Picking Up The Broken Pieces

02. WISE WORDS ~

I'm rudely awoken to the sound of my bed side alarm buzzing to inform me that it's time to get up. I groan and roll onto my side, hand stretched out to whack the alarm off before it does my head in.

I groggily open my eyes and there it is. The photo. I sigh at the sight of my mother holding me as a small child. As I come to my senses, I realise that waking up and seeing the photo as a small reminder that she's now gone, is not doing me any good. Begrudgingly, I get up and pick up the photo. I stare at it for a good few seconds before placing it into my bed side draw and closing it forcefully.

It's the right thing to do. I mentally tell myself as the doubt begins to creep into my mind. You need to get a grip, stop moping around. She's gone. Nothings gonna change that. The thought makes me feel sick, like it has done for the past month.

I hear a crash from downstairs, which startles me, only to realise that it's dad making breakfast. The smell of cooking bacon wafts up the stairs and I smile to myself. It's been nice having my dad around for the last month. Even if we haven't spoken much, it's better than feeling alone. I still haven't forgiven him for the years he's missed out on my childhood after leaving me and mum 10 years ago, but I'm beginning to realise that I'm going to need him a lot more than I originally thought, and forgiving him is the only thing I can do.

I dress quickly, glancing at myself in the mirror before I open my door. My hairs a mess as always, the light curls forming tangles half way down my back. And as I look at the rest of myself, I realise how worn out I look. A month ago, I was The happiest girl imaginable. I had good grades, a good group of friends and a possible boyfriend. And now, it's all gone. Not one thing seems to be going right. The bags under my eyes have become increasingly dark, which worries me and I let go of the door handle to step in front of the mirror and paint over the grey circles with concealer.

Once I'm satisfied that I've covered up as much as I can, I walk out of my bedroom and slowly make my way downstairs. Walking into the kitchen with a yawn, my dad greets me with a smile.

"Morning love, how'd you sleep?" I return his smile and stifle another yawn

"Not greatly, but better than a few nights ago." He nods in understanding and hands me a plate filled to the brim with bacon, sausages and French bread. My favourite.

"Thanks for this dad." I say with a mouth full of bacon.

"No worries." He pauses before he speaks again with caution this time.
"Ashley, I've been meaning to talk to you about something." The serious tone in his voice makes me look up from where I was eating. My gaze lands on his troubled face.

"Is this about mum? Because if it is. I don't wanna hear it."

"No ash. It isn't." I mumble an 'okay' and he sighs before speaking again.

"It's been a month now love. I've been called multiple times by my boss, and I can't stay off work any longer. They need me working, and as much as I'm still hurting, I need to go back to New York and start work again."

Is he serious?!

I stare at him. Not trusting myself to speak. The last thing I wanted to do was cause an argument. He senses that I have nothing to say and begins clearing up his plate as well as mine with the remaining bread crusts.

"I know you're going to find this difficult. I would offer that you come with me. But I'm working so much that I'd never have time to take care of you. That isn't right." He sighs and looks up searching my face for some sort of expression. Unfortunately, my face is expressionless and he once again turns back to collecting the dirty dishes.

"D..dad. What am I supposed to do then?."
He's surprised at the sound of my voice and looks up smiling sadly.

"I'm leaving you some money behind. In fact I've already transferred it to your bank. There's enough there for you to buy an apartment of your own if that's what you wish to do. I understand that living here alone is going to be a challenge. You're 17, I know that's no exception to leaving you on your own. But you've matured well. I see potential. It's about time you made use of yourself."

I gape at him in shock.

"Don't give me that look Ashley, you've always wanted to be independent." His words hit me hard and I fight the urge to scream at him.

"And how you would know that dad Huh? You left when I was seven. I've not seen you in 10 years, and your making it out as if you know me like the back of your hand." I scowl at him, my leg shaking with agitation under the table.

"Love please, I'm doing my best, just take the offer okay. You can invite your friends over if you want. I'll visit as much as possible. But please don't hate me for this, I really am trying." He sighs In frustration and my heart quickens at the thought of annoying him.

With that in mind, I get up and walk to the door. Maybe he is right. Maybe it is time to move on and make use of myself. As I get to the door, I turn around and smile.

"Maybe you're right dad. Thank you. I appreciate you trying to help."

And with a new thought in mind, I race up the stairs back up to my room grabbing my phone to start planning my future..

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quick note;

Hey guys, I'm hoping you're enjoying this book so far. Let me know if you can advise anything, I'd be more than happy to hear your suggestions.
Thank you for your support once again.
~ HellNo19