From The Ashes We Rise

Chp 15: Nothing Lasts Forever

Ashley's POV

For the next month or so, I made an effort to follow Sammi's advice. I managed to come clean after at least 2 weeks after she discovered my habit. It's quite funny to say that I have actually sold my soul to yet another band. After at least a few weeks, I became a hardcore fan of MCR, even though they broke up like 2 years ago. My depression came in once in a while but I could manage it.

I also went back to the therapist 2 months later in September. When he asked me about whether the pills were working, I lied and said they were effective. I threw them quite a while ago since they caused nothing but trouble to me. I was considerably better now; my grades started getting better even though school life was getting rather stressful for most of us. I was kinda back to being a cheery kid despite multiple times I've decided to distance myself from people for a while.

Sammi was quite proud of me for finally improving in my mental health and I really appreciated her efforts to help me get better. I had been clean for 3 months and it's nearing autumn. I couldn't wait for Halloween to come; I've got the necessary clothing and accessories for a Revenge Gerard cosplay.

Anyway, back to the present. It's currently 6 October, exactly 25 days away from Halloween. I was sitting at home watching TV after school when the front door opened. Dad came in, looking quite cheerful. More cheerful than usual whenever he sees me. In came the same woman he always brought home.

I gave a small wave to them asked, "What's the occasion dad? You're happier than usual."

"Oh son, I forgot to introduce this delightful woman to you," he replied lightly, "this is Marie, my fiancée for 5 months and we've been recently engaged. We're gonna get married next month!"

My eyes widened in shock. "You guys are getting married?! I'm gonna get a new mother? Holy fuckin—" I exclaimed. I was contemplating whether to accept her or not. I never wanted anyone to replace mum.

"Wow, I thought you didn't—"

"I'm still against it dad, you know me. But I'm just gonna go through with this since I wanna see you happy at least." Dad grinned and went to sit on the sofa with her to watch TV. I got up to give them some space and climbed up to my room.

~Next month~

True enough, dad and Marie got married. I had a step-mum now and we were getting along nicely. She didn't know I'm a mutant since dad didn't really talk about it to her. I've decided to be cheeky a few times and appear in front of her as a lizard. I nearly got trampled a few times but it was funny to see her reaction. Dad laughed along and tried to throw me out. He knew it's me since I always liked messing with people.

However, the happiness from the marriage was short-term when dad and Marie started arguing almost all the time. I didn't know what they were arguing about but it didn't sound good, judging by the intensity of the arguments. I've tried to stop them from breaking out into violence but I ended up being their medium to vent out their anger. Having being abused by dad was painful enough but now being hit by both parents? That, I couldn't handle.

Sometimes, Marie or dad will confront me individually and vent out all their anger on me. I don't know what I did but I served as a medium for both parents to calm down. I tried to get myself out their arguments but somehow, I get involved every single time. I don't really know why they would fight if they married out of love. Maybe it's just differing opinions and my dad being a stubborn asshole.

Life with Marie wasn't so bad though. Aside from the frequent arguments, she still tried to make sure I was okay after either her or dad hit me. Despite this, I never felt safe in the house anymore. I spent most of my time after school and during the weekends in my room.