My Psychiatrist III

Part 14

It's the next day. And it's time. Time to call.

The reception in the village is definitely much better than the reception down at the farm. 

'Alright babe, I'm gonna do some shopping,' Luke smiles at me as he gives me a quick hug. Just text me whenever you're done.'

'But Luke... I.. I don't even have your number,' I giggle. 'That was the whole struggle when I was away from you, I had zero ways of contacting you.'

'What about Facebook?'

'I don't have that.'

'Oh.' Luke stands still for a second, biting his lip. He looks hot today, damn. 'Well then, give your phone and I'll give you my oh-so-wanted number, Miss.'

I smile as I give him my phone. No way of losing my men in my life now, as I have both phone numbers. 

13:41

+1 416 8340371 calling +1 416 6065491

'Hello?'

'Hi Ash.'

'Oh my god, Tess, is that you? Heyy! How are you doing pretty?'

'Haha.. hi, yeah, I'm good I think.'

'You think? Hold up, I'm gonna sit down for a second.'

'What are you up to?'

'Making some music y'know. That's my biggest passion nowadays. But enough about me, hey, what are you calling me for?'

'Uhm.. I uh,' I say, looking around me to make sure Luke really isn't around anymore. He's nowhere to be seen. 'I miss you Ashton. And I've got a question for you.' A giggle on the other side of the line makes my heart melt.

'I miss you too baby. Hey but, a question? Go ahead!'

'Hey so... uhm.... it's about me. And my parents. Look Ashton, uh... I'm very grateful for being here with Luke, and we're having such a wonderful time, but... look, we had a picnic yesterday, and we kind of..

'Had sex?' Ashton bursts out in laughter.

'No, you dickhead. We had a talk.'

'Oh, my bad, sorry Tess.' I can hear the tease in his voice from miles away. 

'Guys just think about one thing only, don't they,' I sigh. 'Annnyways..... we talked about my parents, and about the fact they don't know I'm here. I'm kind of scared my dad will come after you and me and get me away from here and put you and Luke in jail and....'

'Shhhh, Tess, hold on for a minute. I'm way ahead of this story.'

'Why?'

'Gorgeous,' and my gut gets a funny tingly feeling again, 'I've already spoken to you mum the day after I got back. Three days ago or something. She knows you're with Luke.'

'You... you did that?' I feel so grateful all of a sudden. Full of love and relief. 'Ashton, you won't believe how relieved I'm right now. But.. what about my dad?'

'He knows you're somewhere safe. Your mum has decided not to tell him where you are exactly, and so far, he seems pissed, but not very mad. I think he's just disappointed to be honest.'

'I can live with that.'

'Hey, it's your old man, don't disrespect him.' Ashton sounds serious.

'Hmpf, as if I care. He seems like a disrespectful guy to me to be honest. Just bursting into other people's apartments and all.'

'Tessa, that was one time.'

'One time too many. Also, when did you start sticking up for my dad?'

'Tessa, at least you have one. I have a dad who left me when I was very young. Just left my mum there, with three kids. At least you have a dad who tries his best to protect you. And yes, I admit he's a bit narrow-minded and really wants to do it in his way, but still, he tries his best. And he doesn't know where you are, and the fact he's just upset and doesn't set out some freaky scavenger hunt for you, means he's a good man. Even though he makes mistakes, just like everybody else does.'

I'm silent for a minute. Ashton is right, even though it's hard to admit for me. It feels weird. I dislike my dad, but deep inside, Ashton seems to have some points correct.

'Thank you Ashton.'

'No worries. I hope I didn't upset you.'

'No no, you just spoke out the truth. Thank you so much for telling my parents though. I just figured I can't keep on hiding in my life.'

'You're smart Tessa. Any other questions?'

'No... not really. How are you keeping up?'

'Well... I have my days where I wake up in the middle of the night because I have difficulties with sleep. And then I feel like shit. But then I just remind myself, if things are going bad and life is tough, hang in there, ride it out, and come out on top.'

'Your words are so beautiful...' I whisper.

'You are,' he whispers back. A giggle follows, just the way the dearest Ashton Irwin can make that sound. 

'Do you have any life advice for me then, Mister Handsome?' I smile.

'Well... how are you feeling?'

'Pretty good. Luke is amazing, Elizabeth and Walt are so kind, we've just had plenty of days now to catch up and have fun together, Luke and I. But at the same time, my whole life, or at least, as much I can remember, feels confusing.'

'I think if you're confusing people, you're doing something different. And I love that.'

'Wow, now that's an unique compliment,' I smile again. 'Thanks Ashton.'

'You're welcome sweetie.' Just when Ashton says that, I see Luke's head pop around the corner of a shop and shooting a curious look at me, his eyebrows raised. He's probably wondering if I'm ready. 

'Hey uhmmm... Ash, are you okay if I hang up?'

'Of course babe. You can call anytime. I loved hearing your voice.'

'Me too....' I sigh. 'Thanks for fixing the thing between my parents and me.'

'You're welcome sweetheart. All good. And remember: you're not on your own. You can find the greatest things in life in the smallest and simplest things, you just gotta take a moment, okay Tess?'

'Mhm.... thanks again. I'll talk to you later.'

'Take care beautiful,' and he blows a loud kiss through the phone. He's so cute. 

'Bye Ash.'

'Byyye,' and a giggle is the last sound I hear of him. 

*Beep beep beep