Scattering Lilac Ashes

Chapter Ninety-Nine

Asher said nothing on their journey to the rumpus room, though he slowed his pace to match Lila's. He opened the door for her, inviting her inside with a hand gesture. She scurried in, taking her usual place with an unusually prim posture. He closed the door with a sigh before sitting down on the couch.

Lila wasn't exactly sure what to say, and the silence between them lingered for an inordinate amount of time. Then, Asher made a popping sound with his mouth.

"... So... you're probably wondering why I'm not upset," he said reluctantly, his eyes lifting to her face. She nodded vigorously.

"After taking a minute to think... I... well. It's just... thanks."

"Thanks? For what?"

"I've said before that I like the way you think. The way your mind works is different to mine. And... it opens me up to potential possibilities that I'd never consider. I still think it's unlikely that Gabriel and even Marlene, I suppose, killed Piper but... you made some good points. Hard to hear, but there's value in considering all different types of views, rather than being stuck in my own head. I mean... what if it ends up being true?"

He ruffled his hair, tugging at it briefly before letting his hand fall to his side with a thump. "And... it's downright a disturbing possibility. But one that I need to keep in mind. Prepare for. If I keep my mind closed and my eyes blind, then I've failed in using my brain to its fullest."

His eyes nervously met hers. "Does that make sense?"

"So... you're not mad because I gave you a bogus theory?"

He laughed – this one hearty, full of both life and relief. "Kinda. I'm more mad at myself for wanting to dismiss something that's just as valid as any other theory – after all, they're just theories. Even if I don't wanna hear them, or think that they're true – sometimes you just have to face the music. Give it a fair chance. I still don't think it's true, though."

"I don't either."

He scrutinised her through sharp, narrow eyes. "Is that because I shut you down straight away? Well, about Gabriel, at least."

Lila shook her head earnestly. "Not at all. Gabriel's just a cinnamon roll disguised as a man."

Asher gave an almost violent laugh, wiping at his eyes. "I didn't expect that – and I didn't expect it to be so accurate, either."

Lila chuckled before continuing her analysis. "His reaction to me staying at home during the week seemed completely sincere – and his apology afterwards too, for that matter. Then, there's the fact that Marlene was on Vanuatu with you when Piper's body was found, and probably dumped. So Marlene couldn't have done that, if she was dumped on Monday."

Asher folded his arms across his chest, evaluating her statement with a furrowed brow. "Alright. I'll believe you for now."

Lila's posture relaxed entirely. Asher seemed to notice this as he shifted his own posture, his face pulled into one of discomfort.

"Sorry. I made you stress out, didn't I? I... should get better at communicating," he said softly.

"You're good," Lila replied. "I understand. I'm sorry that I sprung that on you. Of course you wouldn't be happy."

Asher roughed up his hair with both hands, making a sound of frustration. Then, he suddenly clapped them together once, as if a thought struck him.

"Did you manage to find stuff about your Dad's investigation?" he queried, his eyes glimmering with hope.

"Actually, I did," Lila replied, reaching over to her bag. Then, she stopped. "Something weird happened, actually."

"What, something else? It's been a weird week."