No Boss of Mine

A Place to Belong

In the dimly lit hallway, Ashley spotted a figure huddled in the corner, her small frame almost swallowed by the shadows. It was Gemma—the young girl she had rescued after her father had cruelly kicked her out of their home. Ashley approached slowly, her voice soft, "Gemma, it's me, Ashley."

Gemma looked up, surprise and hope flickering in her tear-streaked eyes. "Miss Ashley!" she whispered.

Ashley smiled gently, kneeling down. "Is it okay if I sit with you for a while?"

Gemma nodded shyly, brushing at her cheeks. "You...you would?"

"Why not?" Ashley settled down beside her, the quiet comfort of her presence filling the space. Laughter drifted from the library down the hall, a reminder of warmth and companionship. Ashley nudged gently, "Why don't you join us, Gemma? No one's going to hurt you here, right?"

Gemma hugged her knees closer, shaking her head. "No, I...I'm just...I don't know."

Ashley's heart ached as she pressed softly, "Don't you miss having friends, Gemma?"

Her voice trembled as she replied, "All the time. I... I don't even cry anymore. The tears...they burn."

Ashley placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's okay to cry, Gemma. Sometimes it helps to let it out." She took a breath, her heart heavy with empathy. "You look like you could use a hug. May I?"

Gemma's eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and longing, and she nodded. Ashley opened her arms, and Gemma buried her face into her shoulder, tears spilling freely. "I...I'm ruining your shirt, Miss Ashley," she choked out.

Ashley stroked her back soothingly. "It's alright, Gemma... just let it all out."

The young girl's sobs slowed, and she whispered, "Thank you, Miss Ashley. I... I always feel like I have to be okay... but it's been so hard."

Ashley squeezed her gently. "We're here to support you, every step of the way, no matter how long it takes." Gemma managed a small smile, and Ashley continued, "Books open up a wider world that can help heal the wounds of reality."

Gemma nodded, looking up with a bit more light in her eyes. "Okay."

Ashley extended her hand. "Ready to join me and the others in the library?"

As they rose, Finn appeared in the hallway, his gaze warm. "Ashley?"

She waved him over. "We're here, Finn."

He approached, his smile kind as he took in the shy, trembling girl beside Ashley. "And who's this lovely young lady?"

Gemma fidgeted, gripping Ashley's hand tightly. "Miss...Miss Ashley..."

Ashley turned to her, concern flickering. "Gemma? What's wrong?"

Gemma clung to her arm, her body tense, and Ashley recognized the signs—Gemma was remembering her painful past. Ashley's voice softened. "Finn, we'll catch up with you in a little while. Gemma and I have some reading to do."

Finn nodded in understanding, his gaze steady. "Of course."

With that, Ashley guided Gemma into the library, letting the safety of books and warmth of company ease her mind. After settling her, she returned to the hallway, where Finn waited.

"How's she doing?" he asked quietly.

Ashley sighed, a mix of relief and sadness in her tone. "The other kids have welcomed her with open arms."

Finn's expression grew serious. "What...what happened to her?"

Ashley hesitated, then spoke softly, "Remember when I was arrested?" Finn's eyes widened. "She was the reason," she explained. "She's the one I was protecting."

His voice softened. "I'm so sorry, Ashley."

"She's okay now," Ashley assured him. Her gaze softened as she added, "Who are you, and what did you do with Finn Jagger?"

Finn chuckled, brushing a hand through his hair. "I guess I'm learning a few things... all thanks to you, Ashley."

"Me?"

His gaze warmed. "You've made me a better man."

The fluttering warmth in her chest remained as she later arrived home, humming a tune as she opened the fridge. She chuckled, noticing the fully stocked shelves. Finn must've stocked it again, she mused, reaching for a bottle of juice.

Just as she closed the fridge door, she heard a voice. "Hey," Finn greeted, and she jumped, startled. They both burst out laughing at her reaction.