She's was a fighter, a lover, and photographer. He was a rapper, a lover, and flirt. They grew up in the bay and promised nothing would tear them apart. Then again that promise was a long time ago. Maybe this year they'd meet up at the right time.
(...
My head was pounding as I woke up the next day. The thrill of the win was over and here I laid broken from the rounds of punishment I put my body through. I groaned rolling over and grabbed my phone off the nightstand. Already noon and I hadn't moved an inch. My phone was flooded with messages and calls, yet one stood out. More exciting than any other call. Suzanne Gillum. I clicked call and slowly sat up, closing my eyes because of the pain.
"Hello? Ashley?"
"Hey Suz, how's it going?"
" Its great here. I wanted to say congrats sweetheart!" I managed a weak laugh.
"Thanks ma..."
"Say Gerald has a show tomorrow out in New York and I've got an extra ticket. Wanna drive up to the bay and fly out with me?" The question was blunt yet it filled me with excitement. The idea of seeing you. Yeah I could listen to your songs on repeat but it didn't match up to actually seeing you face to face again. It had been years. The last time I saw you was with Grace in our bed. I hadn't seen her since then either.
"Ummm.... Yeah... That.... That'd be pretty cool. He won't mind?"
"O sweetie I know he won't." I managed a slight laugh before sighing.
"Alright well I'll be there tonight. I'll see you soon." I hung up and slowly made my way to the bathroom. Turning on the water and sitting on the floor of the shower. The steam seemed to calm my aching body, though I was decorated with bruises and minor cuts. I sat there for awhile until finally giving into washing and getting dressed. While packing I put on your new album. Some songs I felt were written just towards me, then again maybe you forgot about us. About the years we spent together. I cursed under my breath after zipping up my duffel bag and grabbing my phone and dialing away.
"Hey Ash, congrats, what's up?" My friend Dominick nearly hollered in my ear. He was a fighter, in fact a champion in his weight class. We'd hooked up plenty of time though of course no one knew.
"Hey, thanks... I'm gonna be out in New York tomorrow. I've got a concert and I was wondering if you could pick me up after and I crash at your place?" He chuckled softly into the phone.
"Of course. I'm surprised you asked."
" Why? If I get you to pick me up it saves me from making stupid decisions."
"Mmm you can make stupid decisions with me after I pick you up. I'm in vegas right now. I'll send you a picture." I smirked slightly, biting on my lip roughly for a moment.
" We'll see... I'll text you the spot and time tomorrow. See ya Dom." I hung up and moments later got a photo, smirking slightly. Dom was with another fighter more than likely partying.
Ash: I like you all oiled up 😉 Dom: How ironic that's how I want you on my balcony tomorrow night.
I rolled my eyes before taking a deep breath. He knew how to fluster me and it was frustrating to say the least. Then again he would surely keep me from doing anything stupid with you. I tossed my duffel bag in the back seat of the Mercedes before heading off to the Bay area. It was a long drive, a few hours to say the least. Yet it gave me time to clear my mind. The idea of seeing you again was making me nervous, yet my whole life I loved the thrill of fear and nerves. I parked outside of Suz's place and slowly made my way up to the door. Before I could knock the door swung opened and I was engulfed in a hug.
"Ashley! It's so good to see you!" I chuckled through the pain until she let me go. James gave me a nod while holding all of their bags.
"Its great to see you too? What's up James?" I grabbed one of the duffel bags from him and lead the way to the car while Suzanne locked up.
"Been busy. Stopped here to link up with mom and we're gonna take G's plane out to New York."
"G?"
"Yeah he likes to be called G or eazy now." I scoffed before closing the trunk.
"Over my dead body." Suzanne laughed and got in the car as did James and I. I drove to the airport and onto the tarmac parking. The jet was sleek and once inside it was littered with some of your things. I sat down and took a deep breath, pulling a blanket around me. It smelled of your cologne and in that moment I so badly wanted to cry. The memories flooded my system like adrenaline in my veins. I glanced at the table and quickly those butterfly feelings disappeared and were replaced with a hallow feeling.
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A picture frame holding four photos that told me more than I wanted to know. You were in love. She's gorgeous. Once the plane took off I wandered to the bathroom and closed the door, forcing myself to breath. She had perfect hair and body to die for yet here I was... My bruised body no longer a prize. I remember the days when you looked at me like that and couldn't stop staring. Who could blame you for cheating on me. I would never be her.
"Ash...?"
" Yeah....?"
"You okay?" I opened the door and stared at James who instantly hugged me. I cried Gerald. I could hide how I felt. How much I missed you was balled up in the back of mind, now thrown out front and center.
"I shouldn't have come..."
"Why not?"
"Cause Gerald has a girlfriend and I don't want to complicate anything..." He chuckled and brushed away my tears.
"Nonsense! We'll all have a blast. The gang reunited again yeah?" All I could do was nod. Getting beaten hurted less than this Ger.
