Scattering Lilac Ashes

Chapter Forty-Three

Sporting the blue and red helmets from last time, a late afternoon bike ride seemed to help bring life back to Asher. As Lila pedalled behind him, the wind whooshing through her ears, Asher didn't sit down – instead preferring to pedal whilst standing. It took hardly any time at all to match each other's rhythm as Asher steered them through the suburb. Given it was Saturday afternoon, some neighbours were wandering around, however they didn't even take a second glance at Lila and Asher as they zoomed past despite how ridiculous they looked. Perhaps his parents really did take the tandem bike out often.

It almost seemed as though he'd forgotten Lila was even there by the time they entered the same park as before. Today, a few children and their parents were taking the liberty of the pleasant weather here in the dying afternoon sun rays.

Lila climbed down off the bike, unclipping her helmet. Asher hopped off as well and wheeled the bike to the only empty gazebo in the park. They sat down, looking around at the surroundings as the wind lapped at their sweaty faces.

"Jack! Don't eat that!" yelled a mother in the distance, stumbling to reach her toddler who was gleefully fisting a handful of sand into his mouth. Lila chuckled, and to her surprise heard Asher chuckle as well.

"Do you feel better?" Lila asked as they watched Jack start crying, which was hampered by the sand in his mouth.

"Better than Jack, I'd say," Asher replied, a half-smile on his face. "Thanks for suggesting a bike ride."

"I just find that movement can help get you going when you're sad," Lila shrugged. "Not that it works every time. Kinda why I thought you'd be at soccer this morning. I didn't think you'd lie to Marlene to get out of it."

"Did she tell you I lied?" Asher asked, looking alarmed.

"No," Lila replied with a slight shake of her head, "she thought it was cancelled 'cause you said so. But I'd obviously know that's not true."

"Guess so," Asher said softly. They continued to people-watch for a time, the sun setting into streaks of gold, scarlet and violet before their eyes. Eventually, the streetlamps flickered on – the universal sign for most children and families to start going home.

"Shall we head back?" Lila asked Asher quietly. He seemed to have zoned out, so Lila reached across the table and gently nudged him.

"S-Sorry," he said, rubbing where she had nudged him. "Y-Yeah, let's head back."

They clipped their helmets back on and Asher dipped and wove through the streets towards his house, taking an alternative path than the one she was familiar with. It felt to Lila as though he may have been procrastinating but was too busy pedalling for her life to comment.

Upon arriving back at the house, the sun had truly set, and the stars were beginning to wink into existence as Asher parked the tandem bike in the garage.

They tentatively entered the house. Lila put her slippers on, and Asher led the way towards the kitchen, as usual. Marlene looked to be making a start on washing up. She glanced up at them from the sink, seeming far more cold than usual.

"Hello, Mr Wagner," she said, nodding stiffly. "Hello, Lila."

"Hello, Marlene," Lila said brightly. "I see you're busily working away here."

"Yes," Marlene confirmed. She said nothing further. Asher and Lila exchanged a glance.

"Where's Gabriel?" Lila asked.

"In here!" Gabriel called from the depths of the butler's pantry. "Just finishing up on dinner."

Asher gave an audible sniff, before his face broke into a grin. This grin seemed warmer than any of the others he'd given Lila today.