Ashes, Oh Ashes

chapter 16

I paced back and forth in my room, fidgeting and listening to Ashley’s faint, occasional sobs from where she buried her face into my pillow and curled into a tight ball underneath my blankets. I knew one thing for sure; I had to speak with her mom. Her mother was the only other person who knew of this—and now I’d probably have to explain to James and Henry as well.

I had yet to hear from them about Lucas. It now occurred to me that perhaps they saw more than what I tried to hide from them—and told Lucas.

How would Lucas respond?

Her mother?

My parents?

James and Henry?!

Brian’s family . . . .

Damn it all, I never saw this coming. There is a major difference between beating the shit out of people and killing them.

I was worried. She snapped.

I kept saying this over and over in my mind- it was something I just couldn’t conceive. I couldn’t comprehend the intensity of this actuality.

Perhaps I’d have to speak with Lucille too. About what?!

I was so frustrated with myself. I was taking full blame and responsibility for this. After all, I’m the one who spurred everyone in the first place. I shouldn’t have told Ashley about that house. I should’ve known she’d follow us.

“Damnit!” I swore aloud and snapped my fist out. It landed solidly against my wall and made my knuckles pop.

“Mitchell,”

I whirled around at the sound of her faint voice.

She was staring at me with bloodshot eyes, puffy cheeks and disdained look. She looked more like a scared animal than ravenous murderer.

No, wait, that was wrong of me to say. It was an accident . . . .

I slowly made my way to her. “Yeah?” I kept my voice soft, even though no one was in the house.

She didn’t answer. She just sighed and closed her eyes, clutching the sheets tighter in her hand.

I could see the wet stains her tears had left all over my pillow. I clenched my jaw. I had to keep her calm.

“I’m calling your mom.” I stated, already reaching for my phone.

Her eyes snapped open, but she kept quiet.

“I’m just inviting her over and I’m going to let her take care of you. I . . .” I shook my head, deciding to just be blunt. “I don’t know what to do.”

I dialed the number and waited patiently, glad her mother worked from an at-home office.

“Hello Mitchell, how are you?” she greeted kindly, as always.

“I’m . . . well, I’m not sure, Melinda,” she hated it when I called her by a formal name. “But Ashley seriously needs your attention right now. We . . . she . . . um.” I paused, drawing in a shaky breath.

Ashley watched me blankly.

“What happened?” Melinda’s voice had a knowing tone.

“She . . . flared.” I rubbed my forehead in stress. “I don’t know what to do—“

“I’ll be right over,” she didn’t even hesitate.

When I hung up, Ashley motioned to me with her finger.

I sat on the edge of the bed, and moved to lay down when she patted the space next to her. She immediately snuggled herself into me, closing her eyes again and immediately warming me with that ever-persistent heat of hers.