A Different Time and Place - A Collection of WoSo one shots.

Keeper's Pet (Harris/Krieger)

Ashlyn Harris is the Captain and star Goalkeeper for the Satellite High School girls soccer team. While she has always excelled on the sports field, she has often struggled in the classroom. With Universities from all over North America lining up for her services it's imperative that she keeps her grades high.

Ashlyn has been struggling more so lately in her classes, as things have gotten out of control at home. She often spends nights sleeping in the backseat of her car to get away from the drinking and fighting that has become a normal occurrence between her and her parents. It wasn't always so bad, but her Mom lost her longtime job at the local grocery store and has been drinking heavily while her Father blew through their savings betting on the ponies. They have been living on a small social services stipend and the money that Ashlyn has been stashing from her yard maintenance job.

After showing up late for school, for the 3rd time in a week Ashlyn is asked by the teacher to remain behind after the class is dismissed. Ashlyn struggles to stay awake through the Math class and is thankful when the bell finally rings indicating the end of the period.

Once the class empties out, the Math teacher, Ms Scott approaches Ashlyn at the back of the room and takes a seat in the desk in front of her.

"I'm really sorry, Ms Scott, I promise not to be late again."

"That's 3 times this week alone, Ashlyn. Not to mention the fact that you have been sleeping in class. What's going on?"

"Things are a bit rough at home right now, nothing I can't handle though."

"You know I'm here if you need to talk, right?"

"I do, but I'm okay. Can I go now?"

"No, not yet. I need to talk to you about your grades. You know the deal is that you must maintain at least a 75 across the board in order to be eligible to continue playing for the soccer team, right?"

"Yeah."

"You average has dropped off in all of your classes, your work just hasn't been up to your usual standard. Midterms are coming up and it would really help your case if you were able to ace them. I'm wondering if you would be interested in being matched up with a tutor to help you prepare and study for them."

"A tutor? Really? I don't think that's necessary, I'm not stupid!"

"I never said you were, I'm just suggesting that you might benefit from some additional support to get back on track. I don't want you to be late for your next class, so please think about it and let me know tomorrow."

"Okay."

Ashlyn grabs her bag and heads out to join her friends on their way to the next class.

"What did Ms Scott want with you, Ash?"

"Nothing, just questioning my tardiness."

"You sleep in your car again, last night?"

"Yeah, when I got home, Mom and Dad were yelling at each other again. I didn't want to get caught in the crossfire again."

"I don't blame you, how is the arm feeling today?"

"Sore, It's bruised where I hit the door, but my sleeve hides the marks."

"I wish you would just report them, Ash, I hate seeing you get hurt."

"If I report them Whit, chances are social services will want to remove me from the house. I can't take the chance of losing my scholarship offers by having to transfer halfway through my Senior year. I'll be okay, it's only for another few months, once I graduate, I'm going to move in with Chris and his girlfriend until school starts up."