—and I was already exhausted from the day.

When I came down, both my parents were waiting. I sat across from them, and Dad wasted no time.

"I hate what you've become," he said, lips pressed into a thin line. I mirrored him, silently bracing myself. "Getting into fights, disrespecting teachers, drinking... depression... the list goes on. Really, Ashley?"

My eyes darted to Mom. She avoided my gaze, staring at the floor, bottom lip captured. Traitor.

"This is so unhealthy. It's exhausting. It's ridiculous," he continued, letting out a long sigh.

"You don't even know what I'm going through," I shot back, disbelief burning in my chest.

"Do not use that tone on me, young lady," he snapped, glaring.

I bit my tongue. He wasn't done.

"All this has to stop. I won't tolerate it anymore. Your mom, your therapist, and I have been talking. We've decided it's best for you that we move."

I froze. "What do you mean, 'it's best for me'? You haven't even asked how I feel about that!" Tears blurred my vision.

"It's settled," he said firmly. "You're going back with me by the end of the week. Your mother will follow once she requests a transfer. This... Aiden drama has to end."

I glanced at Mom for support, but she shook her head. "I'm sorry, sweetie, but it's for the best."

"And since you haven't been driving the car I sacrificed to get you," he added, unflinching, "we're selling it. You can buy yourself a car when you're ready."

A sob escaped me. "You can't do this to me! Please, Dad... I promise I'll be better!" I knelt, pleading.

"It's too late for that, Ashley," he said coldly.