Back to Ashley's POV:
I grew up in the comforting lap of luxury, born with a golden spoon in my mouth. Why wouldn't I be? I was the sole heir to my parents' empire. Our sprawling estate was my kingdom, filled with boundless love and every privilege imaginable. My childhood was a series of perfect moments: lavish birthday parties, private tutors, and summers spent travelling around the world, each destination a new chapter in a fairytale.
For fourteen years, my life was a picture-perfect dream. I had everything a girl could wish for, loving parents who doted on me, lots of friends, and a promising future that seemed bright and limitless. My world was safe, secure, and entirely under my control—an idyllic bubble where the harsh realities faced by others never penetrated.
That's why on October 1st, 1998, I was unable to reach out to him...
The air was crisp with the onset of early fall, our first year of high school. The leaves had just begun to change colour, a sign of dying life.
"Hey, Ashley! You're entering the national programming contest, right? Wow, I'm jealous, girl," one of my friends exclaimed.
"Well she is Ashely Graham, the one who will run her mom's multinational tech company one day."
We were gathered in the classroom, the chatter of my friends creating a bubble of normalcy and privilege.
"Ahhh, it must feel nice to already have a planned future. I know we are just freshmen, but man I'm stressing. I really don't want to be part of my family business," another sighed.
"Adult diapers are no joke, man. My grandpa only prefers to buy LaffLeak. What was that ad again?"
"Oh come on!"
I was surrounded by my friends, while he sat alone in the corner of the classroom.
"Earth to Ashley, you seem more spaced out than usual," one of my friends teased, snapping her fingers in front of my face.
"Sorry," I forced a smile. Despite the laughter and familiar banter, my eyes kept drifting to Aaron. He was a quiet, brooding presence, a stark contrast to the easy, carefree atmosphere around me.
"Um, did you guys see the news this morning?" I asked, interrupting the chatter. His grim mood reminded me of the horrifying events that gripped the entire nation.
I had known Aaron since middle school, but we had never been close. He was different; despite coming from a wealthy family like all of us, it felt like he knew more of the world than we did.
That day, there was a heaviness about him, a sadness I couldn't understand.
They all turned to look at me, some frowning with confusion.
"Are you talking about the zombie virus?" I don't really get it, but apparently it's a big deal. My father was talking about how the government will be taking an action soon. Best to get rid of those freaks before we become their next meal."
"Hahaha, who do you guys think would be the first to die in our group. I think Will would fit the fat guy trope who dies because he can't run fast."
Laugher erupted around me, but it felt hollow. I remembered glancing over at Aaron again, his face pale and eyes sunken. He didn't say a word, just got up and left the classroom. My friends continued their conversation, the horror of the outbreak was a distant tragedy for all of us, a piece of gossip that would be forgotten by lunchtime. Even I just sat there, frozen, guilt gnawing at me. That's all I could do.
YOU ARE READING
RESIDENT EVIL • Assignment Ashley: Rescue Condor One (RE4)
FanfictionIt's been 5 years since the traumatic experience which permanently changed Ashley Graham's life. Even though she tries to put it all behind herself, she knows she can never go back to being the girl she was before the kidnapping. Therefore, instead...
