If That Is What You Want✔

30

A/N: Happy Easter

Lyra called Ashlie after her conversation with Larry.

"I'm on my way, how is he?" Lyra asked.
"Better he hasn't had a seizure in hours. How's Larry?" Ashlie asked.
"Moody." Lyra replied.
"Tell me you haven't dragged him there against his will?" Ashlie asked frantically.
"That's a very rude assumption!" Lyra scoffed, "He came because he is in love with his brother."

~~~

16 hours after collapse

Laurent whispered weakly looking at the blonde head resting beside his arm. "Lire?"
"She's on her way." Ashlie mumbled sleepily before realizing Laurent was finally awake again.

She quickly lifted her head then poured him some water. Laurent noticed a few tears drop from her face as she placed the cup within his reach. He tried to grasp the cup but spilled it.

"It's good to see you awake." Ashlie said rushing to the bathroom then returned a moment later holding two small towels. Dropping one on the spilled water then refilled the cup. She held the cup to his lips and the other towel by his chin for him to drink slowly.

Laurent observed Ashlie closely. She looked uncharacteristically disheveled and poorly put together.

"I'm going to get the nurse." She sat putting the cup down on the table.
"Wait!" He called horsely.

Ashlie paused at the door but didn't face him.

"You tell me why you crying?"
"I was- just some unpleasant thoughts." She walked out.

~~~

After the nurse left Ashlie returned, in different clothes with a cup of tea, looking more like her usual self.

"How that happen?" Laurent asked as Ashlie sipped tea.
"I think you are going to have to be more specific. There's a lot going on these days." Ashlie replied. "Kidnapping, trespassing, family squabbles, misguided rage." She held the water cup up to his mouth again.

You almost dying.

"Where Lire? You say she come." Laurent could barely keep his eyes open but still suspected Ashlie was hiding something.
"Tell me the fight with your brother wasn't because of Ly?" Ashlie refilled his cup with water.
"I saw the video." Laurent's voice sounded almost normal but it showed his extreme fatigue.
"Again, please be more specific." Ashlie replied picking up her tea and sitting beside him.
"The one you sent me." Laurent replied then coughed.
"I didn't sent you a video." Ashlie frowned.
"It on my phone." Laurent replied.

Ashlie helped him find his phone, pull up the message, and played the videos. As she watched the first video, she could understand why Lyra was upset. After the second video finished Laurent asked why Lyra didn't say Larry hurt her.

"Ly fights her own battles?" Ashlie shrugged.
"Why she break up with me?" Laurent asked missing her inference.
"Maybe she decided not to be with someone who let their family mistreat her, and moved on to someone else." Ashlie responded. Laurent tried to stifle a yawn but failed.
"You think that guy Vincent better for Ly than me?" His eyes flickered as he forced then to stay open.
"Not my business." Ashlie sipped her tea.
"Tell the truth, you don't like me. You don't think I'm good for Lire." Laurent looked hurt.
Ashlie guffawed. "I don't dislike you. I think there are other men out there that will be faithful to her, protect her and treat her well." She sipped her tea.
"Like my brother is faithful to you?" Laurent said as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Ashlie choked and spat out her tea.