Beautiful Nightmare

Chapter Three

Ashley's POV

I stood in front of the mirror and twirled in a gentle circle, watching the dress dance around my thighs.
I giggled and turned to Andy. His body was slumped against the wall, dressed in his formal jeans and jacket. It was a look he perfected many years ago.
"You look beautiful darling." He commented.
I grinned and blushed, fiddling with the hem lightly. He chuckled and brushed the hair from my eyes.
"So gorgeous, have you got the rest of your outfit ready?"
I ran off and shovelled through the wardrobe. Oh dear god! Not again!
Andy's soft hands pulled me up and soothed my twitchy nerves. He dug into the cupboard and grabbed my heels from the top shelf.
Thank goodness, Andy must've moved them.
He helped me into the shoes and then took my hand, gently guiding me out to the front door.
I immediately retreated and leaned back against the far wall of the entry way.
"Andy, no! I can't! I can't go outside! You promised!" I yelped in shock.
"Baby, relax. I want you to breathe. We have a private room at the restaurant. No one will see you." He soothed.
I squeaked and took his hand again. He took his time guiding me into the car, making sure my nerves weren't going to shoot up.
I sat next to my man and leaned my head on his shoulder. His fingers raked through my hair and scalp, massaging the tense skin.
"Baby, it's ok. I would never trick you. Not ever." He kissed my head softly and adjusted our seat back a bit.
I flinched as the car rolled out of the driveway, causing Andy's mother to turn to me.
"Sweetie, it's ok. Don't worry. I'm just driving."
My muscles tensed and I started to tremble. Don't cry, Purdy. Don't cry. I whimpered as I felt the gentle tears slide down my cheeks, taking my eyeliner and mascara with them.
Andy immediately ordered his mother to stop, and she slammed the brakes even though we weren't out of the driveway yet.
I jumped from the car and ran inside, locking myself in the bathroom as the tears flower freely. My body was a shaking mess and I didn't want Andy to see me this way.
I pushed the plug into the bathtub and turned on the hot water.
Such a stupid boy. No wonder your grandparents didn't want you.
I watched as the water filled up the bath, the sounds covering those of my crying.
Stupid.
Liar.
Better off dead.
I flicked the cold tap on so it would even out the temperature of the water.
Dumb.
Unwanted.
Useless.
The banging on the door distracted my thoughts. Luckily, because it would've gotten worse.
Andy was clearly picking the lock as I was contemplating opening up the door to him. The rattles made a clear memory in my mind.
I curled up in my bed, the footsteps running for the door.
"Purdy, open this now!"
The clink of the barrels in the lock was all I heard beyond my own whimpers.
Each one stood out.
One.
Two.
Three.
Only one left....
"Ashley! You filthy slut!"
The grip on my hair caused me to scream out in agony.
Then the hard wall got my face.
Black....
"Ashley? Baby? Are you ok?"
Andy's soft fingers were wiping my tears.
I shook my head and he slipped the dress from my shoulders. The shoes were put aside in a safe spot to stay dry.
He looked at me for permission to remove my boxers. It was something he always did. I nodded and his strong arms helped me up to my feet. My boxers were thrown in the wash basket, only adding to the large pile of clothes.
He lifted me into the water and then took a gentle cloth, starting to wash my back and body.
"Ashy, I'm sorry baby. I didn't think that would scare you. I'm so sorry. Will you forgive me?" He asked softly, but it sounded more like he wanted forgiveness from himself.
"Of course I will. It's not your fault, baby." I mumbled softly and swirled the water around lightly.
Andy sighed and moved. Where? Dunno. But before I could blink, he had brought over attachable shower head.
He was rinsing my back and hair with it. The warm water was relaxing and ran down my back smoothly.
The bath plug was pulled and my feet were on the soft bath mat. A gentle towel covered hand dried my body down. The towel ended up around my waist and I looked up to see Andy smiling softly.
"Feeling a little better?" He stroked my cheek.
I leaned into his touch and replied. "Definitely. I'm sorry for ruining Friday night dinner."
He laughed and carried me back to his room. "Don't worry about it. None of us were feeling up to it. You just seemed so excited to wear your dress. Heaters on, babe." He plopped me on my butt in front of the heater.
I closed my eyes and leaned into the warm air blowing from it. It kept my body warm.
The little giggles from behind me caused me to turn to see Andy and his mother watching me.
"What?" I asked innocently.
Andy smiled. "You're so cute, babe.  Mum bought you that onesie you wanted."
She held up the zebra onesie and a pair of boxers. I giggled and let Andy help me into it, before returning to my seat at the heater.
Andy sat behind me, lifting me into his lap. My butt wiggled to get comfy on his crossed legs and I leaned into his chest.
With both of our bodies facing the heater, we stayed warm. Very warm actually.
Andy is the warmth. He's the reason you're warm.  You know that.
I smiled at my thoughts and tipped my back, kissing Andy's chin.
"Thank you. For everything."
He smiled and kissed my nose.
"No. Thank you, Ashley. You've made me the happiest man alive. Believe it or not, Mr Purdy, you are gorgeous and funny and beautiful and sweet and loving and everything a man could want."
I giggled and curled up a bit.
"Only a gay man."
He returned my giggle and smiled, holding me tight in his arms.
"Only this gay man can have you."  -
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Image- Ashley's outfit.