Breaking Loose [Original]

33

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Thirty Three
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AFTER ASHER'S LAST CLASS OF THE DAY, SHE RAN.

Like, practically bolted out of class because she couldn't stand sitting there any longer and having Anya give her some look.

She took the shorter way out of the block because she more than anything, needed to catch her breath.

Just as she exited the block, Everest and some redhead she didn't bother to know the name of, were coming at her, oblivious at the time.

She cursed under her breath and only hoped whatever conversation they had going would be enough to distract them.

"Ah. Wednesday!"

She groaned.

She stood in her spot and watched them approach, smiley and all like they were so elated to see her.

Off guard, Everest's frame swallowed hers in a nearly bone crushing hug that only lasted three seconds before he disengaged, leaving her spooked out of her mind "Been a minute" he smirked

Asher shot the other girl an awkward glance and she held out her hand, her sweet smile unfailing "I'm Raquel, it's nice to actually meet you"

Asher could pick up a faint Spanish accent in her tone. "Hi" she waved

"So... what's my favorite project partner been up to?" Everest snatched the conversation from them

"Nothing actually." She shrugged

"Okay, so we won't be meeting today, I gotta cancel"

"—Yeah, that's totally fine... I have to go" she sidestepped them and rushed along

She knew exactly what came after that sentence and had to save herself.

--

Asher stared ahead, lost in the myriad of reds, yellows and oranges that now dotted the once rich greenery.

Fall was setting in at its steady pace, the only season that truly looked like art to her.

After a thoughtful moment of silence lapsed, she let out a rough sigh and settled down on the knee long grass.

This side of the campus was the least visited, least maintained obviously. And quite frankly, after all she'd been through, she couldn't care less if a wild snake gave her a jump scare.

She swept her pale arm through the blades of fuzzy grass, trying to be soothed by its softness against her skin.

I could get used to this - her lips curled a crack from that thought.

Maybe, she shrugged.

After another gentle breeze rippled across the space, she was immediately inspired.

She pulled out her supplies - which was just an old canvas piece and her favourite oil paint.

She looked over her shoulder through the trees, where the E and A blocks stood almost like it was in another country. There wasn't a chance anybody would find her anyway.

She stuck her finger into the moist earth and smiled when she pulled it out.

In that space, Asher truly felt at ease. The breeze was calm, the air was nice and the small lake up ahead... It called her name.

When she perched at it's edge she could see through to the rocks at the bottom. For some reason unknown to her, she wanted to start life there and never leave.

"If the world was this pure..." She muttered under her breath and a breeze responded, earning a chuckle from her.

--

She got out of her days clothes and settled for an oversized shirt.

The evening wasn't promising, she needed as much coffee as she could have.

She set up her sofa and got comfortable, almost, when there was a knock in her door.

She glared holes into it, wishing she had laser eyes because whoever thought it best to distort her time deserved to be roasted alive!

"Caroline..." She didn't sound so pleased

The older woman slipped in excitedly "Asher dear... Oh, you have to me honey"

Asher plastered on a tight smile.

" I brought cookies" she offered a neat box which Asher couldn't decline.

For the record, her cookies were heavenly and you would do same if you were her.

" Thanks" she instantly sunk her teeth in one and groaned in delight.

Caroline smiled warmly "You really love them?"

"Duhh??"

The older lady chuckled  "Today's recipe was totally my husband's idea"

Asher took a meaningful pause "Oh?"

Caroline nodded

Silence.

Asher had never seen Caroline's husband physically neither had she asked about him. But in a million bizarro years, she wouldn't pry into someone else's business.

"Actually dear, I needed help with dressing" The lady made herself comfy in her sofa and she inwardly cringed when she messed her blanket setting.

"Um..."

"So I've really never been to a revival gathering before... And I don't know what to wear"

Neither have I, why the hell would you ask me what to wear — Asher reasoned

"Well, you just wear what you have in mind" she said instead

" I don't have anything in mind!" The woman cried dramatically and Asher cringed.

"Look, Carol, I really think you should wear what you have in mind"

The older lady sighed "You're probably right"

And she was out in no time, fast enough before the target question 'you ain't comin'? ' was asked

She stared at the ticket in her hand a final time before throwing it into the dumpster and turning around.

But she felt heavy.

It wasn't just that she'd somehow found herself out in the streets of Birchwood after planning a night of reading boring novels, it was something different.

Unexplainable.

Regret.

For a reason that confused her.

In case you change your mind

Oren's voice echoed in her mind and her stomach turned.

She didn't change her mind.

What was the big deal anyway?

For the longest time, she'd lost all that seemed like hope in God or anything related to Him.

He'd betrayed her all those years, He definitely did not deserve her.

She was okay fighting her demons, she was okay fighting a past she obviously couldn't and wouldn't ever defeat. As ironic as that sounded, it was best to believe it.

Follow my ways and you will find peace.

The same still voice spoke within her depths, she shivered at its bass and looked over her shoulders only to be met with nothing and no one.

She was alone.

Always was, always would be.

***

Author: I'd really love y'all's comments on this chapter. I feel bad and sorry for Asher. I truly pray she finds light.